If you were to write a classic fly fishing story you’d start with an existential statement. Maybe something about water or wind or the challenge of catching a fish. You’d develop it a bit. Then, you’d launch into the metaphor. Because this is real fly fishing writing, and everything is a metaphor for something else. …
One of the smallest fly fishing accessories might make the difference between catching and not catching. Think about the times you’ve missed fish. Was it because you were too slow? Was it because there was slack in the line? Was it because the fish was just slashing at the fly and not trying to eat …
I’m surprised at how many devoted fly fishers haven’t tried catching Great Lakes steelhead. Big fish, manageable rivers, and easy access seem like a perfect combination. Sure, fishing for these lake-run trout isn’t the same experience as going to the Pacific Northwest. But being a half-day’s drive from a unique seasonal fishery is something that …
The International Fly Tackle Dealer Show has returned to beautiful Colorado! For three days, fly fishing companies will be showing off their latest and greatest to others in the industry. While the purpose of the event is to cultivate relationships and broker deals, many fly fishers keep an eye on the goings-on. What gets unveiled …
Remember the fledgling days of the internet? Everything was AOL, chat rooms, and dial up. Slow, slow dial up. In the past few years, have you considered how techno-deficient life was in 1997? You weren’t going to be buying anything online, that is for sure. Watching movies? There were no VHS slots in computers… even …
By the time Fall rolls around, most fly fishers’ fly boxes are looking pretty rough. Truth be told, many new anglers also have chaotic and bizarre collections of fly patterns. Although it might not be for everyone, I have a concept that I’ve tried to implement in how I fill and maintain fly boxes. In …
Even in the 21st century, fly fishing and technology have a loose relationship. These days deep sea fishing and high energy bass angling rely upon the latest and greatest in electronics. These devices can do amazing things, and they carry staggering costs. Their use has become so seamlessly integrated into those styles of angling. Fly …
It probably isn’t normal for a teenage fly fisher to consider streams two hours away as his home waters. Yet living in Northern Virginia, I grew up fishing and dreaming of fishing on the cold, trout-filled waters of South Central Pennsylvania. The Yellow Breeches, Big Spring, and The Letort were where I fished. There were …
Contrary to popular Hollywood tropes, you can’t go back in time. However, others can learn from your mistakes. And hindsight can also help you make better decisions going forward. All of that is true in the big, important parts of life. It is also true in fly fishing. In this episode I talk about three …
Many people head into nature, be it for fly fishing or some other pursuit, to get away from everything. Everything, of course, is relative. You’re not getting away from the woods. You’re not getting away from fishing. And you’re certainly not getting away from yourself. And no one is wrong for using that turn of …
