The History Of Tahoe Sport Fishing

Tahoe Sportfishing was founded in 1953 by Dean Lockwood. Originally from Nebraska, Dean moved to Reno as a young man. He worked in Tahoe as a contractor, building Cedar Homes full-time in Truckee, Donner, and other parts of Tahoe. In his spare time, he started Tahoe Sportfishing on weekends and holidays at Logan Shoals, beginning with just one small boat. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that Dean retired from construction to become a full-time captain.

Over the years, the business grew, necessitating an upgrade to larger Coast Guard-inspected vessels that could accommodate groups of six or more. Dean was a pioneer in operating a Coast Guard-inspected vessel on Lake Tahoe and the first to do so in South Lake Tahoe.

In the early 1980s, Tahoe Sportfishing moved its office to Ski Run Marina, a popular tourist destination in South Lake Tahoe, where our trips still depart from today. A few years later, Dean expanded the business further by hiring additional captains and boats. In 1988 and 1989, he acquired two Island Hoppers, the Hopper I and Hopper II.

In 1990, Captain John Shearer joined the company as Dean’s deckhand. John, originally from Michigan, moved to Tahoe in 1986 and began working as a water ski instructor. He obtained his captain’s license to operate ski boats, parasailing boats, and eventually, fishing boats. John learned about the deckhand opportunity from his mother-in-law, Suzie, who worked for Dean. After one season on the Dory L, John was promoted to captain.

In 1994, John and his wife Shannon welcomed their first daughter Taylor. As John continued to hone his fishing skills in Lake Tahoe, the Shearers sought to purchase their first business. Coincidentally, Dean was looking to sell the company. The two parties devised a plan, and in 1997, the Shearers purchased Tahoe Sportfishing, marking the start of a new era.

One of the Shearers’ first upgrades was implementing a new computer system and website for booking trips. Shannon handled bookings from morning till night, a tradition that continues today, while John worked on the boats. The following year, the Shearers expanded their fleet with the acquisition of the “Prophet,” a 43’ Delta vessel, and celebrated the birth of their son, Zachary. As the kids grew up, they contributed to the family business in various ways. Zach often drove the Tender, taking customers out to the buoys, while Taylor managed office bookings. Zach later attended SUNY Maritime, earning his third mate captain’s license and a BS in Business, and Taylor went to ASU, earning a BS in Travel Tourism Management and Development. After completing their education, both Taylor and Zach returned to help run the family business.

Over time, Tahoe Sportfishing sold off smaller boats to make room for larger Coast Guard-certified vessels. In 2001, they purchased the “Hopper III,” sold the “Commodore III” in 2002, acquired the “Hopper IV” in 2005, and added the “Hopper V” in 2009. Significant upgrades continued with the addition of the Hawk I in 2014 and the Hawk II in 2017, both built by the same company that made the Island Hoppers. These larger boats, with deeper hulls and a 14.5-foot beam, were better suited for larger groups.

From 2017 to 2021, Tahoe Sportfishing’s fleet was at its peak with eight Coast Guard-inspected vessels. However, after New Year’s in 2022, the Hopper IV was ripped off its buoy during a sudden storm and drifted to the North Shore. It was later destroyed by the rocks of Northeast Lake Tahoe before sinking to the bottom. A few months later, the Hopper III was sold, leaving Tahoe Sportfishing with six Coast Guard-inspected vessels.

Today, Tahoe Sportfishing proudly stands as the largest fishing fleet on Lake Tahoe, offering trips year-round. It is voted Best Fishing Charter company in Lake Tahoe year after year. Its seasoned captains, with decades of experience, are adept at guiding both novices and seasoned anglers in the art of fishing Lake Tahoe. What sets the company apart is its  commitment to providing a unique and memorable fishing experience, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro. For a detailed overview of current offerings, please visit the homepage.