The Core Crew

Owner- Operator

USCG licensed Captain​

Single & Two Hand Casting Instructor

Trip Host

Capt. Jeff Liskay

Jeff's foundations lie in conventional gear, but he grew a passion for fly fishing. He is a widely respected for his spey casting instruction, dedication to chasing chrome, formidable multi-species knowledge and dialing in Big H20 fly venues like Walleye & Drum. He's a frequently requested presenter, podcast guest and contributor. Known simply as the "greatlakesdude" he has lived and fished in the Great Lakes his entire life. He is a Founder of the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and continues to spread his passion for the Great Lakes through his relationships across the region and industry brands. Today, Jeff is not only a premier fly fish guide, instructor, host and brand ambassador, but also an advocate for fishing handling and Great Lakes preservation.

Single hand casting instructor

Trip Host

Jerry Darkes

Jerry Darkes has a career in fly fishing that extends over 5 decades. Author of several books, along with numerous magazine articles, he has also been featured on television, radio and online podcasts. He has a strong foundation in gear and was one of the first to utilize heavy sink lines in the region.  He supports the fishery as a Board member on various local clubs, has deep industry relationships, and is generous in sharing his knowledge with others. An avid adventurer, Jerry has fly-fished around the world for a wide range of freshwater and saltwater species and hosted groups to numerous locations around the globe. He is one of the Great Lakes most renowned fly anglers.

USCG licensed Captain

Lake St.Clair, Michigan

Capt. Mark Stosiak

Mark has lived and fished Michigan's waters his entire life. He is an ardent Great Lakes angler and has served the fishery as a charter captain and board member for the Detroit Area Steelheaders. Mark is a multi-disciplined Captain on Lake St. Clair as well as a skillful two handed fly angler.  His pleasant and positive attitude along with attention to detail puts him on the top of many repeat trip wish lists. He is a devoted grandfather and has been married 38 years to a forgiving wife.

Single Hand Casting Instructor

Creator & Social Media

Karen Madachik Liskay

Karen is our creative force and often the angling 'crash test dummy' when we explore. She has a degree in Environmental Science and has a boundless love of the water. Karen grew up with the Rocky River in her backyard and spent her summer's boating & fishing with family on Lake Erie. As a certified scuba diver, she's experienced underwater locations all over the world. In 2010, a diagnosis of Lupus forced a pause, but a walk into the local fly shop brought her back. Her favorite venue is the big H20 for the challenge and space it provides. She's a fish handling advocate and passionate conservationist. She works to get the message out using her artistic talents. Look for her creations in our online Shop and through our GIFs in the Groovy Great Lakes Flyfishing channel.

USCG licensed Captain

Walleye Specialist

Capt. Billy O Hara

Billy O has been fishing for 40 plus years. The angling bug began for him growing up fishing with his family in the western basin of Lake Erie. His passion is the pursuit of Walleye, both casting and trolling. He resides in the Cleveland area April to December to coincide with his lust for everything Walleye, then heads to Florida where he chases saltwater fish with equal enthusiasm.  Billy has a growing reputation in the local Walleye community for his technical knowledge and bigger than life personality. A day on the water with Billy will not only fill your dinner plate, but also remind you how fun fishing really can be.