Trout & Tunes

Near Brevard, NC · October–May

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Start your morning on the water and finish the day picking the banjo.

Begin the morning with coffee and breakfast from one of the best bakeries in western North Carolina, then hit the trout stream with Bennett and your guide. After fishing head to the lesson location, where lunch will be provided, followed by the banjo lesson. Breakfast and lunch are taken care of and you'll be done by 5pm inspired, exhausted, and satisfied.

Package #1: Ives Farm

Ives Farm Lunch & Banjo (Lodging not included) - You arrange lodging (we will have recommendations) and meet Stratton and Bennett in the morning at the stream where we’ll do a fishing lesson if necessary and have coffee and breakfast.

After the morning fishing session, we head to Ives Farm outside of Hendersonville, NC for lunch and the banjo lesson.

Rates start at $900

Inquire about Availability

Meet your guide:

STratton Hunter

Voted #2 in USA TODAY 10 Best Fly Fishing Guides for 2026.

Stratton is an Asheville native who has fished in waters across the globe. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned-pro, Stratton knows hows to get you on fish.

Package #2: Rachel’s

Rachel’s All Inclusive (Lodging included) - Stay in a beautiful cabin next to the East Fork of the French Broad. Wake up, put your waders on and start fishing with your guide just outside of your lodging arrangements.

Lunch and banjo will be held at the Rachel’s property, where you’ll be staying.

Rates start at $1250.

Inquire about Availability

Meet your guide:

Headwaters Outfitters

Located in Rosman, NC, headwaters is the priemier guide service for the French Broad and surrounding rivers. Whether you’re looking for fly fishing, paddling, or float trips, Headwaters Outfitters has got you covered.

Banjo with Bennett

Bennett sullivan

Banjo Instructor

Bennett is an in-demand banjo player, educator, session musician, and composer whose performed alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Strings, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka, Ben Sollee, Woody Platt, Shannon Whitworth, Weird Al Yankovic, Elle King, Balsam Range, Darren Nicholson, The Falco Brothers, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, and many more.

His banjo playing can be heard on the hit series Poker Face, as well as in The Greatest Showman and Bright Star on Broadway. His diverse experience in both the studio and on stage gives him a unique perspective that enriches his teaching on his innovative online platform, Banjo Licks.

With over 11,000 students on his YouTube channel and hundreds more through online lessons and workshops, Bennett has a proven track record of helping banjo players of all levels progress and find their own musical voice.

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“Bennett emphasizes playing along with music, recording and listening to myself play, and learning by ear instead of relying solely on tablature. This approach has significantly boosted my confidence in my playing. It is rare to find someone who is both a great player and a great teacher, and Bennett is undoubtedly both. Furthermore, he is a kind and generous person. I highly recommend working with Bennett if you want to improve your playing and genuinely understand your instrument.”

Tim Z., Current Banjo Student

Schedule

Guided Fishing

8:00am – 12:00pm

Catered Lunch

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Private  Lesson

2:00 - 5:00pm (with a break built in)

What’s included:

  • Breakfast & Coffee

  • Professional fishing instruction

  • Fishing gear (Rod & Reel, Flies, Waders & Boots)

  • Lunch

  • Banjo Lesson

Not included:

  • Fishing License (Valid NC)

  • Transportation

  • Guide Tips

  • Lodging

FAQ

  • Absolutely! Get in touch for a custom offer.

  • Simply put, when the rivers heat up the fish don’t eat. You are more likely to hook up during trout season, which is in the cooler months of the year.

  • If you choose the Rachel’s package, lodging is included in your fee. With the Ives Farm package you’ll be required to find lodging but we can recommend some great rentals or hotels to stay at!

  • We are fortunate to have a variety of yummy & healthy dining options around our area. You can leave it up to us or we can present you with some options.

  • Certainly! Just let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll do our best to accommodate.