A Guide For the Youth

A Little Something Me

My dad was the reason I got into fishing and hunting. He would always take me with him when I was a kid. When I got old enough, I would take my bike, grab my poles, and go fishing by myself at a local lake for hours. 

What keeps me coming back, what keeps me doing what I do, is the fact that I get to be outdoors and immerse myself in nature, all while doing something that I love. There’s definitely worse places to work each day, so I consider myself lucky. I love fishing so much that I started my own fishing guide service here in Wisconsin Rapids, Keep It Reelin Guide Service. 

I pride myself on providing anglers who book with me thrilling and memorable fishing excursions. I also encourage you to bring your whole family along with you. I believe that it’s good to introduce your kids and grandkids to nature and all the fun things they can do outdoors. Fishing with kids can be very fulfilling and rewarding.

Getting the Youth Involved

As I’ve mentioned, I wholeheartedly promote getting kids involved with fishing and being out in nature. I have shown support and have included myself (and continue to do so) in cases and events that get our youth outdoors. 

Some of my favorite guide experiences I’ve provided are when I take along kids who have won a trip that was donated. Those donated trips are constantly supplied so young people take interest or continue to take interest in fishing and hunting. I love seeing their smiles when they catch fish. I consider those beast trips. 

Since I learned fishing from an early age thanks to my dad, I find myself wanting to give back and impart some of my knowledge to the youth. Fishing isn’t only a hobby or sport, but it’s also a way to connect with nature, learn about our environmental resources, explore our localities and appreciate their beauty, learn more about ourselves, and it’s even a way to improve our health and well-being. Surely there are tons of other benefits, but if I can get people fishing from an early age, then I think I’d be satisfied with what I’ve spent time doing in my career.

What I Like To Fish For, My Favorite Places, and Techniques I Use

Living in Wisconsin for years has given me the chance to explore waterways such as Wazeecha Lake in the Wood and Portage Counties, and the Wisconsin River, a tributary of the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien. All that time navigating those beautiful bodies of water has now let me know them like the back of my hand. They are really fun places to fish because you’ll find an abundance of diverse targets, and the views don’t hurt to look at either.

I love fishing for fish that can be caught any time of the year. So you would usually see me chasing walleye, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, and perch species. All of these fish have their own respective peak seasons that may see you more bites, but what I like about them is it’s still possible to catch them whenever. 

When you book with my guide service, expect to target a range of fish that can either end up on your table or give you a good fight. We will mostly hunt for fish like bluegill, walleye, and northern pike as well as species of panfish and catfish. 

When I fish, my techniques allow me to cover as much water as I can. So I use Rippin’ Raps and blade baits, which are also great for current-oriented fish like the ones I like to catch. To make sure I feel the fish when they take to my lure or bait, I like using medium light extra fast action rods or medium fast action rods which are great at detecting small or subtle bites.

A Fishing Charter for All Seasons

Wisconsin’s generous waters make it the perfect place for fishing anytime of the year. With my years of fishing and guiding experience, and my familiarity with the local waters, I’ll make sure you’ll have your coolers filled to the brim with your catches at the end of our excursions!

As I’ve said before, fishing can and should be done with the whole family. So bring your kids and grandkids along! It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or already know your way around a pole, I’m here to make sure you have a good time while you’re casting your line and anticipating a bite. I want to be able to share my guidance, insight, and passion for fishing with everyone so that they can feel the thrill and success it brings.

Whichever season you choose to book with Keepin It Reelin Guide Service, you’ll come home having experienced a thrilling and memorable fishing adventure. In the winter, we’ll go ice fishing for walleye, bluegill, northern pike, and crappie. While I set up everything we’ll need, a warm and cozy portable ice shack will be at your disposal. My best catch came from a recent ice fishing trip I did in December 2021. I was out jigging when I felt something big hit ⁠— a 29-inch, fat walleye! For me, it was definitely a catch of a lifetime.

The fall season also provides excellent catches. A memorable fall fishing trip was last October, when we landed a 36-inch pike that kept escaping us (around four times) in a span of a couple of years. It feels good now that we’ve caught the sucker. Don’t let anyone tell you that fishing isn’t fulfilling!

If the summer season is more your speed, let’s take the boat out to one of Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes and catch the same species in open water. All booked charters come with the necessary fishing gear, equipment, and shelter. Don’t forget to bring food and beverages to keep yourself energized during our trip!

If you want to know more about me, Ryan Hahn, and Keepin It Reelin Guide Service, check out our website and Facebook page. You can find videos I’ve uploaded and some informational posts that can help you next time you’re fishing in Wisconsin. You can also be notified of announcements, including about the walleye fishing tournaments we hold. Hope to see you out in the water!