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 …
They’re your favorite fly fishing socks. They cost upwards of $20 a decade ago, and you’ve been enjoying their soft, warm, wicking, anti-microbial features every time you’ve headed out into the great outdoors. Money well spent. But lately things are rough, chilly, damp, and – if we’re going to be honest – a little stinky. …
Many anglers fish straight through the winter. There are plenty of “off-season” opportunities to chase fish and enjoy the outdoors in the coldest months. But if other hobbies or the comforts of home keep you off the water until springtime, there is no reason to be ashamed. If that is your preference: more power to …
If you know me, you know I don’t shy away from things like religion and politics. That would be like a doctor shying away from gaping wounds; a real estate developer shying away from a tract adjacent to a new exit on the interstate; you and me shying away from trout rising to big, splashy …
You don’t need to be a physics or geometry expert to be able to use a fly rod well. But there are a few ways that even the most rudimentary grasp of scientific or mathematic principles will help you on the water. For example: manipulations of your rod grip are telegraphed exponentially up to your …
There is a very good chance that the first four or five fishing books you’ll name fall into one of the main literary sub-genres: memoirs, novels, techniques, or guides. And although there are enough quality entries in those categories to keep you going for quite a while, perhaps you’re looking to switch things up. How …
The afternoon started in abject failure. Trees blocked the river in both directions. We were covered in cobwebs, decaying bark, and more sweat than is befitting a mid-October day. There would be no ducks or trout in this spot. My oldest son and I were on a two-fold mission: locate a new waterfowl hole while …
October Caddis. Say it with me. There is something about the syllabic rhythm; something in the way the vowels and consonants cycle about your mouth. It sounds perfect. It is a joy to say and a pleasure to hear. This two-word phrase may be in the running for fly fishing’s “cellar door.” Now, euphony won’t …
Today is opening day for waterfowl in New Hampshire. Opening days aren’t something I’m used to, since I’ve generally fished special regulation water that is open year-round. So for the last handful of years I’ve enjoyed the anticipation and gentle pomp of getting out early for the first day of ducks. Although a payoff is …
