Concealing your Profile to Catch more fish
Sometimes its not enough wearing earthy tone colored clothing or even camouflage to keep a smart wily trout from spotting you.
Most of the time, movement and your profile tips educated trout off. When the opportunity presents itself for you to use the natural terrain to conceal or break up your profile, and it happens to lie right next to a good hole, tuck in behind it and use it to your advantage. Sometimes the extra effort will pay off and you’ll find yourself hooked up with a fish that’s outsmarted most other anglers. Brown trout particularly are notorious for spotting you well before you come close to making your first cast. Remember
Read More »The New Simms G4 Pro Wading Boot: Video
The new G4 Pro Wading Boot is the toughest boot Simms has ever made.
Simms took the development of this new G4 boot very seriously. A lot of field testing went into making a boot that was not only feature rich but totally bomb proof. If you’re looking for a wading boot to last more than a couple of hard seasons, you may have just found it.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS ON THE NEW SIMMS G4 PRO WADING BOOT!
Read More »Take the Time to Research Your Boat Ramps
It’s really easy to get excited about a last minute trip when your buddy calls and says the fish are biting and then not take the time to research the logistics of where you’re going to be fishing. Much of the time things work out in the end when we’re doing what we love but every now and then, no matter how hard you try to make things right, you’re bound to get screwed. That was the case for us during our final day of our recent musky trip with our good friend Charlie Murphy in West Virginia. Due to poor water conditions, we had to go with a Plan B and change our fishing location the final day of our trip. Charlie had taken an friends word that we could launch our boat at the designated spot with no problem. Unfortunately, his acquaintance thought we were launching a drift boat, not a john boat, and that turned out to be and impossible task, without the aid of a cheap pvc roller and a 20 foot section of rope. Now, I’m known for being able to back up a truck and trailer with the best of them and until this day, I was batting a 1000%. So much for my perfect batting average of backing up, because this midget boat ramp put it to me. I tried like hell, but it just wouldn’t fit.
Read More »New Year’s Resolutions: 2020
By Louis Cahill
I think if there is one thing I’m looking for in 2020 it’s resolution.
It’s impossible for me to think, or write, about the coming year without addressing the rays of hope and the clouds of uncertainty I manage hour to hour these days. As I continue my struggle with PVR, it becomes more evident every day that I am running a marathon. I feel very fortunate to be where I am at present, and I truly believe that the worst is over. Still, there’s a lot left to be determined.
At my last meeting with my doctor, hr told me, “I feel like we now know that the house is not going to burn down. Whether it’s a house we want to live in we’re not going to know for a while.”
As of now my retina is still attached, but a section of it is not healthy. That’s the part of the retina most effected by the initial onset of PVR. The scar tissue there is preventing the retina from getting a good connection to my eye. The retina has been reinforced around this area and for now is sound, as long as it is protected by the silicone oil that fills my eye, acting like a cast on a broken bone. If that oil were removed today, the retina would most certainly detach.
First thing first. I am taking advantage of this current stability, such as it is, to host my three weeks of Bonefish Schools at Bair’s Lodge. I can not tell you how happy I am to be able to do that. I don’t expect to be able to fish every day, but I will fish and I will be able to teach the schools and that is my top priority.
When I get home, I will have another surgery. This one should be an easier recovery than the last two, thank God! The goal will be to flatten out the scar tissue and use the laser to firm up the connection of the retina to the eye. We will then watch the progress for about three months. If the laser work is successful and the retina forms a good bond in the damaged area, then we can start talking about another surgery to clean up some of the last surgeons work and removing the oil. That is the best case, everything goes perfectly scenario. I am focusing all of my positive energy on this outcome.
If the laser work is not successful and the retina remains sketchy, then I have two options.
Read More »New Women’s Waders From Patagonia: Video
There new women’s waders from Patagonia are packed with serious features.
I always shake my head when I hear that someone in introducing a new rod or reel focused on women anglers. There’s certainly been some silly products which were more sales pitch than substance. I think women’s waders make a lot of sense. I know it can be a struggle for me to find the right fit in a wader, even when it’s made for my basic body type. I imagine women have made due in men’s waders for long enough. These new Patagonia waders look pretty sweet.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW WOMEN’S WADERS FROM PATAGONIA.
Read More »New Waders From Patagonia: Video
Patagonia has built a new line of waders from the ground up.
The new waders from Patagonia have a cool new look and tons of new features. In this video Justin Pickett gets the details on the line. There is also a women’s specific wader, which we’ll be covering in another video.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND LEARN ABOUT THE NEW PATAGONIA WADERS.
Read More »Fur Baby Christmas Gifts
By Justin Pickett
WE’RE GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT THIS YEAR WITH OUR GIFT GUIDE FOR FLY-FISHERS. THIS ONE IF FOR THE ANGLER’S BEST FRIEND.
We all spoil our pets, I know I do anyway. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift for the pooch, or pooch lover, on your list, here are some good places to start. Who’s a good puppy???
Orvis Dog Beds – Every dog deserves a comfy place to rest their head and it’s no secret that Orvis is the place to go for some of the most comfortable and durable dog beds on the planet. https://www.orvis.com/dog-beds
Orvis Personalized Collars and Leashes – A good collar is must and Orvis has plenty of options for every dog, big and small. One of the best deals in dog collars is their personalized buckle collar. https://www.orvis.com/dog-collars-and-leashes
Whiskey Leatherworks Dog Collars and Leashes – Looking for something a little snazzier for your best friend? Our friends at Whiskey Leatherworks recently released their Whiskey Dog collars and leashes which offers a line of fish prints designed by Chris Underwood mounted on Latigo leather and finished with solid brass hardware. They are sure to compliment every fishy dog’s personality. https://whiskeyleatherworks.com/collections/fish-upland-print-collars-and-leashes
Kong Extreme – If you have strong chewers like me, then you’ve undoubtedly gone through your fair share of dog toys. A friend of mine suggested the Kong Extreme when my Lab puppy, Dakota, kept chewing her way through my house. She’s now 9-years-old and still has the same one! Definitely worth the investment! https://www.amazon.com/KONG-41940-Extreme-Large/dp/B0002AR0II/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kong+extreme&qid=1573919671&sr=8-1
Yeti Dog Bowls – If you’re looking for a food and water bowl that’s little more rugged, then look no further than Yeti. Offered in 4 and 8 cup sizes, each bowl is
Read More »G&G Christmas For The Kiddos
By Justin Pickett
Still looking for that great fly-fishing gift for the kids on your list?
There’s no greater gift you can give than teaching a child to fish. It’s a gift you will enjoy for years as well. If you are looking for some fly fishing gear for the kiddos on your list, here are some ideas to help.
Echo Gecko Kit – The Gecko is probably my favorite rod kit for the kiddos. Aside from its fun color scheme, it’s no limp noodle when it comes to casting characteristics, and there are thoughtful design aspects that make fishing with it fun for youngsters. Its shorter length, smaller grip diameter and an extended butt allow for a more comfortable grip for smaller hands, and the option for even the smallest of tikes to use two hands to launch their fly with ease. Each Gecko kit comes with a cordura rod case as well as an Echo reel spooled with fly line. https://echoflyfishing.com/project/echogecko/
Redington Minnow Combo – Redington also went with a more youthful theme when they updated the minnow a few years ago. With a comfortable foam grip, medium action, and its shorter, lighter blank, it’s really fun rod to cast. The Minnow combo comes with a cordura rod tube along with a Redington Crosswater Reel spooled with a Rio Mainstream fly line. https://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-combos/minnow-combo-new
Orvis Encounter Combo – The Encounter combo is a great budget-minded setup for the angler looking to get into fly fishing. While not necessarily catered to the youngest of folks, this is a great starting point for the pre-teen and older angler looking for a setup that won’t break the bank. The Encounter lineup covers most fishing needs from 5-weight to 8-weight and each outfit comes with a cordura rod tube and a matching Encouter reel spooled with an Orvis floating line, leader, and tippet. https://www.orvis.com/encounter-fly-rods
Lone Cone Kids Waders – Finding a pair of waders that will fit my six-year-old daughter has been crazy frustrating. Options are limited for kids younger than eight or so, and the provided size charts can be confusing. These same problems are what prompted the founder of Lone Cone to come up with her own line of outdoors clothing for kids 3-7 years old. Just three simple measurements are all you need for sizing. I just recently purchased a pair of their waders for my daughter and they fit perfect and look great! Better yet, she loves them. If you are in need for waders for your little one, these are perfect and won’t break the bank either! https://www.lonecone.com/kids-fishing-waders
Simms Tributary Youth Waders – Simms is known worldwide for their waders, so its only natural that they would also outfit young anglers with a quality wader that’s durable and affordable. The Tributary wader is Simms’s latest youth wader offering and offers many of the same features as their higher-end waders. With 3- and 4-layer breathable fabrics, these waders will be just as durable as they are comfortable to wear on the water! https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/womens-mens-waders/kids-tributary-stockingfoot-s19
Orvis Encounter Youth Wader – Orvis also offers a great youth wader at an affordable price! The Encounter is built from a durable 4-layer breathable, waterproof nylon and sports features such as an integrated gravel guard and anatomic neoprene booties. Another quality, durable wader option that also won’t break the bank! https://www.orvis.com/p/encounter-kids-waders
Redington Crosswater Youth Wading Boot – Surprisingly, there are not many options in the way of youth wading boots on the market right now. However, Redington has you covered with their Crosswater wading boot. Offered in sizes 2, 4, and 6, these boots will have your kiddo wading in a lightweight, supportive shoe sporting a sticky, rubber outsole that will help keep them vertical. https://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-waders/crosswater-youth-boot
Suncloud Youth Polarized Sunglasses – Just like we adults benefit from wearing quality sunglasses, our little ones deserve the same. While polarizes sunglasses can cost the adult angler hundreds of dollars, Suncloud has a line of youth polarized specs at very affordable prices and offer and handful of youthful styles. https://www.rei.com/b/suncloud/c/kids-sunglasses
Fishpond Tenderfoot Vest – Pack and slings can be cumbersome and awkward for the young angler, and there aren’t many options on the market, but Fishpond
Read More »Gink and Gasoline Holiday Gift Guide 2019
By Justin Pickett and Alice Tesar
The holidays are upon us and, if you are anything like me, you are scrambling for some great gift ideas for the fly-fishing enthusiast in your life.
Here are some suggestions that may help. We get to play with a lot of cool toys and these are some of our favorites. I’m sure there’s something hear to put a smile on the face of your angling Santa.
RODS
Scott Fly Rods Sector: New materials, new tapers, and a new level of badass. Jim Bartschi of Scott Fly Rods doesn’t just design a new fly rod because he can, but because he knows he can make that rod better than anything before it. The new Sector certainly delivers over its predecessor, the Meridian, in every aspect of the cast. It’s certainly one of the best saltwater rods we’ve had the pleasure of casting in any conditions. Check out the 8’4” offerings as well. They just might blow your mind!
https://www.scottflyrod.com/rod-series/view/5142
Orvis Helios 3 Artist Series: If you’re looking for a fly rod with a custom touch, be sure to check out the new H3 Artist Series from Orvis. With the amazing H3 as his canvas, artist Tim Johnson has turned 500 of these rods into works of art by hand-burning fishy scenes onto the cork grips. This series is very limited with only 300 nine-foot five-weights, featuring a rising brown trout, and 200 nine-foot eight-weights, featuring a tailing bonefish. Each rod also has custom labels and subtle touches that further set this series apart from any other H3 on the water. Once these rods are gone, they are gone for good, so don’t miss out!
https://www.orvis.com/helios-3-fly-rods-artist-series
Winston Alpha+: If you’re slinging flies at the baddest of the bad, then this is the rod for you. The Alpha’s ability to turnover large flies and heavy lines is impressive and boasts the heavy lifting power needed to pull any big nasty out of thick cover. Don’t confuse the Alpha’s power with broomstick, though. My first cast with the five-weight Alpha+ was at forty-feet and I landed it in the dead center of a dog bowl. One of the smoothest rods at IFTD this year!
https://winstonrods.com/products/winston-alpha-plus/
Echo Prime 2: The newest generation of the Echo Prime has arrived. Now offered in 2pc and 4pc blanks, the Prime
https://echoflyfishing.com/project/16637/
G. Loomis NRX+: The NRX+ is the new generation of rods painstakingly developed by G.Loomis and debuted at this year’s IFTD. Replacing a flagship rod, such as the heralded NRX, is a tall order, but Loomis did this one right. Lighter, stronger, and more responsive, the new NRX+ is a performer throughout this new family of rods.
http://www.gloomis.com/content/gloomis/northamerica/usfly/en/homepage/NRXPLUS.html
Orvis Mission Spey: These two-hand beauties borrow build on the materials and technology of the Helios 3 to deliver maximum power to the cast. Available in a variety of lengths and actions, there are even some six piece models for the traveling angler.
https://www.orvis.com/mission-fly-rods
Winston Air Spey: These elegant casting machines load deep and recover fast, making hero cast look effortless. Ranging in weights from 5-9, and lengths from 11’ 6” to 14’ 6” there is an Air TH for every angler.
https://winstonrods.com/products/winston-air-th/
REELS
Lamson Guru S: Light weight and durable, the Guru delivers large arbor performance, made in the USA, at an affordable price.
https://www.waterworks-lamson.com/product/guru-series-ii-fly-fishing-reel/
Orvis Mirage LT: With the same stylish design and silky smooth drag as the Mirage, the LT skips those holiday deserts and delivers all the performance with a lot less weight.
https://www.orvis.com/p/mirage-lt/2mts
Able Vaya: This beautifully designed reels, with it’s artistic, hand anodized finish makes a statement everywhere you GO. The ultimate combination of form and function, the Vaya will thrill any angler.
https://abelreels.com/main/vaya-series/
Orvis Battenkill Disc Spey: The perfect marriage. The classic Battenkill styling lends itself effortlessly to the function of a spey reel. Throw in a closed spool, mid-arbor and powerful disc drag and you have a whole lot of reel for under $200!
https://www.orvis.com/p/battenkill-disc-reel/2jlr
Bauer RX Spey: Manufactured to the highest standards in the industry, the RX Spey has proven time and again to be just what the doctor ordered. This is the reel you want on your side when you hook the fish of a lifetime.
https://www.bauerflyreel.com/fly-reels/rx-classic/
FLY LINES/LEADERS/TIPPET
Scientific Anglers Absolute – Scientific Anglers has developed new leaders and tippet for 2020 and the results are quite impressive. Stronger and more supple than the competition, these new products from SA are sure to help you catch more fish on the water. They even come in 100% biodegradable packaging!
https://www.scientificanglers.com/product-category/tippet/
https://www.scientificanglers.com/product-category/leader/
Rio Technical Trout and Direct Core – Looking for a specific tool to add to your bag of tricks? Rio has you covered with a multitude of purpose built fly lines that will keep you in touch with your fly, and more fish. This year, Rio has added the new In Touch Technical Trout, and has also expanded their Direct Core offerings to cover the most technical of fisheries, whether fresh or salt.
https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-technical-trout
https://www.rioproducts.com/products/directcore-flats-pro
Airflo Superflo Elite- For anglers who need a line to perform in the widest range of freshwater conditions, this is your line. The Superflo Elite’s moderate taper can change from dry fly fishing to nymphing to light streamers and fish effectively. This taper style also lends itself to easy casting for the widest range of casting styles. It’s as close to a “one size fits all” as you can get in a freshwater line.
https://airflousa.com/project/super-dri-elite/
Cortland Tropic Redfish- With a Short, Aggressive Taper and a hard Tropic Coating, the Tropic Plus Redfish Line is built to load rods quick and turn over large or heavy fly patterns. The Tropic Plus coating keeps the line hard and slick in hot weather for maximum shoot-ability. Chucking flies at summer time redfish has never been easier!
https://www.cortlandline.com/products/tropicplusredfish
ON THE WATER GEAR
Simms G4 Gear-
https://www.simmsfishing.com/g4
Orvis Pro Gear- The Orvis PRO Collection is stacked with waders, jackets, and boots engineered and tested to outfit industry professionals and serious anglers. Technologically advanced design, smart materials, and modern construction techniques ensure the gear in this fly-fishing collection can withstand the harshest environments. One of our favorite pieces is the new Pro Insulated Hoodie. Super warm and comfy!
https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing-pro-collection?adv=584372&cm_mmc=Orvisbrand-_-Tm-x-fishing-us-exact-_-Tm-x-ProSeries-x-x-x-x-_-orvis%20pro&gclid=CjwKCAiA8ejuBRAaEiwAn-iJ3gQyqM-cJHqIdQ8TLcweelrz9G2p04wY9n_pZKYk-fHBu1gdrt17FhoCus8QAvD_BwE
Patagonia Packable Waders- Their lightest and most packable waders feature Patagonia’s seamless bootie technology, which is made with lightweight yet durable waterproof/breathable fabric. These features allow them to fold into a compact stuffsack for go-anywhere convenience and capability.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/middle-fork-packable-waders-regular/82330.html
Fishpond Tenderfoot Youth Vest. Best of Show youth product at IFTD 2019, the Tenderfoot Youth Vest gives you all the capacity adult vests have with a youth fit. A lightweight mesh interior keeps things easy for the junior angler and an adjustable shoulder and waist strap allows for “one size fits most”. Fishpond claims, “the Tenderfoot Vest is no ‘toy’” which is fine because it is more of a ‘toy chest.’
Read More »New Rio Freshwater Fly Lines: Video
RIO has a couple great new technical fly lines for freshwater anglers.
This year’s freshwater offerings from RIO are all about the technical anglers. The new Technical Trout line is designed for fishing long leaders to picky fish. There’s some very cool stuff for stillwater anglers too, including a sweep line. Uncommon in the US these lines are amazing searching tools for lake anglers. Simon Gawesworth explains how they work.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON NEW RIO FRESHWATER FLY LINES.
Read More »