Saturday Shoutout / S.C.O.F. Lucky # 13
IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY IS THREE.
And, to quote Editor Dave Grossman, “Like most three year olds we think that the words pee and poop are hysterical.” But if you’re a S.C.O.F. fan you knew that already.
Issue number thirteen is full of great photos, art and videos as well as the famous S.C.O.F sense of humor and some actual fly fishing info. Always the best E-zine in the business.
HIGHTAIL IT OFER TO SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY RIGHT NOW.
Read More »New Products From Fishpond for 2015
ALWAYS INNOVATIVE, ALWAYS STYLISH, ALWAYS QUALITY.
Fishpond set the standard in the fly fishing industry for packs and luggage with innovative designs, rugged materials and a unique visual aesthetic. Their offering for 2015 are no exception, but there’s more coming down the pipe from Fishpond than we’re used to.
New packs and bags focus on waterproof closures, recycled fishnet fabrics and improved ergonomics. You’d expect that, but how about a sling pack that incorporates a pistol holster? Did you see that coming?
The line of already awesome Nomad nets expands for next year as does the entire accessory line. Fishpond is clearly not content to leave the bar where it’s set. Check out the video to see some of the awesomeness from Fishpond for 2015.
Read More »3 Ways to Improve Your Fly Casting on the Flats
About ten years ago, I embarked on my first international saltwater fly fishing trip, with a couple Texas boys I’d previously met while chasing peacock bass in the Amazon. The saltwater trip took place down in Mexico, specifically the Ascension Bay area. Our primary target fish were bonefish but we kept a constant lookout for permit and tarpon. The two born and raised Texas boys had grown up fly fishing in the salt, and they both had more than enough testosterone, ego and skill to handle the demanding fishing conditions. I on the other hand, had never experienced first hand the difficulties that saltwater fly fishing brings. I really struggled with spotting fish in an unfamiliar environment and managing my presentations in 25 mph winds. I’ll never forget the humbling feeling of defeat after our first day of fly fishing on the flats. My counterparts landed a dozen bonefish a piece while I only managed to catch one. Just about the entire trip I was plagued with the feeling of being under-gunned on the water. The wind totally kicked my butt and I missed numerous opportunities because I couldn’t cast far enough to consistently get my fly to the targets my guide was calling out.
Read More »Sunday Classic / RS2 – One of My Favorite Picky Trout Fly Patterns
THERE’S DAYS WHEN TROUT FISHING IS SO SLOW, IT SEEMS LIKE CONDITIONS COULDN’T POSSIBLY GET ANY WORSE.
You may find yourself questioning if any trout in the stream are willing to feed at all. At other times, you’ll have no problem locating pods of steady risers, but everything you throw at them is rejected. My buddy Brad in this situation usually volunteers to row the boat, opting for cold beer within arms distance and gazing at picturesque landscapes. The dude always has a Plan B ready to be put into action, ensuring he always has a good time on the water whether he catches fish or just a buzz, and I respect that.
The RS2 fly pattern time and time again never fails to produce for me during tough fishing situations. And it really has the ability to catch fish just about any way you fish it. Fish it solo on fine tippet to wary sippers and you’ll fool a couple guaranteed. Drop it off the back of a larger and more visible dry fly if you’re having problems seeing it, and it will ride in the film, usually fooling fish on even the most technical trout water. I even have great luck fishing an RS2 as my dropper fly in a
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / STS And The Wolf At The Backdoor
MATT COPELAND AND STEVEN BRUTGER HAVE CREATED MY FAVORITE SITE IN FLY FISHING.
Stalking The Seam seemed to come out of nowhere just a little over a year ago. It’s now reliably some of the best content in the fly fishing media. You can count on STS for a fresh outlook, some honest talk and great images every time you visit. I’ve linked to this site before and I’m sure I will again.
This recent article by Matt Copeland caught my eye. Matt is never afraid to take on a tough or controversial topic and he usually puts it in a personal context that brings the matter home. His writing is earnest and authentic and always makes me think. I’m flat out jealous.
In this piece Matt takes on the subject of wolves at his back door. It’s worth your time.
Read More »The New Zealand Strike Indicator
IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT A PRODUCT COMES ALONG WHICH CHANGES THE WAY I FISH.
I don’t always fish an indicator, but when I do, it’s this one. I absolutely love it. It’s sensitive, stealthy, versatile and super easy to use. Long story short, it puts more fish in my net. What’s not to love about that?
When I talk to folks about the New Zealand Indicator, I’m surprised how many of them don’t understand it. Most people think of it as a yarn indicator. It’s not at all. It’s so much more. That’s why I was exited to catch up with Barry Dombro at IFTD and shoot,a video that shows how cool it is.
Check out the video and give this baby a try.
6 Easy Tips to Help Fly Anglers Catch Educated Trout
Back in 2012, I wrote an article titled “The Best Way to Improve Your Trout Game” which talked about how beneficial it was for fly fishermen to not shy away from fishing technical trout water. And that the increased challenges of such water was one of the best ways for anglers to take their fly fishing skills to the next level. Today’s article is sort of going to be a complimentary piece that falls into the same category. Specifically, I’m going to provide 6 easy tips that fly anglers of all skill levels can use to help them be more effective at catching educated trout.
Read More »South Andros, A Love Story
By Louis Cahill
I LOVE THE BAHAMAS.
It hits me about this time every year. Just about the time I start pulling out the polar fleece and looking for my fishing gloves I start thinking about Andros. I love the cold weather, it’s not that, it’s just become a rhythm for me.
This is the time of year I start thinking about bonefish and gully wash (the coconut milk rum and gin based fire water the locals drink). I start to crave conch salad and that sweet Bahamian bread.
I think about warm breezes and cool sand when I should be thinking about migrating brown trout. I start checking over my bonefish gear when I should be prepping my Spey set up. I find myself looking at the weather for Andros when I should be planning my steelhead trips.
Presenting A Fly With Your Back Cast Is Like Being Ambidextrous
LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT I THINK IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDER-RATED SALTWATER FLY CASTS. THE BACK CAST PRESENTATION.
Imagine being ambidextrous and never having to worry about what direction the wind is blowing. That’s what a back cast presentation can do for you. Using your back cast to present the fly to the fish is a key ingredient in the recipe for success in the salt.
We all know that taking advantage of every opportunity will increase your odds of catching more fish. If you can produce a nice presentation on your back cast you can take advantage of every opportunity, in any direction. Add speed and accuracy, and you will become a great saltwater fly angler.
Using the back cast as a presentation cast can be a foreign concept. Most anglers do not effectively utilize the incredible versatility of this cast, because they don’t even know to consider presenting the back cast to a fish. Everyone thinks a back cast is just a back cast and that’s all.
Let’s start looking at the many different uses for a back cast presentations. I will also explain how to use these tactics to help you catch more fish.
Angler Awareness
Your ability to have a constant awareness of wind direction is crucial. Whether you are wading or fishing from a boat, your orientation to the wind will constantly be changing. Spotting a fish will call for a quick choice of a forward cast or a back cast presentation. Your ability to know which cast will be best, ahead of time, is key. As you gain experience, this step will become automatic.
Loop Roll Over
Fully extending your line arm on your back cast presentation will help add much needed power to help roll over the loop, turning over the leader and laying your fly out straight. Lay your fly out straight and your odds of catching fish go way up.
Keep an Eye on Your Target
Since you are casting forward 180 degrees away from the fish during a back cast presentation, it’s difficult to keep an eye on the fish. Turning your body to the side a bit and opening up your stance will help you to swivel your head easier during casting to help keep your eye on the fish. Beware when you open your stance, you risk breaking your rod path off a straight line plane, causing your loop to open losing distance and accuracy.
Back Cast – Forward Cast
When presenting your fly on a back cast you should focus on all the same things you would when presenting a good forward cast. High line speed, tight loops, double hauling and a correct trajectory are all important for a successful back cast presentation.
Strip Quickly and Take Up Slack
Opening up your stance while presenting your back cast not only helps you keep an eye on the fish but will also
20 Of The Hottest New Flies For 2015
By Carter Lyles
We are totally stoked for you to see all the crazy, new, innovative flies that are out and rippin’ lips right now! Everything from warmwater to saltwater to freshwater, we’re about to knock ‘em out. Gink and Gasoline has talked with the biggest fly manufacturers in the business and we have gotten their top selling, new, and spunky flies for late 2014-2015.
Schmidterbug Sz. 06
Tied By: Umpqua Feather Merchants
Designed By: Brian Schmidt
Colors: Red/White, Black, Yellow, Coachdog, Baby Bass
Bushwacker Sz 2/0
Tied By: Umpqua Feather Merchants
Designed By: Brian Hudspeth
Colors: Shad, Chart/White, Blue/White, Black/Purple, White
Extra Comments: This is a great weedless minnow pattern that has all of the right flash in it to drive fish nuts.
Stone Daddy Sz 6,8
Tied By: Umpqua Feather Merchants
Designed By: Doug Ouellette
Colors: Amber/Orange
Extra Comments: Well… You see the damn thing. I’m not going to mimic a college football announcer and state the obvious the whole time- this thing is a fish catching machine!
The Game Changer
Tied By: Umpqua Feather Merchants
Designed By: Blane Chocklett
Colors: Rainbow, Pearl/White
Extra Comments: You might as well just use a real minnow. Seriously. I have fished this thing and it flat out produces. If you don’t have one in your box go ahead and get fifty.