About Werkman

Tom is also an owner at Werkman Outfitters and uses both fly and spin techniques for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike. His home waters are primarily the Grand River and its tributaries.

He lives in Grand Haven, Michigan and service on the board of the Michigan River Guides Association as its Vice President.  He is a past Ottawa County Parks Commissioner, past board member and founder of The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and The Grand River Greenway. In addtion, he is also a member of the Michigan Charter Boat Association.  

So if you are looking for something different to put a bend in your rod other than a trout during the summer months, let it be known that these native fish will not disappoint.

Max is an owner at Werkman Outfitters.  He specializes in steelhead and smallmouth bass.  He grew up in West Michigan and has basically been fishing since he could walk.  During the summer months he guides in Alaska for Naknek River Camp.

His home waters are the Grand River, the White River and from time to time the Muskegon River. He uses multiple techniques including fly fishing and spin gear to catch fish.  When he can’t fish he is either thinking about fishing or tying flies.  

No matter your skill level Max is very patient and a great teacher, particularly with fly fishing techniques.  

Christian is Christian started fly fishing at a very young age on the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan.

His main target species are bass, carp, and steelhead. His whole life has been fishing-related, from participating in bass fishing tournaments to now guiding on various West Michigan rivers.

Ted has been an avid fisherman his whole life, but only recently began guiding in 2020 when he started Flat River Outfitters.  In January 2023, he joined the Werkman Outfitters team to be able to focus more on guiding and less on “back of the house” work.

“It’s been exciting to see what Tom and Max have built and the vision they have for their business.  I’ve known known Tom a long time and we share the same values when it comes to being great stewards of the outdoors, and elevating the professionalism of our industry…without taking ourselves too seriously.  I’m thrilled to play a small part in their long-term growth strategy.”

Ted’s specialty is guiding for Smallmouth Bass and Pike on the smaller tributaries east of Grand Rapids.

Spencer has been fishing for as long as he can remember, developing a deep passion for the sport. Over the past year, he’s focused on guiding anglers for fall king salmon and steelhead on Michigan’s best rivers, including the Kalamazoo, Grand, Muskegon, and Lower Pere Marquette.

“It’s been a great experience joining the team at Werkman Outfitters. We share the same passion for conservation, educating anglers, and elevating the guiding experience."

Spencer’s specialty is targeting fall king salmon in the lower ends of West Michigan's tributaries. Primarily from early - mid September. As well as chasing steelhead throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. He’s eager to share his expertise with anglers looking for their next big catch.

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Dale Ray joins the WO crew as our Casting Instructor and Destination Consultant. He’s a retired emergency room physician and a board member of Fly Fishers International. He has traveled and fly fished the globe and chased everything from GT’s to rainbows.

Given his travels and fly fishing experience, if you're in need of a consult on the "how do I" for destination travel to remote locales or you'd like to learn how to fly cast or are in need to some casting improvement, give the shop a call.

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