So, now you've been through the list of tools needed, let's look at the fly tying materials you'll need to get started. Again, just as with the tools, this is not an all-inclusive list of all the materials you'll ever need. This is simply a very basic list of materials that will get you started […]
Ok, it's time to jump right in and learn about the fly tying tools you'll need to have in order to get started tying flies. This is not an all-inclusive list of all the fly tying tools you'll ever need. This is simply a list of tools that will get you started and will allow […]
An experienced fly fisherman is art in motion. It is so awesome to watch a seasoned fly fisherman on the stream. I remember early on in my fly fishing watching a mentor of mine on his local waters. No matter what surrounded him, he could cast his fly anywhere he wanted and land it so […]
Fly Tying Terms A Abdomen - the segmented rear section of an insect's body. Adult - the winged stage of aquatic insects; reproductive stage. Amphidromous fish - fish that regularly migrate between freshwater and saltwater Antron - a synthetic yarn material made of long sparkly fibers used for many aspects of fly tying including wrapped […]
Fly Fishing small streams and creeks can offer explosive excitement, and you’ll often find me working a local river that’s about two rod-lengths across at its widest points. The trout can be thick as thieves there on the best days, but they’re as wary as a cat at a dog park! If you’re having trouble […]
There are lots of good reasons to give flies a chance on your spinning rod. You may be traveling and only have room for one rod. You might not have mastered the art of fly casting--or might not care to! It may be that you have a nagging shoulder injury that makes fly casting torture. […]
The beginning fly tyer can really sink some serious money into fly tying hooks if they are not careful. So that you don't spend a lot of money foolishly on hooks you'll never use, let's spend just a minute determining the hooks you should start out with. The first step is to determine which flies […]
A fly line is another crucial component of any fly fishing outfit. The wrong type of fly line can lead to poor fishing and very unpleasant casting. Any fly line you use should match up in weight perfectly with both the fly reel and the fly rod. Why is the best fly line so important? In […]
While rods take the top seat in the fly fishing world, a good fly reel should enhance your angling prowess, helping you to achieve long, ultra-precise casts and fight aggressive fish with confidence. But with the wealth of reels on offer from major manufacturers, it can be tough to know which one is best for […]
When you’re wading in search of brook trout, you don’t have the luxury of a tackle bag. Instead, you’ve got to carry all the equipment you might need with you, and that means a good fly fishing vest. An essential buy for fly anglers, a good vest has space for your flies, leader, tippet, pliers, […]
Fly tying isn’t just a way to beat the cost of buying pre-tied flies: it’s an art in itself. But it can be a tough transition from buying those beautifully crafted nymphs to creating your own, and where to start can be confusing. We’re here to help, and if you want to get started tying […]
If you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced veteran of everything from brookies to steelhead, it always pays to research the fly rod market. With recent improvements in blank tech, fly rods are getting better and better, easily exceeding the performance of top choices from just a decade ago. If you’re looking for an […]
A good wading net is as important as your fly rod. Not only does one make landing a struggling fish much, much easier, but the best fly fishing nets also provide gentle protection to delicate fish, preserving their all-important scales and slime. Unfortunately, many of the nets suggested for fly anglers are offered by reviewers […]
Walking across slime-covered pebbles can feel like balancing on marbles, and good wading boots quickly prove their value. Rather than slipping and sliding your way across the stream, when you’re able to actually creep and cast, you know you’ve made the right choice! Offering excellent grip, plenty of foot protection, and all-day comfort, a good […]
From icy mountain streams in Colorado to lazy rivers in Arkansas, trout anglers take to the water with waders and fly tackle, looking to land a big one. But to access the water, nothing is as effective as the best wader. Brush-busting, waterproof, and goat-footed on slippery rocks, good waders are essential fly angling gear. […]
Traditionally, fly angling meant wading into cold water with a good pair of insulated hip waders. But now, a new breed of angling kayak designed with fly fishing in mind has changed the game. No longer limited to a short stretch of a river or bank, with the tight ‘yak, fly anglers have a lot […]
Developed on the trout streams of inland Japan, tenkara fishing is gaining popularity in the West, especially among high-altitude backpackers and hikers. In part, this is due to the clean aesthetic and simplicity of tenkara: rod, line, and fly--the three components of fishing stripped of any excess. But the rising profile of tenkara is also […]
