“Hi Tad,
As usual I have to thank you for another epic adventure in fly fishing. I really do not remember the reason I first chose to fly fish with you in Sitka. But every year, I am and will be, eternally grateful to that decision. For 7 years we have fished together and talked about fishing for Steelhead. Timing of the Steelhead run and my schedule has never worked out. But this year all the pieces fell into place. I count myself lucky to fish with you regardless of the fish count. Although, that count is usually amazing. But this was an amazing trip this year. To chase the ghost of 1000 casts was pretty intimidating and never having landed a steelhead in my life, I was a little nervous. But in two days, you guided me to 6 hookups and landing 5 Steelhead on the fly which was absolutely epic. Thank God I landed that 38 inch Steelhead. If I had not, I fear you would have been suicidal and I would have to explain the situation to your family. Thankfully, I landed that beast and all is well in your household.
In all seriousness, I cannot even begin to tell you what a pleasures it has been to get to know you, fish with you and become friends with you. These two days of Steelhead fishing were truly epic and checked off one more item on my bucket list.
Never lose the enthusiasm, and passion for what you do. All of us who fish with you, recognize, appreciate and benefit from this and the rest of the world needs to fly fish with you to understand the meaning of the word “Fun”.
Thank you my friend,
John Karnay
John KarnaySoutheast Alaska Fly Fishing
“I have never seen a guide work so hard, be in 4 places at once, and remain so low key and calm. Whether you are in a group of 4 or a group of two, Tad seems to be there for you at all of the right moments to help with the rig, fighting the fish or just being ready with the net and the camera. Fishing with Tad is more than hunting the fish. Its every bit as much a guided tour of the Alaska wilderness and temperate rain forest. I don’t believe National Geographic could do a better job. This is my 4th year and 7th trip with Tad. Steelhead in May and Silvers in September. I cannot wait to go back.
Spectacular...
“I've been fishing with Tad for four years and come back every year for a couple trips. His knowledge of the area and fish along with technical expertise make every trip spectacular. I highly recommend a single trip to test the waters only if you understand that you will be "hooked" for life.
It's the Pinnacle of Fly Fishing!
“The day started slow for Dolly Varden and then traveled to another river that produced large numbers and fish up to 3lbs. Great fighters and loads of fun on a system five. Various patterns were successful mimicking small smolts. Lunch was terrific. The following day produced the same results with one guest moving only three feet all day with the exception of s break for lunch. I lost count on the numbers caught and released. Lunch was wonderful and I have had highly successful trips with Classic Casting Adventures for many years. Caught my first Salmon and first King on a fly rod with Tad's guidance!
“Let me start by saying that Tad is a great guide with a ton of knowledge (he has a fisheries degree!) on the fish, flora and fauna of Sitka, AK. We went on a floatplane out to Lake Eva where there were four of us in my group. Three of us fished with lures while my dad fly fished. Tad gave us great instructions, helped us all catch and land our fish, and showed us some of the best fishing areas on the creek. He even had the time and patience to show my mom (who hasn't fished in years) how to fly fish with an extra rod he brought. Lunch was great too!! Overall, this was the most memorable highlight of our week in Sitka and I would definitely recommend Tad and Classic Casting Adventures to any friends that visited Sitka in the future.
Great Fishing, Great Day, Great Guide!!!
