Captain David (Dave) Hebeda 

Captain Dave Hebeda is a seasoned musky angler with decades of experience chasing giants across the Midwest, with a deep-rooted passion for the Fox Chain of Lakes in Illinois. As the founder of Fox Chain Musky Adventures, Dave combines technical expertise, local knowledge, and a lifetime on the water to offer clients unforgettable encounters with one of freshwater’s most elusive predators—the mighty musky.

Dave’s fishing style blends old-school intuition with modern technology, helping clients of all skill levels learn how to read water, choose the right gear, and handle the thrill of a big strike. Whether it’s your first musky or your next personal best, Dave’s calm guidance and relentless work ethic ensure you’re always in the right spot at the right time.

Dave holds a U.S. Coast Guard 25 GRT Master Captain’s License and is CPR and First Aid certified, ensuring both professionalism and safety on every trip.

He runs a fully equipped, tournament-grade boat packed with top-tier rods, reels, and electronics—everything you need for a world-class musky experience.

Specialties:

• Trophy musky hunting on the Fox Chain

• Seasonal pattern knowledge & lure selection

• Personalized coaching for beginners to seasoned anglers

• Catch-and-release focused with conservation at heart

Dave’s love for fishing began at an early age, splitting time between the lakes of Spooner, Wisconsin, and the local retention ponds near his home in Naperville, Illinois. From panfish and bass to northern pike, Dave cut his teeth on a wide variety of species—but over time, the thrill of the hunt led him to focus exclusively on one: the elusive and powerful muskellunge.

What started as casual weekend casts evolved into a full-blown obsession, even winning bass tournaments (although he generally won't admit it). Dave transitioned from multi-species angling to chasing only the musky, drawn to the challenge, intensity, and reward of targeting the apex predator of freshwater. His pursuit took him across the Midwest, but he found his true home on the Fox Chain of Lakes, where he has developed an expert-level understanding of musky behavior, patterns, and seasonal movement.

Over the years, Dave has earned his place as a multi-time musky tournament winner on the Fox Chain, known for putting fish in the boat when conditions get tough. His competitive experience sharpened his instincts and his ability to adapt on the water—skills that now serve his clients every time he launches the boat.

Now, as the owner of Fox Chain Musky Adventures, Dave brings together decades of hands-on experience, tournament success, and a deep respect for the sport to create unforgettable days on the water. His mission: to help others connect with the same passion that’s fueled him since those early casts in Naperville.