Fly-Fishing

The Essential Gear Guide: Equip Yourself for Fly Fishing Success

2 months into fly tying.

First fly since 1993, and it's ugly.

Got bored and had access to a while bunch of fly tying supplies. Figured I should likely have a concept of it being the local fly club president. haven't tied a fly since 1993 at the Scout jamboree. seems to have turned out fine, not sure if it would survive a cast. Not sure what it's for.

First time fly fishing in the salt

Just came back from La Paz BCS. Hired a guide in Ensenada de Muertos for some fishing. We trolled lures for a few hours then Capt said change of plan and we hit the beach inside the lighthouse. He threw live sardines to get them frenzied and I cast into the fray, tuck the rod under my arm and two hand retrieve fast.

My Favorite Fishing Sunglasses (Sanofan Fluid Tint)

I’ve replied to a couple of posts in this sub with my recommendation for the best fly fishing sunglasses I’ve ever used, so I figure I’d make a post about these. These Sanofan Fluid Tints are not only the best value for money fishing sunnies I’ve ever seen, but just downright the best I’ve ever used (mauis, smiths, etc).

There are good days... and then there are giant Tarpon days 😎🇨🇷🇨🇷

Reading The Body Language of Highly Aggressive Trout

By Bob Reece As we move into the fall months, the use of streamer patterns typically increases for many fly fishers. There are many factors that lead to success when pursuing trout with these beefy creations. Evaluating the body language of the aggressive fish that chase these flies can improve your odds of hooking up.

Winter Project

My fly tying season pretty much wrapped up. What started as "fill a few spaces in the boxes after last season" may have got slightly out of hand....

The Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide [2026]

The Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide for Any Angler Buying gifts for anglers can be a tricky task. Whether you’re a participant or unfamiliar with the sport, picking the perfect gift is often an intimidating and sometimes stressful endeavor, as each angler possesses a unique taste.

Saltwater bug

Got my birthday present a little early. Headed out to the beach today. Make no mistake, I am as newbie as they come but I just couldn’t stay out of the water. 9ft rod, 9line, rio saltwater leader…just used the chartreuse fly today. Looked like a fool for the first 30 mins, but got to feeling it after that. Had one hit and miss but that feeling.

3 Classic Flies For New Tyers

By Bob Reece Three points of contact provide stability. There are a plethora of patterns that new tiers could begin with. Yet three in particular lay out the fundamental techniques needed to create a stabile foundation for your fly tying future. The Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail and Elk Hair Caddis have all proven their worth.

Keep Your Hands on the Cork

Like so many others out there, I've broken my fair share of fly rods over the years. I've slammed them in tailgates, stuck them in ceiling fans and I've squashed quite a few trying to get in and out of my cataraft to quickly.

2026 F3T Behind the Lens: The Jane Project: Carried by the Current

Fly fishing films often focus on exotic places, trophy fish, and the action-packed storytelling and adventure that anglers dream of. Yet every so often, a film that transcends the big-fish moments comes to life, sharing the deeper stories, individuals, and messages that can be overlooked.

Is the New Orvis Recon the Best Rod for the Money? Our Thoughts

Orvis just announced the newest addition to its fly rod lineup, the redesigned Recon series. Since the release of the first Recon back in 2015, this rod has developed a huge following as a mid-priced, performance-driven fly rod.

Flies That Catch Big Trout, The Truth Might Surprise You

I HAVE DEFINITE IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO CATCH BIG TROUT. APPARENTLY THEY ARE ALL WRONG. Like every other guy or gal with a fly rod, I have some pretty strong opinions about the kind of flies that catch big fish. These opinions are based on years of experience and experimentation.

Tying Tuesday: Essential Winter Midges and Technical Nymphs

When winter temperatures settle in, trout slow down—and so must our approach. Success demands technical midge patterns and refined subsurface presentations that can fool even the most lethargic fish.

Rubber, Above & Below

By Bob Reece Round rubber and spandex are two members in the vast tide of synthetic materials that have washed over the fly tying world in recent years. They have both been used to create numerous surface and subsurface patterns. However, I would argue that one is better suited for the world above while the other thrives below.

The Drift: Do We Care Too Much About Fly Rods?

Last week, I wrote about my close encounter with a highly-collectible rod, the Winston 8’6″ 4-weight BIIt, nicknamed “The Staff of Moses.” I’m still kicking myself for not buying it (despite the $800+ price tag), but hopefully when the next one comes along, I’ll have some extra cash laying around.

What Current Fly Rods Will Be Collectibles In 20 Years?

Some fly rods end up as more than just another entry in that year’s product catalog. A select few gain a cult following, often retaining their value (and exceeding their original retail price) as the years march on.

What the 2026 Snow Drought Means for Your Summer Fly Fishing

While late-season storms could still turn the tide, the current deficits would require what water managers call a "miracle March" to offset. For now, keep an eye on the gauges—but start forming your plan B.

Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Leader Calls Out Government on Dormant Conservation Fund

The president of the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association is pushing back against what he calls government "lip service" toward protecting the country's world-renowned flats fishery.

Meet the Nominees for the 2025 Orvis-Endorsed Awards!

2025 marks the 40th year that the Orvis Company will recognize excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides (ELOG) program. The winners of this year’s coveted “Of the Year” Awards will be announced virtually via blog and social posts on March 26th. Here are this year’s nominees . .

How to get started in trout Spey with Pete Kutzer

Any kind of two-handed fishing is confusing for those of us who mostly fish with a single-handed rod. I asked the great Pete Kutzer...

Fishing the Alps, with Miha Ivanc

I frequently get questions from listeners traveling to Europe, curious about fly fishing opportunities in Italy, France, Austria, and Switzerland. I've never fished there...

The Elusive Golden Trout, with Jessica Strickland

Jessica Strickland [38:07]is Trout Unlimited's California Inland Trout director and is an expert on the historical and curent range...

Podcast: 14 Tips for Spring Creek Fishing, with Brant Oswald

Brant Oswald [23:20] is a veteran guide, teacher, and fly shop operator with over 40 years in the business...

THE GREAT AWAITS #4: Chilean Patagonia

Eduardo Barrueto was born an angler. Growing up in the small village of Balmaceda, in the eastern foothills of the Chilean Andes, he loved to fish with his father, a local schoolteacher. They would often hitchhike or take a bus to explore the region’s many . . .

So you want a job in the fly-fishing industry? With Kirk Deeter

I get regular questions from people about getting a job in the fly-fishing industry, both in the podcast mailbox and in person at shows and store visits. It's a tough question and I don't have all the answers so I called upon my buddy Kirk Deeter...

North American and European fly-tying cross pollination with Barry Ord Clarke

Barry Ord Clarke is one of the world's most popular fly tiers, through his books, videos, and web site. Originally from the UK but living in Norway, Barry keeps...

Podcast: Trout, Tarpon, and Other Critters in Costa Rica, with Kevin Jackson

Did you know you can catch trout and tarpon in the same trip, along with exotic jungle species? I didn't either, but Kevin Jackson [42:22] of Fly Fish Costa Rica shares...