This week I found out that a man who was instrumental in my taking up fly fishing passed away. I can say that he played a big part in my appreciation for fishing even though he and I never were on the water together once. He mentored and helped along one of my best friends, …
I know a few people who have flip phones. They’re the bamboo rod enthusiasts of the tech world… or something like that. For the rest of us, the futuristic computer/camera in our pocket goes with us wherever we go. That often includes the rivers and woods which we enjoy. There are plenty of pros and …
We’ve all had this experience: You’re fishing in a stream that is loaded with trout. You’ve caught fish there. Others are catching fish there. But today, you’re not getting any action. There are some very specific reasons why this might be the case. I’ve found that the issues aren’t so much about my casting, my …
Anyone can catch a bluegill. But catching big, dinner plate-sized, rod bending bluegill? That takes a lot of luck, or better yet, a good amount of skill. On today’s episode I walk through three things that will help you find, hook, and catch the biggest sunfish, pumpkinseed, and warmouth in the pond. There are some …
We’ve got four topics to cover this time on the audience Q&A podcast. And the Qs are good! Hopefully the As are as well. This week I’m talking about the hook barb debate, fly suggestions, John Gierach, and what to do with the silica packets that you get with a new pair of shoes. I’m …
Salmo trutta. It shouldn’t be here. But it is. And last time I checked, not many of us are up in arms about it. Today I talk briefly about brown trout. Where they come from, why they’re here, and why fly fishers are willing to give them the “non-native pass.” There is so much to …
Admittedly, I get more excited about rods than I do reels. In fact, I think I geek out more over fly line than I do reels. But that doesn’t mean I relegate reels to the category of nippers, knot tools, and wading boot shoelaces. Today I cover a handful of reel-centric topics. Whether you’ve got …
Every one of us has our favorite kind of spot to fish. Riffles, runs, pools; banks, boulders, ledges. There is a reason why you’ll gravitate to such spots regardless of which river you’re on. One of my favorites is creek mouths; where smaller rivers run into larger rivers. These are intersections for fish and bodies …
Do you have a crusty, old, fly rod sitting up in the attic? Or how about in Grandma’s attic? Assuming that you have a decent relationship with said grandma, maybe you should take it out for a spin this season. There is a lot of fun and functional angling value in acquiring and using antique …
Your stuff shouldn’t own you. But if you own stuff, at least take care of it. Fly fishing gear is meant to be outside, get wet, and pushed to the limits that wild animals and wild places require. That doesn’t mean that it will be happy if it has to endure a difficult life in …
