Does the perfect fly rod exist? If you would have asked me 30 years ago, then I had an EASY answer for you: Yes, the perfect fly rod is a 9’ 5-weight. Yet I rarely fish that rod anymore, so what's changed? Let’s talk about using different fly line weight to chase different fish, plus I'm going to share with you some fly rods that are perfect (at least for me!).
Read moreCan Fly Fishing and Social Media Coexist?
What really helped me catch this brown trout: Social media, experience on the water, or doing my homework?
When looking at that gorgeous brown trout I caught while fly fishing, do you really think Instagram “helped” me catch it? That’s a good question, though many will argue that the wild trout was caught because of time spent on the water and doing my homework. Where do platforms like Instagram and TikTok come in? Continue reading as I make the argument that they did contribute to that trout.
Read more5 Fly Tying Tools You DON'T Need!
Look over your fly tying bench. What are some of the tools you can live without? In this blog, I feature some things in fly tying that are NOT needed.
Let’s be honest, there is a STEEP learning curve in fly tying. With all of the materials, techniques, tools, and nuances, it’s a hobby that takes time to learn. But have you ever looked around your bench and wondered how you accumulated so much STUFF?!? I just did so and realized there were 5 things I could live without.
Read moreDoes Fly Tying Save You Money?!?
So you’re thinking about getting into fly tying! You’ve done some research, checked out some YouTube channels (hopefully MINE), and even talked to a friend. But you have that one burning question: Is fly tying worth it?!? Trust me, you’re not alone, so let’s find out if tying flies is right for you.
Read moreThe Fly that KILLED Fly Fishing?!?
The Sucker Spawn was truly the first fly that nearly KILLED fly fishing for me. It’s a simple pattern that I originally tied for steelhead…but other species couldn’t resist. I talk about this fly specifically in this video: The Fly that KILLED Fly Fishing!
Let’s be honest, can a fly really KILL fly fishing? Of course not! Yet in fly fishing, many hold true to the belief that there is that perfect fly, the magic bullet, one that will catch EVERY fish in the water. Once finding that fly, will the experience be ruined for you…or enhanced? Let’s find out!
Read moreFirst Day of Trout: A Family Affair!
Fly fishing on the first day of trout is the PERFECT family tradition! This day was full of fun and the smiles above tell the story.
In fly fishing, traditions run deep. For some, it’s spending time with a best friend on the same water year after year. For others, it’s filling the box with that perfect dry fly (an X-Caddis, of course!). In Pennsylvania, our tradition falls heavily on the opening day of trout, in my case, a family affair!
Read moreEssential Flies for Winter and Early Spring
Love to fish in the winter and early spring? For me, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Fewer anglers on the water, gorgeous scenery, plus that overall sense of calm. Throw in a few trout and life is good. As I discussed in a prior blog post, a major key is staying comfortable, but what about flies?
Read more