4 minute read

On Our Cover – Zac Chapman Father. Fly Fisherman. Appalachian Native. Chef. Forager. Hiker.

By Tracy McCoy

When I asked for photos of north Georgia lakes from our social media followers, I expected to see a few, but instead many were willing to share. We saw submissions from across the region that included pets in boats, kids having fun, a grandpa and granddaughter taking the plunge, the John Ferriss regatta at Lake Lanier, fishing and water skiing. Many sunsets and sunrises were sent but one really stood out.. Rabun County fly fishing guide Zac Chapman sent a Lake Burton sunset photo that perfectly displayed the handiwork of our Creator. Colors of lavender and magenta streaked with the sun’s golden light topping the mountains amid a brilliantly blue sky, all reflected in the still waters of the lake. It was ideal for the cover of our lake issue. So allow me to introduce you to Zac Chapman.

A native of Albany, Georgia who moved with his family to Rabun County while in middle school, Zac feels that these mountains are his home. Growing up close to his grandparents in Albany, he speaks about learning a love of cooking from both grandmothers. Learning to can, pickle, ferment and preserve the vegetables that were grown during the summer. He was raised fishing with his family and learned a true appreciation for the outdoors. A firm believer that you leave it as you found it or better. Zac expressed, “I love Appalachian traditions and conservation efforts and they are are important to me and teaching that to everyone I cross paths with is my goal.”

Putting to good use his love and talent for preparing Southern Cuisine, Zac went to work as a Chef. He explained that there are more ways to prepare Southern dishes besides just frying. He talked of a “farm to table” style of cooking that allows for more creative, healthier and even tastier dining options. With outstanding restaurants on his resume like Lake Rabun Hotel and Fortify, it is easily gleaned that he is gifted in the kitchen. These days most of his cooking is done at home, where he is happiest, with the little girl who stole his heart seven years ago, his daughter, Madelynn.

Zac grew up fishing but a few years back he began to explore fly fishing, so he taught himself how and he fell in love with the sport of it. He has educated himself on every aspect from finding the fish’s food sources to creating lures that will trick the fish, usually trout, to his line. The process is very intricate and quite an art, from tying the fly to the movement of the rod to land the lure on top of the water, it’s daedalian. When Zac found himself working 80 hours a week and losing valuable time with Madelynn, he decided a career change was in order. “I have two ponds in my front yard and when my daughter, Madelynn, comes to stay with me we find time to fish. She likes it too and I like the time with her,” this proud daddy related. He spoke of her often and with love. It was clear that she is his focus and that made me respect him all the more.

The fly fishing skill he had honed led him to begin a guide service, working primarily through Shady Creek Expeditions, Zac is now living the dream. He basically teaches people how to relax and enjoy nature through fly fishing. “These old hills are what helped me discover who I am and what I love. They brought peace to my life from hiking through the Bartram trail, to fly fishing for native Brook trout, to climbing every waterfall I could find! I love the Appalachian mountains so much and I want to share that with the people who I meet and teach,” Zac said during our interview. This sentiment is evident in the way he lives his life, the photos he captures and the way he speaks of nature. A rare find in this materialistic world we live in, I truly relished the time this exceptional young man afforded me.

I asked about the process a prospective student follows to end up in the creek with rod in hand. I learned that it begins with Shady Creek Expeditions. A visit to their website www.shadycreekexpeditions.com will gain some insight into the guided trips that can be scheduled and there is a form to e-mail for additional information or you can call 678-986-5167 to book a trip. Typically Zac will then meet you at the store or at the river you plan to fish. “Most people I meet are new to the sport of fly fishing, so the first 30 minutes to an hour are spent on education and technique. Once they get that, the rest of the trip is putting into practice what they’ve learned and enjoying the outdoors.

I want them to be able to go out the next day on their own and enjoy fly fishing. If they can, I’ve done my job well,” Zac said.

Zac told me that his first camera was a gift from his Grandma. He had always liked to take pictures and his love for that has done nothing but grow since that first camera was put in his hands. I have come to know through interviews with photographers over the years that there is a gift that some people have that goes beyond instruction. As it is with Zac’s fly fishing, he is also self taught in his photography. He is a lifelong learner no matter what he decides he wants to know, he gives it 110%. While he started with a Canon, he prefers a Nikon camera, saying he fell in love with Nikon. Landscapes and nature are what he shoots most which seems to be an extension of his love for these mountains. Carrying an expensive camera with lenses during a fishing trip is not always possible and many times photo opportunities arise unexpectedly so his iPhone is always on hand.

“I love photography because it gives the person behind the lens the chance to share their perspective with others.” Zac said. I’d say that his photography does that well! If you see a photo you’d like to purchase for your home or office, reach out to Zac. You can follow his fly fishing and photography on Instagram, TicTok or Facebook (@ appalachiantrouthunter). I hope that you get a chance to meet him, ‘cause he is a great guy!

Now turn the page for the rest of the images sent to us. I tried my best to get one photo from every person who submitted to us for this issue. If I have something wrong or didn’t get your photo in, please forgive me. I hope that our readers enjoy these photos as much as we did…

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