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.
Read More »Sound Beginnings
By Bob Reece
All journeys do begin with a single step. Yet, the quality and direction of that step sets the tone for the rest that follow. This holds true for those people that are just entering the domain of fly tying.
Overwhelming is the word that I hear the most when talking to new tiers about them attempts to “get started”. The growth of this art form and the explosion of online outlets has created a labyrinth for those who are just starting out. Sound advice on how to begin can make a huge difference in the enjoyment level of this venture.
When my dad sat me down at his old oak desk to tie my first fly, he kept it simple. During those first few weeks he helped me focus on a modest selection of tools and techniques. Once I was introduced to these humble beginnings, he made a point to help me master them before moving on to anything else.
Read More »Down The Hatch October 12th
By Justin Pickett
The time of year has come around for the annual Down The Hatch Film Festival here in Atlanta, GA!
On October 12th, Orvis, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Sweetwater Brewing Co. will be bringing anglers and outdoorsmen and women together for brews, food, films, and fun in order to help support the “Quality Hooch” campaign. The Chattahoochee River is, without a doubt, the life-blood of Georgia. Whether you’re ITP, OTP, or way the hell out there, the health of the Chattahoochee’s waters probably has an impact on you in some way or another. Without the “Hooch” as we lovingly know it, anglers such as ourselves wouldn’t be able to enjoy the countless fishing opportunities that its waters provide.
Aside from fishing, the Chattahoochee supports a number of other recreational activities that draws over three million visitors to its waters and banks annually. Having such an incredible resource so close to such a large metropolitan area is amazing and valuable beyond compare. The “Hooch” certainly deserves our best efforts to keep her waters running as clean as possible. But it’s going to take work.
Come help us raise money and awareness for the Chattahoochee River while kicking back with a cold beer and some fish-porn. Several fly shops and outfitters will be present with products and swag, and of course you know there will be raffles. Rods, gear, T’s, trips, and the list goes on! Don’t miss out on a great night with your fellow anglers, as well as a great way to give back to our Chattahoochee! We hope to see you there!
GET THE DETAILS HERE. HTTPS://CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG/DOWN-THE-HATCH-FILM-FESTIVAL/
Read More »Sunday Classic / The UV Chocolate
HAVING AN EFFECTIVE SELECTION OF MIDGE PATTERNS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREAT DAY OF TROUT FISHING AND A DAY OF SELF LOATHING.
Often days when the midge bite is at its best nothing much else seems to be happening hatch wise. That’s an important reason to know your midges. They can make the difference between catching a lot of fish or no fish.
It’s not uncommon to see great midge hatches on cold overcast days when other bugs stay home. The great thing about the UV Chocolate is that these are the conditions where it shines. No really, it shines. The the UV ice dub wing, which already reacts to UV light is also treated with Spectrum Responce for extra highlighting.
Trout’s eyes are highly sensitive to UV light and they use that sensitivity to find food on dark days or when water clarity is low. This flys highly reflective UV profile makes it a great tool on overcast days when midges are present.
Watch the video and learn to tie the UV Chocolate.
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / Jim Harrison, Older Fishing
Many of us were young when we began to fly fish, but none of us will be young when we are done.
Everything changes as we get older and our fishing is no exception. Somewhere between experience and infirmary we find ourselves looking at the water with new eyes and in our boots we find different angler. As the river never stands still, neither does the angler.
This essay by author Jim Harrison is honest and enlightening. Young or old, it’s well worth your time.
“OLDER FISHING”
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