Jake Petrasch, fully known as Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., owns and operates Valley Anglers, located in Vermont's Mad River Valley. His business specializes in providing guided fly fishing trips and a broad selection of fishing gear, including rods, reels, and wading equipment. With over twenty years of combined experience in education, property management, and fly fishing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his venture. His interests also include surfing, skateboarding, biking, hunting, and spending time with his family.
He embarked on his educational path at St. Lawrence University, earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 2001, followed by a master's degree in Education from Johnson State College in 2007. His academic pursuits also include a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, accredited by the University of Utah.
Throughout his diverse career, he has held various roles, such as teacher, property manager, and site coordinator, all of which have contributed to his versatile skill set. In 2005, he channeled his passion for fly fishing and teaching into founding Valley Anglers LLC, where he educates people of all ages and abilities on the art of fly fishing.
He began his teaching career in 2010 at Counseling Services of Addison County, where he worked with expelled or at-risk students, providing them with tailored educational programs. He continued in Education at Harwood Union High School and Montpelier High School, taking on roles that supported student learning and extracurricular activities.
In 2018, he joined Integrated Property Services LLC as a Head Landscaper/Property Manager. He oversees maintenance for numerous properties in the area and showcases his expertise in property management.
His personal life is as rich and varied as his professional one. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted at an early age, he spent many formative years in Nantucket. It was there he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. His most significant personal milestone was meeting his wife while attending university. They married in 2005 and have since moved to Williston, Vermont, for their children's education.
Fly fishing remains a central part of his life, a passion he transformed into a career. This interest also supported him through a significant personal challenge—his journey to sobriety, which began in 1999. He openly shares this experience, hoping to inspire others on similar paths.
Jake Petrasch's life story weaves together professional achievements and personal fulfillment, characterized by a commitment to his passions and a deep connection to his community and family.
