A River Guide Captain Jason Gaurkee

"Jason Gaurkee's lifelong passion for fishing ignited an ongoing quest to learn how to target virtually every inland and Great Lakes species found in Wisconsin. I've been in a boat with Jason and on the ice several times. Want to catch more fish?  Bigger fish? Different species? My money's on Jason. Ask me for a photo... or ten". 

Dick Ellis (ellis@onwisconsinoutdoors.com)

My first encounter with river fishing guide, Jason Gaurke, took place in May of 2005, after a friend told me of the experience he had fishing for Smallmouth bass the previous year with Jason.

Seeing photos of the quality smallmouth’s that were caught, including a number over 20 inches, and one over 21 inches, convinced me to book a trip with Jason.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I would ever make!

On the morning of our first trip, Jason arrived right on time; both he and his boat were very well prepared and organized.

He was very courteous and showed much concern with our safety and comfort.

A very good first impression!...and you know what they say about first impressions!

He had all the gear and bait we would need for the day.

My fishing partner and I, as always, brought way too much tackle and gear, so after consolidating our equipment, we headed to the river to start what would be the best two days of smallmouth fishing I have had to date.

Jason’s knowledge of the river, smallmouth migration patterns, their preferred habitat and food sources, provided us with consistent action, we landed many trophy smallmouth.

 I myself caught three over 20 inches and my personal best, a 22 inch beauty.

I had previously believed that this kind of smallmouth fishing was only available on “Big” waters, such as Door County, Chequamegon Bay, or Bay du Noc.

Unfortunately, when fishing these “Big” waters, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Wind and waves can severely limit where and how we can fish these areas.

Fortunately, this is not the case on most of the rivers that Jason guides on.

Due to some family illness, I was not able to fish with Jason again until May of 2009, when we again fished for smallies on the same stretch of river that we had in 2005.

This trip turned out exceeding my first trip beyond all expectations!

Jason’s skill at finding fish, combined with perfect timing and weather, provided us with a 45 fish day, and a 27 fish day, again landing a number of bass over 20 inches, and another personal best for me, a 22.75 inch, 6.75lb trophy.

(All fish were photographed and released)

As far as I was concerned ...this was fishing heaven!

Days like these are dreamed of! And I was lucky enough to have two such trips!

I have since been out with Jason, on a trophy cat fishing adventure, landing a monster 27lb flathead, and a 19lb channel cat, again, a very exciting and enjoyable experience.

I am also looking forward to fishing with Jason again this fall, for muskies, which given my past experiences with him, should prove to be quite an adventure.

Now that I know about the excellent fishing opportunities we have right here in this state, I have no reason to go anywhere else.

Save money, time, and the hassles of traveling to another country.

Book a trip with Jason Gaurke.

The cost of six 2 day trips will cost you much less than a one week Canadian trip.

Jason is a great guy, an excellent fisherman, and a Phenomenal Phishing Guide!

 

I would also like to consider him a friend for life.

 

Dave Sadowski

Dave Sadowski, Milwaukee Wisconsin

"I’ve booked many guides. Jason has been my best experience yet. His personality, knowledge, and up beat approach is appreciated. I learned more from him in a day than I have in years of watching shows, reading articles. He’s definitely one of the best".

Milt K, Green Bay, WI

On April Fool's Day myself and a couple of buddies were lucky enough to be fishing with guide Jason Gaurkee on the Peshtigo River and were treated to one of the best days of fishing that we had seen in many years ! Jason was worried about only catching 27 walleye ! We were having a ball ! Out of the 27 fish caught, 21 of the walleye were over 25" ! We also saw sturgeon, northerns & loads of suckers in the river. We'll be doing this again. I can't wait for the catfish to start up to learn a few of Jason's tricks !

 

Darrell Thoma, Oshkosh, WI

 "After a very long and demanding career in the military I wanted to treat
myself to some fishing action in my new state of Wisconsin.  Not knowing
where to go I turned to an extensive list of guides from the internet,
fishing clubs, and sportsman's shows. The task was not easy until I found
Jason.  I had originally only wanted to book a smallmouth trip but after
hearing the excitement in his voice and feeling the confidence of his
abilities we chose to add a spring walleye trip to the package.  What a
decision that was!  My wife came along and just thought she'd catch a couple
of fish and call it a day. That was not to be.  She smoked me the entire day
with not only more fish but the largest of the day at 29.5 inches.  We had
one a double with two 28" fish and five doubles for the day.  Jason's
attention to detail kept us on the fish while all the boats near us were
struggling to get a hookup.  There wasn't a time during the entire trip that
the fish weren't there.  As promised he not only put us into numbers of fish
but the size was there as well.  50+ fish with the smallest at 22" and the
largest at 29.5 and my personal best of 28.5.  Not only am I very happy
about the outcome but I have a new fishing partner as my wife is ready to go
again!  We are now counting the days for our Smallmouth trip and are mulling
over a Catfish and Muskie trip! You just can't go wrong with Jason, his
knowledge and expertise on the water will make you a better fisherman.
You're not just a client when you are on the water with him and that is the
key."

Dan and Mary Juday, Fort Atkinson, WI

Anyway, I'll have more to say later, but that was the best day of freshwater fishing Colby and I have ever had.  Will definitely be looking at the schedule for April, and, if okay with you, will also spread the word about what a terrific job you do.

Jeff Lang, Springfield, Ill

"I have been an avid fisherman for 15 years and have used a number of guides during that time.  In the last year, I been out 3 times on rivers with Jason Gaurkee.  During those trips, I have caught my largest walleye and 2 of my 3 largest smallmouth bass.  Jason is an excellent guide for both numbers and size and I would recommend him to anyone who enjoys fishing.  He is willing to share his fishing tips and I have used them successfully on my own.  For walleye, smallies and catfish on the rivers in Wisconsin, I believe there is no better."

 Robert B. Geenen Jr. 

Director

Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.

"Wanted to thank you for the best Walleye fishing trip I have ever had in my life.If the weather would have cooperated, I know we would have caught over a hundred fish that day.Thanks again for a truly memorable experience. I would recommend your services to anyone interested. You truly did a fantastic job! See ya this fall. You made a beleiver out of me and my two fishing partners."
Thanks Again.
Patrick S. Lewandowski