The large trout was gently finning, staying relatively still in the gin clear water. Every once in a while he would slide to the right or the left. Given that the spring creek was absolutely thick with cress bugs, it was a safe assumption that the brown was sold out to feeding on these little …
Tag: Fishing Problems
Better Gear or Fly Fishing “Flattery”
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” – Oscar Wilde “Sorry, we’re not allowed to read newspapers. They angry up the blood!” – Grandpa Simpson I find myself darkening the doors of social media less and less. These days the drinks aren’t worth the barrage of scum and villainy. …
Wading in the Valley of the Shadow
How can you retreat without running away? As a pastor, this is a question that I regularly think about; for those who come to me for counsel and for myself. What do I mean, and how does fly fishing fit in? First, it is important to define retreat. There are times when it is very important …
Excel at Keeping Fly Fishing Records
I like the orderliness and comprehensiveness of spreadsheets. I use them for work. I use them for home. I use them for fly fishing. Yes. I use spreadsheets for fly fishing. How? I keep track of some pieces of data that I think will be beneficial. Things that aren’t apparent on the surface or necessarily …
Podcast Ep. 239: Wade Safe & Stay Alive
This week I was doing some research on how safe fly fishing is compared to other outdoor activities. Good news: it is safe. Bad news: it puts you in a position where you’ll be facing 2 of the 3 most common causes of death outside. Take a listen to the podcast to figure out what …
Fly Fishing Might Kill You*
If you Google something to the effect of “dying in a national park,” you’ll get quite a few nifty infographics. Each one will show you that bears are not going to be the way you meet an untimely end if you do end up shuffling off this mortal coil while recreating on NPS property. Bears, …
3 Reasons to Pass on Glass
The resurgence of fiberglass fly rods in the last decade has led to a new generation appreciating the benefits of the material. Often, casting is slower, requiring a more deliberate stroke. Delicate presentations can be made on glassy water to selective fish. And, when hooked, decent-sized fish can put a good bend in a fiberglass …
You Need Water to Fish
You need water to go fly fishing. Obvious, right? While this is appropriate for fish to habituate to your particular river, pond, or coast, it also has a very real application for you. Sling packs have bottle holsters and drift boats have footprints for coolers because anglers need to stay hydrated. For every hundred articles …
Podcast Ep. 182: Why You Aren’t Catching More Fish
We’ve all had this experience: You’re fishing in a stream that is loaded with trout. You’ve caught fish there. Others are catching fish there. But today, you’re not getting any action. There are some very specific reasons why this might be the case. I’ve found that the issues aren’t so much about my casting, my …
Staring Skyward
What would drive a man to stare heavenward in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean? It isn’t a bird. It isn’t a plane. It is a mistake. But let me back up for a minute. Sight casting for large fish on the flats does something to a guy. Not only are you fishing to the …