If you were to write a classic fly fishing story you’d start with an existential statement. Maybe something about water or wind or the challenge of catching a fish. You’d develop it a bit. Then, you’d launch into the metaphor. Because this is real fly fishing writing, and everything is a metaphor for something else. …
The International Fly Tackle Dealer Show has returned to beautiful Colorado! For three days, fly fishing companies will be showing off their latest and greatest to others in the industry. While the purpose of the event is to cultivate relationships and broker deals, many fly fishers keep an eye on the goings-on. What gets unveiled …
Remember the fledgling days of the internet? Everything was AOL, chat rooms, and dial up. Slow, slow dial up. In the past few years, have you considered how techno-deficient life was in 1997? You weren’t going to be buying anything online, that is for sure. Watching movies? There were no VHS slots in computers… even …
Many people head into nature, be it for fly fishing or some other pursuit, to get away from everything. Everything, of course, is relative. You’re not getting away from the woods. You’re not getting away from fishing. And you’re certainly not getting away from yourself. And no one is wrong for using that turn of …
Most fly fishers might be surprised by how little gear they actually need on the water. Regardless if you’re targeting mountain trout, farm pond bass, or cruising flats fish, there are truly only a handful of things you’ll reach for on a recurring basis. Personally, combining trail running with fly fishing has caused me to …
Most fly fishers enjoy getting new gear. However, it is most enjoyable when it is on your terms. Having something fail or break unexpectedly is frustrating. It is beyond frustrating when it happens on the water. While manufacturers don’t get a total pass on quality control, in the 21st century most reputable companies produce and …
You’re never to young to begin fly fishing. You just need to learn how to cast first. Learning how to feel the line load a rod, as well as what you’re supposed to do with your body in response, is a challenge for most new anglers. If an adult can struggle, a child can struggle …
Sunfish are superior fish. Sunfish fight better than any other fish, inch-for-inch. Sunfish often introduce us to fishing. Sunfish take poppers, ants, and dry flies. Sunfish can be found everywhere. Sunfish are forgiving. Sunfish save us from skunks.
Three years ago, I wrote this quick synopsis of the podcast 2 Guys and A River: “Steve Mathewson and Dave Goetz are the kind of guys that you want to fish with. There is a good mix of humor, practical advice, and anecdotal content in a podcast that is the prefect length for a short …
Everyone catches small fish. For some, they are the pesky by-catch that must be dealt with and endured. For others, they are a safe, dependable source of fishing, fun, and food. Most anglers start by catching small fish, and all big fish start off being small fish. Under normal circumstances, an eight-inch fish isn’t anything …
