Captain Chad Bryson is the Head Guide at Rapids Camp Lodge. He is a phenomenal fisherman, experienced fishing and hunting guide, with a hint of dry humor. Chad has forgotten more about fishing than most know. With over 16 years of guiding just in Bristol Bay, Alaska, Chad has the unique ability to provide a remarkable fishing experience regardless of conditions. If you have the pleasure of being guided by Chad, you’ll get to experience his mindfulness of the surroundings and conditions, be aware of each person in his group, all while being wary of bears in the midst is Master Jedi level. So you should get to know Chad Bryson. Here’s a little “getting to know you” with Chad Bryson.
DO: Deneki Outdoors, CB: Chad Bryson
DO: Tell me a little bit about yourself – Where you were born and grow up?
CB: Born in Northern Georgia, grew up in Southern Appalachia.
DO: How did you get involved with the outdoors and fishing?
CB: My grandfathers and my dad taught me to hunt and fish.
DO: How long have you been working in the fishing industry?
CB: Since 1987
DO: What is your role with Deneki Outdoors?
CB: Head Guide at Rapids Camp Lodge.
DO: Do you have a nickname and how did you acquire it?
CB: Chad
DO: Who is or was the biggest influence in your life?
CB: My grandfather.
DO: If you lived on a deserted island for the rest of your life, what is one music album would you take (no “best of” compilations). Book?
CB: Beatles White Album and The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Gibbons.
DO: What is your favorite food?
CB: Tacos.
DO: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
CB: I have very fragile feelings. Not really, everyone knows I have no soul.
DO: What is the most important thing you do to get your day started?
CB: Coffee.
DO: What did you want to be when you were a kid?
CB: Legit, fishing guide/floatplane pilot. Weird right?
DO: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
CB: I’m more of a mid day person.
DO: What is the worst gift you’ve been given?
CB: No gift is ever a bad gift.
DO: What superpower would you have and why?
CB: I can read the body language of fish and animals and I trust what my gut tells me.
DO: If you weren’t a guide, what would you be doing?
CB: Something really stupid.
DO: What made you want to be a guide?
CB: I learned at a very young age how it feels to be able to give someone else the gift of fishing and hunting.
DO: What personality trait makes a great guide?
CB: Great guides have the ability to make the fishing day about the guest angler experience instead of selfishly making it about their own fishing.
DO: What do you think is the best thing about Rapids Camp Lodge?
CB: The appreciation all the staff receives from the owners.
DO: What do you think are the biggest challenges to the fishing industry will face in the next 5years?
CB: More social media bulls**t.
DO: What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a guide?
CB: Be willing to start at the bottom of the totem pole and work up. Learn how to work so that your work ethic is strong. Be able to make the fishing day about the guest angler instead of yourself.
DO: If you had a warning label what would it say?
CB: Be careful what you wish for.
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