Missing It. Time away from fishing has helped the author take stock of his support network and his love of guiding. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.
By Mike Peluso
Fair warning, this report isn’t going to talk much about fishing as my main focus is to thank everyone who has taken the time to send me a message, support my GoFundMe, or send a quick call or text. So, if this one gets a little longer bare with me.
When you guide as much as I do you can get lost in the routine. For those that know me well, you totally understand why I guide so much. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t guide just to guide and to support myself. I guide because I absolutely love every single minute of it!
Me having to be off the water here is really proving to me once again how much I love to guide and fish. I’ve always had two passions in my life besides my two daughters and family. Hockey and fishing have definitely been that and have been for as long as I have been on this earth.
This entire time laying in a hospital bed with severe diverticulitis, amongst some other issues that need to be dealt with, has given me a chance to reflect on things. The first thing for me is how I’m overwhelmed with how supportive everyone has been. For that I want to thank you.
Another area I want to express my gratitude towards is a few companies and people in the fishing industry who have stepped up to help me get back on the water. The first one I want to thank is Pro Marine here in Bismarck. They recognized I’ll need to be a tad bit more comfortable so they stepped up and donated me a wave pro seat base.
Second is Jon Thelen with Destination Fish. He is working behind the scenes to also provide me a couple of other things for my boat to help make my job easier and more comfortable and hopefully help me get back on the water sooner.
Last but not least is Chris Hustad of Flyway Media who handles my websites has taken notice and is stepping up as well! All this help goes further than anyone will ever know. So again thank you!
Of course, I haven’t been able to get on the water here for a couple weeks with my condition. I am however staying in touch and in the loop of things. That brings me to another side of how great people have been. Other guides, guide services, and friends have helped me through this by taking clients out that I had previously booked.
Percheyes Guide Service, Reel Fishing Guides, Bloomedahl Guide Service, Dave Randash, and Perch Patrol have all stepped up in one way, shape, or form during this process. Thank you guys so much for all the help and support.
From what I’m hearing, fishing still remains good on both Sakakawea and Devils Lake. I have my big appointments on Friday Aug. 15 to learn my fate for the remainder of the season and when I’ll be cleared for surgery again. All that will determine my return to the water and my work. Thanks again to everyone who has supported me through these tough times.
Like I’ve told so many in hockey terms I’m on the penalty kill right now. It wasn’t my strong suit as player and still isn’t today. I’m hoping we can get back to even strength and maybe even back on the power play. Thank you everyone for everything!
Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters. To contribute to his recovery, go to gofundme.com and search “Mike Peluso”