Sam Rardin’s passion for fishing runs deep, shaped by a lifelong journey that began halfway around the world. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by a Minnesota family in 1987, Sam grew up exploring the waters of central Minnesota. Over the years, casting for walleye, musky, panfish, catfish, and pike just wasn’t enough to satisfy his competitive edge. That all changed when he joined a local bass fishing club in Brainerd as a co-angler, igniting a passion for smallmouth bass fishing that has only grown stronger.
In 2014, Sam set his sights on Mille Lacs Lake, drawn by its reputation as a premier destination for smallmouth bass fishing. Countless days on the water, in every kind of weather, turned his interest into an obsession and honed his expertise on the famed "pond." By 2020, Sam Rardin Fishing LLC was born, cementing his commitment to becoming a top Mille Lacs Lake fishing guide and smallmouth bass expert.
In 2024, Sam achieved his dream of guiding full-time, combining his passion for fishing with his dedication to helping others experience the thrill of catching trophy smallmouth bass. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to refine your technique or a beginner hoping for your first big catch, Sam’s deep knowledge of Mille Lacs Lake, paired with his approachable, results-driven style, ensures an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Sam's Journey
Discovering Mille Lacs Passion
Running a 1987 Crestliner with a 30-horse tiller, Sam immersed himself in the serene beauty of Mille Lacs Lake. It was during these early outings that he fell in love with chasing the elusive smallmouth bass, igniting a lifelong passion for the sport.
Mastering Transitional Patterns
Sam dedicated the entire spring and summer to understanding the subtle art of transitional fishing patterns. He meticulously studied prespawn, postspawn, summer, late summer, and fall behaviors, gaining invaluable insights while still honing his skills by targeting muskies and walleye.
Bass Bug Fully Bitten
The allure of bass fishing took complete hold of Sam. Fully committing to his passion, he left behind other pursuits and focused solely on mastering the techniques and strategies that make bass fishing such an exciting and rewarding experience.
Recon and Hidden Gems
Equipped with his trusty Crestliner, Sam ventured into uncharted waters on Mille Lacs. He devoted countless hours to reconnaissance, meticulously scanning and scouring the lake to uncover hidden hotspots where smallmouth bass gathered—areas known only to the most dedicated anglers.
First Bass Tournament
Sam’s dedication paid off when he was invited to join a local bass club as a co-angler. Participating in his first bass tournament, he gained invaluable experience and further solidified his commitment to becoming a standout in the fishing community.
First Bass Boat
Taking his passion to the next level, Sam invested in his first bass boat. This marked a significant milestone, allowing him to expand his reach on the water and prepare for even greater adventures during the open-water season.
Decision to Guide
After years of honing his craft, Sam made the life-changing decision to become a fishing guide. Leaving behind his career job, he spent one final year mastering the nuances of Mille Lacs and refining his skills in tournament fishing before officially launching his guiding adventure.
Part-Time Guide Leap
Sam took the leap into guiding, starting part-time on Mille Lacs. Despite challenges brought on by COVID restrictions, demand for his expertise surged, keeping him busier than ever and validating his decision to pursue guiding full-time.
No More Secrets
Sam expanded his influence by creating digital content, releasing his first YouTube video titled 'No More Secrets.' The video showcased his deep knowledge of Mille Lacs and inspired countless anglers to elevate their own fishing techniques.
Content Creation Focus
With a renewed focus on content creation, Sam participated in the prestigious City Auto Glass tournament. He continued to share his fishing wisdom through engaging videos and posts, solidifying his reputation as a trusted authority in the fishing world.
Full-Time Guiding
Sam achieved his dream of guiding full-time, dedicating himself to helping others experience the thrill of catching trophy smallmouth bass. His deep knowledge of Mille Lacs Lake, paired with his approachable, results-driven style, ensures an unforgettable fishing adventure for all who join him on the water.
Your Adventure Awaits
Looking forward to helping you catch world-class trophy bass and creating unforgettable memories on the water. Your adventure awaits!
