Each season we receive random emails of thanks from clients who obviously share our passion and love of fly fishing and the great outdoors. We take great pride in sharing the kind words of praise and thanks our wonderful customers are sending us.
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Dan & Penny:
I just wanted to follow up and thank you again for setting me up for a trip on the East Outlet with Wayne (9/30). I enjoyed the fishing (5 trout and a personal best salmon at 20″). The ride and scenery were superb. Wayne was outstanding at the oars and managing all the gear. Most importantly, Wayne was excellent company. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed everything that he had to share about the north woods and the fishing etc. Couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out.
Thanks again and best to you over the coming year.
Bill Dzilenski
Warwick, RI
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Hi Dan and Penny-
Thanks for including me in the fishing report! Your guide shop has been a source of happiness in my life in Maine for the last 13 years and it is cool to click the link for the fishing report and see my mug and fish!!!
Had another great day yesterday with friend and colleague Ben Isenhour. John was great as always. He’s a true professional. Caught great fish as the pictures show. My fish was the chunkiest landlocked salmon that I’ve ever caught and equal in length to the fish of the other day. Amazing fishing.
Hope to see you again soon. Time to look at my schedule.
Best, Alan
Bangor, Maine
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Dan & Penny;
I wanted to drop a line with a couple of pics from our float trip on Tuesday. Louie and I had a fantastic time, Chad was a terrific guide.
I can’t believe we have talked about this for so many years and finally pulled the trigger! I can see this becoming another one of our annual things. Have a great winter and feel free to post the pictures if you like on your site.
Tight Lines
Doug Blake, Massachutes
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Penny,
I drifted the East Outlet with Chad on September 25th. We had a great time and I enjoyed spending the day with Chad, who was both an excellent guide and very personable fellow. I caught several very nice salmon, including the “football” pictured below. Thank you for an excellent experience! I would love to do it again next Fall.
Alan Cooper
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Hi Penny –
I did not have a chance to speak with you after our trip on Thursday with John. Getting back into fly fishing has been a lot of fun over the past 12 months and I have fished with a number of guides (6) to learn as much as I can. In the 90s, I also did some guiding myself – chartering offshore in MA.
John Wood is as good as they come and I really enjoyed our day on the water with John. In spite of some challenging conditions, he helped Steve and I catch a few nice salmon while teaching us new techniques.
After our trip, we talked a lot about how helpful and positive John is in a genuine, upbeat friendly way – much appreciated and I look forward to another trip downstream.
Many thanks Penny for your help too.
Dick Sargent
Massachusetts
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Danny,
We had a really nice day on the river Sunday. We caught some very nice fish, and we can’t speak highly enough of John. He was terrific in every way, and I look forward to another trip with him some day.
Nick Mills
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Hi Dan & Penny,
I feel a need to write you and tell you something you already know. I fish with guides all over the US, Canada and the Bahamas and find some good one and some better ones . Yesterday I fished with an outstanding guide, John Wood. Saturday was going to a hard day with clear skies and 80+ degrees weather and might I add warm water. My expectations where very low in catching any fish but I hoped I would enjoy the day and learn something. My expectations where exceeded . He taught me tricks about casting, helped me get my very first salmon on an emerger and was a delight to spend a day with. I will be back and hope that I have the chance to fish with him again, he is a true caring guide.
Dan Richards
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Hi Dan,
Made it home in fine shape, the drive made easier by many fine memories of fishing the Penobscot. It was such an honor and pleasure to fish with you, and I learned as much in a day as in the past 30 years! Many thanks for such a great trip and putting me on my first West Branch brookie, as well as some mighty fine salmon. And the shore lunch was delicious and such a great surprise. It will be a fantastic show. One last note: as I was driving over the Abol bridge this morning, a bald eagle swooped down and plucked a salmon from the deadwater, right in front of my eyes! Nat Geo moment for sure. Only wish AJ had been there to film it. Nevertheless, a fitting end to another spectacular trip on the West Branch.
Take care,
Tom Richardson
Editor/Host
New England Boating
New England Fishing
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What a FANTASTIC January Newsletter you have put together! The January issue is chock full of lots of “good stuff” that has real meaning and implications not only for fishermen and fisherwomen, but also for society/mankind as a whole. To be able to continue to enjoy the many great things that we as a country and society have in our great outdoors, the points that you make in your January Newsletter are central and compelling. Pondering this makes me think how fortunate we are to have: 1) biologists like Tim Obrey doing what they do; 2) public organizations and creative servants like the Forest Society of Maine and it former director, Alan Hutchinson making positive happen; and 3) fishing guides like you and your team of highly knowledgeable outdoor experts knowing — seemingly intuitively — how to assist your clients in optimally enjoying one small part of what the great Maine outdoors has to offer.
Thanks to you Dan, Penny, and your whole team. Our group of your fishermen fans — Ed, Hilton, John, Bob, and me — are lucky to have come in contact with you to be provided with the life changing experiences you have presented us.
With gratitude,
Jack Widness – Vermont
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We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with you and have been raving about it to friends and family. Thank you for the wonderful and unique experience! Hopefully we were true to form as self-described “hardcore intermediate” fly fishermen. We could not have been more happy with how well everything went on our trip to the Everglades! Thanks for your large part in making it as fabulous as it was!
Carmen & Zephyr Bombeke
My day with Chad floating the Kennebec was more than memorable. I have been fly fishing for two years now and been out with quite a few guides. Chad sets the standard for what a guide can do for you. His ability too multi- task is amazing. Keeping a line in the water, spotting fish, maneuvering the boat, all with pin point accuracy. I did the math, I had a fish on every 18 minutes. Just amazing. My only regret was not booking my trip for two day. See you next year for sure.
Quentin and I really enjoyed meeting you and Penny. You’re a true pro and it was such fun to spend the day fishing with you. We really enjoyed the conversation, especially hearing your experience with Maine’s considerable conservation achievements. And you set the bar very high with that shore lunch. We’re still talking about Penny’s perfect brownies.Here are some pictures for your website. If you want to include our engagement, it would be fun to have it memorialized as well! Please send us a link if you post it.
We’ll definitely be back for more days fishing with you.
All our best,
Jenn & Quentin
N.Y., N.Y.
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Hi Danny…
While Friday’s hurricane conditions were bad on the river, Sunday’s perfect weather resulted in a wonderful Father’s Day trip and nice bass. Thanks again!
Kind regards…
Scott Screpple
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Dan,
God forbid that I’m keeping Steve’s fans waiting. I’ve attached the best photo of the legend and will send the entire set via Shutterfly so that you can use them as filler.
Just don’t tell me he has a fan club….
Thank Penny again for the great, especially prepared dessert; it was delicious and Steve was jealous!
And thanks for a really great trip! We had a blast!
Chet Rock
Orono, Maine
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Dan & Penny, That first cup if coffee sure tastes better in a MGFS coffee cup with visions of fishing dancing between the ears. Great two days of fishing with Chad and Chris. Fish were large (16" to 21"), very healthy, and plentiful -- about 20 fish to the net each day. Looking forward to Mon, 05 June with Chad and especially the Foxhole and Beach Pool trips this Fall. Thanks and best regards,,,,,,,,,,Grog
Greg Johnson – Harpswell, Maine
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Hi Penny and Dan — Once again we have had wonderful fishing experiences. We always learn a lot, and just being able to get away from everything and concentrate on fishing, water, woods and friends is so very valuable. Chad is an excellent guide; it was a pleasure to make his acquaintance. As you can see from the two photos I am attaching, we had some exciting moments during our drift boat trip yesterday (9/30) on the East Outlet.
We have already re-booked for next year and are looking forward to it. Thanks again for being there and for providing an opportunity to refocus and relax.
Beth & Lou
Cape Neddick, Maine
Chad,
Thank you for two great fishing experiences. I never imagined I would have been so lucky. I had made up my mind that a couple of “landlocks” would make my trip.
You were an excellent instructor and I picked up a lot of pointers from you, especially reading the water. The hour or so with the dry flies was my first.
I lost my hat in the ocean at Bar Harbor thanks to a gust of wind and ordered another from Penny along with some Nancy’s Prayers which I am anxious to try in Virginia.
Respectfully,
Richard Stallings
Hi Danny & Penny!
I just wanted to thank you guys for the awesome trip I had with my father to the West Branch of the Penobscot with Danny during this past Friday.
We had a great time and made some great memories. I attached some photos I took of the Salmon / Trout from the trip.
I’ll see you guys next year.
Thanks again for putting us on so many beautiful fish!
Chris Henrickson
Dan,
I would like to thank you for a great day on the river.
Your knowledge and skill and professional attitude made for a great day of learning and fun.
Even though it rained we hardly noticed because you had us focused on learning.
We were very impressed with the great meal you whipped up at lunch.
We will be back!
Bob and Bill Curran
Uxbridge Ma.
Hi Dan,
We had a fabulous time the other day with Chad, Josh and Mike. We stuck some real beauties and had a good time interacting with the whole group. See attached. Mike set me up on a slab of a salmon that eventually broke off (my fault), but when it jumped the first time both Mike and I thought it was a Smallie, it’s girth was just that big. If that fish wasn’t 5 lbs I’ll give up my first born.
Dan, I’ve told you before these trips are the highlight of my year. You guys are great!
Best regards,
Chris vanHaasteren
Maine
Chad,
Bruce and I, and the other CTT, had a really fun time fishing with you guys last Sunday! What an amazing experience to be in the midst of a Hendrickson and Blue Wing Olive hatch, and see the fish feeding so furiously! We enjoyed the delicious lunch cookout under the tent and the skillful paddle down the rapids.
I’ve attached a couple of photos of the trip
We’ll see you again in a couple weeks!
Evelyn King
Maine
Penny and Dan,
My son and I enjoyed our first Maine float trip down the East Outlet with Chad and the Maine Guide Fly Shop. Justin and I had a great time and look forward to hooking up with your shop the next time we come to Maine. Chad was an excellent guide and we learned a lot! The trip created memories that will last a lifetime!
Hope you enjoy the attached pictures.
Thanks again!
Maurice and Justin Waldorf
Mechanicsville, MD
Hi Dan,
I just wanted to take a second to thank you again for the tremendous experience that you provided for all of us on the West Branch.
Chris and I have been fishing together for about 30 years and your trip is about the best we have ever taken. Great place, great fish and better service.
Thanks again,
Ken, Chris,Mitch
New Hampshire
Dan,
Hard to do but you managed to make our day in the rain a good time!! As always you put us in the midst of the fish so that we caught more than I can count. Looking forward to a fall East Outlet trip and a chance to wrap up the season with a double, again!
Vicki Koshliek
Portland, Maine
Hi Dan,
Just wanted to say THANKS for a great time last week.
You and your guides did a great job and I had a blast.
I volunteer for PHW (Project Healing Waters) and the trip we had with you and your crew was the best yet.
You and your crew have a great fall and winter and hope to fish with you again.
Thanks much
Bob Pelletier
Montana Pro Guide #12646
A big thanks goes out to Chad Cray and the rest of the shop for an amazing trip had by myself, Matthew Bechard. I came up with Chris Burke for my first adventure with the shop on Wednesday on the East Outlet. Chad was nothing short of a complete gentleman and exceptional teacher, what a time I had. Thank you all for your exceptional ways and what you do. I had a blast and plan on passing on the good word about your work.
Matthew Bechard
Maine
To Everyone at Maine Guide Fly Shop,
I always enjoy stopping in to say Hi and never leave without a little more knowledge and information about the great area of Greenville.
Regardless of who is working at the time and what questions I ask they are always willing to share their knowledge of the area and sport.
My son and I have enjoyed two great drift trips. One Overnight last fall with Dan that was 2 days to forever remember and another fun trip just
last week, May 28th with Chad. We enjoy the personalities and the knowledge the guides always bring to our trips.
John Glinko
Franklin, Maine
Penny & Josh,
Cannot express how much I enjoyed my float trip on the East Outlet, Kennebec River. As a beginner fly fisherman, I was able to catch and release salmon and brook trout with the detailed instructions from my professional guide. It was such a great trip, I look forward to my return.
Tell josh I’m hooked on Fly Fishing! I’ll call you soon to book a fall trip.
Thank you. Respectfully.
Grant Nelson
Kennebunk, MainE
Hello Dan and Penny,
I just wanted to tell you how much (one again) I enjoyed my 2 days fishing with you. I look forward to it for several months leading up to it. The fishing was extremely productive. And I appreciate all of your knowledge about fishing and the region in general. I just can’t say enough about how much fun and relaxation the trip is for me.
Again, thanks for the wonderful experience.
Paul Cloutier
Maine
Dan,
Thanks very much for this great day together. I have to say it was the finest days of sight fishing I have had here in SW Florida…We were over fish in the first creek/cove until 1:30 PM Astounding.
Marshall DeMott
Naples, Florida
Dan
What a GREAT trip. Very hard to begin to tell you how very much we both enjoyed ourselves. It was very hard to leave. Please tell Penny how much we enjoyed everything she prepared. It was all great. I sure hope we can join you again next Fall. Thanks for an unforgettable experience.
Marc & Sarah Tischler
Burlington, Vt.
Dan,
Thanks for a great trip again and a great time. Once again it was a trip of a life time. Looking forward to next year. Maybe a few days in Florida. Thanks for everything.
Ralph Griffin
Melborne, Florida
Hi Dan & Penny;
Bill and I would like to say thank you for the wonderful time on the water in your new venture in the Florida.
My friend Bill Bassett. had a wonderful time with you on the water.
Dan you lived up to all I said, the complete fishing time with you, showed your mastery of the outdoors whether it is the North or South.
I will recommend your services to my friends, for a very memorable experience in the 10,000 Islands.
Dennis P. Neyland
Penny,
We had a fantastic time with Dan last weekend and plan to do it again as soon as we can. We thank you both for your services. Your lunch was great and the only thing that could be better is if I had the recipe fr your “gooey blueberry” cake!
Thanks, Mike and Leigh Ann Bische
Tavaras, Florida
Dear Dan,
Regret delay in getting back to you, but I wanted to thank you again for the unforgettable day my son Alex and I spent with you on the East Outlet the first week of October. Alex is already planning ahead for a Fox Hole trip !!!
Warm regards, it was an absolute pleasure to meet with you.
Clive Dobbs,
Frankfurt
Germany
Dan,
Just a quick note of thanks to the Maine Guide Fly Shop for a great fishing experience. Two of four had very little (if any) experience fly fishing and Chad and Ian had them casting well and catching fish in no time. The lunch was excellent and the Fall colors beautiful. We’ll be back to fish with these guys again this Spring!
Charles McCarthy
Scarborough, Maine
Dear Penny and Dan,
Just wanted to say how much my son Devin and I enjoyed our drift boat trip with Chad on the East Outlet on Sept 30. He is a wonderful guide and teacher and we learned a lot about this beautiful area from him. His knowledge of the water, boat handling and fly selection helped us land fish we never would have seen otherwise. We can’t think of a better way to experience and appreciate this great river, and we look forward to returning soon. And, of course, we are most grateful for your courtesy and helpfulness when we visited the shop.
Thanks again.
Very best,
Mike Ryan
Kensington, MD
Hi Penny,
Just wanted to send you some pictures of my son and Chad. It was his first time fly fishing and Chad did a fantastic job getting him started. It was also the best Father’s day gift I have ever received. I had a great time and look forward to taking another trip soon.
Thank you Chad and the Maine Guide Fly shop!
Jamie Wallace
Good Morning Dan & Penny,
My friends and I did a guided trip through your shop on 10/23. I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that the guides, Mike and Ian, were outstanding. We had an excellent time and I certainly learned more than I expected. Both guides were extremely attentive and knowledgeable and both did their best to ensure that we all enjoyed our time on the river. The trip is definitely something I would recommend to my friends and I look forward to doing something similar in the future. I wish you guys the best over the winter and hopefully I will be in the area again very soon. Thanks again, and I would definitely stick with Mike and Ian if you want your customers to have an experience they will certainly remember!
Matthew P. Engster
Sikorsky Aerospace Services
Dear Dan and Penny.
I wanted to let you guys know how much fun we had with Ian and Mike on the Kennebec on Friday. They were very knowledgeable and great ambassadors of the area. I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks for setting us up with them and have a great winter.
Fred Schwarz Jr.
Sandy Bay
Hi Dan,
The trip that I took with you and my brother Doug this year the day after Father’s Day was one of the best days I have had on the water. Starting out on the East Outlet and going up stream off the bat catching salmon on streamers was great. The brook trout fishing this year was top notch Doug and I love the way you hunt down the fish. I still have in my head you saying “ There is a big salmon on the bank being a little to piggish”. Then casting a Klinkhammer to him and landing the fish not to mention the hundred plus fish you had on your counter that day. Well keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Derek Saunders
Maine
Dan, Penny, and Ian
Thank you all for your efforts in providing a wonderful day spent on the East Outlet, my nephew was quite impressed and the added bragging rights he had for catching the biggest fish and the trifecta of species (landlocked salmon, brook trout, and smallmouth bass) made it all the more special for him.
Thank you again and enjoy the rest of summer,
Ken Laustsen
Waterville, Maine
Hi Dan,
Here are the pictures that I took. We had a GREAT time. Jim has a few more pictures that will be forthcoming. Thanks for a great day! Everything was perfect. I have told people that it is probably my most memorable day fishing!
Don Corey
Holden,ME.
Dear Dan and Penny,
We just wanted to thank you and let you know how good of a time we had yesterday (Sunday). Chad was an incredible guide, we learned a lot from him and we could not have asked for anything better! You guys run a great shop and hopefully we will be up again soon.
Thanks a lot!!
Kyle and Emily
Penny,
Thank you so much for accommodating us this past weekend on the Penobscot. I know that we had to do some last minute scrambling to arrange for Chad to accompany us so we are very appreciative for all your hard work.
As you can see from the photos, Chad and I have had some luck with two 20+ inch salmon. As a guide, Chad could not have worked harder to ensure a great trip for us. From boat-in to boat-out, he didn’t stop working to position us for the best fish and to teach us the best presentation to catch and land them.
Once again, thank you very much for helping us with another great trip and we look forward to seeing you again next summer.
Regards,
Andrew Morgan
Ashland, Ma.
Dear Dan & Penny,
I wanted to thank you and your wife for the great hospitality. Dan, thank you for all the great instructions on how to catch fish. I just love being outside and especially with great views of nature, and when you’re catching fish with all that , “WOW”.
Thanks again,
Dick Fortier
Hi Dan,
I have never had a better fly-fishing trip than the time we spent on the river on the 16th. You have the patience of Job. I probably learned enough from you to get a master’s degree in fly-fishing if I could only remember 10% of what you taught me. I have included a snap of the smallmouth bass. What an exciting adventure. I am already planning another trip back next year and I only got home this morning at 1:30 am.
Thanks again,
Bill Bilenky
Inverness, Florida
Dear Dan and Penny,
Thank you for everything you did to make my first trip to the East Outlet such a complete pleasure. Penny, your service and attentiveness are great. You made me feel like I was your best and most favorite customer. The advice you gave me in advance of my solo wading trip to the East Outlet was most helpful, and your fly selection helped me to a few really nice fish.
Dan, I’ve been fortunate to have experienced guided trips in some special places. You are by far the most knowledgeable, pleasant, and patient guide I’ve ever worked with. I learned more about fishing, fish, and habitat from you in one day than I did from all those other guides combined. And on top of all that, you cooked us the best on-river lunch I’ve ever had. You have a beautiful “office” and the joy you take in sharing it with others was an added pleasure. You can expect to see me again next spring for another trip and many times after that. Be safe and stay healthy.
Best regards,
Vince Messer
Bar Harbor
