Sarley: Why I changed my mind and started using fishing guides
I like to think of myself as open-minded and reasonable. Now if you were to ask my lovely wife to describe me, you’d probably get an answer that includes the words “stubborn” and “hardheaded.” Approaching our golden anniversary and the woman barely knows me. Go figure.
In actuality, I may be a little resistant to change. One subject that I’ve done a complete 180-degree turn on is that of using fishing guides. Far too many days spent without catching fish has changed my mind. Yes, I had plenty of days when I could mouth that snappy zinger, “That’s why they call it fishing, not catching.”
Since seeing the light and using the services of guides, I am much more successful, more productive and much happier. I am not saying that everybody needs to use a guide every time they go out fishing.
Guides are great for learning a new body of water. Guides are tremendous if you’re interested in learning a new technique. Guides are excellent instructors if you’d like to have an encounter with a species of fish you haven’t caught before.
Captain Phil Piscitello is really good on many waters in Northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Piscitello knows how to catch fish. He does a great job on the Fox Chain, Delavan Lake and Lake Geneva, along with many lesser-known lakes. I can’t think of anyone who works harder to get his clients to be successful than Piscitello. You can reach him at (847) 638-7547 or by email at marbleyes66@yahoo.com.
Mark O’Neill of www.structure-fishing.com is the best around when it comes to explaining and teaching all the intricacies of working with sonar and GPS. He is also one heck of a fisherman and catches huge bass on southern Wisconsin lakes. You can hire O’Neill to go out in your own boat and he will instruct you in ways of using your sonar unit that you had no idea that it could do. He can also guide you to some prime bass spots. O’Neill’s number is (773) 330-9702.
Jim Tostrud is part guide, part fish artist. The incredibly talented Tostrud has a good handle on what’s hot on Lake Geneva and Delavan Lake. Unknown to many people, Geneva is home to some of the largest crappies and bluegills you’ll find anywhere, and Tostrud knows where they hang out. Tostrud is no slouch at chasing bass or pike, too. Tostrud is the perfect guy to hire for a dad taking out a kid or two. Find Tostrud at www.wildlifevisions.net or call him at (262) 496-5178
Shabbona Lake, near DeKalb, is a hot spot for many different species of fish. Its muskie population is as good as it gets for lakes in Illinois. I think this is the place to hit for your first muskie, if that is something you’d like to accomplish. Ron Fulk is just the guy to put you on that first “ski.” If you’ve already had that experience, I’d still say that a day on the water with Fulk is worth the price. Fulk is a really nice guy and your day will be truly enjoyable. Contact Fulk at www.midwestmuskies.com or call (847) 697-1951.
Speaking of Shabbona, if you are interested in Shabbona’s tremendous crappie population, I’d suggest Jim Kopjo at (708) 601-1962 or look up “The Crappie Professor,” on Facebook. Kopjo is a fishing genius and I guarantee you won’t spend a better day on the water than you will with Kopjo. This is a perfect family outing and you will surely catch fish.
Matt Madlener at (847) 344-815 bought the very popular T-Bone Guide Service from Chris Taurisano. Madlener specializes in Northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin waters. I have not had the pleasure of fishing with Madlener yet, but I have a file folder full of great recommendations on him. If he’s half as good as his clients say he is, you’ll be in for a great trip. Check out the Facebook page for T-Bone Guide Service.
• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.