Marla Blair's FlyFishing Guide Service & Instruction

Please be sure to include your mailing information
and to whom I am signing the book for.

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Hi Marla,

First I want to thank you for a great day on Friday. I greatly appreciated all the info you shared with me and particularly the demonstrated patience in teaching me the double hull technique. As I was traveling home Friday afternoon, I started to plan my next outing. Beaming with new confidence, I decided to fish two pools on the Salmon River that I have never taken trout from but have witnessed the "wormers" take numerous fish. I was in luck, no one was there before me on pool A. Of course, considering sunrise would not break a while may have something to do with it. I was a tad pumped up and could not sleep. As I waited, I rigged up to nymph fish just like we discussed. I could not wait to hit the water. For the first time in approaching this pool I knew I was going to be successful! My first drift yielded zippo, so I adjusted the strike indicator up for the second pass and before the nymph drifted 5 feet I was into a 13" rainbow. My excitement carried over to my fishing buddy Mandy as she began to bark (for the record, Mandy's my English Springer). I hooked up on 6 more rainbows on successive passes. The curse had been lifted! My new rod had been christened! I was ready to tackle pool B, the larger more difficult to fish due to heavy pressure and access. By the time I got there the wormers had arrived, and I sat watching them for 20 minutes before getting a chance to make a cast. In that time, only one fish had been taken and listening to the mumbling there were no fish left in the pool was going to make this even sweeter. It took me 3 passes to get the mend right but on the fourth pass, a very nice brownie succumbed, followed by 2 rainbows and 1 beautiful brookie. I was totally elated. The walk back to my truck seemed like 2 minutes as my mind was whirling running through Friday's information. I can not thank you enough for sharing the knowledge and instilling a positive approach to fly fishing. Stay safe.

Thank you very much, Dave Kline, CT April 2008

P.S. - I enjoyed reading your book. Looking forward to reading your next release.

Good Morning Marla

Just a quick note to say Thank you for making my birthday extra special day. I haven't had that much fun fly fishing in a long long time, your knowledge of the sport of Fly fishing is exceptional your enthusiasm was unbelievable. The Farmington River watershed is so lucky to have a person like you to watch over it and to offer help where ever it is needed. We need more people like you Marla on our rivers and streams those trout have a friend in you, there like your kids the love and compassion you show for that river was unbelievable. June 30th will be a day I will not forget for a long time. We had fish coming to my fly almost ever cast there are a lot of sore lips out there lol. Marla your a exceptional guide, but more so a very good teacher of this wonderful sport of Fly Fishing, I am looking forward to next 6/29/08 and 6/30/08. Till then, keep safe and God Bless.

P.S you can use this if you want to . Art Davis, Worcester, MA 07'

Dear Marla I wish to thank you for the "Positive Fly Fishing" experience you have given me on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Your knowledge of the sport is amazing. You have this wonderful ability to coach every aspect of the cast. I learned so many new fly fishing tips from our trip that I plan to put them into practice on my next outing. I must add that you did put me on lots of quality fish that day. I hope to book another trip with you in 2008. Again, thanks so much for the lessons, trip, and a fantastic fly fishing adventure on the Farmington River. PS: Lunch was fantastic. See you next season, Bob Tetrault, Southwick,MA 07'

Hi Marla,
       Many thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable day of Fly fishing the other day.
       Your class and lessons were very helpful and enlightening for me and I hope to use the knowledge on the Swift over the next couple of days.
       Thanks so much for your attention and instruction and book signing. I'll remember the tips for casting and mending and will relax more with my casts.
        I subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and they have a nice article in the August issue on native trout restoration etc. Great photos too. See you soon at the next TU or WMFTA meeting. Enjoy Alaska.            Bill Donnelly, Northampton, MA 07

Hello Marla,

I wanted to thank you for a wonderful day of fishing. I truly appreciate the patience you had while teaching me (as well as my sister and father) how to fly fish. I was hooked (no pun intended) immediately. It's so very different from bubble and dry fly and is far more challenging. The rhythm and technique demand your attention but promise hours of relaxation (once you master the art) in the great outdoors. I haven't had a chance to fish since I've been back in town and really didn't realize how much I was taken in by the sport until a couple of weekends ago. While driving in the mountains, I went past several little streams and ponds that were scattered with fly fishers. I got that funny little feeling you get when you're exposed to something you really enjoy and it made me want to go fishing.

Thank you again for a fabulous experience! Take care and I'm really looking forward to next year's trip.

P.S. Listening to you and Maria tease and joke was a hoot and reminded me of the gals I shoot with. So nice to be around other women who enjoy the outdoors and participate in activities that are often considered "a man's arena." I love walking on those barriers that society has setup for us. Denise Rivera, Colorado, 07'

Hi Marla.

Hope you are hauling in big ones! We had an easy trip home. Yesterday Eliot (age 12)and I traveled up to the Gunpowder and checked it out. Stopped in at the local fly shop (Backwater Angler) and got some flies that are working, and some advice. We are probably going to get waders and other equipment this week and try to fish next weekend. The Gunpowder looks great, I am however a bit concerned that their is only a relatively shore stretch of "good trout water" and it is heavily fished. Perhaps we can figure out how to get to some holes off the trodden path.

I know you are very busy, so when you get a chance, would you email the photos of us fishing; I am not sure my wife believes we caught trout on flies! By the way, I did get the Thomas Ames book and it is really full of interesting information and great photos.

Needless to say, I think we are hooked. In the next week or so we may go out on the Gunpowder with a guide, just to have his show us more river entry points, and to get some local tricks. We will probably take a fly tying course offered at the Backwater Angler.

I have read a lot of your book. It is very good, very closely mirroring what you taught us on the river. And unlike the Orvis book, your's hits the key points without excess verbosity. And it is very funny!

Thanks again for the swell time and great instruction, hope to get up there sometime in the future.

Bob and Eliot Fenton, Baltimore, Maryland 07'

Marla

Thanks for a great day! You were very patient and understanding of my lack of skill.

You are a class act.

Tight lines, Phil Marshall. Orleans, MA. 07'

Hi Marla Thank you very much for your generous guiding, instruction, hospitality, & great company. You are a really good teacher and guide. Faye was very sorry she missed the fishing and will definitely come up with me next year. I would like to go on one of your trips, so keep me posted. I think Chile would be wonderful. I am going to tell Fred Albright to book you also. He would get a lot out of your guiding. I will practice the 7x & 8x on the Tully and let you know how I do. I look forward to my email photos. big hug Moira Jeanne Fitzgerald, PA 07'

Marla,

It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance and a delight fishing with you. The experience was not only exhilarating but has given me a better understanding of techniques and strategies that will remain with me for a lifetime. Your patience, instruction and last but not least cooking, was appreciated and will not be forgotten. The following day Dennis and I fished the Swift and hooked some fish and believe it or not, landed a few, (arm not wrist). The food at Horizons was fantastic, comparable to lunch. I will call you soon to make plans to fish with you in the spring on the Farmington.

Thanks again

Tight Lines and all that jazz! Allan Kleinkopf Clifton, NJ 06'

Hi Marla,

Had a great time on the river. Learned a lot, feel more confident about myself , and really happy

we had the casting lesson on the river instead of the lake!

FLY FISHING IS --EFFORTLESS----NOT POWER!!

I keep repeating this to myself---

Again, thanks for a great day and for the guided fishing portion (which you did not have to do, but

I really appreciated it.)

What a great river and area to fish in---- Thanks again Bob Duva, MA 06'

Hi Marla, I had such a great time today! I LOVE FLY FISHING! You made it so enjoyable to learn! You can be sure I'll be out in the water trying to catch up with that rainbow again soon! Hope we get to hook up for some fishing... til then I'll do the work Thanks again for a great day! Laurie Circosta, MA 06'

Hi Marla .

Just want to thank you again. I had great time not only actually fly fishing, but also all the aspects of it you taught me. your knowledge and patience are amazing. There's not many that can mix instruction and fun, but you are able to. You were right I now have a new passion for fly fishing. thanks again, your friend Jim Maciag, Ludlow, MA 2006'

P.S.The book is fantastic. your knowledge and wit showed from page to page. And the information was very easy to understand and apply.

Hi Marla:

Thank you for the photos, I will show them to Kathy and Emily...

I was able to take Kathy fishing today, she did GREAT. Tied her own tippet and flies and was able to undo a few wind knots and tangles.

Kathy caught her first fish on a nymph and dry fly. She caught several fish on the Willimantic River TMA section and a few on the Natchaug River State Park.

She had a great time and we are looking forward to our trip to Colorado as well as our next "date" to go fishing.

Thank you so much for teaching her and Emily so that I can share my love of fishing with them at a higher level now. David Langer, CT (2006)

Marla,
We all had two wonderful days on the Farmington River. This was our second trip with you as our guide, mentor, comedienne, and teacher. We were up against kayakers who seemed to enjoy paddling through our feeding zones.... (hmmmmmm, maybe they should have a lesson or two with you and then they will see how the game goes!) and the local legendary Dave of Classic and Custom's wonderful and gifted fly-tying abilities. Along with the entertaining and terrific instructions (yes, I did understand all you were patiently showing me). We were truly spoiled by your caring and talented cuisine both at breakfast and lunchtime, we went away with an awesome experience. We look forward to getting together again soon. We talk about you all the time to our family, friends and coworkers. Take care and continue with the great job you are doing.
Tom and Audrey Reilly Worcester, Mass.

Hey Marla, Thanks for meeting me [Swift River] and showing me the fishing spots...I look forward to fishing with you again, it was great fun. Norma

Hi Marla, Sarah and I want to thank you for the great day on the river. You are very much a professional at what you do. You not only taught us a great deal about the fine art of fly fishing today, but you made us feel very comfortable with all of your encouragement. We feel that we now have all the fundamentals needed to go forward with our pursuit of this great sport. Thanks again for all of your help and patience....Sincerely, Bob and Sarah

I practiced my knots when i got home. I actually remembered them. I will call you about the August date. We had a great time, thanks for all your patience and knowledge. Fondly Claudia Sperry ........I had such a great time with you yesterday. You are great. Thanks again....it was a pleasure. Jo-An

I want to thank you for the lesson with Steve.I think he got a lot out of it. He has been in the Westfield River every night since his lesson,and with more success than before. I am sure it is because of your teaching. You are an excellent instructor. Steve Andras

Thanks so much for the wonderful day. Randy truly enjoyed himself. This was the best anniversary gift I could have given him. Tammy Cadenhead

Linda just forwarded me the pics you took of our trip last Thursday.
It's great to see them! By the way, hope your camera survived the day.
Wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for taking us out to the Farmy. We really
enjoyed the day (despite Linda not feeling too well - she's a trooper!).
Each time we've gone out with you, we've come back having learned more
techniques: we've become better at reading the water, fishing nymphs
and dries and being more aware of the hatches, etc. Your enthusiasm for

the sport is contagious; your warmth and generosity combine with your
formidable skills keep us coming back for more! Michelle & Linda

I just wanted to thank you so much for one of the best birthday
gifts I have ever received. You were extremely knowledgable
and this showed when we got to the river. We were the only ones
catching fish! The digital pictures will be forever cherished.
I had one of the best times of my life! Thanks again! Brent Massey

Hi Marla, Just wanted to take a minute to say
thanks for an enjoyable day on the Deerfield.
Guess we lucked out with the water level.
We both learned a lot and we look forward to next time.
Thanks . Pat Higgins & Paul Fischer

Thank you for such lovely day on the Farmington. Pop and I had a great time bonding and you
proved to be a great enabler. Rebecca Roth

Marla, thank you for a wonderful day. My wife, Margaret, and I enjoyed your instruction and your company very much. You have taken us a long way in learning about fly fishing in just one day. We feel that we now know enough to venture into this wonderful sport. I look forward to seeing the pictures you took of us. Thanks again.. W. Joseph Yu, MD

Marla, If anyone wants to speak with a reference, please give them my name. I will be very excited to tell them how wonderful you are with a child!!(and an adult, too!). Russell Iuliano

Chris and I had a great time yesterday. Chris revealed that he wants to be a fishing guide when he grows up. I can't think of a better thing! I hope it was as much fun for you, as it was for us. Tom Zoeller...."It was alot of fun for me also"