Meet Guide Jack Guard

Guide Jack Guard turned a lifelong love of fishing and the outdoors into a new chapter after retiring from a long career. Fishing has been part of his life since childhood, along with hunting and other outdoor pursuits, so becoming a guide felt like a natural way to keep doing what he loves while sharing it with others. Today, through Blackbeards Fishing Adventures, Jack welcomes anglers to the Upper Potomac River for private trips centered on Smallmouth Bass, good conversation, and time spent learning the river. His easygoing style makes him approachable for first-time anglers while still giving experienced fishermen the freedom to sharpen their skills.

As a Potomac River fishing guide, Jack combines about a year of professional guiding with decades of personal fishing experience on rivers and surrounding waters. He knows that successful river fishing depends on more than finding fish, so every outing is adjusted around water levels, weather, current, guest experience, and comfort. Safety and river conditions remain a priority, especially when float or wade fishing is involved. Trips are limited to two guests, allowing Jack to provide personal attention rather than rushing through a fixed itinerary. This relaxed approach also makes Blackbeards Fishing Adventures a strong choice for anglers searching for family-friendly fishing trips on the Potomac River or beginner-focused instruction.

Teaching is one of Jack's favorite parts of guiding. He works with both spin and fly fishing techniques and enjoys helping guests understand casting, presentation, current seams, structure, and the habits of Smallmouth Bass. Beginners can take time to practice without pressure, while more experienced anglers can focus on adapting their techniques to changing river conditions. When conditions permit, Jack can also incorporate wade fishing into the day for an even more hands-on river experience. His connection to the Upper Potomac and nearby historic Harpers Ferry gives each trip a strong local character, making him more than simply someone who puts guests on fish. He wants people to understand and enjoy the river itself.

Fishing with Blackbeards Fishing Adventures takes place aboard a 15-foot expedition-quality NRS-style whitewater fishing raft built specifically for moving-water adventures. The raft features a rowing frame that provides a practical platform for casting and navigating productive stretches of river, along with a 2-HP Honda outboard for added mobility when needed. With room for only two guests, the setup stays private, comfortable, and well suited to personalized spin fishing or fly fishing instruction. Rather than the feel of a crowded charter boat, Jack's raft puts anglers close to the water, the current, and the Smallmouth Bass habitat that makes Potomac River fishing so rewarding.