Chad Phillips was born and raised in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. His love for fly fishing started in the backcountry waters of Tennessee and North Carolina; however, his love for travel and passion for exploratory fishing quickly allowed him to live and fish all over the world, chasing brook trout to blue water and any species in between.

These days, Chad owns and operates Fly Lab Global, and experience and species-driven destination travel company. He has operations in Costa Rica, Colombia, Belize, Wyoming, South Carolina, Montana, and Colorado, but his passion remains in taking his clients on highly customized exploratory ventures to push the international boundaries of newly discovered fisheries. Spending time in remote locations and relying on local knowledge and support has led him to found Education on the Fly, a nonprofit existing only to supply equipment and training to next generation guides in these amazing locations. This nonprofit gives an opportunity for sustainable income to young people in their hometown.