About Us

The Story Behind the Catch

The 4:00 AM Mentor

My obsession with the water started when I was just three years old. My mom was a single mother working three jobs, and my Grandpa—a retired GM worker with more time on his hands than he knew what to do with—stepped in as my full-time childcare.

He used to call me his "Little Spiderman" because I spent more time standing on his coffee tables than the floor. We became best friends instantly. Most of my childhood memories involve us waking up at 4:00 AM, grabbing our gear, and heading out to the water whenever we could. We loved the sport so much that we eventually dug and stocked our own pond in the backyard just so we’d never have to wait for the next trip.

Lessons from the Water

Life has a way of throwing heavy things at you. During a fishing trip at one of our favorite vacation spots, my Grandpa suffered a severe injury from a catfish sting. That injury, complicated by his diabetes, eventually led to the loss of his leg.

I watched him slowly lose that "spark" as his mobility changed, and after he lost his wife, a broken heart eventually took him, too. Losing the man who taught me everything I knew about life was the hardest season I’ve ever faced. But today, I carry him with me. Every fish I catch, I know he’s right there watching.

Why I Do This

To me, fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a sanctuary. In a world full of drama, noise, and uncertainty, the river is where I find my peace. It is my meditation and my way of connecting with myself.

When you’re sitting on a bank with nothing around but you and the water, it gives you hope and happiness. I started this journey to share that feeling with others. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, I want to help you find that same "spark" and connection to the outdoors.


-Owner Of Nova Fishing & Outdoors

Gage Sweeney