Meet JD

I’ve been guiding full time since 1998 and in that time, I’ve done it all: Salmon from Sacramento to Alaska; Striped Bass and Sturgeon on the California Delta; Steelhead on California’s North Coast —I have even guided trips for Northern Pike, Halibut and Bass!

Now, I spend the bulk of my guiding season on Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and Alaska.

I get the biggest kick out of helping people — especially kids — catch fish and my pledge to you is that you’ll always have a good time on board with me!

Professional Credentials

I have been a licensed US Coast Guard Captain for 20+ years and also hold a Master Guide License in Nevada, California and Alaska. I’m First Aid & CPR certified and 100 percent drug free (always have been, always will!). I was inducted into the California Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2024.

Personal

My wife Tamara (who you may have spoken with on the phone) and I have been happily married since 1997 and have a great son, Cooper who’s now in High School. In my “spare time,” I coach kids baseball, play on an adult hardball team of my own, and write fishing articles (what else?) for several national magazines and regional newspapers. I’ve even written several books on fishing.

I also am very into the conservation end of fishing and served nearly 6 years as VP of the Nor-Cal Guides & Sportsmens Association, which fights for fish habitat and restoration in California.

And oh yeah, I even get to go fishing for myself once in a while too!