Jake Keeler
Hometown: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Homewater: Rivers, streams, and lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin
Jake Keeler grew up in Minnesota with a fishing rod in one hand and a pencil or paintbrush in the other. When he wasn’t scraping his shins on Mississippi River boulders in search of bass, panfish, pike, or carp, he was hunched over a page recreating his experiences from his mind’s eye in line and color. In many ways, he’s still doing that. Jake is a groundbreaking painter who’s redefining the genre of “fish art,” fusing counter culture aesthetics into fly fishing inspired paintings. He’s done commissioned work for a huge array of clients, from fly fishing and outdoor brands, to craft breweries, to independent hip hop record labels. If all that weren’t enough, he’s a staunch advocate for protecting and improving fisheries who donates significant time and money to safeguard the places that sustain him. Simply put, Jake’s an exceptional an talented human being, and we’re delighted to have him on the team.
Things About Jake
Guilty pleasure fly: " Clousers...I always feel dirty using them, but they work.”
Fishing ritual: “I believe boat beers are earned by either landing a fish or putting time in on the sticks.”
Always brings: “Good pliers, water, and sunscreen.”
Worst fishing snack: “Anything too spicy. You pay for it.”
More Things About Jake
Most overrated fish: “Walleye. Not hard to catch and they fight like a wet sock. Good eating though, so I have to give them that.”
Waders smell like: “Swampthing's crotch.”
Tying your own flies is... “A must. Not all the flies, but the patterns you use the most. Also, fish flies tied by your homies.”
Hopes to one day fish with: “All my best buds.”
Prefers: GnTs over Moscow mules, PBRs over IPAs, browns over rainbows, smallmouth over largemouth, carp over bonefish, tarpon over permit, jacks over redfish.
Favorite Gear: RS Wader
“Perfect marriage of performance and style; it puts zero limits on my ability to explore, move, and maintain focus.”
