Two Friend’s Annual Fly-In Fishing Trip to Hornepayne, Ontario

At Rampit USA, we’re not just about delivering top-tier ramps and accessibility products—we’re also a close-knit team that values family, friendship, and adventure.

Two of our employees, Travis and Zack, embody this spirit both at work and in their personal lives. These two aren’t just colleagues; they’re lifelong friends who have been taking an annual fly-in fishing trip to the remote wilderness of Hornepayne, Ontario, since the mid-90s.

The tradition began when their dads first took them as kids and continues to this day, well into their adult lives.

Lifelong Friends

Growing up just a couple of houses down from each other, Travis and Zack have been close friends since childhood, sharing everything from backyard adventures to their first bike rides. Zack, being a year older than Travis, drove the two to school when he first got his driver’s license, and when it came time for college, they even spent their first year as roommates.

As they got older and moved apart, they remained close, eventually moving home and working together at Rampit USA. Their close friendship and shared history bring a unique energy to our team. Still, no matter how busy things get, they always carve out time for their annual fishing trip in northern Ontario.

The tradition began over twenty years ago when Travis and Zack were just kids. They tagged along with their fathers and a group of their father’s friends for their first fly-in fishing experience. Now, as adults, Travis and Zack have continued the annual tradition with some of the same friends who went on the original trip, along with a few new friends who have been added to the group over the years.

The Fly-In Experience: Hornepayne’s Remote Wilderness

Hornepayne, Ontario, is a small, remote town in northern Ontario that offers some of the most pristine fishing in the world. From Hornepayne, a small float plane transports the group of fisherman and all of their fishing gear into the untouched wilderness, where the lakes are teeming with northern pike, walleye, and perch.

Because no roads, trails, or rivers allow access to these fishing grounds—everything has to be flown in, so this isn’t your typical drive-to-the-lake weekend getaway. It’s a true escape, where nature takes center stage, and the distractions of everyday life are left far behind.

For this group, it’s not just about the fishing, though. It’s about the solitude of the forest, the beauty of the landscape, and the challenge of landing that prize northern pike. And while the fishing is always phenomenal (walleye and perch also fill their coolers), the real prize is the time spent with friends, swapping stories, and competing for bragging rights on who lands the biggest catch.

A Break from the Daily Grind

As much as they love the thrill of reeling in a massive fish, Travis and Zack also appreciate the downtime that the trip offers. Cell phones don’t work, emails don’t buzz, and the noise of daily life fades into the background. It’s a complete reset—just a group of lifelong friends, some good-natured ribbing, and northern Ontario’s calm, quiet waters.

Early mornings spent casting lines, quiet afternoons swapping fishing stories, and evenings spent by the campfire are much-needed breaks from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When they return, however, they bring that sense of rejuvenation, ready to dive back into their work at Rampit USA.

A Tradition That Strengthens Every Year

What started as a father-son trip in the mid-’90s has grown into an annual event that Travis and Zack look forward to each fall. They’ve built a tradition of great fishing, surrounded by friends and filled with adventure. For the Rampit USA team, their yearly pilgrimage to Hornepayne is an annual reminder of the importance of taking time for yourself, staying connected with friends, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

From childhood friends to college roommates and now co-workers at Rampit USA, Travis and Zack embody everything that the Rampit USA Family is about. Whether it’s the thrill of the catch or the joy of sitting in silence by the lake, one thing’s for sure—there are many more years of fishing, laughter, and lifelong memories to come.