Podcast Ep. 378: Don’t be a Lazy Fly Fisher, II

Two whole podcast episodes devoted to how fly fishers can be lazy?

Oh yes. And I could do a handful more just on those issues I see in myself.

Recently I defined laziness as choosing to not do what you know you should do. If the goal is catching fish, why would you only try 95%? or 50% Certainly, you shouldn’t be bothered by being skunked if that is the case.

Today I highlight three more things anyone can and should do when fly fishing. Whether we do it or not is another story…

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

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VIDEO: Spring Creek Essentials

I don’t throw around the word “essential” flippantly. But if you fish spring creeks in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Wisconsin, Mike Heck’s Spring Creek Strategies is essential reading.

There are other excellent books out there covering spring creek fly fishing from a broader perspective, often including the famous, sprawling western rivers. Heck’s writing addresses those waters, too. But his wheelhouse includes those small and medium streams that meander through woods, meadows, and towns. The fish are smart and big, but not super plentiful.  Knowing your stuff matters when fishing on most of these creeks.

The book is clear, concise, and chock full of beautiful photographs. I can’t recommend it enough.

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

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2026 Show Report: New Fly Rods

One of my favorite things to do at fishing expos is to see fly rods I’ve only seen online or heard  about on social media. Every once in a while, a company will even reveal a product in development at these events. Better than wiggling them or getting a sales rep’s elevator speech is actually lining them up and casting them myself.

When casting these rods, the first and most obvious observation is how the rod casts. Then, I like  to think about how close the rod fits its stated description.  Also, I consider what situations the rod might best  be used for, or, the angler who would most appreciate such gear.

I was able to go hands-on with a number of new fly rods at The Fly Fishing Show this winter. Big, established companies and newer, smaller labels both had some impressive offerings. These three stood out to me:

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Podcast Ep. 377: Don’t be a Lazy Fly Fisher, I

We don’t talk enough about how much of a problem laziness is. That goes for people and society as a whole. But, of course, today I’m talking about how laziness is not the friend of the fly fisher.

If you’re being lazy, it means you know better. It means you can do what you should do but you choose not to do that. Why? It is easier not to.

In this episode I walk through three issues where you might be a little lazy in your fly fishing. While  I can say that I don’t err in one of these topics, talking about the other two was a little bit convicting.

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

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VIDEO: Award-Winning Fly Fishing Writing

It takes quite a skilled pen to write a famous crime novel and famous fly fishing books. But John Voelker (aka Robert Traver) accomplished just that.

His Trout Madness deserves every bit of the prominence it holds in 20th century fly fishing writing. It is a wonderful example of the subgenre of angling account anthologies. Much has been written about this book, and I share a few words in this video.

But the legacy of Voelker also includes new fly fishing writing. The Robert Traver Fly Fishing Writing Award is presented by his foundation in conjunction with the American Museum of Fly Fishing. For nearly 30 years, essays in the spirit of Voelker have been presented and celebrated. What’s more, you can read most of these today.

Watch what else I have to say about the book (and more) and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Art Show at The Fly Fishing Show

Walking the exhibition hall at The Fly Fishing Show is a great example of the diversity of interests within fly fishing. Saltwater and freshwater, tied flies and materials for tying, established companies and small businesses are all represented. There are also nonprofits, antique dealers, booksellers, and artists.

Fly fishing is certainly about catching fish utilizing a particular technique. But the nature of the pursuit inherently lends itself to creativity and expression. This extends beyond flies and fine bamboo to watercolor and sculpture. Seeing artwork at an outdoor show is  to be expected.

Along with providing artists exposure, their presence at these events gives attendees and other vendors an opportunity to take something home that isn’t purely functional. One might not need a new fly rod, but something one-of-a-kind to place on the mantle could be a great purchase. Booking a trip might be out of the budget, but a print won’t break the bank. Plus, it is  great to support this facet of angling culture.

There were quite a few options for attendees to buy artwork or decor at the event, but these six booths prominently featured fly fishing art at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, New Jersey.

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Podcast Ep. 376: [Cast1] Fishing from Small to Large Rivers

Today’s episode is a snippet from one of the presentations that I give at The Fly Fishing Show. It is about a third shorter and you don’t get the benefit of PowerPoint slides, but the content promises to be quite helpful for the small stream angler.

Why? If you primarily fish small streams, there might be some trepidation over heading out to the larger rivers. Sprawling waterways can be intimidating when you’re used to being able to cast bank to bank. However, the skills and observations you make on the smaller creeks can easily be translated to the bigger rivers.

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

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VIDEO: Remembering Forgotten Salmon

Conservation books are often written after the fact. Articles and blogs can talk about what is happening, but the real what happened of any conservation initiative has a certain longitudinal quality about it.

The Forgotten Salmon of the Merrimack, by Lawrence Stolte, chronicles a century of restoration and protection on the eve of an early-1980’s  program on this New England River. Dams that powered what was the world’s largest textile manufacturing region halted the massive Atlantic salmon runs that were once seen on the Merrimack.  Federal, State, and local groups came together to rejuvenate this once vaunted fishery.

But this was in 1981. What happened after is a little less encouraging. Still, knowing the history is valuable for the conscientious steward of creation. Plus, it is quite interesting.

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

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The Best Action for Small Stream Fly Rods

I love my lightweight bamboo fly rods. I truly enjoy fishing with my older, wispy fiberglass fly rods. And one of my favorite graphite fly rods is a decidedly  slow action 2-weight. This lines up with a common approach to fly fishing small steams. Since the water is small and the fish are small, many opt for the lightest and lithest rod possible. Thin, flexible three, two, and one-weights that can virtually double-over on even the tiniest trout are indeed fun to fish.

However, I have come to a strong conviction for serious small stream fly fishing. The optimal fly rod to use is one with a medium-fast action.

This hardly flips anything sacred on its head. Nor does it exclude the use of truly functional and enjoyable tackle. It is simply a specific approach with some legitimate rationales that can benefit those looking to be a bit more efficient and effective as they take to the mountains and valleys in search of trout.

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Podcast Ep. 375: The Real Benefit of Outdoor Shows

What if I told you that if you think that outdoor shows are all about spending money that you’ve got it all wrong?

Sure, there are opportunities to shell out wads of cash. But you can also support small businesses. In fact, some of them are so small that they might not even technically be a business! Beyond that, there is a lot to see in person that you may otherwise only experience through the cold, distant medium of YouTube. And whether you’re in a giant convention center or the local VFW hall, there are probably people there that are worth taking a few minutes to meet. Why? They’re into the same things you are.

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

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