Mike’s fishing journey began overseas, spending his formative years in Japan and Hawaii. His first catch—a trout in Japan—sparked a lifelong passion for fishing. In Hawaii, weekends became an adventure, as Mike and his dad learned to catch new species together. The fishing bug truly took hold during those years and has stuck with him ever since. In 1990, Mike moved to Washington State, where he has called home ever since.
For Mike, fishing is all about the thrill of the hunt. The anticipation of what’s on the other end of the line and the mystery of how big the next catch could be keeps him hooked. As a guide, he primarily targets salmon and steelhead but thrives on exploring opportunities to catch new species whenever he can. While each fish holds a special place in his heart, Mike’s ultimate favorite might just be the Roosterfish, which he describes as an all-around amazing species.
Mike’s saltwater charters take place on the Puget Sound, launching from Shilshole Bay Marina. His river trips explore the southern coastal rivers of Washington, such as the Satsop, Wynoochee, and Humptulips, as well as the northern Puget Sound rivers like the Sauk and Skagit.
A big fan of Gibbs gear, Mike trusts the O'ki Big Shooter and Highliner Guide Series flashers, often pairing them with a Skinny G or Wee G spoon. This combination has proven effective for salmon fishing from Alaska to Northern California. “Matched up together, you'd be hard-pressed not to catch fish,” he says, highlighting his confidence in Gibbs Fishing products to deliver results.
With decades of experience and a passion for the sport, Mike exemplifies the adventurous spirit of the Gibbs Pro Team, sharing his love of fishing with others both on and off the water.
Keep up with Mike and follow his adventures on Instagram: @ainsworthmike.
