To Morrow, Fishing Just Comes Naturally

Author Dan Kibler once wrote, "Even before he was old enough to get his driver's license, John Morrow knew Lake Norman's striped bass intimately. Not that he could call them all by name, you understand, but well enough to know all their favorite cruising spots, the places they hang out when they go for an early-morning or late-night snack. Well enough at age 15 to begin guiding fishermen on the lake where he was born and raised."

GO FISH What better life could one ask for than turning a favorite hobby into a full-time career? As far as John is concerned, probably none. Everytime he guides a boat full of anglers to a school of hungry fish and watches the cooler fill, it's next to impossible to erase his wide smile.

MORROW GUIDE SERVICE BEGINNINGS John credits his occupational fortune to Miles Forbes, late founder of the Midway Marina along Highway 150. "After years of coming and going from the docks at Midway, Miles is the one who convinced me, even though I was only 15, that my knowledge of the lake could help others," John says. And sharing his love of the sport with others is what really makes John the happiest. "I just love watching the face of a kid as they catch their first fish," he exclaims.

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Catching fresh bait for clients at 4:00 am and sharing professional tips on how to fish a favorite spot are but a couple of the countless ways John treats his anglers to both his consideration and expertise. Seeing to it that his clients are pleased is perhaps one of John's greatest talents. "One of the first questions I ask customers is whether they want to catch a few really big fish or lots of smaller fish — because there is a difference. There's a difference in when we fish, where I take them, what we use to fish and how we fish."

AWARDS John is almost shy when it comes to revealing his fishing tournament history and publication exposure. "Ya, I have a room full of fishing trophies, award plaques and newspaper and magazine articles at home," he acknowledges. "But I really don't fish tournaments much anymore. I'd rather spend my time concentrating on taking good care of my customers."

Book your trip early. This expert guide is already scheduled for many to-Morrows.

 

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John Morrow Guide Service History

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  Johnny Morrow with Striper at age 11
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  Johnny's Tournament Carp at age 13
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  John in the News - 1989
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  Another of many news articles - 1995 Winston-Salem Journal
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  The Ridge Company of Indianapolis, Indiana - 1996
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  Customer Billy Wooten's 1998 Striper Catch
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  John with 1998 Striper catch
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  John with huge 2001 Striper
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  Customer's boatload of Striper & Catfish
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  John with fresh catch at the dock
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  Customer Dan Carpenter's 2003 Striper Catch
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  John with 2003 Stripers
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  John with Striper, Bass & Perch
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  Customer Danny Redmond's 2004 Striper, Bass & Perch
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  New Jersey Anglers with 2004 Catch of White Bass, Catfish, Large Mouth Bass & Striper
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  Ernest Porter & friends with 2005 White Bass
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  John with 2005 Lake Norman Striper
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  John with Striper catch near Lookout Shoals Damn
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  Customer Lynn Sherrill with 2006 Striper