Changes! Jobs, summer, fishing, oh my!

Hi Folks,

Been an interesting summer around here...big news is a new full time job! I am now a salesperson with Zimbrick Mini of Madison. I've always been a car guy too, and ZImbrick is a great local business...so I'm excited to get started there. If you're interested in Mini's, or are looking for a used vehicle...give me a holler.

With that, I will be closing down my real estate business this year. Its been great working with people and keeping my pulse on recreational land, but I no longer have time to devote to real estate along with everything else. However, if you need help with an agent..I can help point you in the right direction.

You may have also seen some pics of trips we've done in the Confluence Boatworks (now owned by Stealthcraft) Hooligan raft. It's a great little boat, and is a ninja in skinny water and smaller rivers. I have a little boat ADD, so the raft is up for sale....give me a shout at wiscooutfitters@gmail.com if you are interested. Stay tuned for more boat news in the future ;-)

I'll admit it's been a busy summer, and haven't been getting out on the water as much as I'd like.  Did manage a quick trip up to Hayward over the 4th weekend, to fish with my good buddy Erik Huber of Hayward Flyfishing Company. We battled the hoards of tubers but still managed to fool a good number of smallies....boogles, murdich minnows, divers...they ate everything. Good times on some of my favorite water. 

Warm days have me thinking of mousing for trout, and getting some night bassing in. Summer nights are a great time to be out...esp. with this hot weather.  

WIth the departure from real estate, you'll start to see more conservation and fishing news based content, esp. on the Wisco Outfitters Facebook page. I'm also going to try to feature some of the great local guides, bloggers, and artists we have in the greater WI area. I'll also still be doing some educational trips, as well as co-fishing trips to further destinations. Lots to come....stay tuned, and FISH LOCAL!

Who wants a dedicated Madison fly fishing shop?

Why doesn't Madison have a dedicated fly shop? 

This is a question I asked myself for a long time.  We are surrounded by stellar fishing, and the gateway to the Driftless and all points North. Trout, smallies, musky, carp...its all right here. Strong organizations like Badger Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited.  One of the best easement programs in the country right here in Dane county.  Plus an active and involved Madison population, who loves the outdoors. 

In the summer of 2014, I decided to do something about it. With a well written business plan in hand, a boatload of financial projections, and some meager 401k savings..I headed off to the local credit union to see what I could do.  Research and writing paid off,  I managed to convince them to approve a six-figure SBA loan. Holy s**t! Wisco Outfitters was born. 

Now the real work started.  Location, vendors, architects were deeply researched and procured. Opening orders put together. I worked on building a kickass logo and brand.  Excitement was growing. There was a lot of enthusiastic response to actually having a real dedicated fly shop in the Madison area. My location was a new building, perfectly situated. Dreams of a life retail bliss (ha) were coming true.

Time passed, and with all new businesses..there were delays. The building being behind schedule was the biggest hurdle. Now it was January. If you know anything about flyfishing..you know its a seasonal sport, and a seasonal business.  Heartbroken, early in 2015 I pulled the plug on the project. Delays,  major life changes, and a much later than ideal open date determined it was not the right time.

At this point..are you as disappointed as I was? It was so close!

Fast forward to today..spring of 2016.  The business plan is still there. The bank is just waiting for a new application. Some pretty cool new locations are available.  My meager savings..well, those are far less solvent than before. 

This is where you come in. Who out there wants to be part of a Madison fly shop? Partners, investors, donations, free labor...I'll consider it all.  I have the energy, connections, time, and business plan to make it work...I just need help.  Wisco Outfitters is a great brand, and could be an even better Madison fly fishing shop.

Who's in? Hit me up via email if you're interested in chatting, wiscooutfitters@gmail.com

I'll bring the beer! Cheers! #fishlocal

Wisconsin River frontage properties

I don't know about you, but I love the Wisconsin River...and the immense amount of fishing and recreational potential it has.  I could spend a lifetime fishing for musky and smallies there, let alone enjoying summer sandbar days, camping or just floating along.

Here's a couple acreage properties available..one up by Merrill, and one by the Dells..both with river frontage.  Click the links below to check them out!  

Wisconsin Dells area - 1 acre

South of Merrill - 26 acres