Reprinted with permission…

Trout on the Fly is central Vermont's guide service.  Brad was in essence born with a fishing rod in hand.  Raised in Ohio, fishing with his father and brother became a routine part of  life.   Although big bass were the fish sought in those days, Brad was introduced to his first fly rod at the age of 19 and he never looked back.  By age 27, Brad was already known for his innate fishing skill and began guiding those who wanted to learn his secrets.  He moved to Vermont in 1988 and it was here that Brad found his niche in the small quiet streams and relatively unknown bigger waters of the state.  Although fishing now took a backseat to his career in banking, he was on the water every chance he got.  "I was a fishing widow", Brad's wife Tamara says with a smile, "but he has cultivated his love of fly fishing into a career that he enjoys immensely." 

Shortly after Tamara's graduation from Law School, she accepted a position as a JAG officer in the Air Force.  They left Vermont in 1992 bound for Spokane, Washington.  Later they moved to Arizona, and then Tennessee.  Brad spent a considerable amount of time on many of the famous waters of the West, Southwest, and Southeast.  An extremely interesting couple, they traveled the world indulging in their various hobbies; scuba diving in the Caribbean and Fiji, backpacking in British Columbia, and mountain biking in Hawaii.

In 1997, Brad knew it was time for a change.  So, much to the horror of their family and friends,  they packed their belongings and moved back to Vermont to pursue his dream of being a fly fishing guide.  "We thrive on the natural beauty and laid back atmosphere of Vermont", says Brad, "and have found our lives here to be very rewarding."

My day with Brad was exciting, productive and one of the most beautiful float trips I have been on in this country.  He is wonderfully personable and funny, and his love for the sport is infectious.  Fishing with him was relaxing, and his easy manner made learning new skills enjoyable.  Lunch was a delight and we ended the day sipping Scotch near a quiet pool on Brad's favorite stream.  He is a true fly fishing professional and I will most certainly return to the river with him.  I recommend Trout on the Fly to all fly fisherman, beginner or advanced.

D. Thornley is a freelance sports writer and fellow fly fisherman.