2025 — What a year it was for Aaron’s Guide Service!
This was a year of business records smashed, fish goals achieved, and hundreds of fishing dreams that came true. We ended up running 191 guided trips in 2025, with over 600 clients coming aboard the boat and ice. We landed 69 pike over 35" and 16 pike over 40", with our biggest being 45.5". We boated over 700 walleye, thousands of panfish and bass, and even had a 91-fish day this summer. Sounds like all perfect butterflies and rainbows, right?!
Maybe—but it wasn’t without its hardships. What about the day we lost seven rods off the back of the boat? Or the day the truck tire fell off the axle? Or the day the trailer caliper exploded? How about guiding for 41 days straight, running on four hours of sleep for weeks on end? These are the high pros and low cons of the guide world, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The early sunrises each morning at the marina, the endless laughs and great conversations with amazing clients, the shouts of joy and hugs as we landed big fish after big fish. Running one of the largest fishing charters in the Adirondacks isn’t easy, but it sure has its rewards.
In 2025, I spent hundreds and hundreds of hours scanning the bottom of Great Sacandaga Lake. I dove into old records, books, and maps of the past, and in turn learned more this year about the lake than I ever thought I would in a lifetime. By learning about the history of the lake, you suddenly start to understand what the fish see every day underwater and what they use to feed, move, and rest. That was the biggest growth of all for me, in my opinion.
Additionally, last winter I launched full-time ice fishing charters and left a part-time job. I opened the Pike Pro Shop on our website, retailing different pike brands, and also started making my family’s ageless lures and accessories. We added multiple new sponsors to the guide service and ramped up business with existing ones. Some of these include Engel Coolers, KastKing USA, Toothy Tuff Baits, Dardevle by Eppinger, and Chaos Tackle. A massive thank you to Jim’s Bait Shop for always providing top-notch live bait and being available at all times of the day to service our fishing needs. A big thank you to Sport Island Pub and Restaurant for the use of their property. An even bigger thanks to Reets Boatworks & Bayside Marina for their partnership at the marina and top-tier service at the shop, providing quick and professional service on our trailer and motor.
For 2026, the goals are simple: provide a grade-A fishing charter to our awesome, loyal customers and introduce new clients to what our guide service has to offer. Some other goals include the expansion of our online Pike Pro Shop, where after every trip our clients can go and purchase all the tackle and gear that they just used on board.
As the guide service grew in 2025, so did the demand for people simply wanting an enjoyable day on the water catching fish. Yes, we ran over 100 trophy pike trips, but another 90 trips simply wanted to catch fish. For 2026, the energy and drive will still be focused on chasing giant northern pike; however, there will be a concerted shift in the business model toward a true Adirondack experience, catching fish of all kinds. We will be running an increased number of trips on Long Lake, Indian Lake, Saranac Lake, and a number of other Adirondack lakes. HOWEVER, 90% of guided trips will still happen on my home lake of Great Sacandaga Lake, chasing giant northern pike, endless numbers of walleye, energetic bass, and whatever else the lake coughs up.
Our 2026 ice fishing calendar is booking quickly, and our spring calendar is getting close to full, so definitely book your trip now if you want a spot for the spring.
Thank you all for your loyal business, endless support, and many positive messages and encouragements. When the fish aren’t biting and the weather is rough, it puts major stress on me and takes a toll mentally, but it’s all the encouragement and support that keeps me going (and the big fish too 😉).
Finally, I want to thank God for the opportunities, protection, strength, and guidance throughout this entire year. I’m incredibly grateful for the path He’s placed me on and for everyone He’s brought into this journey.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
