A Day in the Life of Captain John Wersal… and You

We’ve all heard the idiom, “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” It’s usually used to encourage and remind someone not to worry, assuring them that there are plenty of suitable matches out there. Here at The Red Door Resort, when we hear the word “fish” our ears automatically perk up. But nobody’s perk higher than Captain John Wersal’s – fishing guide extraordinaire, the Catch King, the Fish Whisperer. When he hears “fish,” he thinks of the endless possibilities on Lake Mille Lacs, those he can teach, the fish they’ll catch together, the memories that will inevitably be made. As you plan your summer vacation here on the north shore of Lake Mille Lacs and add a guided fishing trip with Captain John to your itinerary, consider yourself one of those fish. Regardless of your reason or interest in booking, you will find that embarking on this incredible adventure is a perfect fit for you. 

The Ultimate Family Experience 

If you ask around, most Moms and Dads love making a little room in their summer work schedule and the signed-the-kids-up-for- every-activity-under-the-sun calendar for time away with the family. A break from the chaos of life to read, relax, swim, laugh, and FISH! Do you want to really impress the kids (read: teenagers)? Book a day with Captain John for an experience that someday they’ll tell their kids about. Worried about what you need to bring, know, and think about for a day on the lake? You don’t have to! All you need to do is book your guided trip and Captain John will do what captains do best… the rest. We’re talking about a fully gassed and fully outfitted spacious fishing boat with bait, life jackets, equipment, and gear waiting at the dock for you and your crew. All you need to do is pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks and ensure everyone has a fishing license. Oh, and you’ll need to get the kids up early. Sorry not sorry – it’ll be so worth it!

Looking to Learn New Techniques and How to Handle That Electronic Fish Finder 

Captain John has been fishing since he was a kid, he grew up on Lake Mille Lacs, so there’s nobody better to demonstrate how to best jig your line, do a little drift fishing, or teach you unique tips and tricks that you may not, probably not, know. Grab your buddies (don’t forget a full cooler!) and spend a day taking mental notes and above all, having a blast. Captain John will even jump in your boat and show you how to handle your new equipment, then take you out in his boat for a grand tour of the lake and all the possibilities available to fishermen of every level. 

Just a Guy (Or Girl) Standing in Front of a Lake, Looking For a Trophy Catch 

He can help with this too! Captain John admits he intuitively knows the mood of the fish and the lake, so consider him the empath guru of Lake Mille Lacs. He knows what to expect and what pieces of the freshwater puzzle go where to be successful, and have the thrill of a lifetime. Of course, he can’t guarantee you’ll reel in a 50-pound muskie for photo ops and bragging rights, but he can guarantee excitement, beauty, and plenty of laughs. He always says, “There’s enough fish in Lake Mille Lacs to go around,” and it’s his mission for you to see a lot. 

Summertime, Time to Sit Back and Unwind

Yep, there’s a pretty impressive ecosystem living in Lake Mille Lacs, and Captain John can tell you all about it. There are also certain spots where certain fish like to lurk, but maybe that’s not what you’re interested in. Maybe you’re interested in grabbing your BFFs, hopping in a boat with a pro, getting a little Vitamin D, and just… catching fish. Listen, Lake Mille Lacs is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota so simply breathing in its fresh serene air will be a treat enough. Then, when you add in Captain John’s expertise, jovial personality, and love of fishing, you’ve got yourself an unforgettable experience. Disclaimer: Captain John might still teach you a little about the ecosystem, and if he does, it’s just best to let him finish. His passion will win you over, we promise.

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Summer Activities at the Red Door Resort
two kids tubing behind boat on Lake Mille Lacs while staying at Red Door Resort
group of people playing basketball at summer family resort on Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Mille Lacs | The Red Door Resort

Activities at Red Door

The Red Door Resort offers a number of activities at or near the resort. Our swimming beach has a sandy lake bottom that stretches out from shore. Activities available at the main resort include a playground, basketball, and gaga ball pit.

Mille Lacs Lake features a world renowned fishery and is also great for recreational use, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. Off the lake there are walking, hiking and snowmobiling opportunities; many of the trails wind through hundreds of acres of beautiful state land and are accessible year round. The area around the resort has a high concentration of sugar maples, which means that, in the fall, the area has some of the most vibrant colors in the state.

The resort is only minutes away from excellent hunting land, state parks, and golf courses. Further afield, you can access the Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Brainerd International Raceway, Paul Bunyan Land, Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club, and the Mille Lacs Indian Museum.

Girl holding a large fish in The Red Door Resort
Ice Fish House | The Red Door Resort
Women standing in a boat holding a large fish on Lake Mille Lacs
Family Resort at North Shore of Minnesota