Fishing Fever is here for one reason: we love fishing. Not casually. Not occasionally. We mean early alarms, river reports, tide charts, and tying flies at the kitchen table. This shop was built from that obsession — and from the belief that anglers deserve better than a shelf full of guesswork.
We fish what we sell
Between the four of us (Justin, Brian, Larry, and Don), our team brings over 100 years of fishing experience to the counter. That experience isn’t theoretical. It’s earned on Atlantic Canada’s rivers, lakes, and saltwater. Every product we carry has been tested, trusted, and proven by us. If we wouldn’t fish it, we won’t sell it. That’s the way it’s been at our Halifax store since 1993, and it’s the same stubbornness we bring to our online customers now.
Real advice. No ego.
We believe great service means real conversations. Doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or decades deep, we’ll meet you where you are. We’ll help dial in your setup, suggest the right fly, talk conditions, or trouble shoot what’s not working. Our goal isn’tt o sell you more stuff, but to help you fish better and enjoy it more. So fire us a note with any of your questions, or just to share a story. We want to hear about it.
A community built around the craft
Fishing Fever is a shop and a gathering place. A support group, if you will (it’s how our spouses think about it). We host in-store fly-tying nights, swap stories, share techniques, and build friendships rooted in time on the water. That sense of community is what separates our boutique shop from a soulless warehouse of product. When you shop with us, online or in-store, you become part of something. And we’re thrilled to have you.
Meet the Team
Our people are anglers who live for early mornings, tight lines, and figuring out what’s working right now. When you call, email, or walk through the door, you’re talking to someone who’s been there.
Justin
Originally from Newfoundland, Justin grew up fishing for trout and salmon across the island. He went on to study Marine Biology at Memorial University, and spent the summer months guiding at Flowers River in Labrador. He was lucky enough to be involved in some early Flowers River expeditions, and helped explore and map out the pools along the river.
After graduating from University, Justin moved to Nova Scotia in 2016 and began working at Sustainable Blue, a land-based Aquaculture facility in Centre Burlington. After 8 years working alongside the innovative team at Sustainable Blue, Justin and his business partner decided to take on Fishing Fever. Justin continues to guide on the Lower Flowers River in the summer months.
Brian
Affectionately known as “The Wiz”, Brian feels lucky to have been involved with the fishing community and to meet some very talented and dedicated fisher people. He has enjoyed his time meeting unique characters and hearing some interesting and funny stories along the way.
His interest in fishing grew when he got his first fly rod, and started tying flies shortly after. Brian now expertly crafts custom flies for the patrons of Fishing Fever, and has been with the company for over 25 years.
Brian especially enjoys smallmouth bass fishing, as it offers him an extended season to enjoy.
Larry
Larry Shortt is a retired police officer who served 10 years as a Military Policeman and 28 years with Dartmouth City Police. Since 2002, he’s worked part-time at Fishing Fever Fly & Tackle Shop. An angler from a young age, Larry began fly fishing and tying in 1983 and has since enjoyed helping anglers of all levels.
Committed to giving back, he served on the Sackville Rivers Association Board (1992–2016) and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association (1995–2023), earning both the Dave Symonds Award and the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Salmon Conservation. He also helped start the Sackville Rivers Flies & Lies group over 30 years ago and supports initiatives like Heroes Mending on the Fly. Larry remains passionate about fly tying and is always learning new techniques and materials.
Don
Don Taylor lives in the scenic Musquodoboit Valley and has been passionate about fly fishing since his teenage years. A licensed fly-fishing guide in Nova Scotia, he brings both experience and dedication to his craft.
Don holds a Bachelor of Education and has shared his knowledge by instructing fly fishing and fly-tying workshops with BOW (Becoming an Outdoor Woman), the Wellbeing Hub, and other community groups. His teaching style reflects both his professional background and his enthusiasm for the outdoors.
Beyond the water, Don enjoys a variety of creative pursuits, including fly tying, watercolour painting, and wood carving. He has also been a valued member of the team at Fishing Fever Fly and Tackle for seven years, following his retirement from Shaw Resources.
