What are confidence flies? Of course, it is a thing people say. But is it a real thing? I maintain that it is. And these flies don’t only give you a leg up when you’re fishing them: I think that we can learn a lot about how to fish any and every fly if we …
One of America’s original vacation destinations is also the birthplace of American fly fishing. New York’s Catskill Region is thick with rivers, fish, and angling history. In Steve Francis’ Catskill Rivers, the reader is introduced to what makes this area so special and historically significant. He first explores the region in general, and then touches …
In just under three months, the calendar turns over and 2026 will be upon us. For many anglers, one implication is that the season for fly fishing expo shows is upon us. While there are a number of small and even large fly fishing expos coming up, The Fly Fishing Show has six events spanning …
After perusing a handful of books about tying and fishing midges, and in anticipation of turning to these tiny flies for much of my winter angling, I thought I’d share a potpourri of midge information today. While even tying them on might seem like a chore, the part that midges play in most trout diets …
It is undeniable that fishing streamers is the most direct route to big fish. And 2015’s Strip-Set is the authoritative title on all things modern streamer fishing. In this important, informative, and interesting work, George Daniel equips you to throw streamers from size 12 to 2/0. He covers everything from reading the water, feeding behavior, …
Hop online and you’ll see some folks that put the mental in environmentalist. Some of the best/worst are: A pulled-over motorist, chucking a tortoise into a pond to “help the turtle.” A brilliant tourist shoving a baby bison into his SUV because it was cold out. A child taking care of a bluegill by drying …
It is awfully nice to be the first one to unwrap the plastic from a smooth cork handle or to wipe the excess factory grease from a disc drag. It is also nice to save a few hundred bucks. In this installment of Casting Across, I’m talking about finding and evaluating used gear. I’m focusing …
There are some books that simply speak to those who love being outdoors. While I usually share fly fishing books, I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to pass along titles that fit the aforementioned category. Steven Rinella’s American Buffalo and Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods are both entertaining and educational reads that have …
I am no expert when it comes to Texas. I can count my trips to the Lone Star State on one hand. But I do know that this former republic is a force to be reckoned with. The history, the culture, and the sheer scope of Texas is not something one can grasp with any …
Today’s podcast features a question, an accusation (maybe), and a response to a dozen or so comments. All in less than 25 minutes! I discuss “traditional” nymphing tactics and encourage you that you already fish this way. Then, I field a statement made about how we cut the tag end off our knots. Lastly, I …
