Keep Your Rod Tip Off the Water for Longer Drag-Free Drifts
Are you finding yourself struggling to get long drag-free drifts on the water?
If the answer is yes, you may be holding your rod tip too close to the water during your drifts. When your rod tip is positioned too low, you’re putting unnecessary fly line on the water that you in turn have to manage in order to maintain a drag-free drift. As soon as this unwanted fly line hits the waters surface, it’s immediately subjected to the surrounding currents. Depending on how fast the current is at your feet, the less time it will take for it to be pulled downstream and begin effecting your drift. Eventually all the slack will be pulled out in your fly line and your drag-free drift will be compromised. There’s of course a happy medium though, on rod tip position. Too high, and anglers will find it difficult to effectively mend and set the hook. I generally tell my clients to keep their rod tip at least three feet off the water’s surface.
Here’s a simple drill to help you understand and visualize how improper rod tip position on the water can negatively effect and decrease the length of your drag-free drift. Lay out a nice 30+ foot cast on the water. Make sure you stop your rod tip high above the water (a good 4 feet). Watch your drift for a few seconds, and then
Read More »Still a Few Spots Open For Abaco Lodge, March 1-6, 2018
By Louis Cahill
Experience one of the coolest saltwater fisheries anywhere.
Hosting this trip to Abaco Lodge is one of the highlights of my year. Abaco is such a unique fishery and a cool experience, I look forward to it all season. I always enjoy sharing the island and its great fishing with new anglers. The 2018 South Andros Bonefish Schools sold out in days but there are still a few spots open for Abaco, March 1-6, 2018. This is a great opportunity for a tropical getaway and some dynamite flats fishing.
Here are a few things that make Abaco a great choice.
Consistent fishing
All saltwater fishing is condition-dependent but Abaco has always treated us well. When conditions are good you tend to see quality bonefish in smaller schools. That means that you are more likely to get shots at 200 fish, for example, in 20 schools of 10, rather than 2 schools of 100.
Variety
Abaco is a diverse fishery. The unique character of the Marles offers lots of opportunities to fish in different types of water. If you are looking for a challenge, the ocean side is where you can hunt colossal bones. If you want to take it up yet another notch, Abaco has legitimate permit and tarpon fishing for the adventurous.
The absolute best accommodations
Abaco Lodge is extremely comfortable and well appointed without being the least bit stuffy. It’s a fun, relaxed atmosphere with amazing meals and drinks and the friendliest staff dedicated to your every need. The beautiful grounds, pool, convenient shopping and beach make it the perfect trip to enjoy with a non-fishing spouse.
March is perfect timing
March is a great time to visit Abaco. The climate there is a bit cooler than some of the other islands so the temps are perfect. It’s a great break from cold weather at home. The fishing is heating up and the bugs aren’t bad. It’s basically paradise.
I hope you will consider joining the group at Abaco Lodge this March. It’s a decision you will not forget. Just ask a few of the anglers who have.
“What and incredible fishery….
Read More »Sunday Classic / Treat your sunglasses as though your vision depends upon them
YOUR ROD, REEL AND LINE MAY BE THE ONLY PIECES OF GEAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR SUNGLASSES.
On most days I’d rather have the wrong fly than the wrong glasses. They are not only crucial for sight fishing and reading water but make wading safer and the whole fishing experience more pleasant.
A good pair of polarized sunglasses are not only essential but expensive, too. Their effectiveness can be seriously compromised by scratches, delamination, and unnecessary wear or damage. It makes sense to take good care of them.
Still, not everything about caring for your sunglasses is intuitive. I’ve worn glasses my whole life and recently found that I was damaging my sunglasses by washing them with soap and water, a practice I assumed was the best way to clean them. Reached out to my buddy Peter Crow at Smith Optics for some advice, and he provided me with some good common sense information to share with you.
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / Bye-Bye Bristol Bay
ONCE AGAIN WE ARE AT THE THRESHOLD OF DISASTER IN ALASKA’S BRISTOL BAY
I have very little that’s positive to say about this. If you care at all about wild salmon, and for that matter the food chain on which we all depend for life, you should watch this video on the American Angler site. You should also visit http://www.savebristolbay.org and get involved.
EPA REVERSES SALMON PROTECTION FOR BRISTOL BAY
Read More »New Fly Lines From RIO
Some especially nice offerings in the new RIO fly lines.
I am particularly excited about the new Flats Pro saltwater lines. I’ve been fishing the stealth tip version and i love it. Simon Gawesworth shows off the different options and talks about the design and performance, and you can read my full review of that line for more details.
There are also the highly anticipated Scandi 3D, multi-density lines for the spey caster. Multi-density Scandi lines have been available, and very popular in Europe for some time. These lines offer the best of both worlds in casting and swinging. There’s even a 3D version of the single hand spey.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW RIO FLY LINES.
Read More »Angler Attitude Can Increase Success During Tough Fishing Conditions
Editors Note: It is with great humility that I share this article. I do so because I think the message is sound. I’d like to say thanks to Kent for the kind words. – Louis
By Kent Klewein
I’M GRATEFUL TO HAVE A FULL-TIME FISHING PARTNER THAT ISN’T AFRAID TO STEP IT UP WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH.
Louis Cahill is the epitome of this, he’s an angler that’s willing to do whatever’s necessary to put fish in the net, even when catching fish seems completely hopeless. In fact, he seems to shine when fishing conditions are really tough, and oddly as it may sound, sometimes I think he actually prefers bleak fishing conditions for the challenge and reward. It doesn’t matter if everyone on the river is getting their butts handed to them, Louis won’t except defeat until he’s given it everything he’s got. And here’s the real kicker, unlike many of us, I rarely have to pump Louis up for him to give me his absolute best on the water. All I have to do is get a serious look on my face, start cranking on the oars, and mention the words, “Let’s do this”. Nine times out of ten, he charges out the gates, like a horse at the Kentucky Derby, and ends up getting the job done by landing multiple big fish.
I think Louis has figured out how important angler attitude (staying positive, confident, grounded) is for catching fish, and many of us, including myself, need to take note. Louis openly acknowledges trout can be super technical and extremely difficult to catch at times, but he maintains a firm stance that trout don’t have a higher intelligence than us, and they can’t consciously pick and choose who they outsmart. This fishing attitude is why Louis can travel all over the world fly fishing uncharted waters and find success, and that’s why I eagerly follow his lead where ever he goes. The man always has a plan b, c, and d, if plan a fails to produce.
When fishing conditions are grim and we, as anglers, begin doubting our ability to catch fish, we often begin fishing below our skill level. Unaware, we begin straying away from our angler reasoning and fishng instincts, and in turn, we make bad fishing decisions on the water. We’ll find ourselves
Read More »Sunday Classic / Trout Utilize Shade Year Round and So Should Anglers
When fly anglers bring up the topic of targeting shade in conversation for catching trout, most of the time they’re talking about doing it during the dog days of summer. Although it’s true that trout will regularly seek out shade (for cooler water) when water temperatures are elevated, it’s not the only time nor reason trout utilize it. Trout also use shade to camouflage themselves from both predators and the prey they feed on. If you don’t agree with me, tell me if it’s easier to spot a trout in the sun or in the shade. Trout understand this, and that’s why they often gravitate towards it on sunny days, even during the colder months of the year. The third reason trout search out shade is to cut down on the glare in their eyes, so they can spot drifting food in the current more effectively.
I was on the water the other day guiding and it was forty degrees with water temperatures in the upper 30s.
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / Stalking The Seam
One of my very favorite sites is on the edge of good bye.
“Finding the seam between currents, and threading your fly just there, is the difference between playing with Pisces and enjoying the view. As hard hunting and fishing fathers, we’re stalking a similar sweet-spot – the balance between passionate pursuits and happy home-lives. Sometimes we nail it, sometimes we miss. Weeks go by when we’re not even sure it exists. But we’re getting after it all the same. There’re fish in the rivers, birds in the brush and elk in the hills… and hell if we’re going to stand and watch the scenery go by.”
That’s how Matthew Copeland and Steven Brutger, two of the most talented and enjoyable folks I know, described their site. It is, like them, modest. Stalking The Seam achieved what few outlets do. Authenticity and reliability, a creative vision rooted in sincerity and humility and a work ethic which let nothing slide. Truly something special.
Last week Steven made the reluctant announcement that he and his partner were stepping back. It wasn’t so much a “Good bye” as, “I’m not sure we’ll pass this way again.” If not, they will surely be missed.
Nothing in life lasts forever. If you are not familiar with STS, you should follow the link and do some reading, while it’s still there. If you know and love the site, you might think about dropping them a line to say thanks. At the very least, let’s all take a minute
Read More »The New Orvis Helios 3
If you’ve been living under a rock the last several months, Orvis has a new premium rod.
There’s been a lot of talk and anticipation over the new H3. With good reason, it’s an impressive stick. Built from the ground up with the goal of making the most accurate fly rod ever, the new H3 is impressive in every category. I have cast it in almost every weight from 4-8 and there isn’t a dud in the bunch.
Five years of research and development went into the H3 and it’s an impressive story. In the video Tom Rosenbauer goes into great detail on how the rod was designed and built. Take a few minutes to watch, then get out to the shop and cast the new H3.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAIL ON THE NEW ORVIS H3
Read More »10 Tips to Keep You Catching Fish During Your Fly Fishing Travels
It’s easy to get out of your game when you’re traveling and fly fishing a new piece of water. It has happened to me plenty of times, where I find myself fly fishing and going against all my fishing catching principles. Stick to what works for you on your home water and keep your confidence, and you’ll be landing beautiful fish in no time. Below are ten principles that I always make sure I live by when I’m fly fishing abroad on unfamiliar waters.
1. Spend your time fishing productive water, don’t waist your time fishing subpar water.
2. Look for the 3 C’s (Cover, Current, Cusine) to locate the hotspots.
3. Always position yourself where you can get your best presentation and drift.
4. Have your fly rig setup correctly for the water you’re fishing (nymph rig set correctly, long enough leader for spooky risers, correct tippet size, ect).
5. Take the time to figure out the food source the fish are keying in on. Take regular bug samplings throughout the day and keep an eye out for aquatic insects on the water.
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