Try as you might, you can’t fish without knots. And just like a spelling test, you have no excuse to not do well. You can practice them until you fingers go numb. Today I’m running through my favorite knots from fly to backing. There may very well be better knots out there, but these have …
Every year I make a concerted effort to write about the best fly fishing gift that you can give. It has the potential to cost thousands of dollars. It can also be free. Either way, it takes effort and it can be absolutely special. It is the gift of fishing. Taking someone fishing, telling someone …
Everyone likes making a little adjustment that produces big results. It is remarkable how there are so many mini-disciplines within fly fishing which, when one engages in them, open up doors of angling opportunity. Today I’m sharing four things you can spend a little time on that have the potential to make big changes in …
No matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, there are ways to improve your efficiency on the water. Now if that sounds clinical and not at all cohesive with the artistic flair that accompanies fly fishing, bear with me. Efficiency is all about being able to to what you want to do when you …
The article was about the drudgery of nymphing in the coldest weather or storing waders for the winter or something that insinuated taking a break from fly fishing was an option. Apparently it triggered some people. A few comments and emails rolled in, questioning my angling bona fides and stating that any fly fisher worth …
Even though shelf space is limited, a good fly fishing book is worth having. And, especially around the holidays, it is worth giving or receiving. If you fly fish, you might consider building up your own fly fishing library. It doesn’t have to be stack after stack, stocked with first editions and rare old-world volumes. …
We have a lot to be thankful for. This is a universal truth, but is especially applicable for fly fishers. Today I walk through a handful of things most fly fishers are (or should be) thankful for. But first, I dive into some gifts that are the kind of thing that you could (or should) …
I am thankful for fly fishing. I am thankful that it gives me an opportunity to slow down. Even when I’m driving hundreds of miles away and then running deep into the woods, I’m dialing back most of my mental processes. I can think deep thoughts and work through all manner of issues when I’m …
Fly fishers are notoriously difficult to shop for. Picking out a rod is both pricey are personal. Flies are nice, but ones that will be used have the tendency to be quite specific. Floatant and split shot are serviceable stocking stuffers, but hardly under-the-tree fare. So what to do when the holidays come around? Is …
A random errand led to my being face-to-face with a $20 fly rod/reel/line combo. It even came with flies. Around me, people were shopping for car batteries and Barbie dolls. I examined the reel. I assessed the flies. I debated scanning the QR code on the package. It wasn’t for me, but it didn’t look …
