This time of year, anyone with a pulse is looking forward to not thinking about packing lunches or missing assignments or early mornings or anything that requires mental gymnastics. It’s the season of backpacks down and fishing rods up, right? Wrong–well, sort of. Yes, the end of the school year means throwing away those half-used notebooks and turning off the alarm clocks. It also signals the return of flip-flops and cherishing sunny days-turned-evenings on the lake, rod in hand. But it’s important to remember during this exciting transition that while you may think you’ve got this whole summer thing down to a science, we’re here to tell you, you still have a lot to learn. From Captain John Wersal, our preferred Lake Mille Lacs fishing guide, that is. With a custom-guided fishing experience at The Red Door Resort alongside this seasoned pro, you’ll soak up wisdom, hear stories, get expert tips, and be inspired–all without stepping foot in a classroom.
Who’s ready to learn something new and have an unforgettable fishing experience? Hop into Captain John’s instructional space, also known as a boat on the lake, for the sun-filled ABCs of a day on the water with, in our humble opinion, the best fishing guide in Minnesota. And remember: we’ve been in school all year, so yeah… we’re probably right.
A is for an Awesome Angler. That’ll be you (or maybe it already is) after fishing with a guide on Lake Mille Lacs like Captain John. When it comes down to it, he wants to show you the best time on the lake–and his unique, casual yet enthusiastic style? Well, that’s just the cast that seals the catch. To start with, he’s got everything covered. Don’t have all of the equipment for a successful day on the water? No worries, this fish whisperer is prepared with all of it. You just need to bring your cooler full of goodies if you so desire, and a ready-for-fun attitude. Looking for fishing lessons for beginners? He’ll show you the way! From teaching techniques and explaining all the gear to talking you through fish types and regulations, Captain John will handle it. Did you cut your teeth on a fishing boat, like Captain John, and simply want to spend a day reelin’ them in? Say it with us now–Captain John is your guy. He grew up on Lake Mille Lacs, so believe us when we tell you he knows the hidden gems and secret nooks where the fish tend to bite, and while he can’t promise how many fish will fill your bucket, he can promise to fill your day full of excitement and adventure.
B is for the Best part of your stay at The Red Door Resort. When it comes to guiding fishing trips in Minnesota, experiencing one with Captain Know-It-All-About-The-Lake-And-Fishing is the GOAT. Yes, you’ll bask in the glow of a win on the basketball court at The Red Door Resort, and you’ll definitely eat your weight in bonfire marshmallows, but adding a hands-on, fishing outing to your itinerary will allow you to get the full range of unforgettable Minnesota vacation activities. What to expect on a guided fishing trip? Fun! Extensive knowledge! Expertise of the lake and beyond! Passion! Really, really good company! You can also expect this excursion to be the highlight of your summer, filled with memories for a lifetime, until you come return next year and create even more unforgettable moments with Captain John. Because we know once you meet him, you’ll be back for more.
C is for Customized to meet you where you’re at. As a Red Door Resort fishing guide, Captain John considers families, friends, and anyone who wants to have a good time on the water his specialty. He wants everyone he works with to step off the boat after an exhilarating day on the water, loving fishing more than when they arrived. This means he’s ready to tailor your trip to fit your skill level and goals. Don’t know how to bait a hook? No problem. Have all your techniques down and just want Captain John to point you in the right direction? It’s his pleasure. When you’ve lived and breathed Lake Mille Lacs and all things fish for most of your life, it’s hard not to put that passion and teacher mentality into every guided trip.
D-Z is for the surprises, the stories, and everything in between that you’ll collect along the way when you let Captain John be your guide.
New to fishing or looking to level up your skills? Let Captain John show you the ropes, and the path to the big ones—click here to book!