There is an interesting dichotomy among many fly fishers. When it comes to equipment like fly rods there is an inordinate amount of attention given to having the precise piece of gear required for a particular application. That approach often entails acquiring a few pieces of gear required for a handful of particular situations. At …
In fly fishing, “predators” is a bit of an arbitrary designation. Why? Well, bluegill are predators. Brook trout are predators. Tiger sharks are predators. What we often mean is the larger, piscivorous (fish eating) freshwater species in North America. Today I’m talking about some of the considerations one might make when thinking about gear for …
It is that time again. You ask, I answer. I like these episodes so much, that I do one every few months. Today I interact with questions regarding: Fly line choices Fly rod action Fly fishing footwear And I transcend my normal 3 topic boundary by addressing two logistical/technical items. As always, please don’t hesitate …
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 …
I could give you a list of the best fly fishing books, providing a virtual bookstore for you to peruse. In one sense, this entire video series is that very thing. However, this video takes a much broader approach to the enterprise of gift giving. If you know the recipient of your next Christmas, birthday, …
Don’t get scammed. I don’t sound like anyone (I think). Combat fishing is a choice. Those three short sentences sum up this edition of my regular “Fly Fishing Accusations” podcast. You ask questions, make comments, and level accusations about those things I’ve written and/or said. I respond. I think it is an awful lot of …
It is just a net. Yes. But it is more than just a net when you need to land that big fish. Today I walk through a few net basics: shapes, sizes, materials. I also discuss a few techniques, best practices, and ways to carry your net. This is one of those topics that is …
It is awfully nice to be the first one to unwrap the plastic from a smooth cork handle or to wipe the excess factory grease from a disc drag. It is also nice to save a few hundred bucks. In this installment of Casting Across, I’m talking about finding and evaluating used gear. I’m focusing …
This year, a reel that received a lot of attention upon release was the Redington Ace. Online and walk-in fly shops had a hard time supplying anglers with the 5/6 model. What made this reel so hot? And how has it held up six months into actual fishing? The short of it is that Redington …
Each winter, over the course of a few fly fishing expos I endeavor to cast many of the season’s new fly rods. Often times this exercise is about getting an idea of what is new and noteworthy. It is more about research than shopping. However, in the early months of 2025 two rods impressed me …
