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The Phonaesthetic Fly

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 …

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Firsts

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 …

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I’ve Never Reviewed a John Gierach Book

I never met the man either. But from those interviews of him that I’ve read or heard, I’m confident that he’d have a  few sardonic quips about some of the superlatives I’m about to assign to him. I’ve never reviewed a John Gierach book because they’re the best. His books are the best in the …

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The Science of the Flood

Even since Monday’s article (which you can read here), more information has come to light regarding the terrible destruction of Hurricane Helene. First and foremost, the cost of human lives ought to be our concern. The death toll is increasing. Surprisingly, the state of human suffering is not being given the attention that one might …

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The Trout Will Come Back

The trout will come back. But that is little consolation to the families of the hundreds who have died in the path and wake of Hurricane Helene. Ripping through Florida and  Georgia before pounding the Carolinas, the storm did immense damage to the southern Appalachians.  The usual coastal and flatland issues associated with wind and …

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Catch/Snap/Release

Something rarely discussed in fly fishing is planning ahead for what happens next when you hook a fish. With all the words written regarding casting technique and fly selection. little is mentioned pertaining to proactive steps for landing and releasing fish. And these days, you can throw photography into that quick sequence of events, too. …

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Outdoors Via Online in VA

It isn’t often that you’ll find me gushing about government agencies. While I have deep convictions about submitting to the magistrate, I’m confident that the state likes to carry a stick to redraw lines in the sand in a manner that can only be described as “willy nilly.” But when something good does come along …

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New Gear Can Be A Blast

Assuming ten dollars a pound, I’m  quite a few ducks and geese away from paying off my new shotgun. But that is okay. Why? Well, for one, I can’t even begin to think how in the hole I am when it comes to fishing gear. I have killed some fish over the past few decades. …

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Let Them Touch Bugs

I am not an entomologist. I am not even the kind of fly fisher who  is proficient with insect taxonomy at the species level. But I do know a few things about bugs. And I am aware that they can captivate an 8 year old in a way that very few digital things can. Over …

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3 Ways to Save on New Fishing Gear

You can absolutely nab some excellent deals if you shop sales, wait for next year’s model to come out, or trawl auction sites. This can be a lot of fun and you can certainly find some amazing things. But you can also strike out a lot and damage your eyes from staring at a computer …

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