Crafting Memorable Fishing Experiences

 By Haley Rodriguez, Mack's Lure Staff Writer 

Brianna Bruce’s path to becoming a professional fishing guide wasn’t a straight line—it was a journey shaped by passion, family, and a little bit of fate. What started as a love for fishing evolved into a rewarding career, one where she shares her deep knowledge of the waters with others, helping them create lasting memories on the water. At the heart of her guiding business is a brand she’s trusted for years—Mack's Lures.

Brianna’s story began long before she launched her guiding business in 2011. "I started my guide journey in 2011," Brianna recalls. "About that time my aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. We wanted to go on one last big family trip together and decided to go fish the Kenai Peninsula for a week." It was this trip, filled with emotion and unforgettable moments, that ultimately inspired her to follow her true calling.

"For me, it was my first experience around fishing guides, and the fact we could show up and have an amazing day on the water together making memories without the worry of running the boat, gear, and everything else that comes along with it meant a lot to my family and I," Brianna explains. This experience opened her eyes to the powerful role guides play—not only in putting fish in the boat but also in giving families the chance to connect and enjoy time together without the stress of managing all the details.

That trip planted a seed in Brianna’s heart. She knew she wanted to offer others the same kind of experience—carefree days on the water where the focus is on fun and memories, not the logistics of fishing. "I decided I wanted to be able to offer that to other people," she says. And so began her journey into the world of professional fishing guiding.

A Family Tradition with Mack's Lures

Growing up in Washington, Brianna has always been surrounded by water. From a young age, fishing was a way of life for her, and Mack’s Lures were always there, a staple in her tackle box. "As a lifelong fisherman, growing up here in Washington, Mack’s Lures have always been in my tackle box," Brianna explains. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby—it was a family tradition, especially when it came to walleye fishing.

"We have always loved walleye fishing, and Wally Pops were my Grandpa’s favorite walleye lures, so of course they were mine too," she adds with a smile. For Brianna, fishing with Mack’s Lures has always been about more than just the catch—it’s about honoring her family’s legacy and passing on those traditions. "You have to have a wedding ring to catch a trout!" she laughs, recalling the timeless lures that have been with her for as long as she can remember.

When Brianna began her guiding career, she immediately turned to Mack’s Lures because she knew they would deliver. "When I started guiding, I knew Mack’s Lures were super productive and would put fish in the boat for my clients," she says confidently. Early in her career, she focused heavily on Kokanee fishing, where the classic combination of a sling blade and wedding ring became her go-to setup. "It’s impossible to go wrong with a sling blade and wedding ring," she affirms. Those lures not only helped Brianna put fish in the boat but also helped her build a solid reputation as a reliable, successful guide.

Versatility and Innovation: The Mack's Lure Advantage

As her business grew, so did Brianna’s understanding of the value of having a diverse range of tools in her tackle box. "I fish a lot of different Mack’s Lure products, and it’s hard to pick favorites!" Brianna admits. With so many options to choose from, she’s found that a few key lures consistently stand out.

PRO TIP: Smile Blades are probably top on the list though. They are so versatile in so many different fisheries, and just flat out work!"

Known for their ability to attract fish in various conditions, Smile Blades have become a go-to choice for Brianna. She turns to them when targeting everything from Kokanee to trout. Their versatility makes them ideal for different fishing environments and techniques, giving Brianna the flexibility she needs to keep her clients engaged, no matter the conditions.

Another favorite is Mack's Hot Wings, which Brianna often uses in her trolling setups. "The added flash and attraction they offer without adding a lot of drag is a really powerful tool to have in the tackle box," she explains. The ability to attract fish while maintaining a smooth, easy trolling experience is essential in her line of work, especially during long days on the water. Hot Wings have proven time and again to be a key part of her successful trolling strategy.

But it’s the Promise Keeper spinners that have truly changed the game for Brianna in recent years. "A newfound favorite that I find myself using more and more are the Promise Keeper spinners," she says. "They are the most versatile spinner I’ve ever used."

PRO TIP:  What makes the Promise Keepers stand out is their easy action and ability to be retrieved more slowly than traditional spinners. "The Smile Blade turns way easier than a conventional metal blade, and you can retrieve them much slower than a regular spinner. You can even vertically jig them, which is super effective and unique for a casting spinner."

For Brianna, the versatility of these lures allows her to adapt to a range of fishing conditions, from trolling to casting to jigging, without having to constantly switch out gear. This flexibility ensures that her clients have the best chance at a successful, enjoyable day on the water.

Creating Unforgettable Experiences

While Brianna has a deep appreciation for the effectiveness of Mack’s Lures, she’s also committed to something that goes beyond simply catching fish: creating memories. "Fishing isn’t just about the catch; it’s about the time you get to spend with friends and family, and the stories you create along the way," she says. This philosophy has shaped the way she runs her business, with a focus on making every outing memorable and enjoyable for everyone on her boat.

"It’s all about the memories," Brianna adds. "When people come out with me, I want them to leave feeling like they had an amazing time, regardless of how many fish they caught. If they can look back on the day with a smile, then I’ve done my job."

Whether it’s a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, Brianna’s goal is always the same: to provide an unforgettable fishing experience, where the focus is on having fun, learning, and making memories. With Mack’s Lures by her side, she’s able to ensure that every client has the best chance to catch fish while enjoying the beauty of the waters they’re fishing.

A Lasting Partnership

As Brianna continues to grow her guiding business, her relationship with Mack’s Lures remains strong. From the tried-and-true wedding rings to the versatile Smile Blades and innovative Promise Keeper spinners, Mack’s Lures has been a key ingredient in her recipe for success. "Mack’s has been a very important part of my guide career and caught thousands of fish for my clients," Brianna says proudly.

It’s clear that for Brianna, fishing isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life. And with the help of Mack’s Lures, she’s able to share that life with others, creating meaningful experiences on the water, one cast at a time.

Mack's Pro Angler, Brianna "Bree" Bruce  
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