Ray started tying flies at age 12. From 1977 through 1985 he owned and operated a fly fishing manufacturers rep firm that sold premium brands of fly fishing products.

From 1985 to 2012, Ray owned Schmidt Outfitters, a full service fly shop, lodging establishment, fly fishing guide service and travel service in NW Michigan. In
October 2012 he sold Schmidt Outfitters and retired from the outfitting business.

Ray’s accomplishments include:
•1989 top ten “Guide of the Year”, Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.
•Two-time winner of the FFF Great Lakes Council, “Presidents Award”
•1993 winner FFF Great Lakes Council, “Artisan of the Year,” award
•1997 winner FFF International, “Lefty Krey Award”
•Member of FFF Casting Instructor Advisory Council and Certified FFF Fly Casting
Instructor

Ray is an active conservationist and has served on many fisheries committees and has
spearheaded many projects to enhance river habitat in Michigan. These days Ray is a partner with his wife Kate in Double SS Outdoors, a sales and marketing, consulting and
adventure travel firm. www.doublessoutdoors.com

Ray’s writings have been published far and wide in the fly fishing world. Ray says “any fish
that comes to the fly is a great fish.”

Ray’s presentation will be “Life’s Too Short to Fish in Ugly Places. Fishing in Patagonia.”