Passion and Therapy

“For me with hunting, it is a passion for more knowledge, but with fishing it is more like therapy.”

This statement stood out to me and was such a powerful one that I feel like it could sum up how most of us feel about fishing no matter the kind that we do. 

However, like a ton of us anglers, Mike didn’t fall in love with fishing early on.. He was more of a hunter. He does have fond memories of his woodworking Grandpa taking him and his older brother (7 years his elder) out as often as possible to go fishing.  Grandpa passed when he was in the second grade and the torch was passed to Mike’s older brother. You see, Mike was the little guy that wanted to hang out and go everywhere with big brother and his buddies. That meant fishing trips and hunting trips, he just wanted to learn all he could and be outdoors as often as he could. While talking to Mike, he also reminisces also about a childhood best friend and all their fishing adventures. 

Life Hits Hard

As life would have it and people grow up, his big brother enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in California. This transition was tough on Mike and he went through a rough spell to put it plainly.  He got tired of life and moved out west to live with his big brother. Here, he found himself surrounded with new military friends, and was able to start getting more into firearms which would spur on his passion and job later in life to  run rifle competitions and National Championships for NRA programs. He started to become linked up with more like-minded outdoorsmen. This sparked his interest again in fishing as well but not quite enough to light that flame. 

"He started getting more into firearms which would spur on his passion and job later in life to  run rifle competitions and National Championships for NRA programs."

After relocating back home he linked up with his BF who seemed to constantly be fly fishing the Adirondacks and other familiar sports in Upstate New York.  With the help of his lifelong friend, Mike decided to buy a nice $100 rod and reel combo and try his luck at fly fishing. He sucked. Completely sucked at it and almost lost his shi... well you know how fly fishing can be. He didn’t know anything about high waters, lost half his gear and became so frustrated he called it quits. While back at his vehicle as he was taking gear off, he heard his cheap wooden Walmart landing net break. He. Had. Had. Enough. 

The Start of No Leaf Clover Co.

Now he needed a new net, but knew he didn’t want to waste money on another cheaply made one. So, since he was already building furniture as a hobby, why not a net?

"He never backed down, he never gave up, and is hand crafting some of the best nets on the market" 

After a few trials and errors, he knew he had to steam the wood to bend it, so shower steam from each shower was the source of this. He used zip ties and tightened the bends during each shower. Now THAT is determination y’all. A Marine Veteran friend, and local small business owner of his, saw his work and wanted to buy a net.  This baffled Mike because he didn't think they were that great. This friend encouraged him to keep refining them, and would buy more, offering advice after each one that Mike ran with to improve and make these nets more durable, beautiful and functional. This was still a side gig. The full-time job was private Executive Protection where he worked at least 17-hour days with 3 and a half hour long round commute. After his career caused so much stress, he ended up having health issues and he decided it was time to pursue his passion full time. Like all startups, he has hit many roadblocks, but like most great men (in my eyes) he never backed down, he never gave up, and is still chasing those passions. 

Friends & Family

He continues to create amazing nets that have landed in the hands of some of the crew from MeatEater which was a big win with Mike because of his passion for hunting and providing for his family.

"Mike's well sought out solo bear hunt on public land"

This past year he was able to to fulfil his 8-year long journey of solo bear hunting on public land, and has plans to do more of it in the future. Well, between his epic Instagram stories, hanging out with his amazingly supportive wife Brittney, and of course throwing the ball constantly for his dog, Carter. 

"Mike hanging out with his amazing and supportive wife Brittney"

I love Mike’s story and persistence. What are some hobbies that y’all would like to chase more? What do y’all think of Mike’s nets? Leave all your feedback below.

As always thanks for reading. Tight lines and good vibes, y’all!