Gohlke Outdoors

About Damon

Built by Discipline. Driven by the Water.

Howdy, I’m Damon Gohlke — a Correctional Professional by trade and a passionate multi-species angler with a focus on walleye.

While my career keeps me inside concrete walls and barbed wire, my true freedom is found on the water. Fishing has been part of my life since I could hold a rod. Growing up, I was heavily involved in athletics, but once that chapter closed, fishing stepped in to fill the void and quickly became much more than a hobby.

One of my earliest and most unforgettable moments came at just 10 years old. I was crappie fishing off a bridge with a Scooby-Doo rod, a bobber, and a minnow when my bobber disappeared. What followed wasn’t a crappie — it was a 39-pound flathead catfish that nearly pulled me into the water. With help from my dad, Bryce, and a family friend who jumped in to land the fish, we brought it in. That moment made the front page of the Waushara County Argus and cemented fishing as a lifelong passion.

Competition has always driven me. My athletic background instilled a mindset centered on growth, discipline, and constant improvement. That same mindset fuels my approach to fishing today. Whether I’m dialing in techniques, experimenting with new patterns, guiding others, or competing on major walleye tournament trails, I’m always pushing to be better than I was the day before.

Fishing, to me, is more than catching fish. It’s about the process, the challenge, and the experience. It’s about time spent with family and friends, teaching others, and chasing that next level.

Through social media, guiding, and tournament fishing, I document and share my journey in hopes of inspiring anglers of all ages. From photos and reels to long-form content and hands-on teaching, my goal is to bring people deeper into the world of fishing — and maybe even spark a lifelong passion of their own.

Connect With Damon