My name is Stephen Pogodzienski, however, most people call me Pogo. I grew up in northern Connecticut and have been fishing since I could walk. About 10 years ago I became obsessed with chasing pike and musky on the fly. I mostly fished for largemouth bass and trout growing up, but once I had my first pike on the fly experience there was no turning back. I guided part time for years but then went all in. I quit my corporate job and became a full time guide.  I even obtained my Coast Guard Captain’s license and continued to build my “Pogo Pike” business here in New England guiding for Northern Pike & Smallmouth bass 9 months a year. I also spend most of the fall fishing and guiding for Muskies in Wisconsin.

As I write this in mid October, watching the river float past me drinking coffee, I feel very blessed! As a Pike and Bass guide in Connecticut throughout the year, guiding Musky in Wisconsin is a blessing! The land there is raw and pristine! The local folks are always welcoming with a smile and interested to know more about your fishing adventures. I have chased Musky on the fly in many states around the U.S., however, these Wisconsin Musky are wild savages, and the most diverse Musky I have ever seen.

This was my 6th fall in Wisconsin and it never ceases to show me something even more amazing from year to year. From the local Elk, to Bald Eagles soaring all around you in the vast forest we are surrounded by here in Wisconsin .

Living basically off the grid and submerging yourself in the pursuit of such a wild fish is so rewarding and sometimes challenging. It is not easy fishing. Conditions can change dramatically from day to day, but when it happens to myself or a client, there is no better feeling than making the memory of landing such an amazing fish!

When a Wisconsin Musky is hooked, it’s not reeling it in, or fighting the fish. You are literally wrangling with a strong, wild beast, and who wins can be different every time! We try to fool these fish into eating a fly we tied. Sometimes an old fly, sometimes a fly we tied the night before at the kitchen table brainstorming on what we think will get the bite. They keep you guessing and you can be sure once you feel like you have them figured out, things change and they change fast.

Known as a fish of 10,000 casts, that can surely be true! They will lull you to sleep after hours or days of casting and then show up out of nowhere and make your heart burst out of your chest! They aren’t on a program, they can eat boat side and come out of nowhere. If you are not focused on every cast, your one chance can be gone just like that.

Case in point, here is a picture of Kate with her first Musky on the figure 8 on the fly! She focused on every cast and figure 8 for 3 days straight casting and casting, and boy did her focus pay off!

Esox fishing will test your patience, focus, will, and most importantly your attitude. As a guide you are more of a life coach, motivational speaker, uplifter, and friend. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Getting a photo with any Pike or Musky is very special, but in my heart, the most special part of it all are the relationships we build and memories we make! After the dust settles, that is the most important part, uplifting each other, being there for each other, and making life long bonds. Fishing for Esox together, can do that instantly. Tight Lines!

Stephen Pogodzienski

www.PogoPike.com

Instagram: Pogo_Pike