In these days of social media web sites and personal profiles dominating and changing the social structure and status' of the American people. Their traditional means of communication like family dinners, family gatherings, letters (snail mail), evening landline calls to loved ones, and the occasional crossing of paths at the local grocery store, or pharmacy; These daily social event have been all but removed from todays society and every day living by most Americans, as everyone pours their daily/hourly life into massive social media websites, seeking praise and acknowledgement by their thousands of so called "friends". Changing the way human interaction, communication, and integrity had always been in the generations leading up to todays "generation Z" (kids born to the late 1990's and into 2000's). So often is the case these days people get caught up in being the "star" or "hero" of the day by social media standards. It seams as though anglers on social media and social media fishing groups who have exposure to thousands even tens of thousands of audience members, instantly are over-come with narcissism and start to portray a higher stature, taking their daily angling success and using them to pump their own egos like "look at me".... "look what I can do". The addiction is real, and it works! I too have enjoyed the empowering feeling of instant internet fame as a photo or video is uploaded to social media and shared on mega social groups, gathering thousands of views and hundreds of likes. The feeling of being recognized as a person by people who you don't know personally maybe "friends" you have never actually met, contacted by dozens of people who before social media, you would have never known. Meeting and being admired by scores of new contacts in life and establishing a roll in the social standing of the majority of people who engage in angling in your geographical region of residency, your state, your country, and in countries all over the earth. Staying on top of social media and all its platforms is certainly becoming the way of the future. As for small business, what other tool can connect you with endless opportunities and potential customers, FOR FREE....So easily we are caught up with moving forward at life's breakneck pace, we seldom take time to look back in time and see how we got into this current whirlwind of a social media frenzy that consumes the free time in our busy lives.

Salmon fishing guide Dave Jacobs, ( my mentor and one of my closest friends ) holding a big male Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon. Dave caught this king salmon as we fished together in the closing days of the 2017 salmon fishing season on the Sacramento… — Salmon fishing guide Dave Jacobs, ( my mentor and one of my closest friends ) holding a big male Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon. Dave caught this king salmon as we fished together in the closing days of the 2017 salmon fishing season on the Sacramento River near Cottonwood, Ca.

Who taught me how to salmon fish? I've been asked this question many times in my career as a fishing guide here in Northern California. The answer to the question has never changed. The man pictured above, Dave Jacobs of sacramentofishing.com is the person who taught me solely how to salmon fish. And I consider myself blessed to have had such a driven and knowledgeable teacher. I met Dave Jacobs in a US Coast Guard Auxiliary class for Six Pack Licensing for charter captains and river guides in 2002 in Redding, Ca. During a few of the breaks from the class and with a couple Kodak photos swapped, our bragging rights were fully established. Dave then invited me to join him on his jet boat to salmon fish, and to open my eyes for ever to the world of sport fishing (#guidelife). And open my eyes it did!!

Captain Dave Jacobs holding up the best quality salmon of 2017 caught by either one of our boats during the entire season. Some 15 years after meeting Dave, I'm still blessed with being able to spend a handful of days throughout the year fishing wit… — Captain Dave Jacobs holding up the best quality salmon of 2017 caught by either one of our boats during the entire season. Some 15 years after meeting Dave, I'm still blessed with being able to spend a handful of days throughout the year fishing with him. Occasionally I get the rare opportunity to take him fishing.

I spent two and a half years fishing with Dave Jacobs on his jet boat, deck handing at every available opportunity, traveling to all the locations river guiding takes you in the course of a year and learning every step of the way. There is a big difference between taking some friends out producing fish and having a good time, and taking out clients that may have likely never held a pole or caught a fish before, producing fish and having a good time. This I learned along the way. See Dave didn't teach me how to fish, I learned that my entire childhood growing up fishing trout, and steelhead all over Northern California. My father and Uncle taught me the foundation to becoming a successful angler. What Dave taught me was how to be a successful guide, and how to make a living doing it. In fact, I had caught maybe several thousand salmon before I met Dave. I just never got one to bite on its own free will (little humor). I was more of a 10+ foot leader and beed type of salmon fishermen. Hanging around the Thermalito Outlet Hole on the Feather River with any free time I could come up with. The great Frank Townley (The Fishin Magician) had taken me salmon fishing before so I had actually caught a small hand full of salmon with roe and kwikfish, but to me salmon fishing was done in a line of anglers using the flossing technique. When Dave invited me into his world he promised me one thing, and Ill never forget what he told me. Dave said "I'm guna teach you how to catch salmon for real and you will never floss again". For the record, from that day forward for 15 years, until this summer of 2017, I never legally snagged a salmon in the mouth again. I got started fishing plugs with Dave and never looked back. He opened my eyes to the world of guiding and making salmon strike a plug and it has turned into a full time successful business and lifestyle for me. And I couldn't be more thankful at the opportunity Dave gave me for no other reason then to help a fella out.

Dave Jacobs holding yet another chrome Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon he caught in the closing days of what could be considered one of the best Late Fall Run's in many years on the Sacramento River. Still using a green-billed lure to do work with afte… — Dave Jacobs holding yet another chrome Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon he caught in the closing days of what could be considered one of the best Late Fall Run's in many years on the Sacramento River. Still using a green-billed lure to do work with after all these years...

So needless to say I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I was given by Dave Jacobs and Professional Guide Service ( formerly owned by salmon fishing legend Hank Mautz ). Im taking this opportunity to show my gratitude for where I am today in my life, and how I got here. Many other people have helped me along the way and continue to help. Many sacrifices have been made by myself and others along this road less traveled. But how I was taught to fish for salmon and becoming good at it, I learned from Dave Jacobs, and that's simply giving credit where credit is due! Thanks DJ!!

Heading into the sunset at the end of one of our countless adventures on the Sacramento River.

Although it's super easy to get caught up in todays hustle and bustle and technologically advanced high speed lifestyle, I think reflecting back and giving thanks to those who may have helped you out along life uncertain travels is a way of staying grounded and humble. Also paving the way to potentially pay it forward and help out another person if need be. As it should be....

Mike's Fishing Guide & Charter Service For Sacramento River Fishing targeting King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Striped Bass, Sturgeon, Shad And Trout the best Sacramento River Fishing guide and Sacramento River Charter on Sac River