A genuine appreciation for every relationship and memory developed on the water is a foundation for the knowledge and experiences shared with customers.
Grandpa and Morgan
Like most of you reading this, I love to fish, plain and simple. Born in Hayward, WI, many blessed opportunities have led me to a career on the water. As is the case with most kids, I was introduced to fishing by my father, a retired educator and coach who always made sure a trip to Canada or the Boundary Waters was scheduled at the end of every school year. My grandmother Doris was also instrumental in encouraging the passion and interest for all things fishing. Doris fished and loved to eat what she caught. Bluegills were of special interest, and some of my fondest memories were spent with her below the Nelson Lake dam. We always cleaned what we caught after an obligatory stop at West’s Dairy for the best ice cream cone ever made.
Our family moved from northern Wisconsin during my grade school years, but my heart and mind were always on those lakes. Most days in school were spent day dreaming of returning to the north woods while devouring every Al Lindner article and Babe Winkelman episode I could find. Many kids collected Legos and baseball cards. My collection included rods, reels, and baits. Any body of water that potentially held a fish was fair game, and the dedication to learning how to catch anything that could swim was unwavering. Fortunately my family found its way back north, and I eventually graduated from Ashland High School on the shores of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay.
Daddy's Little Girl
Transitioning to college in the early 90's at the University of Minnesota Duluth, I had the good fortune of working during the summer months as a “Boat Boy” for a third generation family resort in Hayward that had been catering to fishermen for decades. This was my first exposure to the profession of guiding and some incredible men that made a living doing it. While cleaning up the boat landing, it was fascinating listening to Hall of Famers Ken Eck, Milt Dieckman, and Terry Peterson to name a few while they launched boats and prepared for the day. Awe struck would be putting it mildly, and my daily schedule was strategically planned to coincidentally be at the landing when they arrived at the end of the day. The stories they told and lessons learned from those guys were priceless, and I'm forever in their debt. They not only passed along tips and ideas on how to catch fish, but more importantly, they taught me how to treat people. Their emphasis on service to customers was clearly evident in the relationships they built over the years and the reverence with which people still speak of them to this day.
Morgan and Daddy
Resort management approached me mid-way through that first summer with a change in job description. Apparently they noticed every moment I wasn’t on the clock was spent fishing. They needed a guide, and I was being promoted. At least it was a promotion in my mind! My first customers landed a 38" musky. The satisfaction felt from their smiles or the pride in documenting the catch on the resort musky board won't be forgotten. The success of that first guided trip resulted in the best summertime gig a college kid could ever imagine!
Graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice began an 18 year career working with and eventually serving as an administrator of group homes for adolescent boys at risk. It was challenging, but rewarding work that allowed me to incorporate my love for the outdoors as a tool to connect with kids that desperately needed male role models. I continued guiding on a part time basis while developing a loyal customer base that kept me more than busy during the open water months.
Florida Keys Permit
During this journey, I stumbled into more good fortune. Even a blind squirrel can find a nut! My wife LeeAnn agreed to marry me in 1998, and our beautiful daughter Morgan joined the voyage in 2002. Anyone married to a fisherman knows that a certain level of tolerance is needed, or some would say, mandatory. LeeAnn’s patience, support, and understanding over the years allowed me to pursue my passion and develop a career that was only a dream before her. Morgan quickly identified herself as “Daddy’s Little Girl” and spent countless hours in the boat as we scouted the hot bite for our next customers. She's become a loyal and faithful fishing partner with many of our family vacations over the years including visits to some premier fishing destinations. These trips have afforded me the opportunity to fish with and learn from some of the best guides working in both fresh and salt water. The lessons and information gathered on these trips are invaluable while translating many of them to fishing and guiding tactics in Wisconsin.
My Girls
The decision was made in 2013 to guide full time while becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Charter Captain allowing me to work on Chequamegon Bay and Lake Superior in addition to inland lakes. Continued support from family, friends, and faithful customers has made it possible to pursue this passion. You've all helped in many ways, and there aren’t enough words to express my appreciation for having you in my corner. Thank you so much, and I'll see you on the water!
CAREER
- Licensed Wisconsin Fishing Guide, 1992 - present
- National Television Appearance on Wolf Creek Productions Limb Saver Outdoors, 2008
- National Television Appearance on ESPN Outdoors, 2009
- Featured on the cover of Bass Master Magazine - November, 2009
- National Television Appearances and Host on Babe Winkelman's Good Fishing, 2009 – 2016
- Keyes Outdoors Online Magazine Contributing Writer, 2009 - 2015
- National Television Appearance on In-Pursuit with Greg Miller – 2012
- Credentialed U.S. Coast Guard Charter Captain, 2013 - present
- Contributing Writer for WisconsinOutdoorFun, 2013 - 2017
- Content Development for Jeffevansfishing.com, 2013 – present
- National Television Appearances and Host on Trophy Fish Hunter, 2016
- Contributing Writer and Reporter for AnglingBuzz.com and AnglingBuzz Television, 2016 – present
- Host of Fish Wisconsinbly/Drink Wisconsinbly, 2022 – present
- Jason Mitchell Outdoors Podcast Guest Appearances, 2023
- Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation Board of Directors, 2023 - present
- Lund/Mercury/Hayward Power Sports Pro Staff
- Humminbird/MinnKota Pro Staff
- Rassat Outdoor Group Pro Staff
- Rapala/VMC Pro Staff
- 13 Fishing Pro Staff
- Bait Rigs Pro Staff
- Seaguar Pro Staff
