MEET THE TEAM
Gary Merriman
The Owner of The Fish Hawk, Gary Merriman began fishing at an early age and expanded his passion from hobby to business in 1974 when he opened The Fish Hawk. Gary has pursued his fishing dream to all corners of the globe; his crowning achievement being in Kona, Hawaii when he landed the largest Blue Marlin caught by a single angler (1,649 lbs). Gary also won the Mercury Bonefishing World Championship in 2002. His knowledge of saltwater and freshwater angling is unparalleled. From tarpon to trout, Gary knows where to go, what to use, and how to make it all come together.
Bobby Merriman
Bob Merriman has been with The Fish Hawk for over 20 years. Bobby, like his brother, has an extensive knowledge of both fresh and saltwater angling. His true passion is bonefish, especially in the Bahamas. In addition to chasing the elusive silver ghost, Bobby enjoys all types of angling-both conventional and with fly. Bobby’s friendly nature and boundless knowledge lends him to be a favorite among many loyal Fish Hawk customers.
Rob Smith (a.k.a. The Mustache)
An avid outdoorsman since a child, Rob Smith is well versed in all aspects of angling, from spin fishing for crappie to fly fishing for large trout on local rivers to Alaska. If he’s not in the shop, you can bet he’s somewhere on the water or in the woods.
Ronnie “The Guide” Hall
Ronnie Hall is back at The Fish Hawk after a stint in the outdoor entertainment industry (The Huntley Way). He is The Fish Hawk’s foremost advisor for our FH Destinations Travel Agency. If there is anywhere in the world that you are interested in traveling to for fishing or any other interest, please come in or call Ronnie. He has a very deep knowledge in fishing the US and other parts of the globe. Fishing has been one of his passions right up with Deer, Turkey and Duck hunting. If you need to talk to a professional outdoorsman, he is your man!
An Atlanta native, Austin graduated from Paideia in 2010. In danger of graduating early from UGA, he added a second major and snuck in a week of trout fishing in Slovenia before a study abroad in May, 2014. This jaunt began his all consuming obsession with adventure fly fishing.
After graduation, Austin worked in bond trading for a few years before leaving to spend more time fly fishing. Austin joined the team in early 2020. He enjoys bugling at bull elk in Montana, stalking bonefish in skinny water, and grabbing roosterfish and giant trevally by the tail.
Gary Merriman Jr.
Gary Jr. grew up fishing with his dad in the keys and all over Florida learning from one of the best there is. He has worked at The Fish Hawk since he was a kid and has been all over the southeast fishing. Gary Jr. can handle anything from flats to lakes to rivers and enjoys all types of fishing from tarpon in Florida to fishing for brim in local creeks. He is just happy to get out and enjoy being on the water. Gary Jr. is a friendly face at the shop and is always happy to help you get outfitted for wherever you are going fishing.