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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
