About Us

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Hello, I am Wayne Price, owner and guide of Trophy Guide Service, Inc.  Founded by my father Sparky Price in the late 80's and becoming incorporated in 1993.  His career, and business has the credibility of four PA state record Striped Bass.  The present and longest state record still standing at 53 lb 12 oz.  Trophy Guide Service, Inc is the longest running; most recognized and awarded fishing service on Raystown Lake.  

Stripers were introduced shortly after the filling of Raystown Lake in 1973.  They quickly became the most exciting game fish to pursue here.  Sparky had an early passion to catch these fish that eventually developed into a successful and longest running charter guide business on Raystown Lake. This business continued to grow with the introduction of Lake Trout in the late 1980's.   My brother and I shared in his journey to catch these fish. Many of the techniques used as today's standards were introduced or modified during these early years. We did not have Alewives as the main bait source back then. My brother and I spent countless hours just keeping the business provided with bait from other sources. Trolling options were modified to extend the seasonal spring casting. With the Lake Trout introduced, the use of downriggers was very new in the late 1980's.  It required some real knowledge of the lake because of the limitations of electronics that were still modest in development and a lake full of standing timber.  I remember catching some of the earliest lake trout as they were just reaching legal sizes at depths that had no other reason to target.  We have been invested in every aspect since the inception of this fishery.  You learned it from trial and error, countless hours, a crazy feverish passion and relentless drive.  It was the path blazers like my dad in the constant pursuit.  

Our family knows sacrifice for fishing.  Being part of it from the beginning is special.  There wasn't You Tube, cell phones and short cuts to be successful or learn a technique.   For us, we understand what we are doing on the water and have a self confidence that can only come from trial and error.  There was no stone unturned or a technique to keep a thriving guide business.  Some methods can produce fish but are not "guide friendly".  It is a constant pursuit and library of knowledge that can make the difference.  Many guides today simply repeat what the others are doing without any knowledge of a moon phase, thermocline, barometric pressure etc... only the lessons from a relentless grinding lifestyle.   

 I was proud to take my earliest fishing "clients" for Trophy Guide Service as a late teenager while my dad fished a national striper tournament in Kentucky.  That was over 30 years ago now. It was a successful trip and my first experience of what this business entails.  I remember the names and details still today. Fishing Raystown Lake has been a lifelong natural situation for me. I fish year around beyond when I'd ever schedule a client to come in the cold and snow.  My "in season" early spring and fall fishing are usually daytime hours when the fish cooperate the best.  Late spring there is a brief window for an experienced angler to cast at dark. In the summer months with warm water and heavy boat traffic, I prefer night and early morning into daylight. 

I have picked up many customers and returned to their water side campsites during the summers.  Over the last 30 years, I have sold fishing equipment and recreational boats at a dealership just off the water that affords me plenty of opportunity to live the life I want. I'm fishing, selling boats and can see the lake from my house.  It is a lifestyle what our family has built a life around.  

What sets this service apart is the fact I've had the good fortune to learn from, learn with, and share those experiences with the very best.  I have countless hours and a lifetime of experience and on the water constantly. There have been heavy changes in our fishery over the years.  I have fished through tremendous ups and downs in the health of our Striper populations.  These fish are stocked with changes in programs from year to year. It can cycle different size classes that can be different in targeting. We set you up with for success with putting the percentages in your favor!

 Now in my 50's, the time has come to change my role to owner of the family business and keeping in line with the legacy before me.  The things that set this business apart from others is the fact we will change methods, locations, target multiple species, and change our styles of fishing without needing to seek direction from another source. After 35 years guiding and four state records, my dad used to laugh and tell me we were the source.  

 I am thankful for the repeat business over the years.  Always looking forward to our next trip.  If scheduling is ever an issue, Trophy Guide Service, inc. has always had a short list of long time trusted and respected guides that assist in the flow of business.  They may be made available for conflicting dates or to share in multi boat trips etc... They share our same principles and values and represent Trophy Guide Service, Inc. when referred.  These relationships are long standing with a goal to get you and your friends and family on the water with a credible captain.

There has always been something special between my dad privately competing that was healthy.  When we were both on the water at the same time it was a personal thing, a form of pride to impress him and he knew it.   The best memories of my life.

I have boated thousands of stripers for myself and other people.  The largest at 51lb that was a tense few hours with Dad's State record holding at just over 53lb.  I will always hold lots of memories very close to my heart.  

The original vision remains unchanged.  We want to continue sharing what we love with you and have fun doing it. The excitement and joy from a client's face, the family smiles and pictures, the friends that pat each other on the back will always bring a little extra joy to my heart knowing "my story".