From Childhood Beginnings
"My dad used to take me fishing in a small John boat on a local inland lake back in Michigan where I grew up. He actually borrowed the boat from a friend of his that lived on the lake and we fished for panfish with a bobber. Then, as I grew older and my dad got into fishing more, he purchased our family’s first boat. I remember it like it was yesterday – I was in an ugly brown flat-bottom boat that took on a lot of water when we hit waves. Then we upgraded to a Bayliner bass boat and boy, did we think we were cool. I was hooked on fishing from the first time my father took me."
Evolving with Family and Adventure
Growing up in Michigan meant that inland lakes were our playground. As a teen, I cut my teeth by driving my red Camaro around to small local ponds, catching bass from the shore. Later, when I had kids, I bought a John boat to take them fishing, eventually upgrading to a bass boat so we could even compete in bass tournaments together.
In 2006, my father took me to the BassCat open bass tournament in Arkansas. We spent a week fishing on Norfork Lake, catching just three fish, and I remember telling my dad, "We don’t ever need to come back here." I was 30 at the time, having just gone into business with my father in the independent insurance field. But two years later, my dad convinced me to return to the tournament. That’s when everything changed – we finally caught a few fish and, most importantly, made some local friends that have shaped my journey ever since.
By 2009, even though my dad was busy with the business, I returned to Arkansas on my own to fish the tournament once again. This time, I was guided by a local friend I’d met in 2008. He showed me the ins and outs of Norfork Lake, and from that year forward, I came back every year.
New Beginnings and Guiding on Norfork Lake
In 2020, I decided to semi-retire early after purchasing the business from my father—a business I had been a part of since 1997. I initially planned to work for BassCat Boats, but COVID hit and travel plans fell apart. After about three weeks in a desk job, I advised Rick Pierce, the owner of BCB at the time, that I needed a change. I couldn’t go back to that routine, so I decided to start a guide business on Norfork Lake.
I originally started guiding for bass, but most clients wanted to catch striper. I had to quickly learn a new target, and soon enough, I was specifically chasing striper on Norfork Lake. My favorite technique is vertical jigging using forward-facing sonar with Garmin LiveScope, paired with a 3” split-tail artificial fluke and jig head. The pinnacle of my fishing experiences came recently when I landed a 46” 43 lb mega giant striper. With the lake record sitting at 52 inches and an AGAF plant churning out 153,000 baitfish per year, I firmly believe that record is meant to be broken.
Words of Wisdom
The best advice I can offer is simple: "Don’t overthink it. Just do the simple little things and do what you have confidence in, regardless of what others are doing. Fish your strengths."
Choosing the Right Gear
I chose Windrider for two key reasons: warmth and flotation. As a guide, I was really concerned about the possibility of falling in the lake—either while fishing alone or with clients—and not being able to get back to the boat quickly. The flotation suit I use is hands down the warmest vest and jacket I have ever worn, and it gives me the confidence to work in cold weather conditions while guiding on the lake.
Beyond Fishing
When I'm not on the water, I love spending time with my wife—golfing, playing with our dog Cooper, woodworking (especially making furniture out of cedar), and landscaping the yard.
Stay Connected
Follow along on my journey and learn more about Norfork Lake fishing:
- Website: norforkbayoufishing.com
- YouTube: NORFORKBAYOUFISHING
- Facebook: Facebook Page
Whether you're reminiscing about your childhood fishing trips or embarking on new adventures, remember that sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. Cast your line, trust your instincts, and enjoy every moment on the water.