Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Skajewski.
Hi Lee , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for fishing and spent most of my weekends growing up fishing with my dad often both days. We always targeted northern pike. I learned how the pike related to weed lines and ambushed bait fish as we would troll crankbaits down the edge. My grandpa Buck was also a serious fisherman who taught my dad and me. He was an educator who taught social studies and was a baseball coach, so he knew how to teach people in many different ways. When I got older and was able to run the boat myself I got the test my knowledge and show my dad and grandpa that I did in-fact pay attention. I always remember my grandpa saying he’s gonna do something fishing one day, probably a guide. After graduating high school I attended Bemidji State University for Aquatic Biology with an emphasis in fisheries management. I wanted to do something with fish, but this didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to work when the fishing was the best. I come from a generation of teachers my grandpa, grandma, and ma are all teachers and I thought what a great career. Grandpa fished everyday in the summer. I spent everyday in the summer with my ma growing up. I continued my college career to achieve my degree in secondary science education. I settled on the area of Park Rapids because of all the beautiful lakes and great fishing. After my first year of teaching was complete I knew I want to teach people my passion for fishing and had the skill set to do so. I started Skiez Outdoors Guide Service a full-time operation providing guided fishing trips in 2018. I have met some of the most interesting people while guiding and now call them friends. Some of the highlights of guiding is getting people their first fish or landing a trophy that they have been trying for years to catch. In recent years I have expanded the guide service to electronics training like LiveScope and electronics installation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
other than a few breakdowns it hasn’t been too challenging. The hardest part is getting started because you just don’t have a client base. You have to remain positive and network with local shops to put your name out there. The best way to do that is be a good person and support local.
As you know, we’re big fans of Skiez Outdoors Guide Servce. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Lee Skajewski and I have been guiding since 2018. Each year I better myself and the client experience by suggested feedback from each amazing customer. More importantly I never stop learning, each year I gather new intel or tactics that are effective at putting you on the fish. I am a 7th grade science teacher in Park Rapids, MN. The skills and patience of teaching is what I bring into the boat. I am able to confidently teach anyone who steps in my boat whether they are fishing for the first time or they are an experienced angler and would like to deepen their knowledge of the lake or learn about advanced technology.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am not a risk-taker. I am very analytical about situations and think about it long and hard before doing something. I have to have a back-up plan if something doesn’t work out.
Pricing:
- 4 hour trips start at $300 for 2 people.
- LIvescope training start at $200 for one on one Sessions
- Electronics installation varies in price but you do receive a free customer consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skiezoutdoors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiezoutdoorsguideservice/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkiezOutdoorsGuideService/
