While I am surprised from time to time with something novel in fly fishing, I think it is safe to say that the industry is squarely in the business of building better mouse traps. Tweaks and variations on themes are fine. If anything, any gear that makes for a noticeable improvement of on-steam quality of …
One of the most amazing things about fly fishing is that the vast majority of our gear works great 100% of the time without paying any attention to it. One of the most frustrating things about fly fishing is when your gear suffers a catastrophic failure while you’re on the water. I’m not saying that …
Fly fishers are notoriously difficult to shop for. Picking out a rod is both pricey are personal. Flies are nice, but ones that will be used have the tendency to be quite specific. Floatant and split shot are serviceable stocking stuffers, but hardly under-the-tree fare. So what to do when the holidays come around? Is …
A random errand led to my being face-to-face with a $20 fly rod/reel/line combo. It even came with flies. Around me, people were shopping for car batteries and Barbie dolls. I examined the reel. I assessed the flies. I debated scanning the QR code on the package. It wasn’t for me, but it didn’t look …
Many anglers fish straight through the winter. There are plenty of “off-season” opportunities to chase fish and enjoy the outdoors in the coldest months. But if other hobbies or the comforts of home keep you off the water until springtime, there is no reason to be ashamed. If that is your preference: more power to …
Nearly every fly tyer wants to get better. With focused repetition, patterns become more consistent and come together more quickly. It isn’t in the cards for everyone who sits behind a vise to produce professional-looking bugs. It isn’t necessary, either. Practice makes productive flies that fill boxes and catch fish. Along with guidance, know-how, and …
You can spend a lot of money on a boat for your fly fishing endeavors. There’s the cost of the craft itself, then the trailer, then the accessories, then the truck to pull it more efficiently… While I’ve enjoyed the quality drift boats, skiffs, and bass rigs I’ve fished from over the years, the vast …
None of us should be so set in our ways that we’re unable to be pried out of the groove we’ve worn. In fly fishing, in particular, we should not be so entrenched in opinions that we’re dogmatic. It is good to have an opinion. But opinions can change. Today I share 5 opinions that …
I do miss things from time to time. And on this episode I come clean about missing two important things. You’ve probably survived, but I need to make it right. On another feedback-based episode, I answer questions about the following: Beginner vises Expensive sunglasses Why I don’t have more video content Check out those segments, …
Nostalgia and aesthetics aren’t the only reason you should buy fly fishing gear. But those two aspects do count for something. And in the history-rich, artistically inclined world of fly fishing nostalgia and aesthetics are often embraced willingly. Bamboo rods and waxed cotton packs are still made and used because they work. They are examples …
