Ray
Gildow was born 200 feet from the Pine River in Pine River, Minnesota.
He has spent most of his life on or near water as a fisherman ever
since. Ray recently retired as a vice president of Central Lakes College
with campuses in Brainerd and Staples Minnesota and now works as a
professional fishing guide and author. Ray is a member of the Nisswa
Guide’s League, the oldest known guide’s league in the
state of Minnesota. The Nisswa Guide’s League was formed in 1968
by Ron Lindner and his younger brother Al. Other guides who were members
of the league over the years include Gary Roach, Marv Koep, Jeff Zernov,
the inventor of the underwater camera and Royal Karels, a local guide
who has guided for over 40 years. The Nisswa Guide’s League has
provided over 40,000 customer trips since 1968. Ray has been fishing
with the Nisswa Guides since 1989 and prior to that had his own guide
business.
Ray is a member of the Lund Boats Pro Staff through Staples
Sports, Quantum tackle company in promoting fishing
tackle and Mercury Marine Outboard Motor Co.
Ray serves on the board of directors for several area non profit organizations.
Ray currently in the host of Four Winds, a Television magazine show and also a free lance writer for a number magazines and newspapers.
Ray also produces and hosts television shows in the Brained area and the northern part of the state. Ray is currently hosting a new television show on Lakeland Public Television called Lakeland Currents which will focus on topics of public affairs. This show airs every other Thursday night beginning January 29th live at 8pm on Lakeland Public Television. This show will be available in the Brainerd Bemidji areas and through Direct TV and the Dish Networks.
Ray’s guiding ventures have been featured in area magazines
and newspapers and he has a reputation as a top notch guide. He fishes
the big lakes like Leech Lake and Mille Lacs and he fishes many smaller
lakes in the Brainerd/Nisswa area like Hubert, North Long and Round.
He fishes all species from pan fish to musky and has earned a reputation
as an excellent multi-species angler. Ray’s fishing clients have
included families, corporate executives, professional athletes, radio
and television personalities and other celebrities.
Ray completed his first book featured on this web page entitled “LEGENDS
AND LEGACIES- THE HISTORY OF THE NISSWA GUIDES’ LEAGUE.” The book
features the history of the Nisswa Guides’ League and stories
about the people who worked in the league over the nearly 40 year
history of the organization. This book can be purchased on this web
page and a local book stores.
Ray can be booked as a fishing guide at Nisswa Guides League Website or at
S & W Bait located on Hwy 371 North in Brainerd, Minnesota. ph 218-963-2547.
Ray's Pro Staff Sponsors
