There is a frantic and fun aspect of late spring and summer fly fishing that only lasts about 45 minutes. Although fish often rise all evening and all night, the moments around twilight often see the water boiling with copious feeding activity. It can be amazing. But it can also be intimidating. Fishing in the …
I like it. And I usually don’t like things like it. Moreover, I can’t remember the last time I went out of my way to write a few hundred words about something like it. But here we are. I’m writing, and you’re reading, an article about a smartwatch commercial involving a fake carp. Because apparently …
At this moment, our culture has a long list of fears. One of them is praising the virtues of fatherhood. We’ve lost the ability to think categorically. Easily offended, talking about good dads is perceived as a direct assault against those who didn’t have good dads or those moms who are good. It is stupid …
Did you have an opportunity to read my review of Marina Gibson’s new release, Cast, Catch, Release? If so, hopefully you signed up for a chance to win one of five copies of the book I’m giving away. Moreover, hopefully your name is one of the five listed below. Why? Because that is where I …
It was a surprise encounter. Each of us traveled roughly 350 miles, meeting on an inconspicuous gravel bank outside an unincorporated rural town. I was looking for trout. It was looking for love. The last thing I expected to catch on a size 16 crippled sulphur emerger on the East Branch of the Delaware River …
Today, I’m not here. Well, I’m somewhere… just not in front of the computer. I’m waist deep in one of the historic rivers of New York’s Catskills. I’ve met up with a friend to chase big trout on spectacular water for a handful of days. And even if you’re not on the water with me, …
Recently I’ve been thinking through backup and/or redundant fly fishing gear. What should I own? What should I bring with me? What should be on my person when I’m on the water? Ultimately, these are not the most important questions. I get that. Casting skill, the ability to read water, and presentation trump gadgets and …
Memorial Day represents something real, somber, and important. Consequently, it is much more than an unofficial start of summer. At the same time, there is something to be said for the fact that summers as we know them are intrinsically linked to the freedoms we enjoy. Public lands, economic enterprise, and even the flexibility of …
Rod. Reel. Line. Flies. Net. And… thermometer? Even though they are ubiquitous in fly fishing catalogs and on gadget racks in fly shops, it is a good assumption that not everyone knows what they’re for. That said, so much has been made of the conscientious step of being mindful of water temps in the summer …
Fly rods garner a lot of attention because of their function and price. Fly selection is the focal point of so much stream-side attention. But without good line and the right leader, nothing is going to catch any fish. Your cast and your presentation depends on fly line, leader, and tippet as much as rod …
