The backdrop that I built may seem like a haphazard group of epic fish and scenery pictures, but I used a great deal of purpose when I put it together. I wanted to tell HPFC’s story and show all of the people who have become our family over the course of our travels.

Hanna and I worked consecutive trade shows – first the Chicagoland Fishing Show and then the Safari Club International. Re ran into numerous friends, some of whom have traveled with us, some of whom we’ve only corresponded with, and every permutation in between.

We’ve had a lot of success stories throughout 2023, including great fish catches of our own and helping others enjoy amazing on-the-water experiences, but our greatest achievement may have occurred while we were nearly 1,000 miles away. 

We are fortunate that the Half Past First Cast family includes lots of women — of all experience levels — who love to travel and fish. Here are a few of the ones who’ve gone on the most trips with us.

Part II of Samantha Sukupcak’s Fall 2022 Wisconsin bear hunt — with critical information from outfitter Mike Oberle on how to make your next trip into the woods a success.

Almost one year ago Samantha Sukupcak was notified that she had been awarded an opportunity to purchase a tag for a black bear after eight years of saving up preference points. Here’s the tale of her successful guided hunt with Wisconsin’s Hooks N Bone Outfitters.

Hanna and I have plenty of friends, and plenty of friends who fish, but few couples where both members of the team are equally devoted to the sport. It’s part of what makes Sam and Mike fun to fish with, and we’re thrilled that they’ll be joining us in Panama in April.