
Jake-Petrasch
- Mapper since:
- November 21, 2024
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Jake Petrasch, formally known as Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., owns Valley Anglers in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, a reputable fly fishing guide service offering trips and a diverse range of fishing gear, including rods, reels, and wading equipment. With over two decades of experience in education, property management, site coordination, and fly fishing, he brings a seasoned perspective to his profession. Outside of work, his passions include surfing, skateboarding, biking, hunting, and enjoying both salt and freshwater fly fishing.
He completed his Bachelor’s degree in fine arts at St Lawrence University in 2001 and pursued a master’s in Education at Johnson State College, which he completed in 2007. His education was further enhanced by a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, where he received college credits from the University of Utah.
His varied career includes roles in teaching, property management, and site coordination, which have cultivated his versatile skills. In 2005, fueled by a passion for teaching and fly fishing, he founded Valley Anglers LLC. Here, he dedicates himself to teaching fly fishing techniques to enthusiasts of all levels, from casting to knot tying.
His teaching journey began in 2010 at Counseling Services of Addison County, where he developed educational programs for expelled or at-risk students. He continued his academic pursuits at Harwood Union High School as a paraeducator and later at Montpelier High School as a site coordinator, where he also managed the school’s outing club and co-taught a CrossFit program. Since 2018, he has worked with Integrated Property Services LLC, managing property maintenance and diagnostics for numerous homes in the Mad River Valley, highlighting his broad management expertise.
Born on July 20, 1977, in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted ten days later, he spent his childhood summers in Nantucket, developing a lifelong affinity for the outdoors. His personal life reached a milestone while attending St. Lawrence University, where he met his future wife. They married in 2005 and have since moved to Williston, Vermont, for their children’s education.
Fly fishing has played a crucial role in his life, notably in his path to sobriety that began in 1999. This passion extended to helping with trout distribution with the New York Fish and Wildlife and enjoying trips to Belize for saltwater fishing. Additionally, he is an avid surfer, often heading to York, Maine, to surf, especially during the hurricane season.
Motorcycles are another passion of his, and his collection has grown to include a Harley Davidson, a gift from his wife. His love for nature is also evident in his hunting, a tradition passed down from his ancestors.
He also enjoys time on the Maine Coast, which is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic views. His life in Nantucket and his ongoing sobriety journey profoundly shape his character, sharing his experiences openly to inspire others. Through all of life’s challenges, Jake Petrasch continues to embody resilience and dedication.
Portfolio: https://jakepetrasch.com/