The Rookie Year

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know the outdoors has always been a huge part of my life. Filming waterfowl hunts and other outdoor adventures is what I’ve been doing for ten years, but this past year something clicked. I realized that I needed to change how I run my business in order to be the family man I want to be.

After a lot of thought, I decided it was time to scale back on the time-consuming process of producing YouTube hunting videos and find new ways to earn a living that still let me do what I love while giving me more time at home. That’s exactly what led me to start guiding fishing trips.

How It All Started

The idea had been sitting in the back of my mind since February, when I took a friend crappie fishing and he planted the seed that I should start guiding. I’ve spent countless hours on the water chasing crappie, walleye, wipers, and white bass, learning how they move, feed, and react throughout the year. Friends and family were always asking to tag along, and I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and watching others experience the success of a good day on the water.

Eventually, I decided to take the leap. I got everything lined up, new gear, upgraded a few things on the boat, purchased proper insurance, and opened up shop this past spring. It was one of those moments where you stop wondering “what if” and finally just go for it.

A huge part of getting things off the ground was thanks to Hunter Runge from Whiskey Sloughs. He helped me build ads, learn the booking process, and get those first few trips on the calendar. Without his help, I would’ve had a much harder time getting started.

Why I Started Guiding

For me, guiding isn’t about putting people on fish just for the photo. It’s about giving folks a full experience;  learning, laughing, and making memories on the water. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching someone catch their first walleye or get on a hot crappie bite where the action doesn’t stop. 

When it comes to how I run trips, I focus on keeping them down-to-earth and hassle-free. I want every client to feel like they’re getting exactly what they signed up for. I pride myself on being on time, organized, and ready to fish. When you hop in the boat, rods are rigged, the cooler’s stocked, and I’ve already located fish. I’m the kind of person who’s either all-in or not at all and that holds true for guiding.

Looking Back on This Year’s Trips

This first season as a guide has been awesome. I’ve had calm, glassy mornings when the crappie were stacked up, and windy afternoons chasing schooling wipers blowing bait across the surface. Every trip has been a little different, and that’s what makes it exciting.

I’ve had some great groups of clients in the boat this year, and my favorite part is when everything comes together and we start putting fish in the boat. Watching clients apply what I’ve taught them and seeing it work fires me up every single time. I’ll admit it: every hookset still gets me just as excited as they are.

I can also say with 100% certainty that I’ve become a better angler because of guiding. It pushes you to think ahead, adapt to changing conditions, and stay dialed in no matter what the day brings. But guiding is more than just fishing, it's about being personable, friendly, an educator, and above all, a good host.

How My Past Experience Helps Me Guide Better

Before I started guiding, I spent years filming and creating outdoor content through my Outdoor Limits YouTube channel. That work taught me a lot not just about storytelling, but about patience, attention to detail, and making the most out of every situation.

Those same lessons apply on the water. When you’re guiding, you’re constantly reading conditions, making small adjustments, and creating the best experience possible. My background in producing hunting and fishing videos also helps me connect with people by explaining the why behind what we’re doing, not just the how.

Another part of my past that shows up every time I take clients out is my experience working with kids and adults. During college, I spent four summers working at a summer camp, and later, I worked for a county parks and rec department running outdoor education programs and team-building courses.

Let me tell you, fishing with a dozen third graders teaches you a lot about patience, communication, and problem-solving! Guiding is more than catching fish. It’s about creating an unforgettable experience, teaching new skills, and managing everything that happens along the way from boat setup to keeping the energy positive when the bite slows down.

Looking Ahead

Guiding fishing trips has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s given me a new way to share what I love, meet incredible people, and spend more time outdoors all while giving me the family time I’ve been looking for.

As I look ahead to next spring in Nebraska, I’m excited to keep growing as a guide and angler, explore new waters, and continue giving clients the kind of fishing trips they’ll never forget. I’ll be offering 3-day all-inclusive fishing trips as well as day trips out of Kearney, Nebraska.

This is just the start of something I’ve truly fallen in love with, something I’m proud of and passionate about. I never thought I’d enjoy guiding as much as I do, but I was totally wrong. It’s more rewarding than I ever imagined.