About Your Guide

Shane Thombs

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Instructional

Talkative

Comfortable

Quantity

Beginner Oriented

About Your Guide

Shane Thombs

Independent Guide

Shane has been chasing fish on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie since 1988 and stepped into the charter world in 1994. With decades on the water and deep roots in the Great Lakes fishing community, he brings an unmatched blend of experience, professionalism, and passion to every trip.

Over the years, Shane has worked extensively within the tackle industry as a sales consultant, product tester, and ambassador for several respected brands. He’s a familiar face at sportsmen’s shows, salmon schools, and local fishing clubs, delivering multiple seminars each year on Great Lakes techniques. His knowledge has been featured in fishing publications, and he’s earned multiple tournament wins across Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

In 2008, Shane was invited to join the Fisheries Management Zone 20 Advisory Council, where he continues to serve—helping shape the future of the fishery he loves.

On the water, safety and professionalism are top priorities. Shane holds certifications as a Small Commercial Vessel Operator, Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid, and Marine Radio Operator with DSC. He has also completed advanced boating courses through the Canadian Power Squadron.

Off the water, Shane is a husband and father of two, an active member of his community, and a Project Management Professional with a background in Geographic Information Systems and Aquaculture Technology. When he’s not guiding trips, he works with the City of Hamilton’s Public Works Department and stays involved in public speaking through Toastmasters.

Fishing with Shane means learning from someone who has dedicated his life to the Great Lakes—both on the water and behind the scenes.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

33 1/2 lbs Chinook Salmon, 12 lbs 4 oz Walleye, 6 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth Bass, 17 1/2 Rainbow Trout, 29 lbs Lake Trout.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Lake Erie Walleye

What’s your favorite band?

The Tragically Hip

What’s your favorite movie?

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

33 1/2 lbs Chinook Salmon, 12 lbs 4 oz Walleye, 6 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth Bass, 17 1/2 Rainbow Trout, 29 lbs Lake Trout.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Lake Erie Walleye

What’s your favorite band?

The Tragically Hip

What’s your favorite movie?

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

What’s your favorite sports team?

Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s your drink of choice?

Cold water

How did you get started guiding?

Deck hand on a full time Charter boat in 1994.

What makes you different from other guides?

I care. I feel sharing fishing experiences, bring the importance of conservation, ethics of business and professionalism is what I bring each day on the boat.

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