Captain Tom with REEL Patriot Service is the real deal. My dad and I booked an early morning trip with him, and from the moment we arrived, he was ready to roll—boat in the water at 6 a.m. sharp, fully prepped with drop shots for bass and fresh nightcrawlers.
What stood out most was how seamlessly he balanced preparation and coaching. He didn’t just hand us rods; he explained the logic behind the setup and coached us through the mechanics. Any time I lost a worm or came up empty, he had another rod pre-rigged and ready. There was never a moment I sat without a live bait in the water.
Conditions that morning were tough, but Tom still helped us bring in a variety of fish—walleye, rock bass, largemouth, and some monster panfish. More than that, he kept the energy high with great conversation. His knowledge of conservation, his passion for the sport, and his stories from programs like “Take a Vet Fishing” made the whole outing engaging and meaningful.
Even on a challenging bite, Tom created a trip worth remembering. I’ll definitely be booking again—this time for a muskie trip, his specialty. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a prepared, knowledgeable, and genuinely enjoyable guide to share the water with