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 …
What makes a fly a fly? How much money do you need to spend on a fly rod? What level of risk should you take when going fishing? In one way or another, I address all three of these questions on today’s podcast episode. And while I’m very much interested in all three debates, I’m …
Some of the flashiest fly fishing gear is undoubtedly very, very nice. But it isn’t necessary. If you’re just starting out or you’re operating with a limited budget, there are some pieces of equipment that will vie for your attention. While each person has different parameters and priorities I think that some purchases are better …
Regardless of budget, most fly fishers do their due diligence when shopping for waders. After all, no one wants to be wet. The right pair of waders at the right price will give you peace of mind as you spend seasons on the water. For some that price reaches well over $500. However, there is …
Who doesn’t like getting a trophy? While “best in show” awards draw the ire of people who like to complain (Complainers? In fly fishing?!? Egad…), these lists are great for everyday anglers to see what is new and notable in angling gear. Today I walk through a half dozen Consumer Choice Awards recipients from The …
You may be the kind of angler who can pony up $70,000 for a tricked out fly fishing rig. Or you might be a Toyota Camry kind of guy. Both work. But today I’m talking more to the sedan and station wagon crowd. Even if you don’t have the kind of vehicle that they feature …
Virtually all fly fishing situations can be approached with basic gear. A medium fast, 8’6″, 5-weight loaded with weight forward line will give you what you need to catch trout. But modifying one of those components to better match your skill or your circumstances can make a real difference. For example, a higher quality line …
Every once in a while I do get a legitimate accusation. Recently I was called out for platforming high-end, pretentious fly fishing equipment. While I don’t want to eliminate your anticipation for what this might have looked like, I do think it is important to mention that a quick email exchange brought swift resolution. Still, …
Recently I commented that the fly fishing industry is squarely within the “build a better mousetrap” stage of technological advancements. There are very few new things that are entering the long rod, thick line, tiny fly space. That is all fine and good. But it does breed some skepticism from consumers who are being presented …
