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. I follow some key principles with all of 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.

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.