Kevin was a totally fantastic guide for me and my son Austin. He really gave Austin terrific pointers on the use of the fly rod - his first time fishing with one -- which by the way has not been put down since! I have fished extensively in the US with many skilled guides, and I would rank Kevin among the very very best. He asked us all the right questions, so he could understand what we wanted to do, and he put us on quality fish. Even though we did not "fill the boat" with smallies we caught a bunch of quality fish and most importantly, had a trip that was truly memorable, for me and for Austin.
Gerry Difiore
Kevin,
Jack and I had a wonderful day. We learned a lot and had a great time. I was one of those days that you keep on enjoying long after just thinking about it....I want to talk with you about another trip....probably bass with my son Tim who has no fly-fishing experience. Really enjoyed getting to meet you and look forward to doing it again.
Also...please feel free to have anyone call or email directly for a reference....I will do a good job promoting you because you are one fine guide.
Pat LaVoie, Maine
"Pat LaVoie" rplavoie@adelphia.net
Smallmouth fishing with Kevin was an outstanding experience in many ways. Most importantly for me was that the worry was taken out of everything as I fished with my wife and teenage daughter. Kevin got me started and then turned his attention to getting the the wife and Liz into fish. A more patient guide I have yet to meet. The ladies stayed into fish all day to the point they were fished out. The equipment was top notch and the day second to none! Anyone thinking about hiring a guide to fish with them and their wife/child can't go wrong with booking with Kevin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at cranbfarm@aol.com
Alan Robichaud
On a recent business trip to Maine I had a weekend lay-over so I thought I'd try and get in some fishing. A quick search of the internet produced a list of guides, Fish Stalker Guide Service caught my eye so I gave them a call. I left a message and not more than 20 minutes passed when Kevin McKay called. I explained I'm from California and only have about a half day available and was interested in catching some fish and seeing some scenery. I found Kevin easy going, flexible, and realistic about my options. He suggested a run up the Penobscot River to stalk small mouth bass; a species not found in Southern California.
It was late September, the end of the season from what I gather, and it turned out to be a very nice day on the water. After hardly seeing a sole, a good dozen fish and 5 hours later my "fix" was complete. If your up in Northern Maine look up Kevin. I know I will. Also, we talked in length about his deep woods Pond trips, sounds productive.
Cameron Hicks
Camarillo, CA.
Kevin,
I just want to let you know that the remote pond fishing trip in Maine that you guided for me this past July was lots of fun and a great experience for me.
As you know, I am retired and your attention to providing detailed information about the trip such as clothing needs, gear, and food requirements were addressed well in advance of the trip. This was a help for my planning especially where the fishing site was in a mountainous area where weather conditions can change quickly with thunderstorms or heavy down pours.
Although it was a one-day trip (not overnight due to my schedule), you allowed for plenty of time for fishing, starting out early in the morning, hiking in, and fishing more than eight hours on the water, and then hiking out. That was a full day of fishing to be sure.
I found that you were absolutely correct with your description to me of the small pond we were to fish. The pond is beautiful, pristine, and is located in a mountainous area. It was just a wonderful place to be and enjoy.
Having full view of the pond from the canoe we were fishing from revealed the only visitors for that day were two moose feeding on the pond vegetation. There were no other fishermen there this day. Most people never have the chance or opportunity to have such a beautiful place all to themselves. Such quiet and tranquility...what a treat!
The fishing that day was very good and the Brookies that I caught were dressed in spectacular color, and they were the feistiest fighters to the fly rod. Even though I did not catch a trophy size Brookie, those that I did catch and release were great sport.
Your attention to me with providing some tutoring on fishing this type of pond was very helpful. When you demonstrated a line-retrieving technique for me, and you hooked onto a big Brookie, that made me a believer that there were big trout in this pond. The one you netted and released must have been three pounds plus. What a beautiful fish! That brookie remains there to challenge and test the skills of another fly fisher.
Taking a mid-day break and having lunch which you provided pond side was good, it hit the spot. Also, I did not forget that you carried in the food and water, but you also took about ten pounds of equipment from my pack and loaded that into your backpack and carried that for me. This was appreciated because you certainly made my load lighter hiking up along the mountainside.
Kevin, this trip was one great experience which I will always have fond memories. I owe the memories of that day to you. Your character, guiding, and fishing skills are first class. I am very happy that I was able to find a Master Guide as dedicated as you.
Tight Lines,
Ray Dube
MA