Since February of 2017, the Vedavoo Beast Sling has been my go-to pack for fly fishing. Other gear storage options enter into the picture when I’m wading deep in the salt or moving quickly in the mountains, but the Beast functions as a flexible and all-purpose pack that fits into nearly every other fishing scenario. …
It is never too late to do better. Two of the three things I mention on this episode; I’m really still working on them. But all three are real examples of aspects of fly fishing that would have been great to be keyed in on when I started. This fourth edition (six, if you count …
Anyone who has spent significant time in a great fly shop knows that a lot more happens in these eclectic small businesses than buying and selling. Fishing tips are given. Cups of coffee are shared. Friends are made. But obviously, the transactions are what keep things humming along. I continue to champion the value of …
In fly fishing, and in our culture in general, tipping is expected for many direct services. On top of payment, gratuity is part of the transaction. It is a way to thank the professional. It is a way to compliment quality service. And it is a way to round out that person’s compensation. However, a …
“Last summer I headed out to do something that has been on my bucket list.” Joe Monaghan continued: “I rented a little Sprinter decked out for camping. I was all by myself and I had no agenda whatsoever. I drove east and started fishing; I started fishing all of western Montana. It was great. I …
The neighbor to one side of you still hasn’t removed all of the fake spiderwebs from her bushes, and the neighbor on the other side is staking illuminated reindeer down in his front yard. Thanksgiving (the superior holiday, mind you) is a turkey and pie speedbump that simply launches our culture headlong over Black Friday …
Outside of a rod, reel, line, and flies, there are only a few pieces of gear that deserve the designation essential. Sunglasses certainly fit the bill. If you think that polarized sunglasses are just for spotting fish, I’d like to walk you through a few more significant benefits. Also, I would like to advocate for …
I like fly fishing gear. I really like it. But I’m also not unreasonable. There are only a few things that you absolutely need to go out, catch fish, and have fun. If you’re using ads or catalogs to compile a list of things that are necessary, there is a good chance that you’ll be …
I’m a sucker for good marketing. Before you judge, let me explain what I mean: I appreciate a well thought-out sales pitch. I gravitate towards people who are passionate about what they make and/or sell. I like good more than I like bad. Can you blame me? While hype and reality don’t always line up, …
Last fall I fell down a rabbit hole. More accurately: I fell down into a duck’s nest. After decades of watching guys wade into swamps, dressed like trees, carrying fake birds over their shoulders, I decided to do the same. And I loved it. But aside from some cobbled-together gear from my vast fly fishing …
