How do I carry a fishing net? This question can be one of the more puzzling aspects of a fly fishing setup. Where do you put it? How do you attach the net to the fly fishing vest? What mechanism will keep the net in place, and how easily can I access the net? Generally, … Read more
Panfish are one of the most accessible types of fish in North America. Additionally, these fish are both eager to take flies and put up quite a fight for their size when hooked. This combination of traits makes sunfish the perfect fly fishing target not just for someone learning how to fly fish, but experienced … Read more
Crappie are an ideal fish species to target by fly fishing, and it’s honestly surprising you don’t see it more often. They are an extremely popular panfish, and are typically targeting on ultra-light spinning gear. The lures used for crappie fishing often look suspiciously like flies that we fly anglers use all the time. An … Read more
What is the difference between a leader and tippet in fly fishing? While they are quite similar, they are two distinct components of your fly fishing setup. Let’s clarify exactly what a leader is, what tippet is, and the difference between the two. What is a Leader in Fly Fishing? A leader is the section … Read more
Fly line selection is the most important part of any fly fishing setup. Fishing for smallmouth bass on the fly is not different. Smallmouth take a wide variety of flies in a wide variety of presentations, so you want a versatile line. Smallies are typically found in more temperate water than most trout water, so … Read more
Fly fishing video games are few and far in-between. Even though there are hundreds of fishing games on the market right now, very few have a fly fishing component. Games that are dedicated to fly fishing specifically are even less common. Luckily, we’re in a golden age of indie games and niche game development, so … Read more
What is a trout set? What is a strip set? Well, they’re both distinct techniques used to set the hook while fly fishing. Okay, but what is the difference between a trout set and strip set? Let’s go over these details, and also talk a bit about when to use each method. First, let’s look … Read more
Fly fishing for longnose gar not only offers an opportunity to target an oddball fish, but it’s also tons of fun! These prehistoric fish readily take most fly presentations and put up a good fight as well. I’m honestly surprised it’s not more popular. Most gar fly fishing is quite visual. You will often be … Read more
Is it your first time fly fishing for smallmouth bass? Perhaps you’ve been chasing smallies on the fly for a while, and are looking for new fly pattern ideas? Let’s look at some of the best flies for targeting smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass are perhaps the perfect gamefish. Not only are they pound for pound … Read more
Turtles are not a prey item often considered by fly anglers. Even though adult turtles are mostly left alone, many fish will opportunistically feed on young turtles that they can swallow whole. As seen in the video below, perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss turtles as prey items. Anyone make turtle flies?!?! from … Read more