Q&A with Illinois Muskie Guide Chris “T-Bone” Taurisano
This week I had the pleasure to touch base with Chris Taurisano of T-Bone's Guide Service. I was able to ask him a few questions and get some answers. If you are interested in hiring a guide, I invite you to check out T-Bone Guide Service. Servicing Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for the Multi-Species Angler, Captain Chris provides information and advice on the best rods, baits and techniques needed to become a successful angler in your area.
Chris, thanks for taking the time to do this Q&A. Let’s get right into it shall we?
Muskie Kid: You own & operate T-Bone’s Guide Service.How long have you been guiding?
Chris: I have been guiding full time for 6 years. 300+ days a year, and God knows I get to see the best of the best and the worst of the worst.
Muskie Kid: What made you become a fishing guide? Was there someone who influenced you?
Chris: I was a union electrician for 12 years and when the economy took a dump I needed somewhere to go. I had fished my whole life and had learned from some of the best in my opinion. It started as a way to make extra money. Once I got the blessing from my Pops and the backing from guys like Spence Petros, I was convinced that this was what I was going to do.
Muskie Kid: Why should someone hire a guide? Can’t I just go catch fish on my own?
Chris: I think a good reason to hire a guide is to learn. Take in everything that the guide does and understand why he does it. Also, a lot of my clients don't have boats so it's just easier for them to hire me a few times a year.
Muskie Kid: What should someone look for when hiring a guide? What am I getting for my money?
Chris: In my opinion there are a lot of "guides" out there. Look for someone who spends a lot of days on the water, someone who is willing to teach you and make you a better fisherman, and someone who has a good reputation in the industry. It's a small world and word travels fast, word of mouth is a great way to find a good guide.
Muskie Kid: From its humble beginnings, how would you rate muskie fishing in Illinois today?
Chris: Musky fishing has certainly come a long way. The stocking program has been very good. Thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for all of their hard work and the local clubs for their contributions. The forage on most of our lakes are shad, which gives us fat healthy fish. We see plenty of fat 40-48" fish every year as opposed to a lot of skinny 35-40" fish of 20 years ago. It's still a work in progress through.
Muskie Kid: How do you see muskie fishing in Illinois evolving? Where is it headed?
Chris: The future of this sport truly depends on how much funding our Department of Natural Resources can get. We need to be very aware of who we vote in and how in tune they are with us sportsman. The conservation and knowledge is becoming the norm for most but we must continue to educate people on how to care for these delicate fish.
Muskie Kid: I’ve heard a lot about “muskie fever”. What is it? How does it affect you?
Chris: Musky fever is real! LOL Once you catch your first musky, it is an all out addiction. These fish will make you lose sleep sometimes. In essence it's the greatest addiction one can find.
Muskie Kid: What are a few things that you won’t hit the water without?
Chris: Whenever I hit the water, I must have my net and all release tools. It's imperative to have these in the boat.
Muskie Kid: Muskie tackle can be quite expensive. What do you recommend as a “starter kit” for someone just getting into the sport, without breaking the bank?
Chris: I'm a very basic kind of fisherman. I have my confidence baits and I rotate them appropriately. A few good buck-tails in basic colors(blacks, whites, greens, purples) a couple of top-waters (prop style and walk the dog) twitch baits (one of my favorites) rubber baits(medussa, Poseidon) and a few gliders. Even with trolling baits I have a handful of baits I love and just rotate them appropriately. I really don't get caught up in the custom baits or custom color rage.
Muskie Kid: What is your favorite fishing memory?
Chris: My favorite memories of fishing were as a young kid fishing with my Pops. It really didn't matter what we were fishing for but more about the time we would spend. We had our favorite honey holes and places we liked to visit. I lost him last year but I still have him with me in the boat everyday.
I'd like to thank Chris for taking the time to contribute to my blog. I'd also like to offer my condolences on the passing of his father.
For most muskie anglers, the season is closed, the water hard, and show season is coming to an end. The only upside is that muskie season just around the corner. For some, there isn't a set season and some good fish have been showing up across social media sites. I think it is going to be a great year! Don't forget to follow me on my adventures by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page!
Keep that lure in the water!
-Caiden "The Muskie Kid" Ramsell
