Get To Know Your Guides:

Matt VanDyke – Owner/Operator

Born and raised right here in Kelowna, BC, I’ve had the opportunity to fish these waters my entire life. Time on the water has always been a huge part of who I am. What started with fishing locally in the Okanagan eventually took me all over the province. From Bella Coola to Victoria, and the Okanagan to the Rockies. 

I’ve been fortunate to fish a wide range of waters over the years — from chasing wild steelhead on the fly, to battling monster Chinook off the west coast of Vancouver Island, to running 45 miles offshore targeting tuna. At home in the Okanagan, I fish year-round, whether that’s ice fishing for perch in the winter or carping in the heat of summer. I enjoy every side of it, and I bring that variety of experience into every trip I guide.

When I was 16, I had the opportunity to work at the Lower Dean River Lodge for two summers. Being immersed in one of the world’s premier steelhead fisheries at that age taught me a lot — not just about fishing, but about respect for the water, the fish, and the responsibility that comes with guiding people safely and ethically.

Now at 41, I bring a lifetime of experience to every trip. I run a 24-foot Thunderjet Alexis, a solid and comfortable guide boat that’s well suited for the conditions we fish in around the Okanagan. I also hold two Red Seal trade certifications — one as a welder and one as an HVAC technician — which means I’m big on safety, reliability, and making sure everything is dialed before we ever leave the dock.

I recently took over this guide service and I’m proud to be continuing what’s already been built here. Rod, the previous owner, is still working with me on a daily basis, bringing his experience and knowledge to the operation. Having Rod involved allows us to combine years of local knowledge and proven techniques to give our guests the best possible experience on the water.

Whether you’re brand new to fishing or have been doing it for years, my goal is simple: provide a safe, relaxed, and memorable day on the water while sharing the fisheries I’ve grown up to love. 

 

Rodney Hennig

Why I Do What I Do… 

Cruising down quiet streets on my bike, heading to Mills Creek with my best friend on a hot summer day hoping to catch enough brook trout to make the willow stick hanging on my handlebar bend in the middle – I don’t think life could have been any better at eight years old.  This memory of mine is what inspires me to do what I love most…sport fishing.  Some would say I’m addicted to fishing, others would say I’m obsessed…whatever it is doesn’t matter, because for me when the fish are biting life still doesn’t get any better.

Besides the many pleasurable hours fishing with family and friends I’ve also engaged in many activities that have improved my knowledge of angling in the Okanagan Valley and beyond.

Being a Prostaff member for Scotty Downriggers, Shimano, Lowrance, LuxFlys-Bucktails, G.Loomis, PowerPro, Jackall Lures, Silver Horde and SA Fly Lines has really helped me hone my skills further by fishing and talking with other Prostaff members and sharing our experiences. Always in pursuit of catching the ‘Big One’ I’ve fished the West Coast of Vancouver Island for Halibut and Salmon, to the rivers of the Fraser Valley for Sturgeon and Steelhead, to the many lakes of British Columbia for Rainbows, Lake Trout, Bass and Kokanee. The past 6 years I’ve fished Cabo San Lucas for Marlin, Sails, Dorado, Tuna and Roosters and Belize for Bones and Tarpon on the fly. Since 2016, myself and fellow Shimano Pro staffers formed a tournament team called “Tag Cabo Sportfishing” where we annually fish the Cabo San Lucas Tuna Tournament. We are fortunate to have a great company like Tag Cabo Sportfishing as our sponsor. We haven’t placed in the money yet but are having a blast trying. Our largest Tuna to date during the event is 116#, a new personal best for us. Can’t wait for 2021! I’ve written numerous articles for Anglers Atlas, Suncruiser Magazine and had the pleasure of landing a 16 lb. Rainbow Trout in my home town of Kelowna, bringing home the first place trophy in the annual Frostbite Fishing Derby. I’ve also had the privilege of guiding Chris Burns of Sportfishing Adventures for a TV episode on Osoyoos Lake. As well, I’ve fished with Brian Chan of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC on Shuswap Lake the past 2 years filming episodes for Shaw TV “Go Fish BC” series.

Beyond fishing, I do have other interests which include, camping and spending time with my wife and two boys cheering on our favorite football team…GO HAWKS!!! But even though I enjoy these things, fishing is still my passion. And now, something that started as just a fun activity in my childhood has evolved into a REEL Outdoor Experience, an adventure that will help create memories in a place where time slows down.

So come join me…

Len Palik 

There wasn’t many opportunities to fish growing up on a farm in southern Saskatchewan. There were plenty of lakes within an hours drive to fish for Northern Pike, Walleye and Perch but working on the farm was long hours and usually 7 days a week and that didn’t allow for much time to fish. We did manage a northern fishing trip every year in June, which helped curtail the fishing bug but that was never enough.

After leaving the farm in pursuit of a career in construction, I moved from Alberta to Ontario and then finally the Okanagan in 1993. I new immediately Kelowna was the perfect place. Soon after arriving I purchased my first boat and although a family boat, I converted it to a fishing boat that served me well over the years. Recently I purchased a 22′ Thunderjet Tyee Welded Aluminum boat…my second home!

Over the years I’ve fished the large lakes of the Okanagan, the Kootenays and traveled to the West Coast fishing for Salmon & Halibut. In my quest to be a better fisherman I’ve started tying bucktails and air brush painting custom fishing lures, repurposing old lures into new. The gratification of catching fish on a lure that I’ve created is priceless…especially the ones to boast about!

With retirement just around the corner I’m looking forward to spending more time fishing, meeting people from around the world and providing them with an experience they will not soon forget!

So come join me…