Bernie Thompson Fishing.com

Greetings! On this page I'll share a little more information about myself. I am a lifelong avid angler residing in the Minocqua, Wisconsin area since 1994. A Wisconsin native, born in 1962, and raised in Janesville. My wife's name is Wendy and we have three wonderful children, Terran, Lauren, and Bernie.        

 

My parents and grandparents were avid and accomplished anglers and introduced me to fishing at the age of five. It's been a passion of mine for many years. Thanks Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa for taking me fishing!

 

As a youngster we frequently fished many local waters, including the Madison Chain Of Lakes and Lake Koshkonong, to name a few. We lived within walking distance to the mighty Rock River. Many days were spent chasing multiple species in the river. Great times!

 

In 1990 I started guiding part-time in the Madison Wisconsin area. It had been a dream for years and I finally felt ready to take on the challenge of helping others enjoy a day of fishing. The focus was not about me catching fish, it was all about teaching and helping others enjoy the sport. I cut my teeth and poured myself into my guide service in the Madison area until I moved to the Minocqua area in 1994. After moving to the Minocqua area things took off and I was fortunate enough to be able to guide full time for a couple of years.

 

The 90's era yielded success as a guide , tournament angler and promoter. I've always had a passion for writing and wrote many fishing articles in the 90's for Midwest Outdoors, Strictly Fishing Guidelines, Action Magazine, and Woods 'N Water Magazine. I've always enjoyed sharing what I have learned with others.

In 1988 and 1990 I was awarded the Angler Of The Year Award by the Rock Valley Anglers, a fantastic organization with a great group of members. I also enjoyed some success in team tournaments with a 1990 Big Fish Award at the W.B.F.A. Stevens Point Open. Competing in the local B.A.S.S. Federation Club in 1993, I managed to qualify for the Zone 3 Regionals and take 2nd place on Pool 11 of the Mississippi River. After 25 years of no tournaments, I am looking forward to fishing 2 team events in 2018 with fellow guide and great friend Rick Writz.

 

The 2000's drew focus to starting a new family, guiding part time and spending countless hours on the water exploring new waters while honing a wide variety of presentation techniques. 2018 marks the beginning of a new era allowing me to take on more guided trips in my pursuit to help others learn more and enjoy the sensational sport of fishing and the great outdoors.

 

Another passion of mine, outside of fishing, is music. I am a guitar and harmonica player, and I like to to sing! I enjoy songwriting and performing. I’ve played with a number of bands through the years and started performing solo in 2010. My latest CD is titled " Bite My Hook ". Yes, there are a few fishing songs that I wrote on it. If I'm not out fishing there is a good chance I'm singing some songs at one of our local events. Music and fishing are like peanut butter and jelly, they go so well together... unlimited possibilities! 

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I am excited for the future! After 37 years as a sheet metal worker, I have left the trade in pursuit of continuing my career in guiding and music. It's an adventure that has no end, knows no limits, can provide a meal, and can even mend a mind. The ultimate challenge...I hope we get a chance to enjoy some time in the boat together!