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Ed, a Flea, & Me – part 1

Every other fly rod was on the vertical rack. Sage, Orvis, Winston: all the names I knew and aspired to collect. But this rod was hung up horizontally. It was a bright amber with deep red wraps. The most striking aspect of the rod was that it was shorter than all the other fly rods …

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Podcast Ep. 237: Your First Cast with Bamboo

Bamboo might be what your great grandpa’s rod was made out of. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t fish with it too. And maybe, that means fishing with grandpa’s clunky five-and-dime bamboo fly rod. Why fish with a rod material that is now three generations old? Today I talk through three reasons why you …

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Orvis’ Fools: Its Not that Crazy

I am not a huge fain of April Fools’ Day. Primarily for the reason that I am already quite skeptical of anything and everything I read online. But I do enjoy the yearly gags that some companies routinely roll out. Orvis’ efforts, with all the marketing power at their disposal, are usually worth a smile. …

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Then, Everything Froze

The trout was holding just on the far side of a deep cut in the middle of the stream. Flitting back and forth, it would dart into the fast water to quickly eat an insect before returning to the gentler current. I watched the fish range a good eighteen inches into the swifter flow. My …

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Redington Butter Stick: Staying Gold

Five years ago, I fished my first contemporary fiberglass fly rod. The Redington Butter Stick had just received an update. The new rod featured an adjusted taper and a new, soft white color scheme. I fished the 4-weight, and was pleased with how approachable the casting stroke  was after years of faster graphite rods. A …

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Podcast Ep. 190: Fly Fishing Accusations, XIX

In this Q&A episode, I share some of the best questions and comments I’ve ever received. Feedback (of any kind) is always exciting. Today, I talk about rod choices, guide recommendations, and favorite gear. These are things that I like discussing on my own. When you’re the reason I get to elaborate and pontificate on …

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3 Reasons to Pass on Glass

The resurgence of fiberglass fly rods in the last decade has led to a new generation appreciating the benefits of the material. Often, casting is slower, requiring a more deliberate stroke. Delicate presentations can be made on glassy water  to selective fish. And, when hooked, decent-sized fish can put a good bend in a fiberglass …

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Enough for Fishing

I have my grandfather’s fly rods. He wasn’t a fly fisherman by any stretch of the imagination. As far as he could recall, he used them a handful of times in Illinois and Wisconsin for bluegill, little pike, and the random brook trout. There are four of them: a beat up dime store bamboo, a …

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Podcast Ep. 179: 3 Fly Fishing Lies

If something is said enough times for enough time, it just becomes assumed. But that shouldn’t be the case. On today’s podcast episode, I break down my opinion on three fly fishing lies. Notice, I said my opinion. You might think that the angling mistruths I’m addressing are fine and good. I’m willing to admit …

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