Progress on the water.
Confidence beyond it.

First, thank you for asking for honest feedback. I can genuinely say my expectations have been completely blown away.

When we signed Wyatt up, I thought we were getting fishing instruction that would teach techniques, technology, and how to become a better tournament angler. While he’s absolutely gained those skills, what has surprised me most are the life lessons. Wyatt has developed confidence, discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to work for something. At the beginning of the season, he was hesitant and could get discouraged after a tough night on the lake. This past weekend, he won Biggest Bass at the tournament, and watching that growth has been incredibly rewarding.

The most valuable part of the program has been Wyatt’s confidence, your mentorship, and the relationship you’ve built with him. He trusts and respects you, and that has made a tremendous impact. The tournament preparation has also been outstanding. He’s learned how to think through a tournament, prepare for it, and approach it with purpose instead of just hoping for a good day on the water.

As far as anything missing, honestly, the biggest thing is that Wyatt wishes there was more of it. If there were an opportunity to fish twice a week, I think he’d sign up in a heartbeat. I also think there could be value in occasionally adding a short classroom session. Nothing long since he’s only 11, but teaching more about fish behavior, habitat, seasonal patterns, why fish react to certain colors, and how things change throughout the season would be a great complement to the time on the water. That is really more of an enhancement than something that’s missing. Every week Wyatt asks, “What night do I get to fish with Matt?” I think that says everything about how much he values this program and his time with you.

I honestly wouldn’t change much about the sessions, schedule, or communication. The program has such an organic and genuine feel to it, and I think that’s a big part of why it’s so successful. It never feels forced or over-structured. One unexpected gift this summer has been watching the impact you’ve had on Shawn as well. The way you’ve helped him communicate with Wyatt, be patient, and teach him has been incredible to watch. That wasn’t something we ever expected to gain from this experience, but it has been another huge blessing.

As for recommending EAA, absolutely, without hesitation. I have nothing but positive things to say about it. In fact, I’ve already had several families ask about the program because they’ve seen Wyatt’s excitement, confidence, and growth this summer, and they want to do it with us next year.

I think the biggest compliment I can give you is this. We thought we were signing Wyatt up for fishing lessons, but what we’ve really received is mentorship. Fishing has become the vehicle for teaching confidence, discipline, perseverance, communication, and character. Those lessons will stay with him long after he remembers what lure he caught a fish on.

Thank you for investing in Wyatt. As a parent, it’s rare to find another adult whom your child genuinely looks up to and gets excited to spend time with every week. You’ve become one of those people in Wyatt’s life, and that means more to our family than you probably realize.

We’re looking forward to finishing the season strong.

“It’s been extremely interesting to progress through the spring season into the summer season and work the different seasonal patterns.”

“Carter - has gained new skills and a real feel for lures that he previously didn’t have. For instance he goes for a neko rig now as maybe his first choice which is a super lightweight presentation that previously was quite difficult to fish.”

“My children went from finishing mid pack in tournaments to top 10 in tournament of champions in a single season of coaching.”