Local fishing guide service a ‘reel’ success

PLYMOUTH – Mark Miller of Plymouth thinks he has the greatest job in the world. Miller is an avid fisherman and fishing is his livelihood.

He started a business called Inland Waters Fishing Guide Service in 2003 and it has prospered ever since.

“It has been growing every year. I hit all of my goals. My goal was to go at it at least five years,” Miller said. “I have been very pleased with everything.

“It [having a fishing guide service] has been a life-long dream. I have the best job in the world.”

Miller, a 1993 Plymouth High School graduate, guides at the following area lakes: Winnebago, Little Elkhart and Big Elkhart, Wolf, Crystal, Puckaway, Poygan and Butte. He is a licensed charter boat captain and guides nearly all year, including ice fishing, and averages four-to-five trips a week.

Miller’s service offers angling for a variety of species such as walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, perch and panfish. He will target certain waters, depending on what species of fish the customer is looking for.

“I can offer different types of fishing to meet a person’s needs. My specialty is fishing with children. Most of my trips are with children,” he said.

His service provides a 16-foot, 8-inch boat and all of the fishing equipment and bait necessary. All the customer needs to bring on an outing is a fishing license, food or beverages and warm clothes, sunscreen and rain gear.

“I’ve always enjoyed fishing. It’s been a life-long passion,” Miller said. “I’ve been fishing these lakes since I was 4.”

Miller started his service after suffering a back injury at his construction job that prevented him from continuing that job.

“I knew there was a need for my guiding around here with people staying at the Osthoff Resort and other rentals and hotels,” he pointed out.

Miller’s service motto is “From bluegill fishing with your children to trophy bass and walleye fishing for the advanced fisherman. We will make everyone feel like a pro by the end of the day.”

Asked what he enjoys most about his guiding, Miller said, “Seeing the children smile when they catch their first fish, and their excitement. Also, seeing people catch fish, and teaching children and beginners how to fish.”

Miller said just going to work is also very enjoyable. He said the biggest challenge for him is the weather, which he keeps a close eye on.

“The hardest part is predicting the weather. I’d rather be safe than sorry,” he said.

Having an enjoyable, memorable fishing trip is a priority for Miller and that would make it a success for everyone.

“Be personable with them and make them feel welcome, and then the fishing will take care of itself,” he said about his customers.

“Fishing is important but it’s important to have a good time while fishing.

“You have to be patient with them and patient with fishing. You have to go with people’s attitudes. You have to deal with a lot of different people’s attitudes.

“I try to make it easy for everyone. I do the best I can do,” he said. Miller was happy to report that more than half of his customers are repeat customers. “That’s huge. That’s very gratifying,” he said.

“You make friends every day. A smile on a client’s face is a successful outing.”

Miller said all of his fishing trips are memorable. He did mention one trip that was particularly memorable. A girl, about 6 years old, caught a 10-pound, 36-inch northern while fishing with her family in 2003.

“She was excited. I told her, ‘One more cast,’ and it paid off. She reeled it in and I helped her hold the rod because it was powerful.”

When it comes to fishing, catching fun is what it’s all about as far as Mark Miller is concerned.