Oct 11

My dearest friend Robert.

Still can’t believe you left us much too early. One day we were talking and fishing and the next day you were gone.

I know everybody has to leave this earth eventually, but my heart is still shattered into a million pieces. We had so many places to fish and so many fish to catch yet.

Even though I never knew you all my life, I’ll never forget the bond we formed from the very day we met at Wholesale Sports in Edmonton. It was like we were brothers, cut from the same cloth! We love the same music and food and we both had a huge passion for fishing. I will never forget all the memories we created with you and your son on the river, laughing and fishing and eating amazing food. From the three day camp trips, to the one day adventures. My heart absolutely breaks for your daughter, your son, and your wife and all the other people who loved you dearly.

You left a huge mark on the fishing industry here in Alberta, with your love of tying flies and fly fishing, to chucking crankbaits with me in the jet boat. Many people loved you and turned to you for advice in the fishing community, and you helped them all with an open heart and a deep, caring passion.

Not many I’ve ever met had the fire burning for fishing like you did!

I wish I could pick up my phone and call you to catch up, to laugh once more or to plan another epic fishing adventure with you. I wish we could get in the truck, crank the Judas Priest and reminisce about all the concerts we saw. I wish I could have said goodbye, even though I never knew it was your time to go. I wish I could have told you “I love ya bro” once more, even though I know you knew that wholeheartedly. I wish I could hear you yell, “HOLY” as you caught another monsta trout. I wish you were here, even though I know heaven is a “better place”.

I hope you save me a spot on the bank up there, or a place in a boat, so when I get there, we can fish together again like the “good ol’ days”. I hope you watch out for us all, and guide us, and help us into the next fish, like you always did when you were here. I hope there was no pain, and God took you softly, gently into his loving arms.

I know you are with God, as you are/were a good Christian man. I pray for your family, that they may get through this very difficult time. I pray for your safe passage to the other side.

With love,

~Mike.

Sep 09

The Reset Ritual With Reggie Begelton

It’s always an honor and pleasure to guide and fish with my friend, and Calgary Stampeder, Mr. Reggie Begelton. In early August, Reggie had asked me if we could create some content for the CFL. While on a bye-week, which means the club has no football games that week, we awoke early and met the two camera guys, who work for the CFL, here in Calgary.

After meeting up, we headed out to the mountains to shoot the video and spend the day at the lake. The video has just recently been released, so I can now share it with all my readers. I really appreciate Reggie including me in this fantastic trip. Special thanks to the CFL for the great day!

Thank you,

~Mike

Aug 01

Rain Rain go away!

It’s been a challenging early August here on the Bow River with all Rivers Running chocolate milk in color.

I went down to check the Highwood River and it’s extremely dirty and high, making the lower Bow River virtually unfishable. One may catch the odd trout, but the chances are very low.

According to news reports, this is the fifth rainiest season on record, making conditions on the Bow River far from ideal.

Hoping things will clean up soon, so we can get back on the river and back to the trout we love.

~Mike

Jul 20

Respecting Time: Why Last Minute Cancellations Hurt Small Businesses!

Often, people don’t own boats and would like to hire fishing guides out on a local river or lake. You may be traveling and would like to fish while you are on holidays! Hiring a fishing guide can teach you a lot about a local waterbody, while catching fish along your day’s journey! As a small business, I appreciate every person who uses my services, whether they are local, or from out of province/country.

Some fishing guides either make a part time living, or a full time living offering these services. It is either their primary means of supporting themselves, or like me, it subsidizes my income. Guides normally have a boat, all the gear to provide you for the day, gas for the boat, trucks to pull the boat, lunches if that is provided, and on and on it goes.

There is a lot of planning that goes into every trip which includes shopping for lunches, making lunches, checking and maintaining gear, spooling reels with new line, organizing tackle boxes, making trips to and from local tackle shops, boat maintenance are some examples. There is a great deal of work and time that goes into every trip!

As a business owner, I take customer service very seriously! I set myself apart from any competition. I answer your emails and calls promptly and get back to you quickly. After all, “I’m not the only guide in town”. After we arrange your trip, that YOU booked, you cancel on short notice, or no notice at all. Thanks for wasting my time.

Years ago, a regular client booked a trip with me. I made lunch, went to the local tackle shop and bought 100.00 worth of lures, gassed up the truck, woke up early, showed up to the boat launch and the client never showed up. After many phone calls, and several text messages that morning, I stood there in disbelief! That guy was never welcome back in my boat again, and justifiably so!
Many guides make this their full time living! Its not just a little side hustle, it’s their way of life. It’s their job!

So, what’s your point Mike?

The point is, I was counting on that money to pay my mortgage, to buy food for the week to feed myself and my child. It was money that was going towards the light bill, the internet connection so I could keep my business running. It was going to put gas in the truck so I could make appointments for the week. And now, none of that will happen!

I urge you, please think about the guide before you cancel on short notice. I understand, things do happen in life, and I will reschedule with you when those things do arise. Please be mindful that the funds you are paying the guide for your trip is oftentimes used to pay bills. When you cancel, those bills don’t get paid. Please be aware that when you cancel on short notice, I could have put another client in your place and made money to cover my bills.

Please see my new cancellation policy here

Thank you for reading and I hope this post brings awareness on this topic.

~Mike