Get A Better Grip On The Spey Rod

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ALL FLY CASTING IS ABOUT CONTROL AND TIMING, NOT POWER. This is never more true than in Spey casting. Perhaps because there are more moving parts to a Spey cast, rod and line control are crucial. This is especially challenging for the beginner whose muscle memory...

The First Ten Seconds

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Chaos and panic are good words to describe what goes through many anglers heads during the first ten seconds following a big fish hookup. The decisions you make during those first seconds of the fight will often determine whether you or the fish wins the battle....

PUTMBAK!

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I wonder what the Great Lakes Steelhead would think if he knew what a controversial fish he is. No, he's not a native fish. Yes, it's a completely man made fishery. No, it's not a wild and scenic experience. Is he a real steelhead? Who cares....

How Louis Got His Groove Back

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IT'S HARD TO OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENCE IN FLY FISHING. IT'S OFTEN THE SPECIAL SAUCE ON SUCCESS. I squint into the sun. My eyes burn from sweat and sun screen. I take a few deep breaths and puff them back out. I stretch my neck...

Working a Steelhead

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I had the opportunity to watch my friend Jeff Hickman work a shy Steelhead the other day and his effort was exemplary. Swinging flies for winter steelhead is a game of numbers, very small numbers. It's a given when chasing winter fish that there may be...