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”
Category Archives: Fly Tying
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”
Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship
Fall is the time for streamer fishing, or so most fly fishers claim. This time of year, trout supposedly get particularly aggressive and are willing to strike anything that comes in their path. I’ve done my fair share of streamer fishing, especially during the fall, but it hasn’t always been a love story. In fact,Continue reading “Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship”
8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage
In July, I’ll be one of the lucky few teens to attend Trout Unlimited’s Teen Summit in western North Carolina. I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to connect with other fly fishers and conservationists my age, not to mention become more involved in TU itself. The Summit will allow me to explore and learn about aContinue reading “8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage”
Confidence Flies
Every angler, no matter the time they’ve put into the sport, develops a set of confidence fly patterns that grows and evolves as they learn. At first, those flies could be based solely off appearance; perhaps they like color variety of a rainbow warrior, or the simplicity of a zebra midge. Maybe this angler hasContinue reading “Confidence Flies”
Off-Season Prep for a Productive Open Water Season
While the snow continues to pile up on my favorite lakes and ponds, the least I can do is prepare for the warmer days ahead. I go into each season with the mindset that it will be my best, and this year is no exception. With countless new tips and techniques I’ve picked up overContinue reading “Off-Season Prep for a Productive Open Water Season”
Bombproofing Your Flies: 7 Tips to Make Your Flies Last
Tying flies is easy; making them last long enough to catch a fish or two is a different story. From fish teeth to forcep jaws, flies are put through the ringer on each and every fishing trip. Even before they can be eaten by a fish, they must battle the rocks and rough gravel ofContinue reading “Bombproofing Your Flies: 7 Tips to Make Your Flies Last”
Dabbling in Photography and New Year’s Resolutions
Happy New Year! While 2021 certainly wasn’t the major change of pace from the year that shall not be named, I’m sure we can all find something to be thankful for from this year of uncertainty and hope. Throughout 2021, I found myself dabbling in photography; more specifically, photographing flies that I have tied. AsContinue reading “Dabbling in Photography and New Year’s Resolutions”
Tying the Partridge Soft Hackle Streamer
Flies these days are only getting bigger and better; unfortunately, along with this augmentation comes increased complexity. The number of materials being put on new-age streamer patterns is absurd, and in all honesty, I find it rarely increases catch rate. These flies are beefy, cast like wet socks, and cost a fortune to tie. Sure,Continue reading “Tying the Partridge Soft Hackle Streamer”
Tying the Craft Fur Leech
Tired of wasting massive amounts of perfectly good material when tying craft fur flies? Looking for a way to use the underfur from craft fur? Well look no further! This super-simple pattern is a great way to take advantage of this underutilized material, and turn it into an extremely effective fish-catching machine. This fly excelsContinue reading “Tying the Craft Fur Leech”
Current Angler 