For many children of the past 75 years, there was a certain rhythm to the school year. Field days, D.A.R.E. presentations, and book fairs marked the passage of educational time. Another momentous milestone, loved by some and abhorred by most, was the Presidential Fitness Test. Although there were older iterations, JFK cranked this exercise in …
Since February of 2017, the Vedavoo Beast Sling has been my go-to pack for fly fishing. Other gear storage options enter into the picture when I’m wading deep in the salt or moving quickly in the mountains, but the Beast functions as a flexible and all-purpose pack that fits into nearly every other fishing scenario. …
It is never too late to do better. Two of the three things I mention on this episode; I’m really still working on them. But all three are real examples of aspects of fly fishing that would have been great to be keyed in on when I started. This fourth edition (six, if you count …
If you live in Appalachia, there are plenty of animals that consistently fly, walk, or swim in your world. Red-tailed hawks, black bears, and brook trout are part of the living scenery from Maine to Georgia. There are other creatures that are just as much a part of the woods and waters, but are less …
There are certain tools that are indispensable in fly fishing. A rod and line are obviously important. You need flies, too. Tangible on-stream items begin to add up quickly. Often overlooked, but no less significant, are all the resources needed to be successful on the water. Casting instruction and reading the water aren’t automatically imparted …
How much can you say about wading boots? Well, at least 20 minutes. I’ve long maintained that wading boots are one of the pieces of gear that deserve your hard earned money. They keep you comfortable and they keep you upright. Or, they keep you fishing. In today’s episode I talk about some things to …
Freshwater. Saltwater. Fly tying. Lifestyle. For decades, I have bought plenty of items from every one of those sections in fly fishing catalogs. In recent years, shooting and paddle sports have been added to the mix. Browsing the aisles of an outdoor store or scrolling through an online retailer, I could easily find something anywhere …
I am all for the safe handling of fish; especially trout. But I’ve seen plenty of things in my decades of being outdoors to dispel any assertions that trout are delicate organisms living their lives in constant threat of mortal peril. You can kill a fish if you’re careless. They’re also a lot more robust …
Yes. I know that for most fly fishers there is no “offseason.” But at the bare minimum, contending with shorter days and impossible weather will render the December-February period less intense than June or September. With that big caveat out of the way, I want to share what this episode is about: Redeeming the time. …
For most anglers, fly fishing means being alone together. It is an oxymoron. But it is certainly something that anyone who fishes understands. Fly fishing is all about solitude, but it is a solitude that we often love to share with others. Why does this matter? Because relationships matter. People matter a whole lot more …
