They say a bad day of fishing beats a good day at work—but what if fishing IS the work? For one Langford man, that dream has become a reality. After years of dedication, Matt West, owner of Wild West Outfitters, has built a thriving business catering to fellow anglers who share his passion for landing the big one. What began as a hobby has evolved into a full-time career, and West is reeling in more than just fish—he’s catching good vibes along the way.
West, a 2000 Langford graduate, says he grew up with a love of fishing and the outdoors. He recalls family camping trips to Roy Lake where his parents would drop him off at the dock immediately when they got to the park and retrieve him hours later. He also enjoyed fishing trips with others who were willing to take him, including Sharon Jones and Martin Wegleitner.
His uncle Jeff Hanson was also instrumental in fostering the young fisherman. “My uncle took me fishing every weekend. I would break stuff and get all the lines tangled but he still took me,” explained West. The fishing trips eventually included longer excursions to the Missouri River with his dad and uncle where West gained more experience at the craft.
At just 17, West bought his first boat for around $300, setting the course for a lifelong passion. Over the years, he upgraded his gear and worked a variety of jobs—from guiding pheasant hunts at Prairie Sky Game Ranch to stints at Horton, in heating and air conditioning, farming, and even trapping during a boom in the fur market.
Despite these career shifts, West’s love for fishing never faded.
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