A Day on the Water with Bloemendaal Guide Service
Our family has enjoyed a life-long passion of fishing, and we want nothing more than to show you the same excitement we enjoy out on the water catching fish and making memories. We recognize that people hire guides for much more than "getting their limit," they want to enjoy their time, learn new bodies of water, learn new techniques, or maybe even catch their very first fish. Weather doesn't always cooperate, and neither do the fish, but we intend to do our best to make your trip a worthwhile experience whether the bite is finicky or it's one of those days where you just can't keep 'em off your line!
Where We Fish
We have a lot of experience on a variety of places in the Midwest, but over the last several years, we have made a home on Lake Sakakawea based out of Garrison, North Dakota. We occasionally now take trips to Devils Lake, though it would require the daily guide rate plus compensation for travel and lodging. The goal is to be at Garrison April 15 through October 31 or later, if weather allows. Some seasons, however, weather changes things, and it's possible to take some other custom trips in early spring or late fall by request. That said, most experience is on Sakakawea, and it's a killer fishery, so I'd recommend that, and we can get you in touch with great lodging accomodations.
Please feel free to contact us or visit the Locations page for recommendations on where to stay in the area you prefer to fish. We can find you something close to minimize travel and pick-up time on our way to the boat ramp.
What to Bring
You don't have to bring any fishing gear but are more than welcome if you prefer using your favorite rod and reel and/or tackle. Otherwise we provide life jackets and everything else you need to catch fish in a variety of ways including trolling spinners and crankbaits, jigging or jigging raps, casting, or...should things be slow...possibly slip bobbers. Here's what you must have, though:
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The applicable state fishing license for the body of water we fish (get that ahead of time as we won't have time to get one on the way to the water)
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Plenty of clothing (you can always remove layers) including rain gear (because water is wet and sometimes we don't always stay dry while moving spot to spot)
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray (not always a must but sometimes you'll wish)
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Any food you plan to eat and/or drink during the day along with your own cooler
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A cooler for fish if you intend to bring some home with you
One rule...please leave the alcohol on shore for afterwards. Safety is always priority #1, and our liability greatly increases when folks are under the influence out on the water.
The Day's Schedule
Assuming no weather issues, we can start as early or late as you'd like but prefer to be on the water around 8:00 AM. We will fish for 7-8 hours and then come into shore and clean any fish you intend to take along with you. We can pick you up at the location of your lodging, meet you at a boat launch, or even join you for breakfast if you want the full experience of talking fish stories and planning out the day!
Booking & Cancellation
Booking for dates is on a first come, first serve basis. We require a $100 deposit by check or Venmo to make a reservation (non-refundable within 72 hours of your first fishing day) with the balance due onsite in either cash, check, or Venmo. If the guide cancels due to bad weather, however, all deposits will be refunded.
The Boat
You'll be riding in a 2021 year Lund 202 Pro-V GL. At over 20 feet in length, there's plenty of room to support four passengers plus the guide. We are equipped with a 250 HP Mercury, a 15 Pro-kicker, a Minn Kota electric trolling motor, and Hummingbird electronics with GPS, sonar, down-imaging, and side-imaging. We've got the tools to get the job done and make your day perfectly comfortable.