Dale, Karyn, Kurt, Aaron
Dale
Perhaps one of the area's most recognized fishermen, Dale Stroschein, prides himself on educating those who wish to learn to fish the Door County and Green Bay waters. Whether its trophy walleye or mammoth smallies you are seeking, Dale will safely navigate you to his favorite (and sometimes "secret") fishing spots.
Dale grew up on the waters of Green Bay, and has been chartering for over 26 years. His passion for fishing is evident to all his guide customers, seminar attendees, and TV viewers. Dale's main goal is to EDUCATE all those who wish to learn more about fishing in general, the industry or the local fishery. He takes his job as a charter captain and company representative very seriously and welcomes customers of all ages.
Mostly known for his regular guest appearances on John Gillespie's Wisconsin's Waters and Woods, Dale has built up his reputation for "trophy" fish. Door County offers an amazing fishery for both walleye and smallmouth bass-Dale's targeted species. There have been instances of 13 pound+ walleyes and 6 pound+ smallies! Dale feels truly blessed to have grown up in an area literally "swimming" with these monster fish!! He is eager to share what he has learned growing up on and fishing these waters with those seeking a charted fishing trip or fisherman staying at his resort, Sand Bay Beach Resort & Suites, Ltd.
Prior to chartering full time and maintaining his resort, Dale fished competitively on the Professional Walleye Trail for 12 years-each year qualifying for the national championship. He was the only angler to hold Big Fish records simultaneously for both the PWT and NAWA circuits. He built up quite a rapport with the companies that sponsored him, and he maintains several of those sponsors today, despite not currently competing at the professional level. Although there are no plans in the immediate future to return to the tournament scene, Dale has mentioned that he would like to return to the circuit someday.
Dale currently resides in close proximity to the waterfront property he was born and raised on, just south of Sturgeon Bay, WI in picturesque Door County. The property where he grew up on is now home to Sand Bay Beach Resort & Suites, Ltd., a family-friendly beachfront resort with outstanding amenities. Keeping in tradition with his parents endeavors, Dale continues to operate this facility with the utmost care.
Karyn
Karyn Stroschein, aka “The Mrs.” “Better Half” “Cookie Lady”, etc etc, is most likely the gal you will chat with on the phone. It’s her job to keep all the boys in line and make sure they are on schedule and running efficiently. (This is not an easy task.) In correlation with managing Sand Bay Beach Resort, she also keeps the gears turning at Wacky Walleye Guide Service. Among her other known talents: cookie baking, chili making, brat grilling and shanty transport (when Aaron’s not available).
Karyn was born in Detriot, MI but was lucky enough to move to Door County, WI when she was just a baby. She was raised to love and enjoy the outdoors as much as “the boys”. She is confident of her ice and open water angling abilities, fishing knowledge and overall toughness. Don’t underestimate her…and don’t be surprised if she can answer most of your fishing questions over the phone!
Besides fishing, Karyn enjoys other outdoor activities like ATVing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing and is a HUGE PACKER FAN! Other than Sand Bay, Lambeau Field is her favorite place in the world. If you get tired of talking to the guys, Karyn has plenty of fishing stories for you as well…and maybe a fresh-baked cookie!?
Kurt
Kurt Henrickson, Two Rivers (that’s pronounced “trivers”), WI, began helping us out at Wacky Walleye Guide Service in 2009. Kurt started off his Wacky Walleye experience by hiring Dale as a guide early in the 2009 ice season. Although he stepped in a hole that night, haha, he had a great time and became friends with Dale almost immediately. “That guy is a good guy, and would do anything for anybody,” is one of the first things Dale said of him. Soon after, he became a regular fixture, helping Dale out here and there, and then more permanently.
Kurt’s passion is Walleyes. He has iced a few big Door County ‘Eyes, but he has yet to get a true big HAWG. He will never miss an opportunity to go out ice fishing for these fish, and is excited to teach and help folks that are new to this type of fishing. He is an outstanding instructor and will go the extra mile to ensure customers are safe, happy and learning. Kurt has a quiet confidence and a way with people. Customers thoroughly enjoy his quick wit and patient teaching style.
Also an avid hunter, Kurt will be more than willing to hear and tell great stories from the woods, and he has shot his fair share of big bucks. Another trophy he activiely pursues are the Muskies. He gets a crazed look in his eye when talking about these monster fish…get him talking about Muskie fishing and you won’t get him to stop! A true outdoorsmen, you can be sure any spare time Kurt has will be spent on the ice, water or in the woods. He is a dedicated worker, good friend and a true asset to Wacky Walleye Guide Service.
Aaron
Aaron Pribyl, of Kewaunee, WI (but a Door County native at heart) began assisting at Wacky Walleye Guide Service in 2010. Dale met Aaron in the fall of 2009 and knew immediately he was the kind of caliber worker he wanted on his crew. “His passion is unmatched for the love of the outdoors. I have never met anybody like him.” Dale’s instincts proved to be right on soon after Aaron began working as an assistant. He was a willing and able 16-year-old with an old soul, and would rather be out fishing or hunting than any other activity most teenagers engage in. Guide customers raved about his kind nature, teaching skills and beyond-his-years maturity all throughout his first ice guiding season.
Ice fishing, especially for Whitefish, may be one of Aaron’s favorite things, but he is also an avid hunter. It’s not uncommon to hear him sharing his tales of Waterfowl, Deer or Bear hunts he has been on. He is also an accomplished duck caller and was the State Champion for the Junior division in 2010! He is the crew member to “chat it up” with if you like to hunt-especially Waterfowl! Oh…and make sure to ask him if he has any goose sausage! That stuff is a 10!
Not long after Aaron began working with the Wacky Walleye crew, Dale was asked by a representative of Bass Pro Shops if he knew of any teenagers that would be willing, capable and able to become one of their Next Generation kids. It was an easy answer for Dale: Aaron Pribyl. Dale explained how dedicated an individual he was and, most importantly, how much he genuinely enjoys the outdoors. They wanted to know more. Aaron sent them a resume and answers to the essay questions they provided, and it wasn’t long before they came looking for him! He has already filmed several television segments for Bass Pro Shops Next Generation and was even asked to go on LIVE national television on Fox and Friends in New York City in August of ‘11…keep in mind…Aaron had never even been on a plane before this! It wasn’t much of a surprise that he has done so well both on the live news segment and on the taping of his segments, he rises to the challenge in everything he does. This is a great achievement, and we couldn’t be more proud to have this young “celebrity” on our Wacky Walleye Crew!