Founder of Taco Fly Co. | Skater. Storyteller. Fly Fisherman. Taco Evangelist.
Mario Guel grew up in a rough neighborhood in San Jose, California—but his story took a different path thanks to fishing, skateboarding, and a whole lot of heart.
At just five years old, Mario landed his first bluegill with his Dad, grinning so hard you could barely see his eyes. That first fish sparked a love for the water that would shape his life forever.
He leveled up his skills chasing bass from the banks of California reservoirs, self-taught through Bassmaster magazines and early morning fishing shows. But everything changed when his neighbor, Norman Fujimoto, introduced him to fly fishing as a teenager—and again years later, when a solo trip to the Trinity River turned into a full-on awakening. One powerful hookup with a chrome hatchery steelhead, and Mario knew this wasn’t just a hobby. It was a calling.
Taco Fly Co. started as a video blog, but quickly turned into a movement. Mario wasn’t seeing anyone in the industry who looked or talked like him, and fly shops weren’t exactly stocked with gear that felt authentic to his vibe. So he made his own.
Taco Fly Co. is part guide service, part lifestyle brand, and 100% unapologetically fun. With bold gear, welcoming vibes, and a don’t-take-it-too-seriously attitude, Taco Fly Co. invites everyone—from purists to first-timers—to fall in love with fly fishing (and tacos).
Fly fishing became more than just passion—it became Mario’s path to healing. After a major knee injury, three surgeries, and a battle with mental health, he found himself searching for something more. The river answered. With the support of family, a call to the suicide hotline, and a deep desire to heal, Mario made it his mission to return to the water and wade again for steelhead. That mission became his fuel—and that fuel built Taco Fly Co.
Taco Fly Co. isn’t about tradition—it’s about connection. Mario’s trips focus on the float first, the fish second. His guests aren’t just clients—they’re family. Lawyers, skaters, poets, mamas, rebels, first-timers, and seasoned fishers all belong in the Taco crew.
What sets Taco apart? Zero ego. Full inclusion. Plenty of limes.
Mario’s mission is simple: get more people outside, and give them a reason to smile. He wants to break down the gates of the fly fishing world so anyone—regardless of background or skill level—feels welcome to pick up a rod and cast a line. He’s not here to impress the old guard. He’s here to build a new one.
If you know, you know. Taco Fly Co.’s infamous “Special Beer” is a rite of passage on the water.
Think: Mexican lager, lime, Tajín, Tapatío, and a perfectly timed crack before the pour. It’s part tradition, part celebration, and 100% delicious.
Special beers por vida.
Whether you’ve got the smoothest spey cast in the west or you just call it a “fly pole,” Mario’s got a spot on the boat for you. Bring your stoke, bring your story, and leave the judgment at home. This isn’t just about fishing—it’s about fun, connection, and maybe a taco or two.
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