Jorge Ariel Angulo Tut
Today, Jorge Ariel Angulo Tut is one of the best permit guides on the planet, but his backstory is anything but what you might expect. Jorge didn’t even see the ocean until he was 17 years old. He grew up on a small farm outside the even smaller town of Tzucacab, in the middle of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. As a teenager, he followed his older brother to the coast in search of work and took a job as a groundskeeper at a fishing lodge. To reach that lodge, however, he had to get on a boat. He couldn’t swim, was terrified of the water, and had never heard of fly fishing. Jorge got on the boat, fell in love with fly fishing, and never looked back. He worked his way up from gardener, to apprentice, to guide, to head guide. 25 years later, Jorge owns and operates Blacksmith Lodge, one of the most successful fly fishing operations in Mexico, where permit are plentiful and prime dates are coveted.
Things About Jorge
Worst fishing snack: Cucumber sandwich. Smooshes in the cooler, tastes gross, and you're still hungry after you eat one.
Guilty pleasure fly: Floating crab. Saltwater fishing is almost always visual, but it’s even better when they come up to the surface.
Most overrated fish: Triggerfish. I don't get it.
More Things About Isaiah
Favorite knot: Non-slip mono loop
The worst thing you ever scrubbed off a skiff deck was . . .Asphalt. Don’t ask.
One person, living or dead, you wish you could fish with: Mike Thom. He’s my American dad and an amazing human. I’m very thankful for him; he taught me a lot.
The best part about fly fishing: Seeing fish.
Favorite Gear: RS Bib + Carbon Jacket
It tucks away easily in the boat and keeps me dry.
