I’m always up for a challenge. Not to say that I wouldn’t like things to go smoothly and easily, but when it comes down to it, I try to rise to the occasion and take on the challenges that come my way head-on. As a busy fishing guide, there are plenty of challenges. Let’s be clear, though–we’re talking about challenges that are nothing when compared to some of the life’s challenges that many people face on a daily basis. My challenges are putting deserving customers on fish, dealing with wind, dealing with heavy seas at times, dealing with boat issues. Again, these are nothing when compared to the true challenges in life. Continue reading
Tag Archives: thoughts
Trout fishing on the Madison
While out in Bozeman, Montana, for the Simms Ice Out Guide Event, I was lucky enough to get to fish on the upper Madison River just outside of Ennis, Montana. This is a river that I’ve never fished prior to this trip, but it’s one that I’ve read a lot about. It was a real treat to wet a fly line on this storied river. Continue reading
Dress for success
I had a customer a few years back that came up to fish with me during a real cold spell early in the smallmouth season. It was early May, and the water temps were perfect for big pre-spawn females. Sadly, a nasty cold front dropped in just prior to this particular customer’s visit. In early May, this isn’t uncommon, and I really tried to stress how important it was to dress in layers. “Bring some fleece to layer up with,” I kept repeating. Continue reading
Trout Opener
Nothing marks the kickoff of the new trout season, or has anglers around the state more excited about one particular day, than the trout opener. Sure, there are limited waters available all year, but tomorrow’s opener to all waters has anglers drooling. Continue reading
Coffee, customers and bass fishing
An interesting trend the past few years has been the inclusion of coffee scent and/or grounds into soft plastics. Strike King Lure Company first came up with this concept, and there are a couple of theories swirling about how it actually came about. Suffice it to say, however it happened, it’s here, and probably here to stay. Continue reading
Gas Pricing—The frustration
Fuel prices are creeping higher and higher, yet prices are something that we all have to deal with, and running a couple of busy fishing guide businesses means more time at the gas pump than I’d like. Maybe I should have invested in buying an oil company instead of boats! Continue reading
Spring can be awesome and yet frustrating
I absolutely love springtime. Winter is beginning to lose its icy grip, and early blooming flowers are beginning to bud. The air is still chilly, but the promise of spring is unquestionable. Longer days, more sunshine and southerly breezes get me itching to get out on the water. Cabin fever is also hopefully a thing of the past. Continue reading
Introducing My Friends Part 1: Captain Kyle Buck
Whether it’s vertical jigging for walleyes on the Detroit River or running a charter boat out of Muskegon, Captain Kyle does it well. He also fishes the Muskegon River and the White River for salmon and steelhead in the fall and early spring. Continue reading
Hooting and Hollering
One of the most exhilarating and addicting experiences I’ve had the great privilege to be able to live over and over is that of seeing the true joy of my customers catching fish (http://www.traversebass.com/photos). Whether it’s their first fish, their biggest fish, their most fish, it makes no difference. I love the feeling I get when a customer is able to share their fishing experience with me. This is part of what makes my being a guide so rewarding. Continue reading