Testimonials

I’ve hunted and fished all over the United States. Trout in Colorado, Mule deer in Wyoming, Bears in Canada and I have worked with a number of guides. Ted Kraimer is the “cream of the crop.” He is professional, knowledgeable, and a joy to be around. His intelligent humor keeps you laughing and his detailed knowledge on the Northern Michigan fishery keeps you catching.

Ted has worked with my sons on both Salmon and Steelhead fishing and also on fly fishing for trout. His patience is legendary. Last fall his company assisted me in taking all of my employees out on the water for a day of Salmon fishing and everyone found it relaxing and enjoyable. The lunch meal was remarkable.

If you choose to spend a day on a river in Northern Michigan you simply must choose to spend the day with Ted. You will be doing yourself a disservice not to.

Mick Raich
President / CEO
Vachette Business Services

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed fishing with Ted over the last several years. He’s been an excellent teacher on everything from hatches, reading water, trout behavior, casting technique and much more. Above and beyond all the instructional tips, the day is fun. Ted has a wonderful sense of humor and an optimistic view of the world. Even on those rare occasions when the fish haven’t been biting, I’ve enjoyed the day and his company. His boat is always immaculate and I’d highly recommend him as a guide.

W. Clark Bunting
President, Discovery Channel Networks, retired
Silver Spring, Maryland

When I met Ted and asked him whether I needed my own rods, he said he was equipped and ready to go and suggested that the first day I use his rods as they were already set-up for the kind of fishing were going to do. Now, I have fished all over the world and more often than not, the guide’s equipment isn’t set-up or balanced right or isn’t of quality or both. Not only were his rods ready to go but they were matched and set-up perfectly for the fishing we were doing. After needing something at some point throughout the day, he was quick to accommodate. After that, I started to think of all the things I have ever needed or could have used during years of guided fishing trips around the world with various guides and outfitters — Ted had it all. Well prepared and appreciated.

Jack Shewmaker
President and Chief Operating Officer, retired
Wal-Mart Stores

As a highly experienced angler I have hired a number of guides over the years, both in the United States and Europe. Having spent twelve days on the water with Ted across four trips he clearly is one of the best I have employed. He has a high standard of care and is constantly studying his craft and perfecting his techniques. Ted also is an innovative fly tyer.

Ted is quite professional in his approach and has a strong work ethic. He seeks the best possible experience for each of his clients and works very hard to achieve that objective. Moreover, he is a good teacher. In short order he will have you placing your fly in just the right seam with as close to a drag free float as you can muster. As a FFF certified casting instructor, Ted can help you improve in that area as well.

After my first outing I learned that I didn’t need to pack my camera in order to ‘capture the moment’ because Ted has that base covered as well. He is a good photographer and has a real knack for posing a great shot. Ted routinely provides his clients with memorable pictures of their catch.

One caveat about spending a day on the water with Ted is worthy of mention: bring along a good appetite. Rather than cold sandwiches and a beverage choice, Ted typically prepares a gourmet hot lunch in the field. It’s tough having to return to the work of wetting a fly when you really feel like taking a nap.

Tight lines,
Robert Bailey, Ph.D.
Saline, Michigan

I have used Ted Kraimer and Current Works for many years when fishing Northwest Michigan’s Blue Ribbon streams for Trout, Salmon, and Steelhead.

Both Ted and his Guides are always friendly, well trained and most important, informed and knowledgeable on all the streams and Rivers. Whether it is the Betsie, the Manistee, or the Boardman, all the guides know where the fish are and how to catch them.

Each day the boats are clean, well stocked and ready to go. I wouldn’t do a NW Michigan guided trip without them.

Robert Rissbridger
President, Plastics One, Inc.
Madison Connecticut

Ted and Current Works has guided trips for me, my friends and many of my clients. They all have been very enjoyable and memorable trips for Ted is quick witted, is very personable, has a ton of patience, is an excellent teacher, is methodically organized (you’ll see!), and is a very gifted guide.

Perry Adams
Traverse City, Michigan

“Ted – I wanted to thank you again for spending Friday morning with Ian and me sharing your expertise and love of fly fishing with us. Yesterday was time well spent learning from a true professional and enjoying the beautiful MI outdoors, but more importantly sharing an everlasting experience with my son. It is so important for all of us to take a step back, reevaluate the priorities in our lives, and invest in what is truly important.”

Brian
Kentucky

As an accomplished angler, I have used professional flyfishing guides in the world’s premier fishing destinations (American West, Argentina, New Zealand, etc.). After taking 4 trips this past year with Ted Kraimer to fish for carp, smallmouth, trout, and steehlead, I can definitively say that he is one of the best guides I have ever fished with. Ted rates as a great guide in my book for the following reasons:

1. Ted has excellent knowledge of the water, the fish, the flies, and the techniques, all of which he utilizes to maximize the angler’s success. Ted will put you in an optimal position to catch fish- the rest is up to you and the fish gods.
2. Ted endeavors to understand the angler’s strengths and tailor the day’s fishing to those strengths.
3. Ted sees where the angler could use a minor adjustment/improvement, and provides clear teaching and instruction in that regard. Even as an experienced angler, I became a better caster under Ted’s guidance, and I learned some new casting techniques as well.
4. Ted also just lets the angler “do his thing”. On a day during which I was casting particularly well, Ted just let me “go for it”- putting flies right against logs and other places not for the faint of heart.
5. Ted is always well-organized and his pre-trip communications are timely, informative, and professional.
6. Ted is very personable, a great conversationalist, and he has a great sense of humor- all of which makes a day on the water that much more enjoyable.

In summary, Ted is the consummate professional guide- I highly recommend Ted for your Northern Michigan flyfishing adventures.

Andrew Campbell
Independent Pharmaceutical Consultant
San Diego, CA

“Ted,

Your guide services are refreshing – thanks for making it a great day. What we liked most was that you didn’t tell us how great you are, all of your fly fishing accomplishments or share your personal problems with us. For once I thought the day was about me and the fishing and I thank you for it.

Your professionalism on and off the water is appreciated: being prepared, great communication before the trip, having organized and the right equipment and the know how to help people like me catch fish is why I am your newest repeat customer. Save me some fish until then.”

Jim
Plymouth, MI

Ted,

Ted,

You did a terrific job. Gary and I had a real nice day with you. We had our husband and wife church book study that Sunday night and were able to show off the manly hunter-gatherer pictures to our wives. Thanks for sending them. Gary thinks his was bigger but with his face in the background, it makes the fish look smaller than mine.

I like the way you go about what you do. A few laughs, a little instruction, a lot of patience, some fish, and the stretch for compliments. You are a practiced professional. Stay in touch and thanks for the pix, super job!

Dave
Chicago, IL

Thanks again Ted,

We had a great time as usual. You do a great job of figuring the customer’s needs and making it a stress free trip. It was great that you were able to help Josh with his technique, always better to get it from someone else. We had enough activity to bring home some good pictures and stories, if Josh hasn’t sent them to you I’ll remind him. Now we will have the never ending question of who caught the largest fish, always fun to rib each other. I’m sure we will see you again on the water.

Barry
Waterford, MI

I have fished with lots of guides in lots of places, but none better than Ted Kraimer. Last summer I took my nephew for a float trip down the Manistee river for trout, and the following day sight-casting for carp and small mouth bass in the waters of Lake Michigan near Traverse City. We had a truly fantastic time, caught lots of fish in shallow, crystal-clear water, and enjoyed an all around quality experience.

I will be back as soon and often as I am able, and I would recommend a day or three (or more) on the water with Ted to anyone who loves great fishing and fine company.

Capt. Jeff Shatto
Houston, TX

Ted

Thank you so much. Nick really enjoyed his time on the water and learned alot from your training and patience….he just soaks it all up! Thanks for fueling his passion. These wonderful experiences help shape him as a young man and aspiring expert angler. We really appreciate your positive influence – he had a GREAT time!! Thanks Ted!

Mark and Melissa
(The parents of a 13-year old who can fish)

To Whom it may concern:

I highly recommend a trip with Ted; my wife and I floated the Manistee River in pursuit of trout with him. My wife and I have taken trips with other guides in the past. Some concentrated most of their time on me as a more serious fly fisher and spent little time with her; while others spent most of their time helping her, while largely ignoring me. Ted did an extraordinary job of tailoring the trip to both of us. He showed the ability to adapt to different levels of experience and customized guidance to match each of our skill levels and interest.

He covered a large spectrum of methods, including teaching my wife how to fish streamers for the first time, and challenging me with advanced tactics, in order to improve my skills. Ted also did a remarkable job of balancing fishing and non-fishing conversation which made the trip enjoyable to both of us. I can honestly say this was our first guided trip in which we both came away completely satisfied having enjoyed our time. Whether a beginner trying to learn how to fly fish, or an avid and advanced fisherman, Ted provides a service enjoyable to all. He certainly has two more repeat clients!

Gary L.
Michigan

Ted,

Once again I wanted to let you know what a great job you did. I had a real good
time. I’ve only been fly fishing for about 8 years so I’m still learning.
However, I’ve had a chance to fish in the Bahamas, Quebec, Alaska and upper MI. I’ve actually had many guides, and you rank as one of the top, probably the
best. You really work hard at what you do. That was a kind thing to give me the fly on my first fish. I really appreciated it. I never had a guide do that. You really knew the water, and it showed.

Kevin
Monroe, Michigan

Thanks for the pictures Ted.

I had a great time on the river and consider my first guided experience a real success. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you made it easy for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I agree that much of the knowledge gained on this trip can be applied to some of the other fishing ventures I get into.

So in the end, I am considering this again for next year. You did a great job and I have no reason to seek out a different guide thinking I could do any better. Heck – you can even cook a good steak !!

Tom
Oxford, Michigan

Susan and I want to thank you for your expertise, professionalism and most of all, your patience during the fishing trip of earlier today. I hope we spend many a day on lakes, ponds and rivers enjoying your company and knowledge

Chuck and Susan
North Carolina/Petoskey, MI

It was fun. You do a great job. Very well organized and I can tell that you very much enjoy what you do for a living.

Todd
Columbus, OH

Ted,

I told my wife when I got home that was the best birthday present I have ever received, last year she gave me a Brittney Spaniel. So now you are at least one notch above a dog in my book. I judge a great day in the outdoors by what you learn from it, not what you take out of it. That is why I don’t guide waterfowl hunts any more – it seemed like no one wanted to learn the art of calling or decoying they just wanted to kill numbers. I have a ton of respect for the profession of guiding, there are many people that call them selves a guide but very few great one’s. The education you gave me I will never forget.

Thanks again.

Jim Matthews
Petoskey, Michigan

Ted has been guiding my fishing trips down the Manistee River for the past 6 years. I can honestly say that each and everyone has been an enjoyable experience. I have caught fish, but more importantly each trip has been a valuable learning experience. What I have learned from Ted I have applied to the other great rivers I have fished. In addition, he is well organized, thoughtful and knows where the big ones are at in the Manistee.

Jim
Tuscon/Traverse City