Born and raised in Minnesota. At the age of 3, I moved to Gull Lake in Lakeshore Minnesota. I spent the next 33 years growing up and learning what it takes to enjoy the great outdoors of northern Minnesota. One of our early family endeavors was the Deauville Marina on Gull Lake. Here I learned about boats, and what it took to properly care for all types watercraft.
At the age of 12, I also landed a job at Koep’s bait shop in Nisswa as a bait packer. It was here that I became a fisherman. Learning the ropes from the likes of Marv Koep,Gary Roach (Mr.Walleye), The Linder Brothers, Harry VanDorn, Cully Swenson and all of the rest of the big names in the Nisswa Guide League (N.G.L). But most of all growing up in the boat with my lifelong friend Kevin Koep (aka Fish Lips). Together we would learn the fishing world and this was all made possible because of my second set parents Marv & Judy Koep.
In 1979, after Marv co-signed a loan for me on a new boat, it all began, I was inducted into the N.G.L. and I was off to a good start.
After guiding fishing parties for a number of years in Minnesota I wanted to expand my knowledge base. I had always dreamed of being a guide in Alaska so off I went to Tickchic Lodge in Dillingham, Ak. There I spent the next couple of years as a guide and came away with memories that will last my entire life.
After Alaska I moved back to Nisswa Minnesota and started another chapter in my life.
I joined another one of the family businesses distributing Honda engines for next 12 years. But I couldn’t stay away from fishing.
In phase 3 of my life I ended up in Baudette Minnesota where I purchased the Wigwam Resort. For the next 16 years I continued learning. The ins and outs of fishing. Meeting my wife to be and her two boy’s Garrett an Bryce. Along with my daughter Gloria we all set out to run the resort.Enjoying guiding and spending time with a variety of wonderful people.
Now it’s time to begin the next phase. After selling the resort I still enjoy guiding fishing and hunting parties in Minnesota and I am now expanding my horizons again to include some guiding during winter months in Florida.
So if you are interest in experiencing a new and exciting fishing experience come and join me and let’s make some memories.
Tom C. Briggs