I have been a fisherman since the day I was physically capable of handling a rod and reel. Now at the age of 28 years old, I have kept busy as an influential, professional angler by working with brands and companies to promote, compete, endorse, educate, and entertain.
I am a multi-species angler who is heavily involved with the sport of fishing and everything that encompasses it through the recreational, educational, promotional, and business ends of it. Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois, and part-time in Minocqua, Wisconsin, I primarily travel to fish throughout the Great Lakes and Upper Midwestern regions of the country with my favorites being the north country of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario Canada. Besides these places, I have the willingness to travel the world, wherever the best bites will take me.
As a fisher of all species that swim, my favorites are undoubtedly largemouth and smallmouth bass, BIG northern pike, and muskies. These four are my specialties, but what I frequently fishes for are big smallmouth bass and muskies.
I’m privileged to be able to be out on the water over 150 days per year for both leisure and my instructional and guiding responsibilities. Roughly 75% of those days are spent in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Northwestern Ontario while the rest is elsewhere throughout the country as well as locally in the Chicago metropolitan area during early spring and again in late fall. I don’t claim to be an expert or a professional, but rather an educated individual who is well-versed and heavily involved with everything that encompasses freshwater fishing.
I am a 2010 graduate of Loyola University Chicago. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies, and an associate’s in Visual Communication and Graphic Design. Wherever my career path takes me to, the game of fishing and everything else I already do will be a major part of it.
Currently I am a business owner (Web Designer, Media & Marketing Specialist), and work on projects with clients throughout the country. My business website can be visited at www.ragasmedia.com. I am pretty darn good when it comes to graphic design, layout and editing, and video production. I attribute my savvy business success to being crafty and having an eye for talent and creativity.
In my mind, fishing is more than just an obsessive hobby – it is a lifestyle. I am a firm believer that if you treat the sport with respect and use your God-given talents on the water, you will be rewarded with great catches – including professional success.
Presently in the realm of fishing, I am a staff writer, columnist, and blogger for Heartland Outdoors Magazine, which is a Midwest print publication. I also contribute regionally and nationally to other publications. In addition, I run, operate, manage, and write for my own large fishing media website, Fishing-Headquarters.com. Additionally, I represent and work for some of the finest and respective brands in the fishing industry.
My role in the fishing industry doesn’t end just there, however, as I handle all website design, and help manage the marketing, and social media responsibilities for a handful of tackle companies which includes Stankx Bait Company, Dragin Baits, Villain Baits, Toothy’s Tackle, and Bigtooth Tackle. Not only am I great at managing their online presences, but am proficient at endorsing product and reaching out to target markets as I know what it takes for individuals and industry brands to succeed.
I don’t claim to be an expert or a professional by any means, but rather one who has received a lifelong fishing education, and one who is well versed in the sport with a wealth of offerings. I compete in regional and local bass and muskie tournaments, work the local and regional winter sport shows as a vendor for my partners, I enjoy building long-term relationships with industry partners and clients, and run an educational fishing website and online publication, Fishing-Headquarters.com.
A Present Listing of Honors and Accomplishments
- Staff Writer & Blogger – Heartland Outdoors Magazine (2010-present)
- Owner/Designer – www.fishing-headquarters.com (2007-present)
- Professional Fishing Guide – Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures (2015 – present)
- Featured multiple times in popular Lithuanian angling magazine (Meskeriotojas)
- Pro Staff – Stankx Bait Company (2009-present)
- Pro Staff – Cortland Line Company (2011-present)
- Pro Staff – Quantum PT Fishing (2011-present)
- Pro Staff – Freedom Tackle Corp (2013-present)
- Pro Staff – Dynamic Lures (2014-present)
What sets Andrew apart:
- Tackle testing & development.
- Unlimited connections to industry professionals.
- Technologically savvy.
- Proficient writer and expert writing skills.
- Strong communicator and public speaker.
- Contributor to several print and online publications.
- Optimism and good attitude.
- Communication and marketing is his educational background and strength.
- Working on turning this love affair into a sustainable professional career.
