Jake Petrasch

Jake Petrasch, born Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., is the proud owner of Valley Anglers, a highly regarded fly fishing guide service located in the Mad River Valley, Vermont. This service offers guided fly fishing trips and a broad selection of high-quality fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, wading gear, packs, and bags. The term "angler," which comes from the verb "angle," meaning "to fish with a hook," is an apt reflection of Jake’s business and his lifelong passion for fly fishing.

In addition to being a successful business owner, Jake is an automotive enthusiast, site coordinator, and a dedicated educator. He has amassed over 20 years of combined professional experience in various fields, including Education, property management, site coordination, and fly fishing. Jake’s hobbies and interests are as varied as his professional pursuits. They include surfing, skateboarding, biking, hunting, and enjoying freshwater and saltwater fly fishing. Above all, Jake greatly values spending quality time with his family and cherishes the moments he shares with them.

Education

Jake’s journey in Education began in 2001 when he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. His desire to continue learning led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Education, focusing on middle-level Education, at Johnson State College in Johnson, VT, which he completed in 2007. In addition to his formal Education, Jake expanded his learning experiences by attending a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, where he earned college credits from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, from September 1996 to December 1996. This diverse educational background has laid the foundation for his career in Education and the outdoor industry.

Career Spotlights

Jake has worn many hats throughout his diverse career, and his professional experiences have molded him into a highly versatile individual. Over the years, he has worked in various roles, such as teacher, site coordinator, property manager, guide, and logistics coordinator. These experiences have allowed Jake to develop a unique skill set that blends leadership, teaching, and hands-on expertise in outdoor activities, making him a well-rounded professional.

Valley Anglers LLC, Warren, VT

In 2005, Jake combined his passion for teaching with his love for fly fishing to establish Valley Anglers LLC. This venture allows Jake to share his fly fishing knowledge with people of all ages and abilities. As both the owner and primary guide, Jake educates his clients in various aspects of fly fishing, including casting techniques, knot tying, and understanding entomology. His focus on teaching and promoting conservation makes Valley Anglers LLC more than just a business—it’s a way for Jake to pass along his love of the sport and his respect for the environment to future generations.

Counseling Services of Addison County

In 2010, Jake entered the field of Education, taking on the role of Alternative Program Head Teacher/Behavior Specialist at Counseling Services of Addison County. There, he worked with high school-aged students expelled or removed from traditional school settings. Jake developed lesson plans that provided hands-on learning experiences in various subjects, including math, world studies, language arts, and earth science, with a particular emphasis on helping students gain valuable life skills and perspectives.

Harwood Union High School, Duxbury, VT

2012 Jake transitioned to Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, VT, as a paraeducator. In this role, he provided academic and emotional support to students, primarily in the Learning Resource Center. He also initiated the "Call Back" academic support program, which offered students additional academic help in a personalized setting. Jake’s approach to Education and support was designed to empower students and help them overcome challenges, showing his commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Montpelier High School, Montpelier, VT

In May 2014, Jake became a site coordinator at Montpelier High School. In this role, he was responsible for running the school’s Outing Club, which organized trips and outdoor activities for students during vacations and weekends. Jake also co-taught a CrossFit program for off-season athletes and students, promoting physical fitness and wellness. His work at Montpelier High School demonstrated his belief in providing students with well-rounded educational experiences that combined physical activity with academic growth.

Integrated Property Services LLC, Warren, VT

2018 Jake joined Integrated Property Services LLC as a Head Landscaper/Property Manager. In this role, he manages the maintenance of numerous properties in the Mad River Valley, including providing in-house diagnostics and overseeing grounds care for approximately 50 properties. His work involves internal and external maintenance of these properties, ensuring they are kept in top condition for second homeowners and others in the area.

Personal Life Chapter

Jake’s personal life has been as rich and full as his professional one. Born on July 20, 1977, in Fort Worth, Texas, Jake was adopted at 10 days. He spent much of his childhood summers in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he gained a deep love for the ocean and the local maritime culture. Jake’s first job was working at the iconic Juice Bar in Nantucket, and he spent much of his early years sailing and playing tennis at the Nantucket Yacht Club. While at St. Lawrence University, Jake met his future wife, Andrea (Thompson) Petrasch. At the time, Andrea was pursuing a career in child fashion at Puddle Jumpers in Stowe, VT. Jake and Andrea married in Stowe, Vermont, in 2005, and together, they have built a life of shared adventures and mutual support.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing has played a central role in Jake’s life as a passion and a therapeutic outlet. His journey into Sobriety, which began in 1999, was closely tied to his love for fly fishing. Jake helped the New York Fish and Wildlife distribute stocked trout in the Adirondacks during his first sober spring. Since then, fly fishing has remained a constant in his life. For freshwater fishing, Jake enjoys Vermont’s local waters.

In contrast, for saltwater fishing, he has been fortunate enough to travel with his father to Belize, where they chase bonefish and permit in the Turneffe Flats area. Jake’s early experiences with inshore saltwater fly fishing began in Nantucket, where he learned to navigate nautical charts and pilot center console fishing boats. After selling his family home in Nantucket, Jake’s saltwater fishing focus shifted to southern Maine, where he continues to enjoy this favorite pastime.

Surfing

Jake’s love for the ocean extends to surfing, a sport he rediscovered later in life. Having grown up on Nantucket, an island known for its beaches and surfing culture, Jake’s connection to the ocean runs deep. His wife, Andrea, had a surfboard shaper named Sean Veccione make Jake a longboard in 2020, reigniting his passion for the waves. Jake heads to Long Sands Beach in York, Maine, whenever he can surf, especially during hurricane season, which provides some of the best sports conditions.

Motorcycles

Jake's long-standing love for motorcycles began when his wife gave him his first dirt bike at 30. A few years later, Jake bought his first street bike, a Honda CBR600f4i, and his passion for motorcycles grew. Over the years, his affection for iconic motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidson bikes, has become a defining part of his personality. He finds therapeutic value in riding and considers it an essential part of his life. In spring 2024, Andrea surprised Jake with a new Harley Davidson, further fueling his love for the open road.

Hunting

Jake’s passion for hunting is deeply rooted in his family history. His grandfather spent time with the Masai tribe in Africa in the early 1930s, where he harvested various animals. Jake’s father was an avid upland and waterfowl hunter, taking him on trips across Maryland and New England. Jake’s love for hunting has been a significant part of his life, and he enjoys hunting with a bow, rifle, and muzzleloader, taking full advantage of the hunting seasons in Vermont.

Maine Coast & Nantucket

In addition to his various hobbies, Jake enjoys spending time on the Maine Coast, a region known for its stunning landscapes, historic lighthouses, and diverse wildlife. He has also maintained a strong connection to Nantucket, where his father and several generations of relatives are buried in the island’s most significant historic cemetery. Nantucket holds a special place in Jake’s heart and remains integral to his life and childhood memories. Recently, Jake and his family moved from the Mad River Valley in Vermont to Williston, Vermont, to be closer to better educational opportunities and sports programs for his children.

Petras ch's Sobriety

Sobriety has been a cornerstone of Jake’s life for over two decades. He has openly shared his journey with others, offering guidance and support to those seeking Sobriety. His personal growth and commitment to living a sober life have shaped his character and perspective, and he proudly wears his Sobriety as both a symbol and a testament to the resilience he has built throughout his life. Jake has tattooed his journey, especially his path to Sobriety, across his body, marking the challenges and triumphs he has experienced. He has always approached life with determination, never taking the easy route, and his journey of Sobriety is no exception. Through it all, Jake continues to “Hold Fast,” demonstrating the strength and character that have defined his personal and professional life.