That’s a wrap for 2018
As the cold winter chill hits the air and snow falls out my window, I awoke today to reflect on a wonderful 2018 open water sport fishing season here in Alberta. Once again, I had visitors from all over Canada, as well as the United States. My guided fishing trips business has grown into something I had never dreamed of, attracting visitors from all over the world into my jet boat and onto the mighty Bow River. The feelings of gratefulness and honor wash over me as I sit at my table and type this Blog post.
I remember when I first had the thought about becoming a guide on the Bow River. In those days, fear and insecurity took over my thoughts and actions, and doubt constantly filled my mind. After all, no one goes into business to fail! It is one thing to catch your own fish, but it’s a total different ball game when people pay good money for you to help them catch theirs, and you fail. The internal pressure in my mind kept my guided fishing trip shop closed. It was like putting your shirt on backwards, it didn’t feel right, so I kept fishing the Bow and learning all I could, unlocking secrets along the journey. After several years, something magical happened as I poured my heart and soul into each and every fish, and eventually, I built my business and they came.
I dedicate this post to the anglers who believe in me and trust me to be their guide, sometimes year after year. I would also love to thank the anglers I have never guided before that took fishing trips with me this season; it was my honor and pleasure to meet each and every one of you. I sincerely hope to see you all back in 2019.
Cheers,
~Mike
Here are some pictures of our catches in the 2018 calendar year as well as a list of gear and tackle we used to catch our quarry.
1. Rapala Walleye series rod’s (6’6 Medium action Spinning)
2. Berkley Trilene XT (8Lb Low Vis Green Mono)
3. Pflueger President 6940 Spinning Reels
4. Ego S2 Slider Nets
5. Eagle Claw Hooks (Size 6 and size 4)
6. Rapala Countdown Series Baits (CD-9)
7. Rapala X-Rap Series Baits (XR-10)
8. Rapala BX Jointed Series Baits (BXJ)
9. Rapala Shadow Rap Shad Series Baits (SRS-09)
10. Live Target Smelts
11. Live Target Trout Parr Jerkbait
12. Berkley Juke
13. Explorer Industries Jet Boat
14. Berkley Series One Spinning Rods
