Justin Chromy
I grew up in New Prague, Minnesota and was first introduced to the great sport of fishing at just six years old on Fall Lake near Ely. I still remember rolling out of bed at 5 a.m., knowing something exciting was about to happen. That morning, my dad, brothers, and I caught our limit of walleyes in just over an hour and I was hooked.
From that moment on, fishing became more than a hobby; it became a way of life. I looked forward to trips to Fall Lake more than holidays. Any opportunity to get on the water, I took—whether it meant rides to Cedar Lake, annual trips to my uncle’s cabin near Alexandria, or venturing to Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park. When I earned my driver’s license in high school, it meant one thing: unlimited ice fishing. And at 18 years old, I bought my first boat—when the reel addiction truly began.
I attended college in Ely, Minnesota, where I may have learned more about the local lakes than my actual major in Land Surveying. Lakes Vermilion and Basswood quickly became favorites. I later completed my four-year degree at St. Cloud State University, started a career, and realized my heart wasn’t in it. I knew I wanted to live intentionally and pursue long-term goals. Within two years, I paid off over $60,000 in student debt, bought a home, and purchased my first guide boat—a Ranger 618T.
Your Lake Vermilion Guide
I began guiding part-time while working full-time, never losing my work ethic or passion. That momentum led to the steady growth of All-American Fishing Guide, now Patriot Guide Service. As my reputation grew in the Brainerd area, I was presented with the opportunity to guide on Lake Vermilion. Recognizing the potential to build a full-time guide business more quickly, I took a leap of faith and relocated.
While small business ownership never goes exactly as planned, my brand and reputation have grown every year. Today, I am proud to be one of the most reputable guides on Lake Vermilion. Patriot Guide Service represents the blood, sweat, and countless hours invested into making this dream a reality. None of it would have been possible without God’s grace and the opportunity to pursue this passion in the greatest country on earth.
This will be my fourth summer guiding full-time on Lake Vermilion, and I’m loving every minute of it. I have finished in the Top 16 in each of the last four City Auto Glass/Safelite Walleye Tournaments on Vermilion, including a 5th-place finish in 2023 and a 2nd-place finish in 2025. In January 2024, I upgraded to a 2020 Yar-Craft 2095 BTX and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and guide on the most scenic lake in Minnesota.
There is no greater fulfillment than providing memories that last a lifetime—and I look forward to helping you create yours.
Favorite Fishing Memory
During the 2025 Safelite Walleye Classic, the weather took a dramatic turn—dropping from 85 degrees on Thursday to a high of just 41 on tournament Saturday. The bite was tough, and we spent the day grinding it out, losing several crucial 18–20” fish along the way. Despite the frustration, my partner, Paul Klancher, and I stayed focused, kept pushing, and trusted the process. With just an hour left in the tournament, I stuck a 28-inch walleye that launched us into 2nd place. It wasn’t the win we were chasing, but it was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and mental toughness on the water—and it leaves plenty of motivation for the day we bring home the trophy.
Favorite Guide Story
During the summer of 2024, I had the pleasure of taking the Wenngatz family out on Lake Vermilion—Mom (Tiffany), Lily (15), Lucy (14), Owen (11), and Grandma Michelle. We were enjoying a great day catching walleyes when I noticed something much bigger show up on LiveScope.
I quickly tossed Lucy’s bobber toward the fish, and the float disappeared instantly. What followed was pure chaos as Lucy battled a massive muskie. After several intense minutes, the fish began to wear her down, and Owen jumped in to help finish the fight. When we finally landed it, the muskie measured an incredible 48 inches—the largest fish I’ve ever had in my boat.
It was an unforgettable moment and a perfect example of why guiding is so rewarding: unexpected memories that last a lifetime.
Bill Nieters
I’ve spent most of my life fishing Lake Vermilion, beginning in my dad’s Lund boat during the 1960s and 70s and carrying that passion forward to today from my Ranger. Over the years, I’ve become a lifelong walleye angler, gaining tournament experience on Mille Lacs, Leech, Winnie, and Vermilion, and learning the unique patterns and challenges each lake offers. Giving back to the sport is important to me, and I’m proud to guide for Take-a-Vet and Take-a-Kid fishing events through the Lake Vermilion Guides League. As I move into my retirement years, I’m excited to spend even more time on the water, sharing my knowledge, stories, and love of fishing with others.