Captain Gary Dubiel

Captain Gary Dubiel began fly tying and fishing at the age of eight in Western Pennsylvania, inheriting these skills from his father. He fished rivers and streams for trout, as well as lakes for bass and panfish. His interest in saltwater fly fishing sparked in the late 1970s during visits to the Outer Banks, eventually leading him to relocate to North Carolina and begin his career as a guide. His service, named "Spec Fever" after his passion for speckled seatrout, also offers specialized trips for redfish, stripers, false albacore, and other local species. Gary boasts over two decades of experience in guiding.

Always looking to improve his techniques, Gary pioneered the popping cork craze for NC giant red drum, turning what was a nighttime bait fishery into a daytime artificial lure fishery. Progressing one step further, Gary invented the Pop-N-Fly rig and revolutionized fly fishing for these giant reds in North Carolina. He has more recently started developing an artificial lure and fly fishery for tarpon on his home waters.

Captain Gary is renowned for his expertise in light tackle and fly fishing, having written extensively on the subject and delivered lectures. His knowledge has been showcased on various angling programs across ESPN 2, WFN, UNC-TV, NBC Sports, the Sportsman Channel, and Discovery Channel Europe. He's a regular presenter at fishing shows nationwide, such as the Saltwater Sportsman's National Seminar Series, the Fly-Fishing Show, and the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival. His innovative fly patterns have gained recognition in numerous leading sports fishing publications and books. Additionally, Gary holds an IGFA Fly Rod World Record for silver salmon, caught using one of his unique fly designs.

Gary has collaborated with Rick Pope at TFO rods for nearly two decades, serving as a Regional and National Advisor before recently transitioning to the rod design team at Sawgrass Rods alongside Collins Illich. Additionally, Capt. Gary is the innovator behind the Pop N Fly, which is currently produced and marketed by the Flymen Fishing Company. He has also entered the pro program with Ahrex, focusing on new product development. His extensive professional network includes roles as Brand Ambassador for Florida Fishing Products, Pro Staff positions with Rapala, Storm Lures, Sufix Fishing Line, and Regal Vise, as well as a professional guide associated with Scientific Angler, Costa Sunglasses, Columbia Clothing, and Simms.

Gary's enthusiasm for fly fishing and exploration has led him to various destinations across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He has recently channeled this passion into a secondary career as a travel advisor, focusing on both hosted and independent trips to Europe, particularly in Poland, Ireland, and Croatia.

"I had to say thank you again for yesterday, I don't know if I will ever have a day better than that. (Can't wait to get out and try to better it though!!)
I also wanted to say thank you for what you have taught me on the water this spring. I have learned a lot, and I know it has made me a better fisherman. I'm nowhere close to being a pro yet, but I am picking up techniques and baits that I am becoming more and more confident in. In addition, I'm learning a lot about reading the water and the conditions to help maximize any opportunities I get. Gary, you are a very good teacher, and I am looking forward to next time to learn that much more.
You have quickly become a trusted friend, and I think I appreciate that more than anything.
See you next time out!!! "  

"Gary and his family are some of the greatest people. He got us on all different kinds of fish and we experienced tight lines and laughs for hours! We hope to get out with him again soon! "

"Thanks very much for helping me get three generations of Greene men together for a fun time on Friday. It was more than just a fun time fishing Specs; it was a chance for me to spend quality time with my Dad and my son. I want my son to be interested in fishing and conservation, and I don't think I could have asked for a better time. My Dad gave me that gift, and you helped me give it to my son. We look forward to next time.” 

"My wife and I have fished with Gary a few times. No matter the time of year, Gary always finds fish. He is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge -he has made me a better fisherman. "

This was not my wife and I's first guided fishing charter, but it was by far the best. Gary is a true professional. The fishing was incredible, and the whole trip was extremely informative. Gary knows speckled trout fishing like no one else in the area. If you are a beginning fisherman, I'm sure you will enjoy the trip, but if you are a more experienced fisherman like my wife and I, you will enjoy it and vastly increase your knowledge of trout fishing. We literally caught over a hundred fish in five hours. That is not by chance. If you're looking for an inshore charter, go with Gary. He will definitely do his best to put you on the fish.