For those who fly fish, enjoyment comes from the little things.
That is very true in the existential and metaphorical senses. For me, and for a lot of you, it is also applicable when it comes to literal little things.
In the following three articles, I explore fly fishing items that fit in the palm of your hand. They’re little, but they do a lot. They’re inexpensive, simple, and often ignored, but they play a vital part in your time on the water. Although they should blend into the background when you’re out chasing fish, taking a moment to think about them brings a little newfound appreciation.
To read the full articles, click on the images or titles below:
This backing, for all of its lack of potential appearances or glamorous accomplishments, will do its job. The bulk it provides will fill up the standard arbor, allowing my line to not coil too tightly. Aesthetically, the white will be pleasing through the ported holes in contrast to the reel’s dark frame. That matters. I know, that if push comes to shove, this backing will also give me some wiggle room if I do hook into that big fish. At that point, it will be the most important part of the entire setup.
After years of cheap, chintzy, and otherwise sub-par zingers I’ve been happy to put the Rogue Zinger through its paces and see it perform. Might this seem like a meaningless study in minutiae? Could this be considered a waste of words that should otherwise be spent on quality angling prose? Maybe. Or, it could be that something small, inexpensive, and helpful makes a difference because you aren’t thinking about it.
Flies might make it onto the patch because they are the flies you’ll always use. You have boxes upon boxes that you travel with, but they’re virtually unnecessary since only half a dozen patterns end up seeing the water. Hundreds of flies of all colors, shapes, and sizes make the journey with you, but only those few end up as part of the adventure.