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 …
I own some positively diminutive fly rods for angling in the mountains. And I revel in the plethora of options when it comes to 9-foot 4-, 5-, and 6-weights. But every once in a while the right tool for the job is just a little bit longer. Today I share four reasons why a longer …
I like questions. When I get the same question a handful of times in quick succession, that topic gets shifted to the top of the subject matter pile. Recently, a number of fine fly fishing folk have asked me about what I consider to be the essential gear for minimalism or travel. In this episode …
Today I want to discuss one of the most important pieces of gear out there in fly fishing today. In my humble opinion, it hasn’t received appropriate treatment; certainly not the fanfare it deserves. That said, I want to sing its praises in a way that makes you take notice. It is a fly rod. …
Times have changed… I think. It doesn’t seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire …
One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn’t give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying. And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn’t force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a …
Outside of rod, reel, line, and fly, there are few pieces of gear as integral to the angler as footwear. Your casting is only going to be as good as your stability. Your endurance on the water is directly tied to your level of comfort. And, of course, any and all skill is much less …
