Testimonials

Trip Savery, Director of Sales WBT AM/FM & WLNK FM, Greater Media Charlotte

I have been out with my fair share of guides in and around North Carolina and Tennessee. I can honestly say I have never learned more, had more experiences on the water, caught more fish, laughed more, or had a better time than with you today. I really appreciate your knowledge and ability to teach and coach, Today was a truly memorable day and I look forward to many more.

Gregg Powers, Outdoors Writer, Johnson City Press

I’ve had the opportunity to fish with Randy numerous times over the past of couple of years and I can honestly say we’ve never had a bad day on the water.

He’s a professional with a down-to-earth personality and his love for the outdoors is evident from the start.

Whether I’m fishing the mountain steams of Northeast Tennessee or the tail waters of the South Holston or Watauga Rivers, I always return home with great memories, a few pictures and some new fish tales to pass along to who ever will listen.

It doesn’t matter if you are an absolute beginner, an aspiring fly fishing master with a couple of years under your belt, like myself, or a seasoned veteran, Randy has the skills, experience, expertise and personality to make your time on the water something you won’t soon forget.

With Randy, fishing is about having fun.

If you need instruction, he’s one of the most patient and skillful anglers I have had the privilege to fish with, and believe me, I’ve fished with many. He has helped me improve my technique as well as given me a fresh appreciation for what God has given us as outdoors enthusiasts in this part of the country.

And we always have a good time.

One of the most recent afternoons I spent with Randy had us fishing the small mountain streams as well as the tail waters and I ended up catching brookies, rainbows and a couple of nice brown trout, all in the span of a few hours.

It doesn’t matter if you are wading or floating in Randy’s drift boat, he always makes sure that you enjoy the time you have.

I was raised a bass fisherman and have always had a passion for the Smallies. If bass fishing is your thing, Randy can put on some those too. One of the best days I’ve ever had fishing was spent with Randy and a good friend of mine from Connecticut on the Holston River. On that particular day, we couldn’t miss.

Even if you don’t catch a world record or the fish aren’t cooperating as much as you would like, I’ll guarantee you that after a day on the water with Randy Ratliff, you’ll come a way a little happier, a little better angler, a little tired and very much ready to do it all over again.

Steve Hawkins, News Director, WCYB-TV5, Bristol, Tenn.

Fishing the Watauga River with Randy, I didn't just learn about the river, I also picked up some valuable tips about flyfishing, and I've been at the sport for a while now. Randy's knowledge and expertise are presented in a friendly manner that comes off more as a buddy than as a guide. And, we caught fish...quite a few fish. It was one of those special days when you actually lose count...thanks to Randy.

Col. John A. Toolan, United States Marine Corps

I would like to recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy some great flyfishing to hire Randy Ratliff’s Troutfishers Guide Service. I had recently served with 1st Regimental Combat Team in Iraq, and my Marines sent me home with a paid up guided trip with Randy. I took my son, who I hadn’t seen for almost a year, and we spent an enjoyable weekend fishing. Randy taught us both how to fly fish, and we both caught our first fish with Randy.

The opportunity to enjoy some great spots, know where the fish are and learn some of the secrets of fly fishing made this trip one we will remember for the ages.

Tom Fischer, Greenville, S.C.

Coming from 40 years in the hospitality business (hotel and restaurants), I can assure you I know when a person not only has a passion for his work but also knows how to take care of his customers. You cover all these bases and more, from putting us on the fish, untangling a few wrecks, lively conversation, a great lunch, and did I mention putting us on the fish? Thanks again for a great day on the river.

Mike Hard

Just a note of thanks for the guiding you did for us. We had a great time last year and it was even surpassed this year. We were truly pleased with the whole experience.

We especially appreciated the teaching aspects...what to do, how to do it, and why we were doing it. We feel that the knowledge you gave us can be taken and used anywhere.

What a great time! Many thanks. Looking forward to seeing you next year.