At Fatties on the Fly, we believe that fly fishing is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Our mission is to share the thrill and tranquility of this timeless sport with every person who joins us. We pride ourselves on our deep knowledge of local waters, our dedication to sustainability, and our genuine love for the sport. Whether you’re after that trophy bass, a feisty sunfish, or just the perfect day on the water, we’ve got you covered.
Our name, “Fatties on the Fly,” is a celebration of those elusive, larger-than-life catches that keep anglers coming back for more. We provide top-of-the-line equipment, personalized instruction, and plenty of laughter along the way—ensuring that every trip with us is as fun as it is fruitful. Our friendly guides are not only experts at reading the waters but also at making sure you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to reel in those Texas fatties!
Join us for a day of adventure, camaraderie, and the thrill of the catch. Come discover why Fatties on the Fly is the go-to guide service for fly fishing enthusiasts throughout Texas. Let’s hit the water and make some memories!
Ben Tabor
Ben Tabor was born and raised in the small town of Glen Rose, Texas, where he grew up on his family’s ranch, learning the values of hard work and a deep connection to the land. His upbringing was steeped in the traditions of ranching, and he spent much of his youth tending to cattle and horses, developing a strong appreciation for the outdoors.
Despite his ranching background, Ben had a creative side that led him to pursue an art degree in college. He studied various forms of visual art, exploring different mediums and techniques that allowed him to express his love for the natural world in new and exciting ways.
After college, Ben took a brief detour from his artistic pursuits to chase another passion: ranching and riding bucking horses. He worked on various ranches and competed in rodeos for a short time, testing his mettle and embracing the life of a cowboy.
Eventually, Ben found his true calling in fly-fishing, a sport that combined his love for the outdoors, his artistic eye, and his ranching skills. He became a fly-fishing guide, using his deep knowledge of the land and rivers to help others connect with nature in the same way he had throughout his life. Today, Ben is known as a skilled and patient guide, sharing his expertise and passion for fly-fishing with clients from all walks of life.
Mitchel Kemp aka “Fly Fish Mitch”
While growing up in North Texas, Mitch spent his youth checking out local fishing spots as soon as the school bell rang for the past 17 years, he’s dedicated himself to the art of fly fishing, spending most of his days knee-deep in the glorious Brazos River.
Mitch’s passion for guiding isn’t just about reeling in fish; it’s about the adventure. Whether it’s bass, gar, or striper, each catch has its own tale. But for Mitch, the real thrill is in carp fishing—a true test for both the client and the guide. Carp are elusive and unpredictable, keeping Mitch on his toes and fueling his curiosity. The Brazos River, with its shifting currents and hidden secrets, is more than just his workplace; it’s his sanctuary, a place where he finds peace and inspiration.
When he’s not out on the river, Mitch embraces a life full of love and simple joys. His wife, Rebekah, is his rock, supporting his fishing escapades with unwavering loyalty. Together, they raise three spirited daughters—River, Presley, and Finley—who are the center of his world. On the days he’s not casting lines, Mitch is all in on being a dedicated “girl dad,” soaking up every moment with his family.
Mitch Kempe is more than just a fishing guide; he’s a river bum at heart, living life with passion and a deep love for the outdoors. As your guide, he’ll take you on a journey that goes beyond the catch, giving you an experience that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Ryan “RC” Clarke
The outdoors has been a part of Ryan “RC” Clarke’s life from the very beginning. Influenced by his father, who spent his career in the sporting goods industry, and uncle, who was a tournament bass fisherman, RC was on the water before he could walk. During his adolescence RC was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America where he developed a passion for fishing. Summers were spent traveling to destinations across North America, giving him opportunities to fish from Alaska to Florida, from the Boundary Water of northern Minnesota to the Rockies, although through his travelling experience, the Brazos River always remained home.
Fly fishing became a staple in RC’s life while in college where he continued to spend time exploring the Brazos and its tributaries in the Brazos Valley area. Upon returning to North Texas to pursue a career in Agricultural Education, RC became dedicated to learning the nuances of Lady Brazos, leading him to meet and began working with the founder and owner of Fatties on The Fly, Ben Tabor.
As a guide, RC has dedicated himself to learning and analyzing data collected from the river. His guiding pursuits have led him to focus on the conservation of his home waters and its inhabitants, especially often looked over species like the longnose gar. For RC guiding is as much about seeing the joy on a client’s face as it is catching fish. The primary job of a guide is to provide a memorable experience for their clients and to be able to adapt to the situation at hand to make that possible. RC is able to make this happen through his knowledge and pursuit of everything the Brazos has to offer.
Cody Benton
One could say, the river runs through his blood, when talking about Cody Benton. Cody’s great grandfather Leon Baker began his homestead on the Brazos River in Waco, TX, and the lineage didn’t stop there. Being an outdoorsman is a rite of passage in Cody’s family, from an early age Cody experienced all facets of hunting, fishing, and the river life. Cody began Reckless Iron Works in 2011 focusing on his meticulous craft of fabrication. Reckless spanned from custom motorcycles to interior furnishings and beyond. In many ways, the finesse of fabrication likens itself to the finesse of fly fishing.
Cody’s passion for the outdoors has brought him to many great destinations across the country from Texas to Colorado, up to Montana and Maine, down through Florida, and many hot spots throughout the Caribbean.
Cody immerses himself into the local culture and fisheries, enjoying the challenge and beauty of new waters, but the Brazos River is home.
When he isn’t guiding or traveling Cody resides with his family on the Brazos River letting his kiddos live the river life the way he did, and all just a few miles upriver from his great grandfather’s original homestead.
