About

Son Tao Flies and The Tao of Flies was created by Son Tao. Born in Vietnam and raised in Pennsylvania, Son has forged a unique path defined by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Originally working as an engineer, his life took a profound turn following the events of September 11, 2001, when he chose to enlist in the United States Army. Over the course of a 23 year career as an infantryman, Son served more than eight years overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, a testament to his courage and sacrifice.

During his deployments, Son experienced the harsh realities and lasting impacts of war. The physical and emotional toll left him in a constant state of heightened awareness due to deployment related injuries.

In search of healing, Son turned to fly fishing and fly tying. What began as an outlet quickly became a powerful tool in his recovery, offering both therapeutic relief and renewed purpose. His dedication to the craft earned national recognition when he won the 5th Annual Project Healing Waters National Fly Tying Competition in 2017.

Since then, his story has been featured in numerous articles, books, and online platforms. He has also shared his experiences with a wider audience as a guest on the Meateater Podcast.

Today, Son Tao and his team continue to inspire others through their commitment to healing, resilience, and the restorative power of nature. Through guided trips, introductory classes, presentations, and volunteer efforts, they remain dedicated to growing the sport of fly fishing and helping others find their own path forward.