Meet George Large Your Expert Fishing Host
George Large is an expert fisherman who has lived a Fisherman’s Life, and now offering curated, all-inclusive ultimate fishing expeditions for discerning fishing enthusiasts.
George Large is an expert fisherman who has lived a Fisherman’s Life, and now offering curated, all-inclusive ultimate fishing expeditions for discerning fishing enthusiasts.
“I was born to live a Fisherman’s Life. My love of fishing started at a very young age. Like so many of us, I was introduced to my favorite sport by my father, whose love of nature, conservation, and education rubbed off on me.
Having access to both freshwater and saltwater growing up in New York, I was able to gain a deep knowledge on ‘how to’ catch a variety of species from Salmon to Tuna.
I was fortunate to be able to make a living working for the most respected and famous names in the fishing industry for over 40 years.
That pursuit continues today with Fisherman’s Life.”
1969 to 1979
Taught fly tying at the Pearl River Fishing & Hunting Club events at 9 years old. Received my hunter education certificate. Participated in all club activities such as; National Hunting & Fishing day/week, 1st Earth Day, Hudson River clean up, habitat restoration, skills contests, conservation, environmental issues, outdoor ethics, community outreach programs and basic water ecology.
1979 to 1983
I worked as the Fishing Department Manager for Herman’s World of Sporting Goods in Nanuet, New York, while attending college as a Biology major. This is where I learned the basics of customer service, running the department which included ordering products, inventory management, sales programs, line winding, seasonality and regionality of fishing items based on the species in the area,
and running the show booth at RCCC sportsmen’s show, which is still one of the top consumer shows in the industry today.
1983 to 1992
Based on my knowledge and experience I acquired at Herman’s World of Sporting Goods, I was hired as a Regional Sales Manager in the Mid-Atlantic and North East states with G.B. Stumpp Associates. This company is a premier rep organization which has represented twenty-two of the finest outdoor companies in the industry for fourteen states to every major retailer and distributor in the United States.
I was able to learn many aspects of the industry by working from the ground level up calling on dealers, more commonly known as “Mom & Pop” shops, that sell live bait, ice, and standard fishing products. Some of the areas that broadened my fishing knowledge horizons were the exposure to offshore bluewater fishing, salmon fishing, musky fishing as well as Shad fishing on the Delaware River to name but a few of the fisheries I visited. While fishing bass tournaments I gained an understanding of competitive fishing, preparation, sportsmanship (which was developed in competitive sports from wrestling in high school & college), as well as the inner working of the B.A.S.S. Federation, which has helped me for many years now.
The lessons I learned enabled me to build a strong business foundation that has served me well for the past 30 plus years. Teachers that I had along the way have been an invaluable part of my life’s professional lessons, and it
would be remiss of me not to acknowledge them. Since there are too many to personally name here, suffice to say, they know who they are and the influence they have had on my career as this has been shared with them.
1993 to 1996
I was hired as the Product Development Manager of the Hook Division for Eagle Claw/Wright & McGill Company. My responsibility, as the PD Manager, was for all areas of the hook division, including, packaged hooks, snelled hooks, OEM hooks, and loose hooks. My oversight went from concept, to manufacturing, to retail sales.
Under my guidance, and with help from a national brand marketing company from Chicago, we were able to drive the Re-launch of a new brand identity. I was also responsible for developing a long-term sales and product development strategy for the entire hook division, which is still in place today.
I was very fortunate to be elected the “Top Performer” in the company for three consecutive years, as was voted on by my peers.
Worked with the best people in the industry for over six years on the circle hook development; Gary Borger, Capt. Ron Hamlin, Capt. Peter Wright, Joan Vernon, Ellen Peel, Dr. Eric Prince, The Striped Bass Foundation, IGFA to name but a few of the people instrumental in making circle hooks an industry standard. While also having the ONLY circle hook endorsed by The Billfish Foundation we
drove the development of top-selling circle hook categories with more than 10 different styles and over 20 sizes,
ranging from size 20 for fly-fishing egg/scud patterns to size 20/0 for Black Marlin & Tuna, which are still being profitably sold today, over 20 years later.
1996 to 2000
As Eagle Claw/Wright & McGill Co. Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Product Development
the responsibilities for each department were varied and diverse, which required critical thinking, a long-term plan that was strategic and yet flexible, as well as a team that was organized, dedicated, and responsible to drive the company to the next level in challenging economic times.
Working with the biggest companies in the industry such as Wal-Mart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Gander Mt., and Academy, to name a few of the more prominent retailers, was an exciting opportunity.
I was able to work together with our management team to set the long-term strategic direction for these three integral departments for the company all while working with other Colorado entities to ensure a healthy fishery for all residents of the state. Working on the board of directors for the Recreational Fisheries of Colorado to help conserve, educate, and determine the priority of projects facing Colorado fisheries was rewarding as well. I also worked with the DOW to establish a sound approach to the state’s fisheries to ensure future fishing for generations to come, while protecting native species like the Greenback Cutthroat Trout habitat. Working on the inner-city school fishing program, where each year we would teach five hundred inner-city school children how to fish and respect their environment, became a source of real pleasure for me. Also intriguing, was developing a partnership with the Denver Broncos for a community outreach program. These programs helped me set marketing and product development direction for the company based on sound
market research, customer demand, and innovative product concepts.
2000 to 2003
I was hired as a Regional Sales Manager of the famed Rapala/VMC Group. In this position I was responsible for all standard duties a Regional Account Salesmen is designated to do including, account responsibility based on both geographic region and account importance as determined by the VP of Sales and President of the company, product recommendations for the territory, sales programs, and marketing needs based on customer request and consumer desires.
I acted as the lead with Southeast Rep group, which initially set up the Rapala/ IGFA relationship within the famed IGFA hall, which is still there today.
2003 to 2006
As Vice President of Sales of the Rapala/VMC Group, I was responsible for all duties as VP of Sales over an internal and external sales force of 100 reps. I set customer programs for all National Accounts such as Wal-Mart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Cabelas, Academy, LL Bean,
Sportsmen’s Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops, Big Rock Sports, and Folsom to name a few of the higher-profile accounts.
Developing all sales programs, specials, ICAST booth programs, and running International Sales Meetings with over 150 people from all countries including owners and CEO, CFO and corporate financial partners was also included in my work schedule
Due diligence and high-level negotiations during the many acquisitions that took place during my tenure such as; Storm, Williamson, Terminator, Luhr Jensen, and VMC,
was responsible for endemic growth as VP of Sales accomplished by working with the customer base, sales reps, internal sales and marketing team, international product development team, and internal budgets.
2006 to 2008
As Vice President of Product Development for the Rapala/VMC Group I was responsible for the Domestic & International product development team for developing from concept to shelf strategies the following brands; Rapala, Storm, Blue Fox, Terminator, Williamson, Trigger-X, Luhr Jensen, and VMC Hooks.
Products were developed for every major species in salt and freshwater, from Brook Trout to Black Marlin and everything in-between. While working with guides, Captains, Tournament fisherman, and the internal Rapala team of very accomplished anglers, we were able to develop many new products and lure families that are the standard in the industry today such as X-Raps. I was part of the International Development team and worked in Finland, Estonia, Japan, China, Australia, and the U.S.A. to develop innovative products that ensured success in the field.
As part of the Rapala/VMC Group management team, via multiple acquisitions, I was able to help grow the company by over $30 million while diversifying our brand offerings into categories we did not participate in.
2008 to 2013
Prior to my role at In-Fisherman, I was the General Manager and Executive Vice President of Yo-Zuri America. My responsibilities included all areas of running the business from the ground up, which included, but were not limited to International work in Japan as it relates to P&L/Finance, Product Development, Marketing, and Forecasting as well as translating fishing product description from English into Japanese with the help of a translator.
In a short timeframe, we accomplished the relocation of the North American operation, office, and warehouse, while establishing higher business practices in each department.
These departments encompassed Sales, IT, Operations, Finance, Product Development, Marketing, Forecasting, and Warehouse Management.
While at the same time, developing a worldwide business plan, which included a re-launch of the brand with a new mission statement, new brand image, corporate handbook, sales programs, corporate logo, and a newly coined slogan “Fish the Best”. Under my guidance we also introduced new product packaging, the launch of a new selling web site, and new catalog design and graphics.
During my years with Yo-Zuri, I spearheaded the development of several innovative new lures, which ended up being the best-selling lures in company history. I further rationalized all of the brand families within the lure and line categories to lay ground-work for future expansion with a 3 year and 5-year strategic plan. Developing a soft plastic and biodegradable brand from concept to packaging, called “Excite-A-Bite” to be able to take advantage of the countercyclical sales aspect of hard bait and soft bait sales was also one of my contributions.
Additionally, I worked with all legal issues and Patent attorneys to secure Patentable products as well as to protect current patents. Developing an inventory management system based on lead-times, usage and rate of sale, to ensure proper inventory status at all times, and to provide JIT deliveries to customers also came under my job description.
2013 to 2019
My recent position as In-Fisherman Publisher and Show co-host was a very educating and exciting experience as I have worked together with In-Fisherman in a variety of areas for over 25 years. Most recently, as an integral part of the In-Fisherman family, I was acting Publisher and one of the TV Co-hosts of the acclaimed In-Fisherman TV show, which has been on the air for over 45 years and won numerous industry awards.
2019 to 2025
After my time at In-Fisherman as the acting Publisher and Co-host of the acclaimed educational TV series I decided it was time to go out on my own. So, to that end, I brought a lifelong dream to fruition and developed Fisherman’s Life.com. It was an easy decision, as I have been very fortunate to fish on every continent except Antarctica, yet, my goal is to share my extensive knowledge and experience with the most exclusive and All-Inclusive lodges and Ultimate Fishing Excursions in the world.
I’ve been there, done that and have the proof in pictures to help you achieve your PB (personal best) not matter the species. I work with only exclusive lodges with the best destinations and trophy fish we all dream about. Yes, we are a fishing adventure booking agency, like so many out there, however we separate ourselves by our experience. With over 45 years’ experience in the sportfishing industry, selling the top customers, developing the equipment you use today, tested in the harshest environments and on the toughest fish species in the world. Take advantage of our knowledge and willingness to help you realize your dream fishing trip. Like you, we live a Fisherman’s Life .com!
Accommodation
Airfare
Fishing License
Gratuities
Meals
Tackle
Airport Transfers
Guides
Pro Shop Items
Since many anglers ask how much to tip the guides and lodge staff, here is a guideline (based on double occupancy). Most anglers tip about $55 per day per person ($30 for guides and $25 for staff). Here is an example:
4 Nights / 3.5 Days Fishing Trip (double occupancy)
Staff Gratuity = $100 (per angler)
Guide Gratuity = $100 (please tip double this amount if fishing SINGLE)
TOTAL: $200 (per angler)
NOTE: An envelope is provided for each angler at the end of the stay for the staff gratuity. We kindly ask you to tip your guide directly at the end of your last fishing session.