Back when I was pregnant, though, I discovered that some of the guides I thought were my buddies were telling anyone who would listen that I was done guiding. That hurt in more ways than one. The upside was I really needed to find something else to do because being on the water for 10-12 hours was not going to happen anymore, and those thoughts running through my head really pushed me along. I’d already started filming and shooting photos, so I branched out from there to supplement my income. Those efforts also allowed me to be at home more (you know, editing and touching up photos…and changing diapers). All in all I made it work, and now when I guide I’m more into it than ever – I feel like I’ve rediscovered my love for guiding and fishing.

I still get to travel and fish as I have a very supportive husband who fishes as well. We trade off trips – while one stays home with Ethan, the other gets to choose a fishing buddy and do their thing.

Amanda Switzer

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

Winnie the Pooh