Testimonials
"Andy is a top notch guide, who can really put you on the fish. I have caught many Salmon and Steelhead with him and every trip has been an immensely enjoyable trip. No other guide poses or uses better fishing gear than Andy, always on the cutting edge of the latest and best rods, reels and lures. His knowledge and professionalism are what make his trips enjoyable and I have learned and appreciated his expertise over the years. He will teach you the most effective catching techniques to fish in the always changing conditions and you can learn something new. If you want to experience the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest give Andy a call, you won't be disappointed."
-Gerald C.
"I’ve had the good fortune to fish with Andy Shanks several times and I can say in all honesty that he is a pro’s pro. A lot of folks can go out and catch fish, but in my experience you’ll look long and hard before you find another guide with the level professionalism and pride that Andy displays. Some guys guide to earn money. Other guys guide for the ego boost they get. Andy is in that rare fraternity of folks that were born to guide. He gets great joy from seeing his clients catch fish and if there is one attribute that I want in a guide, that’s it. Beyond that, whether you are talking about fishing for Salmon or Steelhead, freshwater or salt, Andy is one of the very best anglers on the West Coast."
-Matthew E.
"Captain Shanks is a salmon and steelhead soldier. On our last float (early Feb 2012), it poured nonstop. I was soaked by the 1st bend in the river. Andy's solution was to catch more steelies. We hooked 8 fish and landed 4, including a couple out-sized bucks--one native. All the 'catching' kept us warm-and considering Andy believes in a fair fight always, his top of the line, well-tuned tackle made every headshake a hoot. Plus, he won't stand for a poor photo of your catch. His photography rocks! So if you're looking for a fightin' chance at some great fish, look no further: call Captain Shanks."
-Steph Avena
Omak, WA
"I just want you to know this ranks as one of the best guided fishing trips I have been on. We are looking forward to next year and I would like to get some info on your Skykomish and Snohomish trips. We really enjoyed your company. Thank you!"
-Bonnie
"Hey Andy,
I just wanted to thank you again for such a fun trip down the Humptulips. What a blast my son and I had. I definitely want to make this an annual event, so count me in for next year. If I had any more money I’d be in for next month! Anyway, thanks for driving down just for one donated trip. You made our month and supported a great cause for the PSA Salmon derby. And thank your family as well for sparing their dad/husband for a day. I just can’t tell you how fun that was for us. My son and I are still on cloud nine and will remember this trip always.
I can hardly wait for next time, it’s definitely something I’ll be looking forward to all year."
"My son and I have fished the PSA South Sound for the last few years. We’ve won some nice prizes. This year on the way to the weigh in station, my son Josh, asked me what he should pick if he won a prize. We both agreed that we would love to get a guide trip on a river, since we had never done that before. Turns out he placed 22nd. There was one guide trip at that time and he was so afraid that somebody would pick it before he could. One person even picked it up before putting it back and choosing something else. He was able to pick it and was very happy to show it to me when they got back. (I had to park the boat and was unable to make it down to Tacoma).
We were able use that prize last Friday with Andy Shanks of Island Guide Services. He took us to the Humptulips River. I can’t remember having so much fun in a long time. What a treat to be guided down the beautiful river and hook big salmon along the way. Andy was patient and great with the gear, advice, and companionship. We fished three different methods and hooked fish on all three. We just had the best time, and I wanted to thank you for including that trip in the prizes. I doubt I would have ever set up a trip like that, and I’m just sad I hadn’t done that before. I know it must take a lot of effort to put together a derby, and I really wanted to thank you and all those that helped, as not only did we have a great time fishing the derby, but we got to experience together, for the first time, floating down a river in a drift boat. Something we both will never forget. Thank you so much!
It probably goes without saying, but I’m making a trip with Andy at least a yearly event, and can’t wait till next time!"
"I have been fishing in Washington my whole life in the rivers, the lakes, and Oceans. I am a bit of a fishing junkie and spend as much time as my busy life allows me to. As a father and busy business owner my time is at a premium. I am the proud parent of three daughters and a son. One of the things I want my kids to learn and to enjoy is the beauty of this state and how amazing it is to float a river or fish for Salmon in the ocean. I was very lucky to have Andy take me fishing for the first time year’s back and have had the pleasure of having him help me expose my all of kids to the sport I love. Andy as a fellow father is able to help communicate with them and keep it fun as well as put us in the fish. It is always a great value to fish with Andy as opposed to going it on your own. He spends the time on the water and always has the best equipment and boats and is a great Teacher. He obviously enjoys what he does and it shows. My family and I plan to fish with him for years to come."
