River Wanderer Outdoors – What a fishing experience should be

I created River Wanderer Outdoors to reflect my own values and passion for fishing and the outdoors. I believe deeply that humans are not separate from nature, but part of it. As a species we have created wonders, but we cannot simply separate ourselves in manicured suburbs and paved cities. To truly experience life we need to experience the fullness of world that we live in. Everything I do supports that purpose.

Mission

River Wanderer Outdoors provides a premier fishing and sightseeing experience that connects people with the outdoors and each other. This experience inspires a passion for friends, family, and the environment that can, and should be passed on through generations.

What Makes River Wanderer Outdoors Unique?

A truly memorable experience doesn’t just result in fish on the table, but generates positive memories that can be enjoyed for a long time. What this means is that everything, from the equipment I use to how I interact with clients is intended to support that goal. The evidence is in the reviews and feedback from my clients.

Professionalism

This is the true divider between someone who is a fishing guide and someone who takes people fishing. It is my responsibility to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone on board my boat. This means that beginners and experienced anglers will be treated with respect. People of all walks of life are welcome on board, even if they don’t consider themselves to be the “type of person” that fishes. I use child appropriate language at all times, even when fish are lost or equipment is broken. I do everything I can to make sure the boat is clean and ready for you when you arrive. I maintain my gear and make sure it is appropriate for the day’s trip.

Trips are yours, not mine

All fishing guides have their priorities. Those priorities generally center around being the best at catching fish. For some, it a mark of pride (especially during the fall seasons) to get back to the dock as early as possible with a boat limit. We are a competitive bunch after all. It’s how we get better at catching fish.

With that said, the trip isn’t about me, it’s about you. My top priority is making sure that you have an experience that you want to come back to. If we catch our limits early and you want to spend some time doing a historic or nature tour of the waters near where we just fished, I’m up for that. Sometimes the goal is to get a loved one on their first fish, seeing that look on their face is part of what I live for. Others want to do their best to have as much fish as possible to share. I will do my darndest to make that happen too.

Family (including elders and kids) friendly

As a dad, I know how important it is to have those moments together as a family. Fishing is a way to strengthen family bonds and build memories that you can share forever. Creating an environment where this can happen goes beyond just using appropriate language.

For Kids

I carry kid sized safety equipment and comfort items like kid-sized life jackets along with ginger gum and lozenges to prevent sea sickness, and blankets to help keep people from being cold. I check my manifest before each trip to make sure that I have the right materials on board. I also engage directly with kids. This means helping them reel in big fish, reassuring them if they’re nervous, or helping to teach them about fishing. Sadie, my boat dog, is also trained to work with children and will serve as both a playtime companion and comfort animal if needed. Every kid is different and has different needs. As a licensed foster parent my background check includes not only criminal records, but a national search for child abuse records as well.

For Elders

Fishing with my grandfather and my dad have been some of the most precious experiences of my life. From the host of “kid fish pictures” on their walls, it seems like they enjoyed it too. Making that opportunity available is personal for me. This means being intentional about the experience and not just making assumptions. During booking I ask about mobility issues. I also check once we’re on the boat. If someone has a sore back I do my best to try to pick a route that has smoother water. If help is needed reeling in a big fish, I’m there. You will also never hear me complain about someone reeling in a fish while sitting down. I’ll do my best to maneuver the boat to provide the best chance of getting the fish in. With that said, there are plenty of elders out there that are in shape for an adventure. One of the most important things that I do though is to just get out of the way. Your time on the water together is yours.

Safety is necessary to have fun

I spend a lot of time on safety. Well before every trip’s safety briefing, I watch tides and weather so that I can adjust fishing plans and have up front discussions with my clients on what to expect. I invest in high quality safety equipment. This means life jackets, first aid kit, radio, fire extinguishers, and the training to use them. I meticulously maintain motors and other equipment to make sure that everything works when and if we need it. Most importantly though, I operate the boat in a way that avoids unnecessary risk. If it’s going to be dangerous we don’t go. If it gets dangerous, we leave. Whenever possible I have a backup plan in case something doesn’t work out.

Local expertise is a commitment

I spend massive amounts of time building my expertise. Whether that’s doing research, talking to other people, or just getting out and fishing on my own. I focus nearly exclusively on the lower Columbia River and Pacific Ocean near Astoria. This means learning when and where the fish will be. It also means spending days on the water on my own trying new locations and techniques, even if they don’t catch fish. This is experience you can’t get any other way.

In addition to the fishing, I also pride myself in knowing the history, biology, and ecology of our area. I enjoy sharing what I know in order to create a more full and rich experience. The Astoria area is home to a complex interplay between history, biology, economics, and geography and I love sharing it all.

Quality Equipment

Before I use a piece or brand of equipment on board for my clients, I use it myself. For Salmon fishing that means Talon rods and Daiwa Lexa 300 Line Counter reels with 65lb braid. Bottom Fishing gear is a bit more mixed between Daiwa Beef Stick and Lamiglas Battle Glass rods. If a piece of equipment starts to fail or breaks I carry a backup. The point of the equipment is to support a good time and that’s what I do. My professional partnerships with tackle and equipment brands are based on my own use of their products before the partnership starts. I do not use gear just because it was given to me, I test it out myself before I use anything for my clients.