What to Expect
Whether you have never been on a guided fishing trip, or you are a veteran of booking bass trips, it is important that I set expectations prior to booking. So please read these notes on what you can expect when you book a trip with me.
The sport of fishing comes in a lot of varieties. There are folks that use fishing to anchor a social event, folks that want to fill a cooler for a fish fry back home, and folks that just want to try fishing for something to do at the lake.
Bass fishing purists, such as myself, are a different kind of animal.
These kinds of anglers understand a game of observation, decision making, strategic maneuvering, and skills development that takes many, many years to perfect. We obsess over details, push our bodies and our minds to limits, and sometimes even empty our wallets to be part of this game. It more than just catching fish --it is about mastering an INCREDIBLY difficult game. And there are few rewards so sweet as when you get it right!
I will certainly take anyone that is enthusiastic about going fishing, but there are a few things you should know about fishing with me:
1. We use artificial baits (some exceptions, additional charges apply). Fishing with artificials means a lot of casting, which takes some skill. We will fish with artificial baits using both spinning and baitcasting tackle. If you are not comfortable with baitcasting equipment, please let me know and I will prepare appropriately for your needs.
2. You will be exposed to the elements. Blistering hot, bitter cold, blasting wind... Come mentally prepared to deal with what Mother Nature hands us. Otherwise I will have iced drinks, snacks, and rain suits (size L and XL). If you can take the abuse, we will likely stay out there (safety concerns always present of course), but if you need to take a break, please don't be shy about letting me know that you need a rest. Sometimes I need a break too.
3. I can't guarantee results. I can tell you what conditions are best, and what I think we might catch, but we are playing a game with a fickle, unpredictable, wild animal and you just never know if they are going to find you agreeable or not --this is especially true on trophy hunts. Most of the time, I can tell you pretty accurately whether or not we're going to do any good, but you just never know, so please keep an open mind!
4. I provide the very best in fishing equipment. I want to provide the very best for my clients. This means that sometimes the best equipment for a particular kind of fishing may not be the best for taking abuse from enthusiastic anglers. Ultra-light and sensitive carbon fiber rods don't take a lot of abuse, so if you break or loose some of my gear, we may need to discuss settling out to overcome the replacement cost.
5. I love sharing knowledge with other anglers, and I don't hold many secrets. If you book a trip with me and want to learn, I will do my best to teach you as much as I can while we are on the water --beginner to pros are welcome!
6. Bass boats are small, and there isn't a ton of room. I typically take only one or two people on trips, but sometimes 3 in special cases, such as when younger folks are involved. Also know that you don't need a lot of gear --I provide everything you need. So if you bring a lot of coolers, backpacks, and other stuff, you might find yourself fumbling over it. Just bring yourself and a fishing license.
This is serious bass fishing for those who are serious about fishing and want to learn. That doesn't mean that you have to be experienced to be serious about bass fishing. Some of the more serious anglers I've worked with are just in the beginning stage of their quest to become a better fisherman. So, from beginner to advanced angler, l'm all about working with you in anyway to become better.
My priorities, in order are, safety, you having a good time, and catching fish. When you book a trip with me, I want it to be YOUR day. The better you communicate with me about what you want to do, the better I can cater the day to get the most out of our time. We can casual fish, we can serious fish or tournament prep --If you need a guide, I would be honored to take you out on the water. I welcome all skills levels and look forward to fishing with you!
