It is Labor Day. Everyone celebrates this delightful, national holiday; few understand its significance. Aside from commonly being confused with Memorial Day, there is a lot of history wrapped up in the unofficial start of fall. Moreover, it is significant to fly fishing. For example, did you know: On Labor Day, there is always a …
I’m closing on a house today. If my math is accurate, I’m committing to spend… a lot of money. So when life hands you lemons (through your own volition, mind you), laugh to get through the stress. It is a good thing that fly fishing is so easy to laugh at/with. I’ve written it before, …
The 2017 IFTD show is upon us! It is Christmas in Florida in July… which is only slightly hotter than the normal Christmas in Florida. Instead of sugarplums and reindeer prancing about, it will be bearded men in casting shirts carrying PBRs in coozies. I’ll not be attending the premier fly fishing industry event of …
A San Juan Worm on the San Juan River. An Ausable Wulff on the Ausable (not the Au Sable… but that might work, too). An RS-2 on the South Platte. A Letort Hopper on the Letort… during hopper season. It all seems too neat and tidy, too conventional and stereotypical. At this point, haven’t these …
Father’s Day is less than a week away. If you’re like most people, you’re looking to show your thankfulness and love to dear old dad through lavishing him with gifts. If he is a fly fisherman, or if you’re looking to get him into fly fishing, gift-giving is as easy as pie. And if you’re …
I’m traveling this month. The plan is to head up and down the east coast, go across the Midwest, and… who knows where else. Between school letting out, water clearing up out west, and better weather in general, June is a prime time for fishing and fishing-related travel Since I’m currently on the road, the …
Ah, nature. Mountains, trees, rivers, and, of course, fish. Have you ever noticed that sometimes there are other animals that vie for your attention while you are out fly fishing? It is true. Surprisingly, it isn’t just a majestic eagle soaring overhead or a regal-looking buck silhouetted against an azure sky. Nor is it always …
I like to think that I’m mature enough to make decisions for myself. Maybe it is prideful, but between my age, my education, and my intelligence, my actions shouldn’t be so easily swayed. Then I get a text message with a picture of a fish. My day takes a little bit of a right turn. …
About 10 years ago, I went bowling. Standing at the counter, waiting for my freshly aerosoled shoes, I noticed a brightly colored trifold brochure. “Stretches for Bowling.” A professional bowler (I assume) was featured on the cover, doing his best to not exert himself too much by pulling his left arm across his chest. The …
There are pieces of fly fishing gear that I leave at home from time to time. They are important, but they aren’t invaluable. Engaging in this lifestyle for nearly two decades, I’ve amassed quite the collection of rods, reels, and miscellany. Many of the various bits of tackle are uniquely created for use in a …
