MEET CALLIE
Callie Freeman, PhD
Fly Casting Instructor
Prepare for the Cast. Prepare for the Adventure.
The best fishing trips often come down to a handful of opportunities – and being ready when they happen.
At Hares Ear Fly Fishing, we do not offer formal casting instruction. Instead we’ve chose to partner Callie Freeman , a trusted fly casting instructor, to help our clients develop the skills and confidence they need for the fishing experiences ahead. Whether preparing for wild trout in the Southern Appalachians, pursing warmwater or coastal species, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure, Callie provides practical instruction tailored to the angler and the water they are preparing to fish.
Casting Instruction Built Around Fishing
Casting isn’t about forming a perfect loop on a practice field. It is about making the cast when a fish gives you the opportunity.
Callie’s instruction focuses on the skills that matter on the water, including improve accuracy, presentation, distance, line control and confidence. Lessons can also address the specific demands of an upcoming trip such as wind, tight quarters, technical presentations, or fast-moving fish.
Beginning anglers can build a strong foundation grounded in sound casting principals, while experienced anglers refine their technique, correct inefficiencies, or prepare for unfamiliar fishing conditions.
Callie Freeman, PhD, is a passionate fly angler, dedicated educator and fly casting instructor known for helping anglers build confidence, improve technique, and deepen their understanding of the sport. With a PhD in Entomology and a professional background in science education and public speaking, she brings technical knowledge, patience, and an approachable teaching style to every lesson and clinic.
Having lived and fished across the country from the Pacific Northwest to the Carolina Coast and the mountains of Upstate South Carolina, Callie has pursued steelhead, trout, smallmouth bass, coastal redfish, and other species across a wide range of fisheries. Those experiences have shaped an adaptable teaching philosophy than connects casting mechanics to real conditions anglers encounter on the water.
Callie is pursuing casting instructor certification through Fly Fishers International under the mentorship of Master Casting Instructor Mary Ann Dozer. Her interest in the biomechanics of fly casting allows her to adapt instruction to each student’s goals, learning styles, and physical abilities. She helps anglers develop efficient, sustainable techniques that work for their individual bodies and the fishing they want to pursue.
Callie is also a recognized speaker at regional and national events and is committed to growing the fly fishing community through education, conservation, and outreach. She has worked with organizations including Women in Waders Upstate, Trout Unlimited, Casting Carolinas and the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, supporting conservation efforts, veterans’ initiatives and women-focused fly fishing programs.
Prepare for Your Hares Ear Experience
A guided fly fishing trip is an investment and preparation can make the experience even more rewarding. If you’re planning a trip with Hare’s Ear Fly Fishing and want to sharpen your casting beforehand, we highly recommend working with Callie.
Arriving with confidence in your cast mean less time thinking about mechanics and more time watching the water, responding to your guide and enjoying the experience.
We believe the best guides, instructors and outfitters all have one thing in common: they want you to succeed.
That’s why Hares Ear Fly Fishing trusts Callie to help our clients become better-prepared anglers before they step into the river, climb aboard the boat, or board a plane for their next adventure.
Prepare your cast. Build your confidence. Then go chase the fish.