Nice to meet you!
My Fishing Buddies Call
Me J.T. "THE FISHIN' MAGICIAN"

Fishing has been my passion for more than 50 years. I have competed at the highest levels and traveled across the country and into Canada pursuing many different species, but I have always been drawn back to my home water, Geneva Lake. It is here that I found my true calling as both a fishing guide and an educator of anglers.

I love guiding because there is a big difference between being a great fisherman and being a great guide. A good guide is not only skilled on the water, but also knows how to connect with people, share knowledge, and help every person who steps into the boat feel welcome and confident. That means teaching techniques, sharing experience, and yes, even giving up a few secret spots with a smile.

Not every day on the water is easy. Some days you have to work hard for every fish, and Geneva Lake can humble even the most seasoned anglers. But that challenge is part of what makes the experience so rewarding. I am proud to be one of the senior guides on the lake, and for the past 40 years I have been sharing my time on the water with others.

I was introduced to fishing at a very young age by my grandpa in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In my teens, I got my first guiding opportunity along the shores and tributaries of Lake Michigan in the Kenosha area, where I grew up. I spent countless hours fishing the harbors and rivers with my buddies, and we became very good at finding fish. A friend who owned a bait shop in Kenosha offered me a position helping fishermen target and catch trout and salmon from shore and in the rivers.

Over time, I built a strong reputation for knowing where the fish were and how to catch them. I was also fortunate to learn from some incredible mentors who introduced me to inland lakes and rivers throughout Wisconsin, including Geneva Lake. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my career as a multi-species fishing guide.

When I was very young, I was given the nickname “The Fishin’ Magician,” and while most magicians never reveal their best tricks, I do things a little differently. My goal is to share the knowledge, tips, and techniques I have learned over a lifetime of fishing with everyone who spends time on the water with me.

I am an open book in the boat and always willing to teach the tricks, techniques, and patterns that help put more fish in the boat. Not every trip will produce the biggest fish or the most fish, but I promise you will have a great time and leave with something valuable, whether that is new knowledge, greater confidence, lasting memories, or simply a smile on your face.

Over the years, I have shared the water with thousands of people and helped many of them catch more fish than they ever thought possible, including personal bests they will never forget. As a multi-species guide, I work hard to help you target the fish you want to catch and make the most of your time on the water.

I have spent most of my life fishing the lakes of southeastern Wisconsin, but today I focus my guiding on two special lakes: Delavan Lake and Geneva Lake, my home water. I am proud to call Williams Bay home, and my goal for every trip is simple: to enjoy time together on this beautiful lake, catch fish, gain knowledge, and have fun doing it.

Step into my boat as a client, and leave as a friend with a big smile on your face.