Brian Bashore grew up fishing the Blue River and the Harlan Country Reservoir in Nebraska with his stepfather. Being raised on the water, he developed a deep-seeded passion for the outdoors, and walleye fishing. At 16, he participated in his first walleye tournament. Brian lived an entirely different life before dedicating it all to fishing. He attended the University of Nebraska, studying forestry fisheries and wildlife management. After college, Brian owned and operated a custom home building company before switching careers, opening a financial firm as a mortgage broker and insurance advisor. He has been involved with the Navy for 11 years. He started as Operations Chief for the reserves and then switched to active duty as Chief Petty Officer, serving terms in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His dedication to fishing cannot be challenged. For months at a time, you can find Brian living in a camper down by the river, where he guides for his company Walleye Guys. “Time on the water is the best way to learn,” Brian says. “Now adays you can watch YouTube and climb up much faster than those of us who are over 30. The learning curve is a much shorter period, but nothing beats time on the water.” Brian prefers the challenge of river fishing for walleye. “With the constant changing conditions, water levels, water clarity and the currents, the walleye need to be outsmarted, you’ve got to refigure it every day.” Brian has created Walleye Guys, a YouTube channel where he shares informative and educational videos featuring his time on the river and game fishing parks.
Brian, his wife and their two children have settled into Sioux Falls, SD where the fishing and proximity to the outdoors is vast. In addition to being a competitive fisherman, Brian is the current President of the National Professional Anglers Association. He dedicates his time as a regional board member for the National Wildlife Federation, over-seeing five states wildlife affiliates. Brian is also actively involved in legislative efforts, advising on pending sportsmen issues.
