VIDEO: What Makes a Good Fly Fishing Vacation Book?

Most of my fly fishing books are purchased because of their historical reputation or from the hype surrounding their release. Every once in a while, a book falls into my hands with no fanfare whatsoever. In the case of John Inglis Hall’s Fishing a Highland Stream, the lack of fanfare at its acquisition has been made up for in the subsequent years.

Not only was this surprise, last minute purchase a good book: it was the perfect book to bring on the plane for a long flight.

Today I share why Fishing a Highland Stream is worth reading. In doing so, I also discuss why it is the perfect “vacation book,” “airplane book,” or “I need something that will hold my attention for a few hours” book.

Watch what else I have to say about the book, and find out where you can pick it up, below:

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Rusty Flybox: Smallmouth

I’m on my way down to the Mid Atlantic. Trout are in the plans, but the real target that I have is smallmouth bass.

These fish are so incredibly fun on the fly rod. They take dries, nymphs, and streamers. And you may have heard that they’re willing to chase a popper, too. There are few things as pleasant as standing waist deep in a river on a warm summer day, casting to splashes as the sun sets.

Interested?

Below, you’ll find some things to really whet your appetite:

  • A quick look at smallmouth gear.
  • An argument for waiting until the last minute (of daylight) to get on the water.
  • A podcast on the subject of warm water fly fishing aimed at beginners.

Read both articles and listen to the podcast below by clicking on the images or titles:

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Podcast Ep. 346: The Best Wet Wading Gear

One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn’t give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying.

And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn’t force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I’m talking about some of the options you can choose. Focusing on footwear, bottoms, and gear storage, I walk through the pros and cons of the most popular choices.

Again: the fish aren’t going to care. But your feet and the rest of your body might appreciate the gesture.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: The Best Collection of Trout Articles

Magazines have been an important part of fly fishing for a long time. And although their luster has faded significantly since the dawn of the internet, regular angling periodicals are a great source of information, entertainment, and expression.

Trout is the quarterly publication of Trout Unlimited. For nearly 25 years, the late Dr. Robert Behnke contributed an article to the magazine. His expertise in salmonids, combined with a gift for communication, led to some fantastic content across three decades.

About Trout is a collection of some of the best examples of his works. It is a big but accessible book that is worth reading cover-to-cover or skimming through and selecting articles one at a time.

Watch what else I have to say about the book, and find out where you can pick it up, below:

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Wet Wading Well

Sandals? Water Shoes? Old Sneakers? Wading Boots?

Outside of rod, reel, line, and fly, there are few pieces of gear as integral to the angler as footwear. Your casting is only going to be as good as your stability. Your endurance on the water is directly tied to your level of comfort. And, of course, any and all skill is much less important than wading safely. A good pair of shoes is a wise investment.

All the above holds true in the hottest of weather, too. Wet wading (wading in the water without wearing waders) is generally a carefree way to pursue fish in the summertime. But going into the water with a lower quantity of equipment doesn’t mean one should also sacrifice on the quality of equipment.

Today I’m walking through four different approaches to wet wading footwear. Each has its respective pros and cons, primarily in the areas of performance and cost. For example: your old tennis shoes will work and won’t cost a dime. But there are some significant drawbacks (and odors)  you should expect.

Here are four approaches to wet wading footwear for the fly fisher:

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Podcast Ep. 345: Mountain Trout Ponds

Trout are trout, right? Especially if two brookies or cutthroat are swimming only a few hundred yards from each other, they’re going to behave, eat, and look the same. Right?

Maybe. But if you’re talking about a fish in a mountain stream versus a fish in the mountain lake that feeds said stream? Maybe not.

Mountain trout ponds or lakes offer some beautiful, fun, and diverse angling options for fly fishers on the east or west coast. Just like any other facet of fishing, understanding approach and presentation in these unique ecosystems is the ticket for success. Today I cover technique and gear in general, broad strokes. Hopefully it gives you some perspective and the curiosity to learn more… at home and on the water.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: 3 Books You Need to Fly Fish the Mid-Atlantic

There is a head-spinning number of people in the southern part of Pennsylvania, the central part of Maryland, and the northern part of Virginia. A good portion of them are anglers, too.

However, all three states are absolutely overflowing with waters teeming with fish. Even in some of the most urbanized areas you can find your way into the mouth of a trout. Of course, there is also the joy of locating some solitude even if it means a few hours behind the wheel.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, dwelling in a city or somewhere more rural, new or experienced in fly fishing: you should own these three books if you want to chase fish in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic.

Watch what else I have to say about the books, and find out where you can pick them up, below:

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The Good Fly Fishing Guide Life

I’m a fly fishing guide.

I’m not licensed or insured. I’m not formally endorsed by any  fly fishing brands. I’m not listed in an online directory or affiliated with a shop. You’re not going to see a section on this website with  random smiling sports holding trophy fish.

I do have experience, though. Not only have I guided professionally in the past with all the aforementioned bona fides; I have the kind of resume that matters most. There are the years of working at each and every aspect of fly fishing. Through trial and error, I feel like I have a functional grasp on the basics of angling. Equally as important, I can communicate some of the fundamental principles of the sport at a level that my clients can understand.

I know when clients can’t make the cast that they need to make. So, it is my job to get them into position so that we can then work through that together. I try to ensure that there is still excitement when they miss a rising fish, because we talk about how fooling trout is more than half the battle. I can help them feel good about themselves if they don’t allow slack when a bass jumps and throws the hook. We can hopefully laugh about it, since I will share that it is a problem I have as well. Most critical, I know when my clients are tired and just need a break.

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Podcast Ep. 344: Panfish Fly Gear, Part II

You can catch so many panfish with the flies in your trout fly box. So many. In fact, give me a well stocked trout fly box over a typical panfish fly assortment any day.

But… having some of those poppers helps. And make sure there are a few leggy nymphs. Oh, and a couple of crayfish-looking streamers.

Today I round out a two-part series of panfish fly fishing gear ideas. They’re such a fun group of fish to pursue, and for many that fun is amplified when you have gear that works and works well. If we’re honest? Rods, reels, and flies are fun.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Believe in Good Fly Fishing Stories

David Coggins does something really impressive with The Believer. He makes a globe-hopping, non-stop year of fly fishing come across as relatable.

Whether your travel schedule is thick or thin, this 2024 title is sure to capture your interest. Coggins is a wordsmith, and his writing is just as compelling as the angling adventures he describes.

In a time when the fly fishing adventure narrative is well-saturated, it is worth celebrating works that are objectively good. The formula is tried and true, but the execution is often what sets  books apart. On the heels of The Optimist, The Believer and its stories deserves your attention.

Watch what else I have to say about the book, and find out where you can pick it up, below:

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