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With the holiday season in full swing and the busy season in the rearview mirror, I wanted to take some time to reflect on all that HPGS has to be thankful for this year.
Reflection
Around two years ago I was working a mundane job from the comfort of my home. I wondered if this was what life was always going to be. Groundhog day. Something was missing. I felt a void that could only be filled while hearing the outboard idling, looking straight ahead to a boat deck full of rods and debating If I was going left or right out of the marina. My peace was found in the puzzle of figuring them out, my peace was found in the failure and the failures are what found success.
One evening loading the boat back up, I broke down. Not mechanically, but emotionally. I couldn't keep doing the same thing. Sitting there in silence a thought appeared out of nowhere. One that felt crazy, but gave me goosebumps.
"I'm going to start a guide business"
One month later I quit a good job I worked hard to get out of college. I gambled with everything to lose... Looking back it was the best decision I ever made.
Clients
Our clients are what makes us get up every day and spend countless hours searching, preparing, and providing great experiences. The people we've met, the friends we made, and the memories we have experienced on the water together have been priceless. I have met incredible people from all over the country who share the same passion and I wouldn't trade that for the world. This year we had many memorable catches, personal bests, a few heartbreaks, and good laughs.
Memorable Catches
Growth
Growth brings welcoming challenges but with the right people in place, scaling is possible.
Having Matt and Timmy join the team this year has been tremendous. The attitude, dedication, professionalism, and on-the-water knowledge they bring to the table have been and will continue to be paramount to HPGS.
Matt Strykul (SB Fishing)
The man who started my current glide bait addiction.
I've been a fan of Matt since I was 18, and over the past eight years, I've been lucky enough to call him a friend. He has inspired me along with many others, and HPGS couldn't be happier to have you on the team.
Timmy Sheridan
Timmy and I crossed paths at fishing tournaments on Lake Anna. Timmy immediately reminded me of myself at his age. I saw how dedicated he was and wanted to support him any way I could. Guiding and tournament winnings help supplement Timmy's fishing addiction, and although he's taller than me, I consider Timmy the younger brother I never had. Notably, Timmy and his grandfather won the coveted Veteran's Day tournament on Lake Anna this year with over 90 boats in the field.
Honorable Mention to Fishing the DMV
Thomas Arens of Fishing the DMV has been a huge supporter of HPGS and providing our region of the country with excellent fishing content. Much of our early growth can be accredited to the opportunities Thomas gave us to talk about what we love to do. Go give them a follow and a listen here: Fishing the DMV
Giving Back
This year we hosted two completely free youth fishing clinics. This was the highlight of my year. I love to see the growth of the sport and the young ones who are the future of our sport have success. We will continue to offer this program every year with exciting expansions coming to the program in 2025.
Going Forward
Looking ahead we have a lot to be excited about. Our mission is the same,
"Our goal is to offer a premium bass fishing guide service on Lake Anna that is fun, informative, and innovative"
As each year passes we continue to make adjustments to provide the best possible experience on the water. I have a lot to be thankful for and most of that stems from the people I get to interact with each day that I'm on a trip. I know what my life was, but I'm truly grateful for what it's become and for taking that gut-feeling gamble that gave me goosebumps. Thank you for choosing HPGS, you helped me build my childhood dream. From sleeping in my truck at the marina so I could spend more time on the water just to make enough to pay a few bills and get gas, to what it is today.
Before the end of December we will have our 2025 availability updated on the website where you can book directly with us.
Let's make 2025 great.
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