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Dear Dave,
You and your complete staff at Reel Wilderness Adventures provided a truly wonderful wilderness experience in every way. Thank you again for a life time of memories you provided for our group.
I've been fly fishing since the early 1960's. I have had many memorable trips, but this trip to Iris Point, Alaska will move to the top of the list. For sure, the week I spent fishing with you and your staff will be the fondest of them all. The selection of fish and the beauty of the area are more then I ever thought possible. You, Terry and Jake do an outstanding job in getting the clients to the fish. I've had many good guides over the years, but your son Jake is probably the best "all around" guide I have seen. He loves the outdoors, cares about the environment, likes people that fly fish and is "fishy"...... what a combination!!!! Your camp is very comfortable and is in a beautiful spot. Your son Zach does a great job keeping the camp neat and tidy. The Weather Ports are warm and dry. Dan, your cook is outstanding, his menu selection and food preparation were fantastic. Your camp on Iris Point is certainly "cushy camping". You are the perfect host and I thank you again for a great week of fishing and adventure. I'm looking forward to my trip next year.
I caught my 1st big Rainbow on a dry fly that evening under a beautiful Alaskan sky. I dreamt of rise after rise while curled up in my comfortable and roomy Weatherport. It doesn't get any better then this I thought as I listened to the wind and the sounds of nature in this amazing place. The next morning I surprised myself by sleeping in until 9. No revile or rigid schedule at this camp. Fresh coffee and hot breakfast awaited me in the Yurt. I had fished premier trout Rivers in Idaho and Washington for 5 years but was thrilled to discover what is hands down the most productive water I've ever seen. The River system between multiple lakes is not only beautiful but also filled with Rainbows averaging 20" and many in the 22" to 25" range. I fished hard late morning and early afternoon and then back out after lunch and a siesta. The evening fishing after dinner was spectacular. The short skiff ride from camp to the River proved exciting in and of itself with spottings of bear, eagles, and other wild life. David, Jake, and Terry are professional, enthusiastic and skilled at giving helpful hints when needed. The camp atmosphere is casual, friendly and comfortable. A week didn't seem long enough. Thanks for the adventure and incredible fishing experience, one I won't soon forget. See you next summer.
We loved the challenge and thrill of catching huge rainbows with dry flies on the Agulukpak River and appreciated the care with which all the guides took in reviving and releasing the fish.
With regard to toilet facilities, the camp had one nice large outhouse with a skylight and one smaller canvas one. Both were maintained daily, and Dave promised to replace the canvas one with another larger facility next year. Because of the flexible and split fishing schedule, I never had to use the woods which was a welcomed relief. The shower is enormous and wonderful, with all the instant hot water you want. You never had to worry about saving hot water for the next person. The tents are heavy duty "weather ports" with cots, pads, and sleeping bags that were more comfortable than I expected. Our chef, Ben, was a real bonus and treat. I never had eggs made to order on any other fishing trips. How about having hot soups and fresh pizzas for lunch while fishing in the wilderness of Alaska? That's what we experienced. Ben's talent was not only in the flavoring, but also in his presentation. After a long day of fishing, we always wondered and looked forward to what Ben was preparing for dinner. All the guides were knowledgeable, helpful and hard working. I learned a lot and, as usual, found fly fishing to be a never ending learning experience which I love and enjoy. I hope to return to land the big ones that got away, and encourage all serious women fly casters who are uncertain like I was about an Alaska fishing adventure, to try the Reel Wilderness fishing camp. It's a small family run fishing camp that you will enjoy.
Doug Boyette M.D., July 23, 2001
The experience was well worth the price and I would recommend the trip to anyone who likes to fish. You don't have to be a fly fisherman, just love to fish and have a real good time. Reel Wilderness Adventures is a professional and first rate crew. We had more fun and fish for a lifetime.
At first, I was a little leery when Terry made the reservation for your camp. Being in the wilderness for someone who grew up fishing in Minnesota means mosquitoes, black flies, tents that leak in the rain and smell like mildew, always feeling grungy, and bathroom facilities a la woods. And of course eating fried fish every meal and having to contend with either live minnows or leeches--the walleye gourmet meal treat! What a great and happy surprise to find your camp--a dry and roomy tent I could stand in to get dressed, very comfortable cots, a toasty sleeping bag, and even an outside bathroom. And the BIG thrill: a real hot shower to rinse off fish smell at the end of the day! I also enjoyed the varied and delicious meals, and the companionship of a small group where we all ate together and shared tall tales. We were thrilled by the fishing, wading down that gorgeous river fly fishing for whopper rainbows. What beauties! And of course it was great fun fishing for salmon and char, too. I loved the scenic tour Jake treated us to one sunny day after fishing. Thanks to you and Jake, I learned a lot about dry fly fishing--your patience was greatly appreciated. All in all, I would DEFINITELY recommend this trip for women who want to fish and be able to enjoy the beauty and expanse of Alaska. A perfect trip for a couple. Thanks to both of you, and see you again!
p.s. I am wondering about those baby bald eagles--did they finally leave the nest at the end of summer?
While your brochures speak of the advantages of your trip over the typical lodge situation, it's not until you actually experience the freedom from “lodge-time” that you can really appreciate the difference. Fishing until late at night and being able to quickly “commute” from camp to fishing made the days very enjoyable with needed breaks back at camp. Absorbing the huge silence of the Alaskan wilderness and chatting quietly late at night on the lake’s shores while wolves added their chorus in the background were priceless memories. Part of why I fish is the camaraderie of associating with fishermen, and yours and Jake’s attitude was outstanding. It’s fun to fish around guides that really “get into it” and we surely did! We caught some great fish too—rainbows, char, grayling, sockeye, and pike. I still can’t believe that one huge char we caught feed us all—what a bruiser! The pike in the “back bay” were great fun too—very willing to hit those woolhead sculpins—I had many hours of enjoyment --you couldn’t pry the smile off my face with a crowbar! I also appreciated the Alaskan poetry you and Jake shared the last night in camp. It really framed our beautiful camp location, sense of remoteness, and the Alaskan “experience”. I’ll have to find some of my own to share with camp next year! I can wholeheartedly recommend your service to anyone looking for a real Alaskan experience and I guess the proof is in the pudding—I am looking forward to returning.
I have been fortunate to fish Alaska on numerous occasions, from fly-out lodges to float trips and none approach the quality of my recent trip with you, both in accommodations and fishing. You made an understatement when you advised we should have some dry fly fishing for Rainbows. I didn't expect to go out on a regular basis and catch numerous fish over 20" and up to 24". Although the Rainbows were the highlight of the trip, catching Char, Grayling, Sockeyes, and Pike on a fly was an added bonus. When I think of Char I can't help but comment on the wonderful meals you prepared. Ken Winey is still talking about the ribs we had on our last night. Too bad the bear had to get the stew meat. Most importantly, I want to thank you and Jake for the professional manner that you handled the trip. It's always a pleasure to fish with knowledgeable people who know the water and have the enthusiasm shown by you and Jake. I expect to come back next year and bring my son John Jr.
In 1999, I went for a week to a remote site in the Tikchik Lakes State Park region on an island free of bears and few insects and stayed at David Taylor's tent camp. It is quite comfortable with all the essentials needed for a comfortable facility with portable shower, clean porta-potty and fresh hot meals. A few minutes away are world-famous rainbow and char rivers. Nearby is a slough with huge northern pike that are fun to tease into taking six-inch flies. And clear streams are challenging for graylings with dry flies. With a staff-to-guests ratio of one-to-one, and a maximum of four guests, this is a worry-free location that allows you to focus on your objective - lots of fun fishing and leave the housekeeping to others. I will be going back and hope to see you there.
Thank you David for giving my dad and me a vacation we will never forget." Burt Weiss, Hilo, Hawaii and Harry Weiss, Berlin, Germany
Are you ready for the Alaska fishing adventure you've been dreaming of? Join Reel Wilderness Adventure for the Alaska fishing adventure of a lifetime? It's easy and it's fun. Please call us toll free at: 1-800-726-8323 or contact us via email at: reel@aloha.net with any questions you have concerning booking dates, equipment information, or if you just want to talk about Alaska fishing. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in Alaska. 
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I would like to share a women's perspective with regard to wilderness fishing at your camp. Years ago, after my first adventure with wilderness fly fishing, I told my husband no more trips for me unless there were flush toilet facilities. Also, I was not interested in Alaska because of the stories I heard about large mosquitoes. But after reading a letter by a prior female guest who stated there were no mosquitoes, I relented in the quest to catch large rainbows and invested in a "bug hood" just in case. The hood was never needed.