Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Schuster.
Hi Jared, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, all I have wanted to do is fish. I grew up in the small town of Ripon, WI. As soon as I was old enough to leave the house on my bike by myself, every summer day would be spent fishing at the Ripon Mill Pond. Even though my parents did not fish, they were very supportive of my hobby… Taking me to many different area lakes and rivers, as well as allowing me to accompany a family friend on Lake Michigan several times each month.
Fast forward to age 25, at this point in my life I was a very dedicated trout fisherman, in culinary school, and dating the love of my life. I had decided to open up my first guide service, Central Sands Trout Company. Looking back, I’m not sure I was qualified, but we caught plenty of fish and had a good time. So many things changed throughout the next 10 years. After eight years as a chef, I got married and took a corporate sales job. Guiding on nights and weekends was what I loved to do. I felt very awkward and out-of-place putting on a tie every morning before leaving the house.
I became very burned out on corporate life. One day my wonderful wife, Sarah, offered a way out by suggesting we move to our cabin in the mountains of Western North Carolina. In order to make this move, I had to take another terrible corporate job here in North Carolina. I knew I wanted to get back into the outdoor industry, the mountains were definitely the place to do it. Over the next three years, I started collecting equipment, saving money, and working tirelessly toward my goal of opening up Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishing And Rentals. Best decision, I’ve ever made.
The main goal of Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishing is to offer the same or higher quality guided fishing trip as a charter boat but in a unique way. Each guest is set up with a Hobie pedal drive kayak, fish finder, top-of-the-line equipment, and a qualified guide. Your guide is there every step of the way to help you with advice, equipment, etc, but you are the captain and the crew of your own fishing vessel. Our rental program is just as unique as our guided fishing trips. We do not have a brick-and-mortar location. Rental kayaks are listed on our website. You can pick out which kayak best suits you and your activity(fishing, touring, beach day, etc.), and your equipment is delivered directly to you.
Under permits from the US Forest Service, we are able to deliver directly to boat landings nearest all campsites. This has been very positive for campers staying in the area as they can pick up their gear at the boat landing, paddle back to their site, and have the kayak for as long as they are staying. The guided kayak fishing, touring, and rentals have been so well received here in Graham County that we plan on some expansion for the 2022 season… Stay tuned!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As I near the end of my second season, things are running very smoothly. This business has been very well received by both the locals and tourists in Graham County. It did not start that way though.
I left my full-time job in January of 2020 to start setting this business up getting permits, setting up LLC, finding insurance, rigging fishing kayaks for the guide service, sourcing a rental fleet, getting various safety certifications the list goes on. As soon as I was ready to go, the pandemic hit! I had left my full-time job, made a large cash investment in a tourism business, then Graham County closed its borders to tourists.
All I could do was wait. By June of 2020, things started to take off for me and I have not looked back since.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I spend my days taking folks on the lake and teaching them to fish. When I am not fishing, I am delivering and picking up rental kayaks and paddleboards around the lake. Although I am busy with the rentals, guided kayak fishing is what we are known for. For most of the season, our focus is catching trout. I take out seasoned fishermen and new people alike.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of taking someone out to catch their first, or biggest fish. I think I get just as excited as my guests while they are reeling in fish. One thing that really sets us apart from other guide services is that our guests get the chance to do this on their own. Even though I am right there with them offering advice, making sure everything is done correctly, and netting fish for them, they’re the captain of their own vessel and they get the opportunity to be proud of catching fish on their own.
We get a chance to show that fishing is accessible to everybody. You don’t need that fancy bass boat to get out on the lake and catch fish. Fishing should be a relaxing, affordable, and enjoyable sport that everyone should be able to participate in.
What were you like growing up?
I was a bit high-strung as a kid. That’s probably why my parents encouraged me to fish; to get me out of the house. I enjoyed the freedom and space that the outdoors offered.
Pricing:
- 24 Hour Kayak/Paddleboard Rental $35-$45
- Guided Kayak Fishing $175 first angler, $50 per additional
- Guided Backcountry Paddle starting at $50
Contact Info:
- Email: jared@smokymountainkayakfishing.com
- Website: www.smokymountainkayakfishing.com
- Instagram: @smokymountainkayakfishing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smkayak/
Image Credits
Smoky Mountain Kayak and Fishing Lisa Flanagan
