Jake Petrasch

Jake Petrasch, formally known as Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., is the visionary behind Valley Anglers, located in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. His business, which specializes in fly fishing guide services, also supplies a comprehensive array of fishing equipment, from rods and reels to wading gear and various carrying options. With over two decades of experience in education management, site coordination, and fly fishing, he also indulges in surfing, skateboarding, biking, hunting, and both saltwater and freshwater fly fishing, always making room for family time. In 2001, he completed his Bachelor's degree in fine arts at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. He continued his education at Educationhnson State College, earning a master's degree in middle-level Education in 2007. His academic pursuits also include a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, accredited by the University of Utah. His career is marked by versatility, having served as a teacher, site coordinator, property manager, and guide. In 2005, his enthusiasm for teaching and fly fishing led to the establishment of Valley Anglers LLC. At this venture, he combines his passion for the sport with his teaching skills, offering lessons in casting techniques, entomology, and knot tying to clients of varying ages and skill levels. He started his teaching career in 2010 at the Counseling Services of Addison County as an Alternative Program Head Teacher/Behavior Specialist. He joined Harwood Union High School in 2012 as a para educator, focusing on academic and emotional support. Later, he spearheaded an academic support program named Call Back. In 2014, he became a site coordinator at Montpelier High School, managing the school's Outing Club and co-teaching a CrossFit program. Since April 2018, he has been the Head Landscaper/Property Manager at Integrated Property Services LLC, overseeing maintenance for numerous properties in the Mad River Valley. Born on July 20, 1977, in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted ten days later, he grew up spending summers in Nantucket. It was there, during his undergraduate studies, that he met his wife. The couple wed in Stowe, Vermont, in 2005. Fly fishing is a cornerstone of his life, intertwined with his journey towards sobriety, which began in 1999. He enjoys both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing, with experiences ranging from the Adirondacks to Belize. In addition to fishing, he rediscovered his love for surfing later in life, frequently visiting York, Maine, to surf, especially during the hurricane season. He also nurtures a passion for motorcycles, having owned several over the years, including a cherished Harley Davidson, given by his wife in spring 2024. He maintains a solid connection to hunting, a tradition passed down from his forefathers. Jake Petrasch treasures his time on the Maine Coast and retains deep roots in Nantucket, where his family history is richly woven into the fabric of the island. His commitment to sobriety is a significant theme in his life, marked by open sharing of his struggles and victories, always adhering to his life's mantra to "Hold Fast" through all challenges.