Patriot Guide Service | Justin Chromy
Hi, my name is Justin Chromy. I grew up in New Prague, MN. I was first introduced to the great sport of fishing when I was 6 years old on Fall Lake by Ely. I remember rolling out of bed at 5am, knowing something exciting was about to happen. My dad, brothers, and I caught our limit of walleyes in just over an hour and I was hooked! This was the start of a fiery passion that would drive my life. From that point on, I was no longer a normal kid. I would look forward to Fall Lake trips more than I looked forward to holidays. The opportunity to fish was not always there, but I took every chance that I could get on the water. Whether it was getting rides to Cedar Lake, annual trips to my uncle’s cabin by Alexandria, MN or adventures to Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park, fishing was always my first choice. When I was in high school, my driver’s license meant one thing…unlimited ice fishing! While there certainly were limits, I was able to get out and grow as an ice fisherman. I purchased my first boat at 18 years old and that’s when the “reel” addiction truly began.
I attended college in Ely, Minnesota, where I may have learned more about the local lakes than my actual major in Land Surveying. Lakes Vermilion and Basswood quickly became favorites. I later completed my four-year degree at St. Cloud State University, started a career, and realized my heart wasn’t in it. I knew I wanted to live intentionally and pursue long-term goals. Within two years, I paid off over $60,000 in student debt, bought a home, and purchased my first guide boat—a Ranger 618T.
I began guiding part-time while working full-time, never losing my work ethic or passion. That momentum led to the steady growth of All-American Fishing Guide. As my reputation grew in the Brainerd area, I was presented with the opportunity to guide on Lake Vermilion. Recognizing the potential to build a full-time guide business more quickly, I took a leap of faith and relocated.
While small business ownership never goes exactly as planned, my brand and reputation have grown every year. Today, I am proud to be one of the most reputable guides on Lake Vermilion. Patriot Guide Service represents the blood, sweat, and countless hours invested into making this dream a reality. None of it would have been possible without God’s grace and the opportunity to pursue this passion in the greatest country on earth.
This will be my fourth summer guiding full-time on Lake Vermilion, and I’m loving every minute of it. I have finished in the Top 16 in each of the last four City Auto Glass/Safelite Walleye Tournaments on Vermilion, including a 5th-place finish in 2023 and a 2nd-place finish in 2025. In January 2024, I upgraded to a 2020 Yar-Craft 2095 BTX and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and guide on the most scenic lake in Minnesota.
There is no greater fulfillment than providing memories that last a lifetime—and I look forward to helping you create yours.
FAVORITE FISHING MEMORY
During the 2025 Safelite Walleye Classic, the weather took a dramatic turn—dropping from 85 degrees on Thursday to a high of just 41 on tournament Saturday. The bite was tough, and we spent the day grinding it out, losing several crucial 18–20” fish along the way. Despite the frustration, Klancher and I stayed focused, kept pushing, and trusted the process. With just an hour left in the tournament, I stuck a 28-inch walleye that launched us into 2nd place. It wasn’t the win we were chasing, but it was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and mental toughness on the water—and it leaves plenty of motivation for the day we bring home the trophy.
The best way to contact me is to call or text my cell phone. (218) 820-0335.
Phone: (218) 820-0335
Email: patriotguideservice1@gmail.com