Choosing a Fly Reel The definition of a fly reel has changed a great deal in the last couple of decades. Once thought of as simply ” a place to hold your line” the fly reel has evolved into a highly specialized piece of gear. With phrases such as “startup inertia”, “large arbor”, and “heat dissipative disc drag”, the beginner can often be led to believe that they need to be an expert in Newtonian physics to make an informed purchase. I'll try to simplify things a bit. Fly reel does do more than just hold line. A poor quality fly reel is a wonderful way to lose large fish, especially when fishing on light leaders and tippets. Additionally, selecting the wrong fly reel for a particular fly rod can throw off the entire balance of the outfit. So, let's get started learning about the world of fly reels. [Read More]

Fly Fishing and Kids Many things stick out when I look back to those days. I remember both of them caught their first fish on the same day. Their first fish all alone that is, one in which I hadn't hooked first and then allowed them to reel in. One time, my younger son had been standing on a rock behind me, in a small stream while I fished a riffle next to the far bank. Well he decided he was cold and wanted me to carry him back to shore. I tucked him under my non-fishing arm, and low and behold here came our Golden Retriever puppy unable to touch bottom and with a slightly panicked look. I slipped my hand under his color. This whole time I had left my nymph in the water, and I was heading back to shore with my son and puppy. If that wasn't chaotic enough, it was just then that a fish struck. I safely deposited my son and puppy, and then reeled in the fish. I was always kind of proud of that fish, even though it was just average in size. [Read More]

Fly Line Summary 2. Fly Line Taper - The taper of a fly line refers to enhancements made to the fly line to provide better casting. The most popular taper is the weight-forward taper, which is the ideal fly line for beginner. The weight forward taper fly line is also the most versatile line available. 3. Fly Line Density - The density of a fly line refers to whether the line sinks or not. A floating fly line should always be the first line used by beginners as it is the most versatile as well as the easiest to cast. Other fly lines that sink all have their uses, though, so more experienced anglers - especially those that fish in lakes, saltwater or subsurface with nymphs, should also pick up a sinking fly line that meets their fishing needs. [Read More]

Weekly Fishing Trivia Contest
Last Friday I was notified by About.com that I could no longer run this contest. I have had a lot of fun with it during the past nine years and....