Kail Rucker
Kail Rucker grew up in Chile, where learning to fly fish on a family vacation in Patagonia seems like a plausible origin story. That trip understandably altered the trajectory of his life. Over the years, fly fishing evolved from passion, to job, into a career.
Today Kail guides in Patagonia, Alaska, and Iceland, sharing three incredible places with clients. In between working seasons, you'll find him traveling to new fisheries and figuring out different species. Kail documents his journeys through photography and storytelling—the landscapes, wildlife, and especially the moments shared with others.
Things About Kail
Worst fishing snack: anything covered in sunscreen and crushed at the bottom of my boat bag.
Guilty pleasure fly: A big articulated streamer. I know I should probably fish something more subtle sometimes, but watching a big trout chase and eat never gets old.
Most overrated fish: Northern Pike. They’re incredible fish, but after hearing people talk about them for years, I expected something almost mythical.
Most underrated fish: Carp. They are often overlooked because of where they live, but in terms of intelligence, feeding behavior, and how challenging they can be on a fly rod, they deserve far more respect than they usually get. Few fish will expose mistakes in your presentation as quickly as a carp.
More Things About Kail
Favorite knot: The Kreh Loop Knot. Simple, reliable, and gives great movement to the fly. The tag end also faces backward, which helps avoid snagging grass and debris.
Waders smell like...: A mix of freshwater, wet grass, trout slime, and poor decisions.
One person, living or dead, you wish you could fish with: My father. He’s the reason I fell in love with fishing. While he wasn’t a dedicated angler himself, he always made the effort to take me fishing when I was young and supported my growing obsession. Those early days eventually led me to the life I live today. He’s still learning to fly fish, and I’m really looking forward to sharing a day on the boat with him this summer.
The best part about fly fishing: The places and people it takes you. The fish bring us together, but the experiences and relationships stay with us long after the trip is over.
"What impresses me most is how much warmth it provides without needing to pile on layers. Whether I’m guiding in Patagonia, Alaska, or Iceland, being comfortable while staying mobile is incredibly important. The less time I spend thinking about the weather, the more I can focus on my guests and fishing.."
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