Central Illinois Guided Fishing

Esox Education

Boy Fishing
Boy Fishing
Boy Fishing


This program is an individualized program, adjusted to your child’s age, experience and desire to learn about fishing, nature, the outdoors, equipment, baits, lures and boat operation and safety.

The purpose is to offer the child and adult partner an activity that can be a common bond for a lifetime and provide a wide variety of experiences and sharing times. The program has four levels and the student can enter at any level that fits their individual skill set and maturity. It can also be customized to address various individual needs and time constraints. Additionally, the program can include winter ice fishing where appropriate for age, skill and interest level.

During the program, all equipment and tools are provided and upon “graduation” from the level, an appropriate rod, reel and tackle box will be awarded.

FAQ

Q. Do kids need a fishing license?

A. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license. However, older students may fish some private ponds where a license may not be required. We will maintain as much flexibility to suit the students needs as we legally can.

Q. What is provided?

A. For guided 4 and 8 hour trips, all equipment, tackle and bait are provided. You are certainly welcome to bring your own trusty rods and reels if you are most comfortable with them and your tackle box too, if you have a secret "go to" lure you think might work. There will be a cooler and ice available on the boat so bring water or your favorite snacks. Depending on the timing of the trip, arrangements can be made to stop for a lunch break, or have a sandwich lunch on the water. Again, flexibility is our aim to make your experience the best possible.

Q. What do I NEED to bring?

A. Depending on the time of year and anticipated weather, bring rain gear, sunglasses, sun screen and a hat. Depending on time of year, a jacket and bug spray is a suggested consideration.

For Students in any of the programs, we will go over in detail what you expect and what the student might expect and we will go over the plan with the student prior to the trip.

More about your Guide

Rick is a lifelong outdoor person, having been taken on fishing and hunting trips with his father and grandfather since age 5. He is a member of Muskies, Inc. (Fox River Valley chapter) and a past officer in a local Central Illinois chapter. He has been a member of the Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail and is a former bass tournament fisherman and a life member of BASS.

He has been involved with many outdoor and conservation organizations serving on committees and Boards such as Ducks Unlimited and Quail Unlimited. He has continued the family tradition of fishing with the family as his own 3 children have grown and now loves to take his 2 grandsons. That is where the idea of Esox Education was spawned.

The vision is to create an activity and environment that can be shared and grow for families for a lifetime.

Subscription Packages

Bluegill

Bluegill
Beginner

Bass

Bass
Intermediate

Pike

Pike
Some Experience

Muskie

Muskie
Skilled Student