Master the River: Guided Fishing Experience
Stop fishing for luck. Learn to read the water with the author of Mighty Smallmouth.
$500
Book online now!
Most anglers look at a river and just see water. They cast into the middle, hope for the best, and usually go home frustrated (and down a few lures). It doesn’t have to be that way. The difference between getting skunked and having a banner day isn’t luck—it’s understanding the river. You don’t need expensive gear; you need a guide to show you where the fish are hiding.
Experience the thrill of the fight!
From Guessing to Knowing Rivers are dynamic. The fish move, the currents shift, and the “obvious” spots are often empty. Without a plan, you are just washing lures. In this 4-hour immersive session, we strip away the mystery. You won’t just be guided to fish; you will be taught how to find them.
Meet Your Guide Adam Merrifield literally wrote the book on this. As the author of Mighty Smallmouth: Catching Big Bass on Small Water, Adam has spent decades decoding river currents and fish behavior. He cuts decades off your learning curve, turning “reading the water” from a dark art into a repeatable skill.
The Result: Confidence By the end of the day, you’ll stop seeing “chaos” and start seeing “structure.” You’ll know exactly why a fish is behind that rock and not the other one. You will leave with the skills to walk up to any river in Ontario and know exactly where to cast.
The 4-Step Plan
Stop hoping. Start catching.
- The Assessment: We meet at the river (location chosen based on peak activity). We look at your gear and the water conditions together.
- The Breakdown: Adam walks you through “reading the water”—identifying seams, eddies, and kill zones that most people walk right past.
- The Application: We get lines in the water. You apply the tactics immediately, refining your presentation until you trigger a strike.
- The Takeaway: You go home with a copy of Mighty Smallmouth and the know-how to replicate your success solo.
Highlights
- Stop Guessing: Learn the specific “river reading” formulas that consistently produce fish.
- The Authority: Learn 1-on-1 from Adam Merrifield, author of Mighty Smallmouth.
- Target Species: Smallmouth Bass are the main game, but the river holds Pike, Walleye, and Trout.
- The Book: Includes a copy of Adam’s book to serve as your reference guide forever.
What’s included
- 4 Hours of expert instruction with Adam Merrifield.
- A copy of Mighty Smallmouth: Catching Big Bass on Small Water.
- Terminal tackle and bait selection.
- Canoe/Kayak/PFD (if the specific lesson requires a boat).
What to Bring
- Legal: Valid Ontario Fishing License (Required).
- Gear: Your own Rod and Reel (Light to Medium action).
- Wading Gear: Waders or wet-wading shoes (old sneakers work). You need to be in the water to learn it.
- Vision: Sunglasses or eyprotection (Polarized help see underwater structure).
Need to Know
- Meeting Location: Varies by conditions (Grand, Speed, Nith, or Conestoga Rivers). We confirm with you prior to the trip.
- Duration: 4 Hours.
- Philosophy: Catch and Release only. We respect the resource.
- Prerequisite: You must bring your own rod/reel and a valid license.
A Note on the Catch
As the saying goes, it’s called fishing, not catching. While Adam will put you in the best possible position to succeed using proven techniques and local knowledge, catching a fish is never guaranteed. Success depends on river conditions, weather, and the fish themselves. Our promise is that you will leave with the skills and understanding to be a better angler, regardless of what lands in the net today.
Disclaimer
Participants must acknowledge and accept all inherent risks associated with paddling and outdoor activities offered by Grand Experiences. All participants release and waive any claims against Grand Experiences, its staff, affiliates, and property owners for any injury, loss, or damage incurred during participation. Each participant is responsible for their own safety and for any minor children in their care. A properly fitted lifejacket must be worn at all times while on the water.