My name is John Stygler, owner of Snagler Tackle Company and a fishing guide on the Susquehanna River.  I am a third-generation sport angler.  My passion for fishing has gone on since I was four, fishing the canals of south Florida.  I have fished up and down the east coast for both salt and freshwater species. 

My initial passion was for freshwater trout, fishing the creeks and streams of northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania for nearly 20 years.  All the while this was just my apprenticeship on learning how to fish shallow rivers for smallmouth bass.  During this time, I entertained the idea of working in fishery management.  I received a bachelor’s degree, but life took me to supporting people with mental health disabilities for 23 years. 

Over twenty years ago, I was introduced to serious river smallmouth fishing by my good friend, Jim.   From that moment on I have become obsessed with learning how to catch river smallmouth year-round.   I retired from working with people with mental illness to make fishing my full-time work in 2022.  Took me 30 years to figure out what I wanted to do for a living.  By making smallie fishing my living allows me to spend over 100 days on the water with most of that time on the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers.  I pride myself in looking for and learning new water on my own or with a buddy by using my knowledge and skills to locate “new” fish.  I am an avid spinnerbait angler and will say “you just can’t beat spinnerbait bite”.

       I am a strong advocate for our fisheries with a focus on fishery management and water quality.  I offered seminars and training on how to locate and successfully catch river smallies at outdoors shows and podcasts.  My commitment to the general public is educating, promoting conservation and improving environmental standards from a grassroots perspective. 

I reside in Lititz, PA with my beautiful and supportive wife, Christine.  My daughter, Sarah, is attending college and working on her future passion in her job.   

I am a PA licensed fishing guide with commercial insurance, certified in first aid/CPR and over twenty five years of river jet boating experience. 

Contact me at snaglertackle@outlook.com or by phone 717-368-3802 to book a guided trip today.