Meet the Guides

At Livin' the Dream Guide Service, we boast a team of professional fishing guides who are among the best in the business. Our highly skilled guides are not only passionate about fishing but also dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for every guest. Whether you're targeting trophy musky, smallmouth bass, or inshore saltwater species, our guides have the expertise to help you achieve your fishing goals. With multiple guides available, we can accommodate any group size—from individual anglers seeking a solo adventure to large groups, family outings, or corporate events. Our ability to provide customized trips with top-rated fishing guides ensures that every guest enjoys a memorable and successful day on the water, making Livin' the Dream Guide Service your go-to choice for guided fishing adventures in Minnesota and Florida.

Owner: Capt. Luke Swanson

Captain Luke Swanson is the dedicated owner and head guide of Livin' the Dream Guide Service. Growing up with a deep-rooted passion for fishing and the thrill of catching trophy fish, Luke began his guiding career at Alagnak Lodge in Alaska, where he refined his skills in some of the most challenging and rewarding waters. This early experience laid the foundation for his path as a full-time guide, allowing him to split his seasons between Brainerd, Minnesota, during the summer and fall, and Fort Myers, Florida, during the winter and spring. This unique schedule enables Lucas to offer guided fishing trips 365 days a year.

Luke captains a 24-foot Skeeter Bay boat, designed to comfortably accommodate the whole family for unforgettable fishing adventures. As a licensed Coast Guard Captain and CPR certified, Lucas is committed to ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable experience on the water.

Beyond his guiding expertise, Luke guides over 330 trips per year, demonstrating his dedication and unmatched work ethic in the industry. He has built a reputation for his relentless pursuit of trophy fish, specializing in musky, smallmouth bass, and walleye in Minnesota. In Florida he specializes in tarpon, goliath grouper, snook and redfish. His accomplishments include guiding numerous clients to their first or largest catches, earning recognition as a top guide in both the Midwest and Florida waters. When he’s not on the water, Luke loves to hunt, embracing his passion for the outdoors year-round. His personal achievements are equally impressive—he’s caught countless trophy muskies, and his dedication to conservation and ethical angling practices ensures that these incredible fish will be around for future generations. Known for his patience, passion, and unparalleled knowledge of the waters he fishes, Luke commitment to his craft makes every trip with Livin' the Dream Guide Service one to remember.

Capt. David Holmes

David Holmes grew up in the Midwest along the St. Croix River and has been passionate about fishing for as long as he can remember. Specializing in targeting trophy musky and smallmouth bass, David loves fishing on rivers using both conventional and fly tackle. He enjoys introducing others to the incredible fishing opportunities that the rivers of Minnesota and Wisconsin have to offer.

David grew up in the Midwest fishing his whole life, and later started spending a lot of my time during the winters traveling around the world learning the ins and outs of saltwater species and fisheries! David has spent time fishing in the Bahamas, Mexico, Hawaii, and of course Florida developing an understanding of a wide range of species present in saltwater environments. The Fort Myers area and Pine Island Sound is a truly special fishery! A USCG Licensed Captain, and have a passion for showing people the incredible experiences that the waters in our area have to offer! 

Nick Retka

Nick Retka was born and raised near the Brainerd Lakes area, where his passion for the outdoors flourished. Alongside his love for fishing, Nick is deeply passionate about deer hunting, managing property, and growing big deer. He often travels to the western United States to hunt in the mountains, embracing the challenges of rugged terrain.

Nick's fishing achievements are impressive; he was the 2010 runner-up and 2012 Muskies Inc High School State Champion. He fished collegiately for Bemidji State University, competing on the college tournament trail across the United States and qualifying for the national championship in 2015. Nick is also the co-founder of the NWTT bass tournament trail in central Minnesota. Above all, Nick's greatest enjoyment comes from chasing the best bite, regardless of species, and sharing his passion for the sport with others.

Joe Billiar

Joe, born and raised in southern Minnesota, has spent his summers on the water since he was just 6 months old. With a lifelong passion for fishing, Joe is dedicated to guiding others in the pursuit of their next catch. Whether exploring hidden fishing spots or navigating larger bodies of water, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and teaching everything he knows about the bite.

Capt. Tim Anderson

Captain Tim was raised on a lake near Brainerd - where he began guiding fishermen before age ten. He’s been exploring the waters of the northern half of Minnesota for going on five decades. Change? Tim has seen alot- but he sticks close to his roots chasing whatever is biting with methods that work. His favorite is chasing trophy large and smallmouth bass, and musky - but depending on the season, you may find him pursuing crappie, bluegill, pike, walleye or sturgeon. Tim has put numerous clients on trophy fish of all species, but his proudest moments have been the 55-inch class muskies that were over forty pounds. Tim has a USCG Captain’s License that covers both fresh and saltwater. Along the way, he spent a decade guiding in Alaska for halibut, rockfish, and all species of salmon. He explored much of that vast state, and has hunted big and small game religiously all over the North American Continent. If you fish with Tim - be sure to ask him for some stories! The “retirement plan” has always been to spend winters guiding in Florida for trophy bass, tarpon, and really... anything big that likes to bite! In the meantime, Tim also works part-time in the psychology field as a Marriage and Family Therapist - where for going on two decades, he has helped individuals and families to be the best versions of themselves. Throughout the fall, Tim guides for upland game with his two Gordon Setters - Sam and Junie. When Tim isn’t fishing or hunting - you’ll find him taking care

Andrew Rasmusson

 Andrew is coast guard approved captain and a fishing enthusiast of all kinds but he has always made his way back to the river. He got his first river boat when he was 18 and since than has spent countless hours fishing over a 100 miles of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. He loves catching fish but nothing beats the excitement of helping someone else land their fish of a lifetime.

Kenny Swanson

Kenny Swanson has a deep passion for fishing and spear fishing, a tradition that has been in his family for generations. From his grandfather to his father, himself, and now his children, Kenny has cherished the unique experience of fishing. He vividly remembers the first time he watched a northern pike come into the spear hole after his dad’s bait, sparking a lifelong love for the sport.

Kenny raised his three boys out fishing and looking down a 3' x 4' hole in the ice, creating unforgettable family moments. Today, as a real estate professional, he enjoys the flexibility to share his passion for fishing and spearing with others. Kenny looks forward to seeing you out on the water, ready to make memories of your own.

Guide Trips