This page is dedicated to people that have helped me along the way who are no longer with us
Tribute to my friend Shawn Kmetko
This is a tribute to my friend Shawn, who passed away far too soon. I’m grateful that we were able to share one last trip together out on the water, doing what we both loved most—fishing side by side. That day will stay with me forever.
Shawn and I started fishing together in our early teens, learning as we went, growing up with rods in our hands and time on our side. He was more than just a fishing buddy—he was one of the people who helped shape who I became. His knowledge of finding the right places to fish, reading the water, and trusting instinct taught me more than he probably ever realized. Some of my best memories are of us heading out, exploring new spots, chasing that next great catch, and just enjoying the quiet moments in between.
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Shawn had a way of turning every trip into a lesson and every lesson into a memory. Those days on the water weren’t just about fishing—they were about friendship, patience, and shared passion. I’ll carry those moments with me every time I cast a line or find a new place to fish. Until we meet again, my friend, thank you for the memories, the knowledge, and the bond that will never fade.
Tribute to Chris Patchel
When I was a child, all I ever wanted to do was fish. I would go with anyone and everyone who was willing, spending as much time on the water as I possibly could. I spent a lot of that time fishing alongside Chris’s son, and through that, Chris became a big part of my life and my memories.
Chris had a family trailer along the Allegheny River, a place that felt like a second home to us. We fished there constantly, learning the river. Chris would drive us around to different fishing spots, always knowing where to go, and many times he would fish right alongside us. Back then, I fished for everything I could, but Chris had a true love for carp fishing—and he was incredibly good at it. Every time we went out, it seemed like he landed a big one.
Those lessons stuck with me. He showed me that fishing isn’t only about catching fish; it’s about slowing down, paying attention, and appreciating the moments. The lessons I learned from Chris are ones I still carry with me today.
Fishing creates memories and teaches lessons that last a lifetime, and Chris was a huge part of that for me. His guidance, his calm presence, and his love for the sport left a lasting mark on my life. As long as I’m here, his lessons will remain with me, and I hope to pass them on to the people I fish with, just as he passed them on to me.