Fishes of the genus Esox have always fascinated anglers. They get big. They look mean. They attack lures and fight… if you can manage to find and hook one. All of these things make sense. So here is what confuses me: In a world where we chase carp and sing the praises of six-inch brook …
I think we can all agree that casting is often the limiting factor for confidence and success while fly fishing. Perhaps more than any other variable, the ability to get the fly to the right spot can make the difference between fish and no fish. More importantly: fun and no fun. It is a balance, …
I think I’ve figured out the ultimate Father’s Day gift for fly fishing dads. You could really treat the dad in your life this year by combining two of their favorite things: their children and their fishing gear. The Redington i.D. reel came out a few years ago. It is a great cast aluminum reel …
Carrying only a handful of flies can make you a more efficient angler. Especially when fishing small streams (like high-gradient mountain creeks), the less you carry can really make a difference. Wearing an overburdened vest into the back country just isn’t necessary. Furthermore, you’d be much better served to bring along water or food – …
Cast: Wife: patient, supportive, loving, long-suffering Children: 7, 4, 2, 5 months – prone to mischief and getting filthy, very cute Husband: sometime fly fishing writer, even less-time fly fisher Scene: Picturesque New England beach. Afternoon. Springtime. Bluebird skies. Low tide. Striped bass present. A family outing, with picnic dinner packed. Fly fishing gear stowed …
What are the three pieces of fly fishing gear that you may not always have with you, but might need? And, what are three things that you can probably do without? Minimalism sounds great on paper. When it comes to execution, it is not that easy. What if I need it? There is always a chance …
Look at that fly. Isn’t it something? Want to know what its deal is? Okay. First: I tied it. Second: I designed it. Third: I haven’t fished it. I’m sure it would catch fish. If it could. But it can’t. Because there’s no hook point. So, what’s the point? There is a very valid point …
Being the mom of a fly fisher can be a thankless job. Why? Under “normal” circumstances, being a mom is often thankless. So much is done and so much goes unseen. Especially in the pre-teen and teenage years, there can be a lot of heartache and anxiety and frustration. That is best-case scenario. Add to …
Visiting a river with regularity reveals how the water is truly a world unto itself. Going fishing means trying to catch fish. That part means focusing on the water. Of course, there are other parts. One must avoid streamside obstacles when walking or casting. Other things, like trees, rocks, or non-fish animals are difficult to …
I’m no stranger to moving chairs from point A to point B. My first job involved moving chairs. I still move chairs. Pick them up, put them down, stack them back up. For me, moving chairs is inevitable. Two weeks ago, while moving chairs, I felt a twinge in my elbow. Using one arm, I …
