There’s something to be said for the merits of “comfortable” fishing. Bluegill fishing takes you back to summertime childhood memories; stocked trout fishing marks the start of spring; and blue lining takes you on wild adventures. I’ll always love the simplicity of fishing freshwater rivers and lakes for familiar species – but there comes aContinue reading “Trial, Error, and Success”
Author Archives: Spencer Belson
Putting the Pieces Together
Waking up at 5:20 AM daily seems to make most people cringe, but for me, the benefits outweigh the grogginess. For one, I get first dibs on the shower; I also get to eat a big breakfast before school. But perhaps the biggest upside of them all is the head-start I have on checking theContinue reading “Putting the Pieces Together”
Legging Up
“Legging up” is an equestrian term used to describe the slow conditioning of a horse after a winter break. This process involves gradually increasing the horse’s exercise regimen throughout the early spring, so it can build the necessary strength and stamina to perform at its best. Similarly, preparing for the fishing season involves gradually increasingContinue reading “Legging Up”
Fly Fishing in the Dead of Winter
I look out at the pond: a few square feet of punky skim ice desperately clings to the snow-free banks in a shaded cove. Meanwhile, in the main pond, the late-afternoon sun is reflected by waves gently rolling across the water’s surface. It’s mid-February; the pond should locked under a thick layer of milky-white ice.Continue reading “Fly Fishing in the Dead of Winter”
Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications
Join us for the 2023 Trout Unlimited Teen Summit! This year’s Summit will be held at Georgetown Lake in Anaconda, Montana, with easy access to some of the nation’s finest trout fishing. The event will take place from June 28 – July 2, perfect timing for some great fishing and conservation opportunities. Teens at theContinue reading “Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications”
Recent Ties
I stayed up late the night before, prepping all my gear and tackle for the next day. Dropshot rig with 7x tippet and 13 tediously tied knots: check. New sling pack tactfully loaded with all the necessary accessories: check. Tea, smoothie, and downloaded podcasts for the long drive to the river: check. Paying close attentionContinue reading “Recent Ties”
First of Many
For diehard anglers, catching the first fish of the year is always a highly anticipated event – sometimes even a stressful one. It’s funny how, in an attempt to affirm our commitment to a sport that brings us so much enjoyment and contentment, we can drive ourselves nutty in the process. It’s as if weContinue reading “First of Many”
Fresh Start
It has been nearly a month since my last post. For over two years now, I’ve woken up early each Sunday morning to write the blog’s weekly post. There are certainly times when the words come easier than others – though it’s often those challenging pieces, the ones that really make me strain my imaginationContinue reading “Fresh Start”
That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing
On a hilltop overlooking one of Massachusetts’ cleanest and deepest ponds stands a very modest dwelling. Most visitors of the pond know this shack to have been constructed by Henry David Thoreau, the esteemed author and philosopher; but few recall the house was built for a mere $28.12-1/2. Yes, that’s a half-cent. Nowadays you couldn’tContinue reading “That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing”
Fishing Ethically
Quick Note: The word “redd” is used frequently in this post. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a redd is the nest of a salmonid (trout, salmon, or char) where their eggs are deposited. To create a redd, the female digs a depression in a gravelly substrate with her tail. For this reason,Continue reading “Fishing Ethically”
Current Angler 