Sometimes people ask if we have statements recommending our services.  Here are a few recent statements from satisfied guests, and be sure to read a review of our services published in the prestigious Angling Report.

---

 
    I can't say enough great things about you, your expertise and style of guiding.  Undoubtedly the best guide I've had the pleasure of fishing with and I thank you so much Scott for all your hard work and shared expertise.  It was nice getting to know you a bit as well.  Also, thanks so much for the great set of pics on the cd and the Kingfisher fishing hat (what a nice surprise)....the hat and pictures are both great souvenirs!  I've already gone through all the great pictures (among your many talents, you take nice pictures too) a few times and have bored Sheila by making her watch them with me and listen to my blow by blow....twice!
 
    Anyway, I just wanted to write you and let you know again what a great time we both had this weekend and thank you for making it special for me on the water.
 
    Best of it all Scott in all your many endeavours.........and by the way.... I'll be back.
 
Doug
 





Hello Scott,
 
Back on May 17th of this year my brother in law and I spent a wonderful day fishing with you.  Now, two plus months later I still have great memories of the day.
 
Fishing with you was a great pleasure and a first class operation in every way.  I want you to know that both Steve and I really appreciate the effort and the commitment you made to providing us with  every opportunity to catch some nice fish and have great day.
 
I also enjoyed the opportunity to fish off of your dock area at night.  Watching the trout slashing at the bait under the light reminded me of times long ago fishing off of piers along the California coast.
 
Tight lines,
 
Jeff Voigt

Dear Scott & Kathy--------just wanted to thank you both for a couple fabulous days on the Laguna Madre!!   We were very pleased with the comfortable accommodations and were awed by Dr. Scott's knowledge  of the LM fishery.  We were so impressed with the fishy possibilities, that we're considering coming next spring for a whole month----a few days with you and some on our own.

Merritt Benson

Dear Scott,
 
Thanks again for our trip, it was excellent!  I sincerely appreciate all of your patience and fly-casting instruction, I'll be practicing for next time!  Take care.
 
Sincerely,
 
Zack Thomas
Austin

Scott,

I wanted to thank you again for a truly wonderful experience. I deeply enjoyed my first trip to the Lower Laguna Madre and I'm already anticipating my next visit. Your love and insight of the waters and environment made the experience educational and even more enjoyable. Look forward to seeking you soon,

Grant Wright (looking on proudly while his buddy
Kyle Kulig holds up his first redfish on a fly)
Lubbock, Texas

Dear Kathy and Scott,

    A belated thank you once again for a great experience on the Lower Laguna Madre.  I hope you never take for granted how fortunate you are to be able to view the spectacular sunrises every day you're on the water.  I always look forward to that, and each morning is different.
 
This was by far my best trip with you, not only because I was lucky enough to hook more fish, but because there were more opportunities and I was finally getting the "hang of it".  It was tough controlling the adrenaline when so many options are available and the casting suffered as a result, but after a while, you settle down and get in a rhythm.  That's where the fun starts.  For me the most exciting part is casting the VIP and have the fish follow and explode on the fly, indicating that I did something right.  Whether I get a hook-up or not is secondary to the explosion!  For that reason, what will be the highlight of the trip for me was when the trout came within 10' while keying on the fly and exploding several times before swimming off.

Peter Koga
20311 Running Springs Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 964-1276

Capt. Sparrow:

Thank you for a wonderful day on the water this past Saturday (7-23-05). I want to especially thank you for rekindling my interest in the art of fly fishing. The people that have commented on their experiences with you were not kidding, you are a top notch guide and I would recommend you to anyone who likes to fly fish.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience.

Rigoberto Rivera (Rigo)
Pharr, Texas

Dear Scott and Kathy:

Patti and I want to again thank both of you and the LLM for the most wonderful fishing trip ever.  Though a confirmed western trout fisherman for more than 40 years, we have now found the place of our dreams. The difficulty of the fish, incredible beauty of God's creation, your teaching, patience, friendship, and graciousness is overwhelming.  I hope you do not get tired of seeing us at your door.  See you soon.

Jim and Patti

-- dear kathy and scott, i just wanted to say thank you so much for the incredible weekend! this trip really did live up to my dreams. the entire trip home tommy and i could not stop talking about what a great time we had! the service you offer is something i never thought i would have the opportunity to enjoy, that i would have to read about it in the magazines forever. but after reading your articles and your web site i realized very quickly"i'm going down there!". kathy, you did a fantastic job of putting us in the right positions to find the fish. i literally had shots at over 20 reds a day. it doesnt matter that i caught 1, i had so many shots! i have so many memories that i will never forget but the one that stands out the most was the 2 longest casts that i have ever made to the tailing reds and the fly landed so perfectly each time that i was sure a fish was on. it took me 30 minutes to get my heart rate back to normal!you are truly gifted at your craft!! scott, thank you for taking the time to show me how to tie your beautiful flies. i found the right materials for the vip at "michaels" like you said and i just got finished with my second one (although they dont look quite as good as yours) thank you for the kindness and hospitality, and i promise to return as soon as time allows. the neatest thing, i really feel like a different person now. aside from my son being born, this was the greatest experience in my life and i hope to see you'll soon to do it again!!

sincerely, ben jorden
beaumont, texas

Dear Scott,

First, I apologize for not dropping you and Kathy a note. Wayne and I had a great redfish  fishing experience. I had always heard about flyfishing for redfish on the South Texas Coast so when Wayne invited me to join him -  needless to say, I JUMPED at the chance.

I had always heard that stalking Red fish on the flats of the South Texas Coast was a "poor man's Bonefishing trip substitue." After personally sampling both (bonefishing - four times) - I can safely say that it IS MORE than just a poor man's substitute - it's as good or BETTER than traveling out of the good ole' USA to jump those Bones. I have been flyfishing extensively for over 20 years and I have not seen or been a part of a better lodging/guide set-up. The flats boat was the best (I'll bet your new one is EVEN better)- always equipped with the right fly and cold refreshments/munchies. The accommodations were suburb - with a "majic" mini refrigerator that never ran out of cold b eer, wine, sodas and breakfast....amazing! The food was excellent and last but probably most important - the Guide Service (you) was tops! Your "passion" for pounding those flats was evident and infectious! You were FANTASTIC!! The photos that you took were also GREATLY APPRECIATED.

  Needless to say, Wayne and I had a great experience at Kingfisher. Anyway...as I was mumbling along...Wayne and I had an outstanding experience at Kingfisher and we have passed our positive feelings along to all our fellow fly-fishing club members and fly-fishing friends. We plan on returning this spring and many other times in the future. Please feel free to refer Wayne or I to anyone interested in talking DIRECTLY with someone that has experienced both the Kingfisher, and bonefishing destination resorts. Basically...the Kingfisher is "half the price" for a comparable bonefishing trip (not to mention "popper" action on the flats - just a "bonus") - you never have to worry about what kind of "mood" your local guide (Belize/Bahamas) might be in that day, what fly/etc. you DIDN'T BRING (Kingfisher furnishes your fly and has available everything that you will need), don't have to fight or worry about Third World country airport security (or lack thereof), top of the line flats boat, great food (you are NOT "nickel & dimed" for munchies or refreshments), night fishing off private lighted dock for speckled Trout, etc. (that is if if you have any energy left after a great day on the flats keeping up with Captain Scott), and even an opportunity (if you are lucky) to sight cast to Rollin' Tarpon with World renowned author/publisher/chef and fly-fishing person - Kathy!

  I've gobbled along enough Scott and Kathy...I think you get my point! You guys are one of the best kept secrets in flats fishing!!! Don't change ANYTHING!!!

  Happy Holidays to you and your families...

  Best Regards and again...THANKS for a memorable visit at the KINGFISHER. -- Dan Millis, Orange County
 

I can't imagine how my first saltwater fly fishing experience could have been any better. That the two of you could take a rank beginner like me and guide me into actually catching fish is a testimony to your knowledge, skill, patience, and fine ability to teach the art of fly fishing in your exquisitely lovely lower Laguna Madre.  Adding to that the fine food, company, and accommodations at Kingfisher made this a truly memorable trip. I am grateful to my brother Kim for introducing me to fly fishing, and now for introducing me to the two of you and the Laguna Madre. -- Deborah Ratliff, Santa Fe
 
 

 I want you to know that my outing with you was without a doubt the best guided fishing experience I have ever had.  I have been fly fishing for close to 50 years,about 15 of those in saltwater and my prior guided excursions were mediocre at best. Nowadays, I generally find myself fishing alone, and savoring the peacefulness of God's creation and the challenge of fly fishing.  My day with you had all the right stuff:  rewarding fellowship, innovative flies, a great boat, incredible fishing, enough professional peer pressure to challenge me and incomparable waters and natural surroundings.  Please take my comments as a testimonial to your skills and professionalism. -- Gary Maler
 
 
 
 
 

7/24/02

Dear Kathy and Scott,

Just wanted to let you know again that we really enjoyed ourselves-You are a great couple, gracious hosts and just fun to be around...
For whatever it's worth be assured that I will be giving your operation rave reviews in all my talks, public and otherwise. We're serious about having you up, so if it fits your schedule you are very welcome.
I dream about those trout.

Warm regards,
Nick & Kathy Curcione
 
 
 
 
  

From a letter written by a regular Kingfisher guest to a friend:

    This place is incredible, and hard to believe it exists in the good old USA. You cannot believe the vastness of this area. You need to make an effort to visit. We can stay at the Kingfisher Inn under their rates and use my boat and guide services, or book one of the Sparrows for a half day. Whatever you want. Let me know. If not, you would be a fool for not booking a trip with me next year. Fishing is good  down there year round, but weather will be more unpredictable in the winter  than in spring. Consider the details of my last trip, this past weekend:
        Arrive on water at 4:00 PM Thurs., 8/14- Moderate winds and mostly cloudy. Catch 7 reds between 3 and 6.5 lbs (weighed on my Boga grip).
        8/15- Heavy winds, mostly cloudy, thunderstorms, and occasional heavy rain. Catch 6 reds of similar size.
        8/16- Wind 25 knots with gusts to 45 knots. Sleep in, go to Harlingen tackle shop, eat great Mexican food, return for nap, go fish at 3-4 PM when suns comes out and wind diminishes to 23-25 knots with gusts to 31 knots (Weather channel statement at time we left lodge). Go east and fish the sand, which is ankle deep water under firm sand with crystal clear water. Wade barefoot (incredible experience) and catch 3 reds and 1 black drum. Fish until dark.
        8/17- Wake up to dead calm conditions.  Arrive at first stop at 6:20 AM. Still dark. Begin poling. Begin to see wakes. Stake out boat. Jump out without wading belt or gear other than fly rod. See large back out of water slowly swimming towards me. With my heart pounding, I place Kwan fly in front of wake, immediate take, quickly in backing, realize I have no Boga grip or wade belt, back up 25 steps to boat and land 29 in. 8.25 lb. red, wonder if I am in heaven. Four fish taken before 7:45 AM.
        Total for trip: 19 reds and 1 black drum, all legal. Most so big that the 2-3 small fish I caught were 20-22 inches.
        Anywhere else I fish on the Texas coast would have been very tough to fish under these conditions. On the way to the lodge, it started raining in Pleasanton, TX and rained the entire way to Arroyo City. I had absolutely zero confidence I would catch a fish in these conditions. If I had been in my usual haunts from Port O'Connor to Rockport, my prediction for fly fishing success would have been 0-1 fish for the entire 4 days. You have fished both areas with me, but the lower Laguna Madre is totally different. Everyone who fly fishes must visit this place! at least once in their life. Of course, this is impossible, because once you see it, you must return.

Dr. Vince Wiseman, Austin
 
 
 
 

Kathy and Scott,

Thanks for the great three days of fishing and hospitality.  You are running a top notch outfit down there on the Laguna Madre.  Hope to be back soon.

Russell Myers
 
 

Hi Scott and Kathy,

Wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for a great weekend.  You guys do a great job and provide a really nice atmosphere for your visitors.  Henry and I were really fortunate to get into some fish on Saturday and Sunday - too bad we had to leave as I felt like I was getting into the groove seeing the fish well and improving on my casting.

Thanks again - look forward to seeing you guys soon.

Regards,
Joe O'Connor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7/23/02

Dear Scott and Kathy,

You "guys" are a class act; I don't know how you manage everything so well. I am just glad you decided to locate in our neck of the woods.

Regards, see you on the flats,

Garry
 
 

7/17/02
 

Hi there K&S,

Tim Clancy was just in Austin last night speaking to the CCA Chapter.  He
did a great job; just like ya'll.  I saw Alan Jacoby last night and he said
that he came down to see you and really had a fantastic time.   The word
continues to spread about what a wonderful operation you have...

Henry

Scott,

Thanks for the opportunity to fish with you.  I have
talked to a couple of friends and we are planning to book
you in the future.

It was a unique fly fishing experience, and I learned a tremendous amount...

Thanks again for everything,

Colin

Hi Scott and Kathy,

I'd like to thank you again for showing us a great time in the Laguna Madre.
Dan and I have been fortunate enough to travel to various lodges and the
overall experience you provide is up there with the best of them.  I still
can't figure out how Kathy is able to get up early to get breakfast and lunch ready, take out guests for a full day of fishing and come home to cook dinner too!
What made it most enjoyable for me was the stalking and sight casting.  Once you see your prey, it's all up to the angler to make the proper presentation.
 Even then, it's no guarantee the fish will take.  Out of the 3 days we were there, I would guess I made a half dozen "perfect" presentations.  On one the redfish exploded on the fly twice but missed, and on another, a ladyfish (that I didn't see) grabbed the fly as soon as I made my first strip and spooked
the redfish.  What a challenge!  On the way home, Dan and I are already planning another visit to fish with you again, possibly in June of 2003.

We look forward to seeing you at our club in September and hopefully find time to fish a little and have a nice dinner somewhere.

Thanks again,
Peter Koga
Orange Co., California

6/3/02

Scott and Kathy,

Well we got home safely and in time to see the Los Angeles
Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings last night!!!!  Yay!!! Peter and I are already talking about taking another trip to your Inn and having the two of you teach us to become more proficient in catching Redfish and Sea Trout.
It was a blast and I look forward towards you both coming to Orange County in September.

You have a wonderful operation going for you. I left a message with Jeff to egg him on a bit that I caught a couple of Redfish on my first day. I still can't get over the experience with feeding birds and Redfish:-)

Thanks for sharing your lodge and guiding expertise with us.

Dan Iwata
Orange Co., California

5/29/02

SCOTT,

WHAT A GREAT PROGRAM LAST NIGHT!! ONE OF THE BEST EVER. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO KEEP SUZANNE CONTAINED, SHE IS JAZZED. WE WILL HOPE FOR GOOD WEATHER, AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.  WHERE CAN WE GET SOME AQUA DESIGN SHIRTS?? YOU HAVE CONVINCED US THAT IT WILL GIVE US AN ADVANTAGE WHEN STALKING FISH.  THANKS AGAIN FOR A GREAT JOB,

MIKE
President of the Texas Fly Fishers
 
 
 

5/27/02

Hello Kathy & Scott

    Just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed you two lovely, professionals. It's been an experience that I will long
remember, as was the earlier visit with Roy. May you continue to enjoy good health to go along with your good spirits and
gracious hosting.

Bob

Kathy and Scott,

Steve and I really enjoyed out visit. You run a first-class operation from the accommodations and food to the boat and the guiding. Scott, you found fish for us but we couldn't get them to cooperate -- we'll work on that. I hope to see you again soon! -- Allen

Captains Kathy and Scott,

    Thank you so much for your hospitality, generosity, and your patience! Todd and I had such a wonderful experience with our first fly fishing adventure, thanks to you both. We are "hooked," that's for sure.
    We are looking forward to returning to Kingfisher Inn to break our current records and have another peaceful, incredible vacation.
    The fishing, the conversations, the food...the whole weekend...was unforgettable.

Sincerely,

Todd and LaDonia

Good afternoon Capt's Scott and Kathy,

Thank you for a wonderful and joyful experience on my first trip to the
LLM.  Your hospitality and pleasurable presence made my trip even more
special.  I can still remember how nervous I was the first time I actually
saw a redfish tailing about 40 feet away from me.   My cast must have been
at least 10 feet wide left!  : )

Thanks again and I hope to come visit in the near future for another
exciting trip.

Best wishes,
Jason

9/14/02

Dear Scott and Kathy,
Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay and your wonderful hospitality. Truly magnificent trip! We will definitely return to Kingfisher. Thanks and God Bless,

Matt and Giovanna Sherwood