My Why
I embarked on my fishing journey at the tender age of three, my grandfather would take me, my brother, and my cousin Tyler fishing. My early years were spent in Southern California, where I pursued brown trout in the serene waters of Bishop Reservoir. This passion soon expanded to a local pond teeming with largemouth bass and panfish. A significant move in my childhood took us to Wyoming, a place where I quickly became enamored with its sprawling natural landscapes, rivers, reservoirs, and the vast openness that defines the state. Here, I would often ride my bike for miles to fish at a nearby pond or along the Bear River, spending entire days from dawn until dusk, often with my mother's support, casting lines with nothing but a bobber and nightcrawler to catch the fish of my dreams.
My first ice fishing experience was at Sulfur Creek Reservoir, igniting a new passion within me. Throughout my teenage years, my life revolved around football, wrestling, and embracing the great outdoors through fishing and hunting during the off-seasons. Post-graduation, I was fortunate to earn a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Utah, where the summer breaks were filled with fishing adventures at Rockport, Echo, and various other nearby reservoirs. It was at Rockport Reservoir where I landed my first smallmouth bass and perch, sparking a journey that would take me through all the waters from there to Morgan, seizing every opportunity to fish.
Transitioning to Weber State University marked a new chapter in my fishing life, one where I discovered the thrill of tiger muskie fishing at Pineview Reservoir. My significant catch in 2006, a tiger muskie on a 5’6” ultra-light rod with 6 lb test line, marked the beginning of an enduring passion. Fast forward to 2024, I am profoundly grateful to be among the few to have caught a 50”+ tiger muskie, an accomplishment made even more special as it was achieved alongside my two greatest treasures, my children. My life is a testament to the joy and bonding that fishing can bring, encapsulated in the love for family, friends, the great outdoors, and the relentless pursuit of the catch.
What makes me tick...
I revel in the pursuit—the hunt, the chase, the unwavering determination—and, above all, the sweet taste of success. Bill Dance once wisely remarked, “To be the best angler, one must fish with the best fishermen.” I have been incredibly fortunate to cast lines and glean wisdom from the finest anglers across Utah. For many, fishing may simply be a pastime, but for me, it's a profound way of life. I embody it, breathe it in; it defines my essence and completes me. When I'm surrounded by the tranquil embrace of water, the burdens of the world melt away. In those moments, nothing else matters—your background, skin color, beliefs, or past missteps fade into irrelevance. It's about merging with nature, savoring the peace it offers. I find myself in a state of blissful freedom, a happiness I eagerly share with those dear to me and anyone who shares this deep connection.
The Push...
A few years back, I was presented with a profoundly touching opportunity: to fulfill a dying man's final wish—to fish once more. It was not only an honor to bring this dream to fruition but also a deeply moving experience to witness the joy it brought him, his radiant smile a testament to the moment's significance. Sadly, he passed away shortly thereafter. However, the privilege of sharing this moment with him, his family, and my children profoundly impacted me. It inspired a heartfelt commitment to create similarly meaningful memories for others, reinforcing the power of compassion and shared experiences in our lives.
