I am 38 yr old family man. My wife Lara, our two little girls and I live in the one stop light town of Milford, NJ.
I have operated The Ardent Angler Guide ServiceSM since 1997. This full time business covers both fresh and saltwater, targeting trophy sized fish in NJ, PA and NY. I grew up fishing and working on notable fishing fleets in NJ prior to attending college. After a five-year career as a territory manager for the telephone company, I decided to build a business around my fishing passion. In less than ten years, I have attracted national attention, resulting in sponsorships, partnerships and advisory panel positions with highly innovative companies including: Raymarine, Shimano, Scientific Anglers, Black Lab Plate Alloy Boats, Ameripack, Mister Twister, Frabill Nets, Aquaskinz and Sirius Satellite Radio.
When I am not on the water, I assist Shimano, Mister Twister and Gamma Fishing Lines at industry trade shows. That job, in conjunction with a Field Editor position at The Fisherman Magazine, keeps me accessible to everyday anglers wanting to learn more.
My Philosophy & What You Get:
I truly believe that there is more to fishing than just loading the boat with meat.
In ten years, I have learned that people hire fishing guides for various reasons. For that reason, I listen to you before our outing and make certain that we are on the same page. This business has been built on fulfilling your needs and exceeding your expectations. For that reason, when you book a trip with me, no other captains will run the trip. You can expect a fully stocked boat with what you need to learn, have fun and enjoy your outing.
If you want to learn a specific technique, I do my best to teach you. If you hire me to pay extra attention to a first time angler - I'll take care of it. When die hards step on my boat and expect to be put on respectable fish - I find them. Fly rodders will fly fish - Jig fishermen will jig fish and folks that like to troll will troll. Prior to our trip, I will advise you on the latest trends but you will learn what you need to learn.
I am very fortunate to have built a strong network of Reliable Captains and Guides that believe in helping each other put their clients on fish. Each of us are on the water well over 150 times a year! When I am booked, referrals will be forwarded to these captains and vice versa. Again, we all help each other in many capacities. It is part of what you pay for and what we as captains Do!
I hope to fish with you in the Future - Capt. Chris Gatley
