Sunday Classic / If You’re Not Looking For Trout, You’re Missing Out
One of the things I always stress to my clients is the importance of always keeping an eye out for trout on the water. The first thing I do when I walk up to a prime piece of trout water, is take a minute or two to scan the water for dark shapes, shadows and subtle movements. I do it before I wet my fly or even my boots for that matter, because I know, if I can spot a trout, I’ll immediately double my chances at getting my rod bent. I also look for trout when I’m wading from one spot to the next. This is where many anglers mess up and get distracted by all the great looking water upstream of them, and then end up missing opportunities to spot and catch trout in transit. I used to spook a ton of trout myself moving from one fishing spot to the next. It still happens but not nearly as much because these days, when I’m on the move, I’m not in a hurry and I take plenty of time to look for trout as I wade.
You have to look for trout to spot them. They don’t shout, “hey, I’m over here”, or wave a white flag at you.
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / A River’s Last Chance
The story of how the Eel River ran dry.
This beautiful film by Shane Anderson tells the story of how weed and wine dried up the Eel River, California’s larger wild steelhead and salmon river. It’s worth watching just for the footage of wild fish and giant redwoods but there’s much more to this film. This California river has a message for all of us.
CHECK OUT “A RIVER’S LAST CHANCE.”
Read More »New Spectrum Fly Reels From Sage
Three new reel families from the folks at Sage.
Sage has rethought their line of fly reels this season and introduces the Spectrum, Spectrum LT and Spectrum Max. These reels build on the Sage features we’ve come to trust with some new technology. All three families have sealed carbon fiber drag units, which use a new proprietary material. The size of each drag unit has been tailored to the size of each reel for efficiency.
The Spectrum is the all around model, while the Spectrum LT is an ultralight reel which doesn’t compromise on stopping power. The spectrum Max is a beast of a big game reel. There are several new colors designed to complement your Sage fly rods.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW SAGE SPECTRUM FLY REELS.
Read More »4 Tips For Capturing Better Release Shots of Your Fish
YOUR BEST SHOT AT CAPTURING A GOOD PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU AND YOUR CATCH, IS FIRST HAVING SOMEONE ALONG WITH YOU THAT’S COMPETENT WITH A CAMERA IN THEIR HANDS.
But even a world class photographer will tell you, it’s extremely difficult getting those picture perfect photographs, if the person handling the fish has no clue what their doing. Some of my favorite fly fishing shots to look at are catch and release shots, because there seems to be something extra moving about capturing the release of a fish in a photograph. Problem is, release shots are often some of the hardest photographs to pull off on the water. You have to have satisfactory light and adequate water clarity, but even with both of those, much of your success will ultimately be determined by the cooperation of the fish your shooting. Below are four tips for capturing better release shots that Louis and I have learned through trial and error over the years. Followed correctly, they should increase your chances at getting that perfect catch and release shot.
Tip 1: Choose a Calm Stretch of Water for the Release When Possible
Fast moving water isn’t optimal. If you can find a nice eddy or a calm stretch of water close by, you’ll find it much easier to photograph a nice release shot. In most cases, slower moving water will provide you with better water clarity for showcasing the fish below the surface during the release. I’ve also found it’s much easier to handle and keep the fish in proper position in slower moving water.
Tip 2: Keep Your Catch Calm and Relaxed
Don’t be in a rush to get the shot. Keep the fish in the water and in the net until it has calmed down before you move forward with the release shot. This is especially true if you land the fish quickly. A hot fish generally will swim off so fast, it will be hard for the photographer to time and get the best shot. Your goal is to release the fish at a speed that lets the photographer shoot multiple shots. This will increase the chances you end up with the perfect photograph.
Tip 3: Use Your Arm For Better Control and Timing the Release
Read More »An Amazing Gift
When the package from Sightline Provisions arrived, I couldn’t wait to see what was inside.
Every day I make a concerted effort not to write about my dog. Today I get the chance. Since I brought Josie home from South Andros my life has changed for the better. This little Potcake, who nearly starved, has been the best thing to happen to me in years. She is the most joyful soul I have ever known.
When I saw Edgar Diaz, of Sightline Provisions, at the IFTD show, I told him Josie’s story. A wild puppy born under a bush at the Andros South Lodge during Hurricane Mathew, she was far too skittish to take food from the folks at the lodge. She was half the size of her siblings when she was three months old. Every year I see half of these adorable puppies disappear before they are a year old. When I looked into this dogs eyes I couldn’t bare the thought.
The problem was, she was impossible to catch. The guys at the lodge had named her Permit, because no one could catch her. I spent a week trying to win her trust, waiting for her to fall asleep, and eventually tossing her peanut butter laced with Benadryl. Nothing worked. On the last day, I was on the phone with my wife, telling her I was not able to catch the puppy, when I heard a cheer from outside my room. Jason Whiting had made a spectacular dive and grabbed the little Potcake.
I named her Josie, after my friend Josie Sands who guides at Andros South. I rib him about it but I hope he knows it is a true sign of affection. I am on a mission to make Josie the most spoiled dog on the planet and it’s coming along nicely. Potcakes are wicked smart and Josie has pretty much trained herself. It took only two days to house break her and the little dog named permit now follows my every command. It’s not often that she does something bad but when she does we call her by her island name, Permit.
Edgar Diaz, being a dog lover and generally cool guy, was touched by her story. A couple of months after IFTD a package arrived from Austin Texas addressed to Josie.
Read More »Sunday Classic/ Call Me Simms Boy, I Love My G4Z Waders
WHEN OUR BF GOODRICH VIDEO FINALLY COMES OUT, AND WE ARE TOLD IT WILL BE SOON, YOU ARE GOING TO NOTICE KENT AND I WEARING A LOT MORE SIMMS GEAR.
Simms, generously, stepped up and outfitted us for the shoot. This has lead to at least one of my friends calling me Simms Boy, but I don’t care. It was great having the right gear for the trip and knowing we could count on it but for me it was something more. It was a first. Believe it or not, I’ve never owned a pair of Simms waders.
I’ve used a ton of Simms products over the years and gotten really good service out of just about all of them but I’ve never ponied up and bought a pair of their waders. I know they are the best and the most durable and the most comfortable but honestly, I’m just a cheap bastard. More to the point maybe, I’m a poor bastard and $799 for a pair of waders has always seemed insane.
If Simms had not given me a pair of G4Zs, I don’t know if I would have ever known what I was missing. Sure, they are comfortable. They fit great, they’re really well designed but the thing is, I think they are a better bargain. Really! Even if I’d paid for them and I’ll tell you why.
DURABILITY AND VALUE
Only time will tell if I’m right but these waders feel indestructible. You can feel the quality pulling them on. The five layers of actual Gortex, that come
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / How Its Made
Ever wonder exactly what goes into that hot new fly rod?
I think a lot of anglers have no idea how many hours of work goes into the rod they fish. I’ve been fortunate to tour many rod shops and even try my hand at rolling a blank. It’s a fascinating process and it always amazes me how much difference the slightest change in process can make in ho a rod casts and feels.
If you’ve ever been curious about how graphite rods are made, this article on Midcurrent by Jim LePage is a great read and very informative.
HOW FLY RODS ARE MADE
Read More »The New G Series Fly Rod From Scott: Video
The new Scott G Series may be my favorite small stream rod…ever.
This technical little rod is a winner. The G-2 has such a strong cult following that Scott rod designer, Jim Bartschi thought long and hard before messing with success. Ten years to be precise. It was time well spent. The new G Series rod is a marked improvement.
I’m always fascinated by the thought process of rod designers. I love to hear them talk about their rods and what they hope to accomplish with tapers and technology. This video is a great example. It will give you a much deeper understanding of this great tool.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND GET THE DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW SCOTT G SERIES FLY ROD.
Read More »Pack The Heat So You Can Pack it Out
NO TREES HERE TO CLIMB AND I CAN BARELY SEE THE TRUCK WITH MY NAKED EYES FAR OFF IN THE DISTANCE.
The recent run-in with the local WYDNR officer, who just gave me the run down about heavy bear activity in the area, has got me the heebie-jeebies. I’m trying to let loose and be one with the rod, but I can’t stop from thinking I’m smelling wet dog in the air, and I’m terrified of what could be lurking behind the thick moose brush out of sight. If you’re in the process of planning a trip into the deep wilderness where bear, moose, and other dangerous predators thrive, you just might consider purchasing a canister of pepper spray, and keep it holstered on your side. Hell it could save your life.
Two years ago, I stumbled right on top of a Boon & Crockett moose bedded down during a short hike-in to a secluded stretch of the Snake River. Luckily, we both decided to flight in opposite directions, and I only had to change my britches before wetting a line. Guiding in Alaska one season, I somehow managed to stay under the radar, as two giant brown bears went toe to toe battling over a spawning bed within inches of my outpost tent. And I’ll never forget the feeling of total panic, when I walked up on a fresh bloody mule deer kill on the Upper Hoback River this past July. With my heart pounding out my chest, and the realization of no one knowing my whereabouts, I quickly said the hell with fishing, and high-tailed it back to the truck before I became desert.
We often drop a thousand dollars or more for our out of town fly fishing trips without giving it a second thought. That’s why I find it ironic, that when we get there, we gawk at the $50 price tag of a can of pepper spray. I’m not sure if it’s my life experiences that’s making me wiser, or if I’m just getting softer in my old age, but I’m damn sure of one thing
Read More »Sunday Classic / The Fight Isn’t Over When You Get a Tarpon Boat-Side
Catching a tarpon on the fly is a feat most fly fishers dream about but never experience. Some fly anglers get lucky right out the gates, but for most of us, catching one of these beasts on the fly often takes several trips to accomplish. My good friend Capt. Bruce Chard is one of the most competent tarpon guides I know and has taught me a great deal about chasing the silverking. When he put me on my first 125 pound plus tarpon he made a point to let me know that the fight isn’t over when you get a tarpon boat-side.
Bruce Chard explained to me that many tarpon
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