Techniques

409 articles tagged with "Techniques"

Reel handle broke off flush

Reel handle broke off flush

Anyone tried to extract the small threaded shaft for a handle on your fly reel. I found one and it's in pretty good shape other than the handle. I was thinking about trying to drill a small hole and extract it with a small screw driver or something. Any ideas or tips?

Reddit r/flytying
4 Tips For Capturing Better Release Shots of Your Fish

4 Tips For Capturing Better Release Shots of Your Fish

Your best shot at capturing a good photograph of you and your catch, is first having someone along with you that's competent with a camera in their hands. But even a world class photographer will tell you, it's extremely difficult getting those picture perfect photographs, if the person handling the fish has no clue what their doing.

Gink & Gasoline
First deer hair fly

First deer hair fly

I want to catch one of these big Florida grass carp on the fly so I bought some dog biscuit flies, but I wasn’t feeling good about trying to land a 15-40lb grass carp on those tiny ahh hooks. So I tried to tie one up on a sz 6 mustad tarpon streamer hook. I think it turned out alright. Just trimmed it up with my regular straight tying scissors.

Reddit r/flytying
Flaming Gorge (Green River) Utah

Flaming Gorge (Green River) Utah

My (AMAZINGLY THOUGHTFUL) wife got me a guided float trip on the green river for Christmas for I got to cash that in about a week ago. Started out with a double nymph rig (size 20 and 24 scuds) and landed close to probably 10. A mix of bows and browns.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Night fishing

Night fishing

Took my brother out for his first trout fishing experience and he out fished me. Although he used all my gear and I told him where to cast its was thrilling experience as a novice myself to teach someone else my hobby. Biggest was 15" smallest was around 9.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Why You Should Invest In Your Casting

Why You Should Invest In Your Casting

By Justin Pickett I have never met anyone who could pick up a five-weight fly rod and make consistent, accurate fifty-foot casts without ever having prior experience with fly casting. I used to play a ton of golf. So much so that at one point, much earlier in my youth, I could hold my own on any given course and typically shoot Par.

Gink & Gasoline
Tips on catching big rainbows in lakes?

Tips on catching big rainbows in lakes?

I’ve always had decent luck and know how to catch decent sized probably stocked trout but, I’m starting to go out to bigger lakes here in Alaska and got skunked yesterday using all my usual lures and techniques for 10 inchers.

Reddit r/troutfishing
My first successful fly fishing trip.

My first successful fly fishing trip.

Tl;dr: finally learning how to fly fish after conventional fishing for yearsBought this 4 wt set up last year for future camping amd back packing trips after seeing it on sale. I had nothing but issues on the first trip out and didn't catch anything but tangles and tress/bushes so I put down for the rest of the season.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Lock your forceps

Lock your forceps

By Dan Frasier For all you flats guys and bank fishermen out there. Landing, unhooking, wrangling, getting a picture, and releasing a fish can all turn into a giant goat rodeo. Nothing makes it worse than having a bare hook connected to a nearly invisible line which is tied to your very expensive rod; flailing about.

Gink & Gasoline
Thoughts on these pike flies I tied tonight?

Thoughts on these pike flies I tied tonight?

I am pretty new to fly tying. I think I have tied a total of 6 flies before these two. I know they are not the prettiest but do you think they will still catch fish? Criticism is welcome as long as its constructive! Trying to improve so I welcome any tips you have. If I am doing things right, tell me that as well.

Reddit r/flytying
Son Pr’d twice this week

Son Pr’d twice this week

It took me a while to get him into trout, but I think he’s coming around quickly. After he caught the PR today he said “ man there really isn’t a more beautiful fish”. I felt I’d done something right after that🤣.South eastern Minnesota18 and 20 inch. Nothing crazy big but he was jacked.

Reddit r/troutfishing
How are you fishing this?

How are you fishing this?

Was out fly fishing and couldn’t get my flies out far enough with a 9’ 5wt will I need a bigger heavier rod since my rivers are bigger? Also these pools were at least 10-15 foot deep and I can’t imagine how I would be able to cast effectively with that amount of leader on.

Reddit r/flyfishing
My first striper on a fly!

My first striper on a fly!

Finally caught a nice bass on the North Fork flats. I’ve been skunked before and this weekend I had plenty of good shots, just could not lay down a quality cast and entice a bite. Finicky mofos! Then late on Sunday one came in at 12 o’clock, I landed my fly five feet from his nose, stripped a few time and got the bite.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Been on a wet fly kick

Been on a wet fly kick

As spring has progressed, I’ve found myself really enjoying swinging up trout on soft hackles with my single hand Spey rig. I’ve also enjoyed tying these flies. Simple, impressionistic, and irresistible under the right conditions.

Reddit r/flytying
Olsen Blowtorch ( variation)

Olsen Blowtorch ( variation)

Repost because apparently I have no idea how to use Reddit.Something I came up with while fishing deep murky fast pocket water in Northern New Mexico.Starting fly tying seriously a week ago ! Let me know what you guys think !

Reddit r/flytying
Nets, Go Big or Go Home

Nets, Go Big or Go Home

I received an email from a reader the other day asking advice on steelhead nets. I thought it was a topic worth some discussion. We put a lot of thought into rods, reels, lines and flies but often the piece of equipment that seals the deal is an afterthought.

Gink & Gasoline
What a difference

What a difference

Like the title says what a difference (to me) in casting bass flys on a 6wt vs a 5wt. I’d loaded up 6wt line but had been using a 5wt rod. I was making do but wanted to at least see if there was a difference so I ordered a new rod to try. HUGE difference!!

Reddit r/flyfishing
Limited out in 30 min!

Limited out in 30 min!

Two words: electric chicken. I lied four words! Crappie magnet! We swear by them we havent even used our new colors cuz it works so dang well! Cast after cast. A wonderful day.I’m new to eating fish I still despise the fishy taste. My first fish I ate was the first flounder I ever caught, I almost cried it tasted like chicken to me.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Bob Heads Downstream

Bob Heads Downstream

DON’T WE ALL KNOW THE FEELING? See more of Bob and the art of Andrea Larko on Etsy. The post Bob Heads Downstream first appeared on Fly Fishing | Gink and Gasoline | How to Fly Fish | Trout Fishing | Fly Tying | Fly Fishing Blog.

Gink & Gasoline
Gotta love spring brookies !

Gotta love spring brookies !

Been out to couple lakes already this season. But decided to head way back to see if I could hook into some beauties. It was a cold misty overcast day. Fishing was super slow. But was able to hook into this guy towards the end of the day.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Caring For Zip-front Waders

Caring For Zip-front Waders

MODERN WATERPROOF ZIPPERS HAVE REVOLUTIONIZED THE DESIGN OF WADERS. The ease and convenience of zip-front waders is easy to get used to. There was a time when I scoffed at the idea, but now I can't see fishing in anything else. Especially with the durability and dependability found in the new waterproof zippers.

Gink & Gasoline
First catch fly fishing

First catch fly fishing

I’ve spent the last 10 years spin fishing for bass, walleye and pike in Minnesota. I’ve gotten hooked and experienced all the highs and lows fishing has to offer. Always admired and appreciated fly fishing because of the technique, approach and culture that is associated with it but never had anyone around me that was into it.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Suggestions for My Next Rod/Reel Wt

Suggestions for My Next Rod/Reel Wt

*Pic for attention*Hey everybody! I started fly fishing two years ago. My first rod was a 5wt that I loved, but wanted something a little more delicate for smaller streams in Colorado. I then bought a 4wt. At the time I didn’t realize how close these two were to one another.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Warm Weather Can = Early Hatches

Warm Weather Can = Early Hatches

I almost got caught with my pants down fishing a spring creek the other day. Without even giving it a second thought, I had left the cabin without one of my dry fly boxes, that's loaded with all my favorite Sulphur and Light Cahill patterns.

Gink & Gasoline
Lowcountry Winter Redfish

Lowcountry Winter Redfish

By Owen Plair What makes the winter fishing for redfish so special? There are not many fisheries that have a winter time season, due to migratory fish, cold temps, snow, and ice. One of the many great things about the Lowcountry is that it is a year round fishery for Redfish.

Gink & Gasoline
How to Tie: The Mickey Finn

How to Tie: The Mickey Finn

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Tim Flagler with Tightlinevideo ties a classic streamer that will catch fish anywhere in the world, the Mickey Finn. Learn How to Tie This Fly: Difficulty: Easy In the last several years, fly tying has seen incredible innovations.

Fly Lords
In Our Fly We Trust

In Our Fly We Trust

By Jesse Lowry Fishing is as much of a mental game as any sport. Whether it's having confidence in your gear, the conditions, your technique, hell, even in the fish, the psychological factors play a role in how we perform on the water.

Gink & Gasoline
I'm forcing myself to be a purist.

I'm forcing myself to be a purist.

Have been fly fishing since the age of 16.I've hit a ceiling in my skill level. A large part of that is by buying flies.I rely on "what's worked before" or what the local guide says or what looks good vs understanding the insects, the hatches, the streams in detail.Just put my Fullingmill fly box with 300 flies on ebay.

Reddit r/flyfishing
DRIFTING

DRIFTING

By Marcus Saunders That gentle morning light seems to push back all those fears that hound our minds at 3am. Glancing sideways out of the ute window, I see vague outlines race by as the human world slowly comes into focus; the radio is silent, and only the occasional rattle of the trailer reminds me that the boat is in tow.

Gink & Gasoline
Newbie feeling overwhelmed

Newbie feeling overwhelmed

I’m sure this has been talked about already so I’m sorry to beat a dead horse. What did you all do to stop yourself from feeling overwhelmed? I’ve only ever went fishing for catfish. Just cast out and leave it sit. So I’ve never been the best fisherman to begin with.

Reddit r/flyfishing
All That Glitters

All That Glitters

By Louis Cahill About once a year I get an email from the editor of a fishing magazine saying, “I heard you have photos of golden trout.” The answer is yes, but better than half the time the question is completely wrong.

Gink & Gasoline
Brown trout?

Brown trout?

Caught on a wet fly(not sure which one) centerpin fishing in the South Branch of the Raritan River, NJ. This is a brown trout, right?

Reddit r/troutfishing
Do you use weed guards on your streamers?

Do you use weed guards on your streamers?

I had my first day river fishing recently using nymphs and I loved it. The only thing I didn't love was the weeds and losing my nymphs on a 7x tippet. I'd love to fish some wooly buggers now but the last time I did it I lost it on the first cast so now I'm thinking I should try using weed guards.

Reddit r/flytying
The Drift: Thankful For Muddy Water

The Drift: Thankful For Muddy Water

There’s this frenzied energy in the air, this mad dash in trout towns all over the country – get to the rivers, and fish them hard, before runoff hits and we’re confined to lakes until the end of June. Usually, this is right about when that fervor hits its peak.

Fly Lords
Lionfish – Tasty on Pizza, Hell on the Ecosystem

Lionfish – Tasty on Pizza, Hell on the Ecosystem

Lionfish may be the mother of all invasive species. Take a moment to think about this: a lionfish (native to the Indo-Pacific) has no natural predators in the Atlantic ocean. It can live up to fifteen years, reaching sexual maturity in less than a year. Once mature, a pair can spawn as often as every four days.

Gink & Gasoline
First lake trout on a 4wt from shore

First lake trout on a 4wt from shore

Went to visit family and threw the 4wt in the car because why not? Was hoping to find some brown trout from shore given the info I’d read on the water. Had about 12 perch and no luck on a single trout in 5+ hrs. Sadly I had forgotten the streamer box at home but had one (very poorly) home tied black bugger leftover in the bottom of my gear bag.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Here’s one for you…

Here’s one for you…

Went to the West Branch of the Delaware for a float yesterday with a long-time friend who’d always wanted to try the sport. On her first day of fly fishing. With her very first cast of a dry fly. With a four weight. With 6x tippet. She hooks, fights, and lands the wild brown pictured.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Tie The White Marabou Streamer

Tie The White Marabou Streamer

MY GOOD FRIEND DAN FLYNN GREW UP IN MAINE CHASING THE GIANT BROOK TROUT IN THE RANGELEY LAKES REGION. These days you can find him high in the headwaters of the Southern Appalachians after the local brookies or tied into a big wild brown downstream. The geography may have changed but there is still a lot of Maine in his tying.

Gink & Gasoline
Trying to start

Trying to start

Hey everyone,Been debating getting into tying. Doing a lot of trout fishing recently and with it comes a lot of donations to the trees. But I do a ton of saltwater fly fishing as well. So I think the next evolution I fear will be getting into tying to learn more about rivers and when to throw what, especially for trout.

Reddit r/flytying
Ness C trout variant

Ness C trout variant

Tied a Ness C for trout on a size 10. Almost entirely faithful to the description given in Trout&Salmon, apart from red gp tippet instead of purple in the tail and the use of hackle instead of bucktail. Quite chuffed with how it came out.

Reddit r/flytying
DeGala’s Hula Damsel

DeGala’s Hula Damsel

By Herman deGala It’s the time of year when the rivers and creeks around Colorado are blown out because of run-off but the weather is just gorgeous. What is a body to do? Of course, you could head to some tailwater. Until you get there and find everyone thought the same thing. Or you could head to your nearby lake or pond. It’s all filled up.

Gink & Gasoline
Tips for fishing for a beginner?

Tips for fishing for a beginner?

In a few weeks I'm going to Yosemite national park and I want to try my hand at trout fishing. I'm still a beginner and I just have a telescopic rod and spinner combo. What line and bait should I use? There's a lot of regulations for fishing in the park so any help would be great!

Reddit r/troutfishing
Any Advice?

Any Advice?

A close family friend and mentor of mine in his late 70’s introduced me to fly fishing last summer. He guided all around Montana when he was my age and he said his wife panted rods for Winston when they were living in Twin Bridges.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Beautiful Brook Trout

Beautiful Brook Trout

I love the colors on these fish. Mostly caught on double nymph rigs, but a few hit some medium size streamers (drifting them). I assume most of them are stocked but don’t know for sure.Location: New Hampshire

Reddit r/flyfishing
Am I just bad at fishing?

Am I just bad at fishing?

Spent a decent bit out on this river today and caught absolutely zero fish. Initially started by throwing inline spinners upstream, but it was impossible to get the lure to spin at all due to the current and it wasn’t until it got downstream where it had any action.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Looking for people to test a fly tying app

Looking for people to test a fly tying app

Mods: please remove if not allowed but looking for feedback.Hey all — I got tired of bouncing between random recipes, YouTube videos, and messy material lists, so I built a fly tying app to make things easier at the vise.Right now it includes:Fly pattern libraryRecipes + tutorialsMaterial trackin...

Reddit r/flytying
Streamer Eater

Streamer Eater

Had a slam on my local river with streamers yesterday. Never moved so many fish in this river like I did yesterday. My 6wt setup with large arbor reel and full sink line was originally for Stillwater but it’s become a killer for me in my go to river.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Glass Is Good!

Glass Is Good!

By Justin Pickett Oh, the world of fast fly rods…. They can be great tools. Some of my favorite rods are most definitely faster than your “average joe” rod.

Gink & Gasoline
The Closest Tarpon Eat Ever?

The Closest Tarpon Eat Ever?

A Note from Alexander Gomez (@silverkinggomez): “That day we were fishing for resident tarpon. We happened to hit the mother load on a super calm day. Literally the perfect tarpon day multiple eats and landed a couple. I’m a third generation flyfishing guide.

Fly Lords
Hemostat Hacks For Fly-Fisherman

Hemostat Hacks For Fly-Fisherman

By Justin Pickett A pair of hemostats can save a fly fisherman serious time on the water! If I were asked what one tool, or accessory, I absolutely have to have with me on the water, I would have to say it is, without a doubt, my trusty pair of hemostats. Not my sunglasses, nippers, or my net, but hemostats.

Gink & Gasoline
Humpy Dumpy

Humpy Dumpy

Foam is fake, but it makes the fly float forever. Jack Horner invented this fly in the 40's. Tied close to the original, but the back is of foam and not deer or elk hair.Edit: This fat boy is known as the Humphrey.

Reddit r/flytying
Caught the same big bow from a few days ago

Caught the same big bow from a few days ago

This guy is missing left eye, easy to I.D. but I knew it was him as soon as he was close to the bank. Plus another solid rainbow that i probably should've kept for dinner. Spotted a palomino also who wanted nothing to do with the bait I had 😅 (cant figure out how to post video with the pictures) any tips for those stubborn bastards would be cool.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Fly Fishing Tips for Stocked Trout

Fly Fishing Tips for Stocked Trout

My first memory of bringing a trout to hand with a fly rod took place back in the spring of 1990, on a seasonal trout stream, located 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA. It was a far cry from a trophy trout at 10-inches, but that freshly stocked rainbow trout, touched my eleven year old fishing soul to the core.

Gink & Gasoline
Too much Elk Hair?

Too much Elk Hair?

Tying some Elk Hair Caddis and need advice and tips of laying the elk hair. Is this too much material? And what are tips for cutting off the patch?Thanks!This is a #16

Reddit r/flytying
My first trout on the fly rod!!!!

My first trout on the fly rod!!!!

Today I caught my first trout on my fly rod! After grinding multiple spots out near me that are stocked with trout, I finally landed this little guy! Thanks to everyone that responded to my previous post on me being super discouraged that I couldn’t even get bites from trout. Caught this stocked guy at a pond with a green wooly bugger.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Competitive Fishing and Responsibility

Competitive Fishing and Responsibility

This article, like many I’ve written, began with a conversation I had with my brother, Tom. Tom and I are brothers separated by a mutual hobby. We both love to fish but in very different ways. Tom gets after bass on gear. A skill I respect but don’t especially prefer. I suck with a gear rod and it’s just not the experience I enjoy.

Gink & Gasoline
Will these catch trout?

Will these catch trout?

I want to try to go trout fishing tomorrow but I’ve never gone and I have these lures for pan fish and other things like that and I just wanted to know if these would work for trout fishing I also have some live worms I plan on bringing with me. Also any tips or tricks?

Reddit r/troutfishing
Guest Tyer

Guest Tyer

I have an Atlantic Salmon trip coming up so I’ve been working on preparing for that most evenings recently. My 7yo couldn’t sleep last night so she joined me at the vise and spun up her first undertaker. Good chance this the the first fly on the tippet for the trip next month.

Reddit r/flytying
Don’t Hate the River

Don’t Hate the River

I was talking with a friend the other day about doing some fishing in Colorado, his home state. This is a good topic to bring up if you are trying to lure me into an extended conversation. Colorado is near to my heart. He was throwing out places we might fish and said "I know you love the Dream Stream, but I hate that place".

Gink & Gasoline
Well.. im addicted now

Well.. im addicted now

Bought my first fly rod a few weeks ago. This afternoon was the most active fishing day I've ever experienced. It was take after take, I had to release a bunch but kept my limit for supper. Haven't caught anything until today and iv been out alot trying to get my casts down.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Browns Rising

Browns Rising

Back in 2013 Kent Klewein and I were in a tire commercial. I was encouraged by a reader to reshare this video from 5 years ago. It seems like yesterday but our readership has grown so much since then that plenty of you have not seen it. If you have, please excuse the old news. If you haven’t, take a few minutes and enjoy some cool fishing footage.

Gink & Gasoline
Another salmonfly

Another salmonfly

I have been filling orders for salmonflies and trying to tie my own at the same time 😓 I never want to miss this hatch and they are going off on the Yakima right now

Reddit r/flytying
Don't know nothin about bamboo

Don't know nothin about bamboo

Found this old bamboo rod in my late father-in-law's things, still in the box, still wrapped in the original paper. All my rods are graphite or fiberglass, never used bamboo. It's got 3 different tips, and the handle is reversible, so it can be used for a fly reel or spin reel I think. Any help on what I'm looking at would be much appreciated.

Reddit r/flyfishing
need help with fly tying

need help with fly tying

what is this fly and how would you tie it? the booty is craft fur. is it a dragonfly nymph? mostly i want to know how to do the hollow craft fur with flashhttps://preview.redd.it/qwck1ksghdyg1.png?width=984&format=png&auto=webp&s=0fc1f926b27b47d36f3d346eee7ba806dcc3ed5c

Reddit r/flytying
How do you guys fish at dusk?

How do you guys fish at dusk?

The bite at a spot near me seems to light up at dusk, but I have such a hard time with visibility that I can’t really fish it. Seems like the fish are tearing up emergers but I’m basically blind casting - even with the dry dropper it’s hard to keep track once I cast. Any tips for low light fishing?

Reddit r/flyfishing
Working on a nymph box

Working on a nymph box

I’m quite new to tying and would appreciate feedback and tips and tricks for nymphs.First three rows are zebra midges sizes 18, 16 and 14. The shorter ones are tied on Hanak BL500 and the longer ones on Tiemco TMC100.The fourth row are pheasant tails.

Reddit r/flytying
We be Grubbin’

We be Grubbin’

By Chris Dore Things are hotting up in Southern NZ and to many Southern locals, this means Willow Grubbing time! Willow grubs are the larvae of the Saw Fly (Pontania Proxima) , and pupate within those angry red blisters found on the leaves of willow trees.

Gink & Gasoline
Fly Fisherman - June/July 2026

Fly Fisherman - June/July 2026

Fly Fisherman is the world's leading magazine for fly fishing. Every issue provides expert advice on the latest fly fishing techniques, the newest tackle and the hottest new fly patterns. Through informative articles, it highlights the best destinations for t…

Rlsbb.to
Presenting Your Fly To A School Of Bonefish

Presenting Your Fly To A School Of Bonefish

Bonefish are on the move! Presenting your fly to a school of bonefish has to become second nature. There is often not time to make a plan. The successful angler is one who can make split second decisions and place the fly quickly and accurately. It's a little like shooting a shotgun.

Gink & Gasoline
My super simple trout magnet setup

My super simple trout magnet setup

I use the 1/64th oz. Trout magnet jig head (I like gold) tied to 2-8 lbs. fluoro carbon leader (I use 4lbs. or 5lbs. PLine fluoroclear) use lightest bobber you can that still allows you to see it well and cast far enough. (I use the pink 3/8 thill pencil bobber, spring bobber).

Reddit r/troutfishing
Today’s catches

Today’s catches

I had three hours of down time before work so I decided to go trout fishing. Every time I put a rig back out the other got striked (I missed around 2-7 fish)

Reddit r/troutfishing
Friends Don’t Let Friends Fish Muds

Friends Don’t Let Friends Fish Muds

"THIS IS THE KIND OF BONEFISHING THAT RUINS YOU. THE KIND OF FISHING THAT IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS." The sky is a perfect robin's egg blue. Reflections of the morning sun dance on the underside on the mangroves giving the bright green leaves an unnatural glow.

Gink & Gasoline
One Fly, One Cast, One Tarpon

One Fly, One Cast, One Tarpon

The bow of the skiff rises and falls under my feet as my eyes scan the vast expanse of blue and green. We call this riding the bull. Balancing on a casting platform as the boat bobs and shifts in the surf. Out on the ocean side, that’s where you find migrating tarpon. These big fish push past in schools, often single file.

Gink & Gasoline
The Bobber Conundrum

The Bobber Conundrum

THE OTHER DAY I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM A READER. *** "Just wanted to bring up an issue that has been eating at my soul for years! I just can't wrap my arms around the thought of using a bobber.

Gink & Gasoline
Bob Stays Out Late

Bob Stays Out Late

Bob isn’t a quitter, even when he should be. Maybe there will be a hex hatch…where’s my truck? See more of Bob and the angling art of Andrea Larko on Etsy. The post Bob Stays Out Late first appeared on Fly Fishing | Gink and Gasoline | How to Fly Fish | Trout Fishing | Fly Tying | Fly Fishing Blog.

Gink & Gasoline
The Tellico Nymph

The Tellico Nymph

THE TELLICO NYMPH IS A SOUTHERN CLASSIC. Named after the storied North Carolina river where it was proven fool big browns, the Tellico Nymph is a southern as moonshine and just as effective. It's a simple impressionistic fly that works in any size, although #10 is a favorite.

Gink & Gasoline
Catching Air

Catching Air

By: Alice Tesar My outdoor gear is always put to the test when I take it for a spin with my toddler. Recently my partner and I were fishing with him at a local spot that has a wide rocky bend. We let him play around, eat a few rocks, and investigate sunbathing snakes while we got some casts in.

Gink & Gasoline
How to Tie: The Kinky Muddler

How to Tie: The Kinky Muddler

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, LiFliesMike ties a fantastic baitfish pattern just in time for the spring striped bass migration, the Kinky Muddler. Learn How to Tie This Fly: Difficulty: Difficult For many anglers on the East Coast, spring means happy trout and the emergence of hatches and sustainable insect life.

Fly Lords
8 Tips For Figuring Out The Trout

8 Tips For Figuring Out The Trout

How do you find and catch trout on days when there doesn’t seem to be much action? When the river looks like it’s boiling with rising trout and you’re having to wipe the BWOs out of your eyes just to tie on a fly, it doesn’t take a degree in entomology to catch fish.

Gink & Gasoline
Yellowhammers and Specks

Yellowhammers and Specks

"I thought you might like these," my brother Tom holds out an old yellowed envelope. "I found them going through some of Pete's things." William Starling Cahill, who preferred to be called Pete, was my Grandfather and the man who taught me to fly fish.

Gink & Gasoline
Add A Little Life To Your Flies

Add A Little Life To Your Flies

“TWITCH, TWITCH, STOP!”, EXCLAIMS MY GUIDE, EDUARDO. I’ve heard these words all week and now it's just become second nature for me as soon as my dry fly hits the water. I have to admit though, it's been extremely effective. We’re taught as newbies to focus on presenting our fly on a drag free, dead drift and that's great.

Gink & Gasoline
What did I do wrong?

What did I do wrong?

I’m pretty new to fly fishing. Today I went to Sipsey Fork in Central Alabama for the second time to try to get some trout. It was a beautiful day with no wind and the current was not very strong. I found a hole where trout were surfacing pretty continuously however I could not get them to bite on anything. I tied on everything in my box.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Trout Deformities

Trout Deformities

I SPOTTED THIS LITTLE GUY IN A HATCHERY SUPPORTED STREAM IN NORTH CAROLINA AND FISHED TO HIM UNTIL I CAUGHT HIM SO I COULD GET A PHOTO. While not common exactly, deformities like this are not unusual in either hatcheries or in the wild but you seldom see a 'special' fish like this in a wild stream.

Gink & Gasoline
Low Viz

Low Viz

The air around me is hot, still and thick enough to breathe with a knife and fork. The edges of my hair are damp with sweat. The bow of the boat bobs gently under my feet to the steady "bloop, bloop" of the push pole. All around me the world is a blue-white cyclorama. The sky sopping up the sea without a trace of horizon.

Gink & Gasoline
Night fishing on a lake?

Night fishing on a lake?

Was out past dark at a local lake and couldn't catch a trout to save my life. Before the sun set, I caught plenty, but after dark nothing seemed to work.Any tips for what I need to change to catch trout (in a lake preferably) after the sun sets?

Reddit r/troutfishing
Should I use a leader for this low vis 0.08mm braid?

Should I use a leader for this low vis 0.08mm braid?

Today my new line arrived, I have ordered it to improve my casting distance on my BFS combo.I use this setup mainly to fish for trout in ponds with medium or high fishing pressure and medium to low visibility.Now my question is since this is only 0,08mm braid in a low vis color, do I still need a...

Reddit r/troutfishing
How to Tie: Hare’s Ear Nymph

How to Tie: Hare’s Ear Nymph

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Davie McPhail ties a classic pattern that has brought more trout to hand than possibly any other, the Hare’s Ear Nymph. Learn How to Tie This Fly: Difficulty: Easy This pattern has made several appearances in this series through variations, but surprisingly never for the original design.

Fly Lords
How are my trout flies?

How are my trout flies?

Grew up fishing in Florida, so 90% of my tying has been big saltwater/bass bugs. Going to Montana this summer and had to start learning how to actually tie bugs. How am I doing? Any advice on how to improve or must have patterns? What do you wish someone told you when you started tying trout bugs?

Reddit r/flytying
Starter deer hair patterns

Starter deer hair patterns

I've been enjoying tying streamers lately, and it's about time I start learning how to tie the ones with deer hair heads. I've never tied anything with deer hair, so I'm looking for good patterns for starting out learning how to tie with deer hair.

Reddit r/flytying
Dead or Alive

Dead or Alive

by: Landon Mayer On many Colorado tailwaters, such as the Fryingpan, Blue, or Taylor, a good Mysis pattern is money. With so many Mysis shrimp patterns on the market, finding the best one can be problematic. Many lack the movement and color of the natural crustaceans.

Gink & Gasoline
Last fly for a while.

Last fly for a while.

Headed off to work for a few months. Gonna miss my hobby... And my wife and kid of course 😆Freestyle inspired by a GP using some self dyed tippet

Reddit r/flytying
Puffballs waiting for the chopping block

Puffballs waiting for the chopping block

I am a huge fan of Pat Cohens legs. He also has a book (Super Bass Flies) I highly recommend getting if you can. I’ve tied well over 75 of his deer hair frogs dialing the original pattern in but changing it a little bit to suite my needs. These are a lighter weight version of his flutter frogs that can be thrown on a 6-7 weight fly rod.

Reddit r/flytying
Fly Fishing: The Popper-Dropper Rig

Fly Fishing: The Popper-Dropper Rig

Like a lot of kids, I spent most of my adolescent summers chasing bass and bream on the local creeks and ponds in my area. Most days, a single rubber-legged popper tied to the end of my leader, was all that I needed to catch fat bream and the occasional lunker bass.

Gink & Gasoline
#8 olive clouser swimming nymph

#8 olive clouser swimming nymph

Tied up nice and buggy with UTC olive 140 Denier on a Dai-Riki 060 with bright green herl, lemon lime flash, olive hen saddle, olives hares ear dubbing, and olive rabbit zonkers. Lightly weighted with some .020 lead wire to get to the carp in the pond at my local park.

Reddit r/flytying
Fly fishing stocked trout question

Fly fishing stocked trout question

I was fishing stocked trout in a small stream in Montgomery County Maryland the other day and the trout were rising frequently at dusk. I am not sure what they were eating. I saw one mayfly looking bug but do not think that was the main hatch. I would like to try to fly fish but do not know much.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Reece’s Masterpiece Midge

Reece’s Masterpiece Midge

By Bob Reece From still to moving waters, members of the Chironomidae family abound. As a result of this, they are frequently found on the dietary menu of trout. Having a diverse selection of imitations for this family of insects can greatly increase your chances of connecting with fish.

Gink & Gasoline
Polar fiber minnow

Polar fiber minnow

https://youtu.be/UevFAKWBhek?si=kiDnPZ8JuI762 U9An older pattern nowadays, certainly underrated. Trout to tarpon eat these and everything in between. They're durable, easy to tie and 100% foul proof if tied right.

Reddit r/flytying
Convince me I need a 4wt (and feel free to make recs)

Convince me I need a 4wt (and feel free to make recs)

I mostly fish large rivers and lakes with an 8wt and 6wt TFO (love them). When I hit the smaller creeks I go to a 5wt glass rod (very noodly) which I like very much. But I have access to some very narrow and brushy creeks with trout and smallies (that get little pressure) and wonder if I should go a little lighter and modern to enjoy these fully.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Think Twice About Your Tippet Size

Think Twice About Your Tippet Size

HAVE YOU EVER MADE THE MISTAKE OF CUTTING OFF YOUR DRY FLY OR NYMPH RIG AND QUICKLY TYING ON A STREAMER TO TARGET A BIG FISH? You know, when your too lazy or in a hurry to take the time to upsize to the appropriate tippet size generally called for with streamers.

Gink & Gasoline
Rosa Parks Fished Streamers

Rosa Parks Fished Streamers

Stand up with me here streamer guys, you know what I'm talking about! First of all I am in no way making light of Ms. Parks courageous acts or life of service. She is on my list of personal heroes and that list is pretty damn short.

Gink & Gasoline
Why can’t I catch stocked trout?

Why can’t I catch stocked trout?

I live in Maryland just two days ago our wonderful spring stocking program dumped over 800 fish into a few close by sections of Seneca Creek. Brown and golden trout. Especially near the access point it is very crowed on the opening day I tried throwing spinners and trout magnet plastics with a bobber. The second day I tried original power bait.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Frustrated. Why can't I catch anything?

Frustrated. Why can't I catch anything?

Central NY. Last couple days were below freezing, water is high because we got quite a bit of rain before it got cold. Today was mostly overcast with occasional sun peeking through. It was windy, temps mid to high 40s.I was mostly fishing with nymphs, strike indicator and without.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Expressionist Brown

Expressionist Brown

Study the stream bed, brown and green. Through ripples and reflections, we find rocks and wood, maybe a shining piece of metal someone has left behind. Even the flash of a flake of mica in the sand, no bigger than a fishes scale. How is it that we miss the trout.

Gink & Gasoline
First trout on a fly rod! I’m addicted!

First trout on a fly rod! I’m addicted!

I decided to try my hand at fly fishing back in December and bought a 9’ 5wt and a 7’6” 3wt. After a few unsuccessful trips I finally caught a few brown in Hot Creek in California on a recent trip to the Eastern Sierra. The afternoons of practicing fly casts in my front yard paid off.

Reddit r/flyfishing
The In-Law’s Bass Pond

The In-Law’s Bass Pond

"The pond was full of those great lily pads, and I guess that's where the problem started." I guess I should be happy, but I'm not. Ever since my in-laws moved to South Carolina the compulsory visits have had a silver lining. I discovered a little bass pond just down the road.

Gink & Gasoline
Fishing etiquette

Fishing etiquette

What are people's thoughts on this? There is a known spot on a local creek that gets stocked and every year these trout seem to all sit in one little hole the size of SUV. I got there and there were two dudes fishing it so I walked up stream where I knew there were no fish but figured I'd practice casting and maybe they'd scare one up to me.

Reddit r/flyfishing
New fly fisher here, looking for some tips

New fly fisher here, looking for some tips

I went out to a popular river this morning and saw a spot I could clearly see fish(trout) from the shore. They weren't moving around much, just kind of hanging out at the bottom. I waded in about 10-15 feet downstream at an angle from the spot I saw the fish hanging out and began casting.

Reddit r/flyfishing
First few flies

First few flies

Just started tying in Jan … a couple of midges to get the hang of a few basic techniques. What should I try next? I am looking at the frenchie

Reddit r/flytying
how to find leaks in waders?

how to find leaks in waders?

Inspired by a recent post with patched waders, I am curious what is the best approach for finding small holes in waders. I have tried turning them inside out, then hanging them and filling them with water and spot leaks that way.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fly Line Differences

Fly Line Differences

Hi everyone, I'm wondering about fly line differences in value and how much more actual effectiveness you get per dollar. right now, on most of my rods, I'm using SA frequency boost, which is about $60-70 line.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Slim Shady Baetis

Slim Shady Baetis

By Bob Reece A baetis pattern with a secret. “Hopper” Juan Ramirez is full time guide on Colorado’s South Platte and Arkansas Rivers. His years of experience on these water have allowed him to build an on-the-water knowledge base that is second to none. One of his recent creations, the Slim Shady Baetis 5.0, is testament to his understanding.

Gink & Gasoline
T&T Contact 3 Initial Review

T&T Contact 3 Initial Review

Picked up the Contact lll 1093 and honestly bummed. I came from using the Contact ll and loved that rod but feel I have lost so much with this one. I’m curious what people think but I personally want to go back to the prior generation despite wanting to like this new release.Loss of power - Rod feels like it has lost its backbone.

Reddit r/flyfishing
How to fish this water

How to fish this water

I’m new to fly fishing just my second time out ever and I have no idea what I’m doing.I have a 9ft 5wt rod and 5/6 reel. 9 ft 4x leader and 4x tippet. So I was using a double nymph rig with a #12 stone fly as my first fly.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Spinning rod recommendations

Spinning rod recommendations

Due to unfortunate events fishing on my lunch break today, I find myself in need of a new spinning rod. More often than not I fish BFS but today decide to try the spinning rig, and the top half of my rod went down the river. So now I’m shopping.

Reddit r/troutfishing
How to Tie: An Easy Mayfly Nymph

How to Tie: An Easy Mayfly Nymph

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Fliesbyaspeen ties an easy mayfly nymph that trout anglers will find efficient on both vise and water, just in time for spring. Learn How to Tie This Fly: Difficulty: Easy Spring is the essence of life and a warm turning point in the year.

Fly Lords
PB Brown Trout

PB Brown Trout

Best day on the river of my life. Landed a 23” male brown after casting a jerkbait about 10 times into the same hole underneath a fallen tree. The big boy took it so hard that I almost dropped my pole. After a 10 minute fight, he was on the stringer destined for my wall.About an hour later, I hooked into quite possibly an even bigger fish.

Reddit r/troutfishing
How to Catch Trout on Dry Flies During Winter

How to Catch Trout on Dry Flies During Winter

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Dry fly fishing is an addiction. Watching a trout rise slowly from the bottom of the river to slurp down your perfectly drifted fly does something to your brain that makes you instantly want more.

Fly Lords
The Drift: My First Taste of Salt

The Drift: My First Taste of Salt

Tarpon rolled all around me, while a bull shark cruised off to my right. Further up the shore, a pair of dolphins slammed mullet into the bank. A half-hour before, a manatee floated close enough I could have reached out and touched it. This was about as far as I could get from my trout […]

Fly Lords
Summer’s Over

Summer’s Over

HERE'S ONE IMAGE AND AND A BRIEF STORY FROM AN ESSAY I DID FOR HATCH MAGAZINE. TO SEE THE REST OF THE IMAGES VISIT HATCH. YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. In August of 2010, at he end of a hectic and exhausting summer, I found myself in western Alaska for a week at the Alaska West Lodge. Frankly I was a little burned out.

Gink & Gasoline
Gear check

Gear check

Fish for your attention. Im considering an 8wt rod for steelhead and some ocean beach casting. Im thinking tfo nxt, tfo ntr3, cortland sl 444, two aventik 8wt sink lines and a cheap aventik reel for poverty level ocean beach casting.I am spending more on steelhead, but would like the option of some beach casting if i end up over there.

Reddit r/flyfishing
First Brook Trout and a Vintage Rod

First Brook Trout and a Vintage Rod

We made it out to our local State Park today and had a good day. I fished a vintage glass rod that my dad found in his house and gave to me. My casts got a little sloppy with the slower action but I love how the glass feels. My only knock against it is the weight, it feels like swinging a bat compared to my modern 9ft 5wt fast action.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Missing link- skwala

Missing link- skwala

Missing link has been a favorite for a while now for drakes and caddis. Decided to adapt it for our skwalas and the fish heavily approve . Too lazy for the original hackle and denser wing to float a dropper but the wigglers don’t care

Reddit r/flytying
New UL setup

New UL setup

I told myself I didnt “need” a new combo. Then at 4 am I grew restless, woke up, went on Ebay and bought a reel.6’6” TFO Trout & Panfish rod1000 series JDM Legalis4 lb monoMy current rig is just a float down to a 1/32 oz jig with a plastic creek bug

Reddit r/troutfishing
Making The Connection- Saltwater

Making The Connection- Saltwater

By Louis Cahill How do you connect your leader to fly line when the pressure is really on? This is sure to be a lively topic. I wasn’t aware this was such a hot button topic until I published an article by Devin Olsen titled, “Making The Connection,” and watched the comment section light up.

Gink & Gasoline
Baetis variant?

Baetis variant?

i noticed Baetis is recommended for trout around New Mexico and i've never tied or fished one so i tied a few. here's a size 14. i used pheasant for the tail, legs and wing case because that's wha i have. stripped peacock herl for the body. gotta improve the taper...also check out this moment, i pulled in a little snag and found this...

Reddit r/flytying
The Fish In-Between

The Fish In-Between

By Louis Cahill Are you walking past the fish of the day? From where I’m standing, in water that barely covers my boots, I can see the next pool. A beautiful bend, dark green and lazy, with a big submerged log on the outside edge. A little riffle at the head, pouring into a deep pool. It’s the perfect picture of the old fishing hole.

Gink & Gasoline
Any tips for patterns?

Any tips for patterns?

I haven't gotten stuff for fly tying yet but I want to get started with it and I'm new to fly fishing overall I live in sweden and the main species would be stocked rainbows and wild brown trout what are some beginner patterns I could tie for these?

Reddit r/flytying
Maruta in Tokyo

Maruta in Tokyo

The maruta are entering the rivers of Eastern Japan now. The run isn't in full swing yet, there are enough fish around for a good day's fishing.7 Had a surprise carp too that certainly tested the 4x tippet and size 16 jig hook.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Small Wonder, Middle Georgia’s  Shoal Bass

Small Wonder, Middle Georgia’s Shoal Bass

By Justin Pickett THE SETTING SUN IS WARM AT MY BACK AS I STAND AT THE REAR OF MY JEEP. I slip on my guard socks and wrench down on my boots until I’m happy with the fit. No need for waders today. The deep south humidity is smothering as I place my Buff around my neck.

Gink & Gasoline
Bonefish in Kauai tips

Bonefish in Kauai tips

I'm going on a trip to Kauai, Hawaii at the end of April and looking to fish Anini beach and maybe another flat.I don't have experience fly fishing fishing saltwater, but I'm a fairly experienced in trout waters.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Dinner time

Dinner time

I had a short window to get out the other evening so I targeted some likely water on my home river, where I can almost always get into fish. Starting at a bend in the river, I rustled up some rainbows and whitefish on a double nymph rig; then switched over to a pine squirrel jig streamer and moved upstream to a glide under a cutbank.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Three Proven Options For Deep, Deep Nymphing

Three Proven Options For Deep, Deep Nymphing

By Louis Cahill IT'S TIME TO MAKE LIKE CAPTAIN NEMO AND GO 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA. Sometimes the only trick to catching fish is getting the fly down to their level. When you're nymphing and you're not catching fish it's always a good idea to add weight before changing flies. Often one split shot is the difference between fishing and casting.

Gink & Gasoline
Advice for a beginner

Advice for a beginner

Got a vice and just started tying. Tied a couple zebra midges, some poor looking scuds, and some goofy mop flies. Any videos, books, or tips that really helped when you were first starting?Thanks!

Reddit r/flytying
Spey Casting Diagnostics Checklist

Spey Casting Diagnostics Checklist

By Jeff Hickman SPEY CASTING IS A PROCESS REQUIRING SEVERAL STEPS TO BE FULLY COMPLETED IN A SEQUENCE. To effectively and consistently make good spey casts you need to focus on these steps, especially when learning. But even veteran and advanced two-handed casters also need to focus on the important steps.

Gink & Gasoline
Tying a Fly To Mimmic Shoal Bass

Tying a Fly To Mimmic Shoal Bass

A Note from Leighton Phillips (@fatbuffaloflies): “I had been seeing a few multi fish/umbrella rigs from different people I follow and following a literal fever dream (where I dreamt about this fly). I decided to try and design and tie it.

Fly Lords
Fly Fishing 101: Understanding Fishing Sunglasses

Fly Fishing 101: Understanding Fishing Sunglasses

Over the past half-decade, as I’ve dived into teaching new anglers on essentially a full-time basis, I’ve come to realize quickly what is and isn’t necessary for a day on the water. You need a rod, reel, line, leader, tippet, split shot, indicators, floatant, flies, and a net.

Fly Lords
First tarpon on fly

First tarpon on fly

Hit the Everglades for the first time and ended the day with a couple of these guys and a snook. The first one in the photo was a freaking rocket, it must have jumped 6ft in the air and almost landed in the boat twice. First tarpon I ever casted at was 80+ and I ripped the fly right out of his mouth.

Reddit r/flyfishing
The CDC Blood Midge

The CDC Blood Midge

MIDGE PATTERNS CAN BE REMARKABLY EFFECTIVE FOR TROUT. Depending on how you count them there could be over a thousand species of midge. That's a lot of choices for the discerning trout. There are almost as many choices for the angler and a midge obsession can easily get out of hand. I find that more times than not a Blood Midge will do the trick.

Gink & Gasoline
Need help understanding how to control my drift, PLS HELP!

Need help understanding how to control my drift, PLS HELP!

Hi, long time fisherman, and fairly new to centerpins, I've been having a blast learning this new technique, but I have some questions and I can't seem to find any answers online. Let me set the stage, so today was my 5th or 6th time taking out my pin setup and I was drifting a more calm section of a large creek filled with stocked trout.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Build Your Own Fly Rod: DIY Video 3

Build Your Own Fly Rod: DIY Video 3

Things are heating up in our DIY fly rod build. Matt Draft is back for the third video in our seven part series on building your own fly rod. In this video you’ll learn about tip tops, how to spline a rod blank, wrap your guides and get everything aligned.

Gink & Gasoline
GAS

GAS

By John Byron It’s a thing. Gear Acquisition Syndrome. GAS. The most you can use at any one time is one. One guitar. One fountain pen. One fly rod. But how many you have is N, where N is a much bigger number than one. That’s GAS. The concept and phrasing, GAS, came from the world of music. Yes, how many guitars, pickups, mikes, etc.

Gink & Gasoline
Advice on wading boots.

Advice on wading boots.

I just bought my first pair of stocking-foot chest waders and now I need to pick up some wading boots. I’m seeing a lot of mixed advice on sizing though. Some people say to buy your normal shoe size because the boots are already designed with extra room for the neoprene stocking foot, while others recommend going up a full size or even two.

Reddit r/flyfishing
5wt or 9wt for Norcal steelhead?

5wt or 9wt for Norcal steelhead?

My 8wt unfortunately had it's tip amputated by my car window.Getting a replacement tip in 1 week, but in the mean time should I use my5wt Orvis Encounteror my really9wt Cabelas Fish Eagle PT?The steelhead I catch here usually are 18-25", but occasionally get bigger.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Thoughts on euro nymphing?

Thoughts on euro nymphing?

I have been fly fishing for around 2 and a half years now, mainly with a 8’6 5wt fishing a double nymph rig under an indicator. I have been thinking about investing in a 9’ 4wt to euro nymph and i was wondering if it’s worth it or not.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Cut A Dovetail Every Day

Cut A Dovetail Every Day

Woodworking has taught me a few things about fly fishing. Before Gink and Gasoline I was, for a time, very involved in the world of woodworking. I was fortunate to photograph and spend time working with some of the most talented folks in the field, many of them are still great friends.

Gink & Gasoline
One month later..

One month later..

After a mixed range of 2-6 weeks I went right in the middle and froze some chicken feathers my friend gave me. Yesterday I still wasn’t sure what to tie up so I said to hell with it let’s find a wet fly that I think might look sick. I present to you the very first March brown spider I’ve ever tied.

Reddit r/flytying
Best Trout Set Up

Best Trout Set Up

I recently bought a shakespeare micro series 7' light rod for stocked trout in lakes.What's your go to setup for trout (braid, mono or floro) what pound of braid, mono or floro you use and what kind of rig.I only fish for pike before using my gx2 medium action and i only use straight monofilament...

Reddit r/troutfishing
Sakhalin Dolly Varden trout

Sakhalin Dolly Varden trout

Since my first post was well received (thank you all for the positive comments), I thought I'd share some more photos of Sakhalin fish. This is a collection of photos of Dolly Varden trout (Salvelinus curilus), one of the most common fish on the island. It can be found almost everywhere.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Is carp fishing fun?

Is carp fishing fun?

So I’ve loved carp fishing on conventional tackle they fight crazy hard and they’re some cool looking fish and i know people target them on a fly so I was wondering if it’s fun, what flys, what weight rod, and how to catch them on a fly

Reddit r/flyfishing
Buying US-Made Fly fishing Gear Helps US Fisheries

Buying US-Made Fly fishing Gear Helps US Fisheries

DID YOU KNOW THAT 10% OF THAT NEW FLY REEL GOES TO SUPPORT FISHERIES? It's true. Thanks to the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 and the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950, a 10% excise tax on all hunting and fishing equipment goes into a trust fund to support fish and wildlife management.

Gink & Gasoline
Clouser swimming nymph

Clouser swimming nymph

My first attempt at this pattern! One of my goals this year is catching carp. The book “Carp on the Fly” told me this was a go-to pattern so I followed Brian’s tutorial from Mad River Outfitter to get this hook up presentation.

Reddit r/flytying
Catching a 10lb+ Bass on a Fly Rod

Catching a 10lb+ Bass on a Fly Rod

Some fish turn into goals you measure seasons against. For Kieran Hoffman, the chase for a true double-digit largemouth had followed him for years. He’d come close, but never on the fly, and after more than a decade of casting and learning, it started to feel less like a dream and more like unfinished business.

Fly Lords
Need advice on catching fish

Need advice on catching fish

So fishing is pretty much everything I do and I started fly fishing in the middle of last year so this is my first full year that I’m doing it and I’ve learned so much I can cast really well I know all about hatches I can read water but I just never catch fish and I don’t know what I’m doing wron...

Reddit r/flyfishing
Storage for wet waders and boots in the car.

Storage for wet waders and boots in the car.

Hi everyone, how are you all?I’m just wondering if anyone has a cool little life hack for storing wet boots and wet waders that I potentially haven’t thought of.I just use a plastic storage box right now, but I have to admit I do sometimes leave them in there or they get super dirty or shit falls...

Reddit r/flyfishing
Unhook Thyself! Safe, Painless Hook Removal

Unhook Thyself! Safe, Painless Hook Removal

IF YOU'VE BEEN THINKING, "I LOVE GINK AND GASOLINE BUT I WISH IT COULD BE MORE LIKE JACKASS", THEN TODAY IS THE DAY YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! There are two kinds of fishermen. The ones who have hooked themselves and the ones who are about to. It's a bad feeling the first time you put a big streamer hook in yourself past the barb.

Gink & Gasoline
Looking for a Pyramid Lake buddy

Looking for a Pyramid Lake buddy

Do you like catching huge trout? Do you live in the Bay Area? Are you cool with waking up at 4 am to get the morning bite at 6:30?My sweet girlfriend has come with me on two pyramid lake trips this year, but I fear for us both that me finding a pyramid lake buddy might be in both of our best inte...

Reddit r/flyfishing
Chasin’ Sea Runners, NZ style

Chasin’ Sea Runners, NZ style

By Chris Dore So we don’t have any Sea Trout here in New Zealand as many would know them, but we have some great sea run brown trout fishing. Our 'Sea Runners' are just your standard, wild brown trout simply exercising their efficient feeding patterns: they follow the food into and out of the salt as availability determines.

Gink & Gasoline
Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes

Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes

Fly Fishing on alpine lakes for trout has become one of my favorite ways to spend a day on the water. There's something really special about making long accurate casts to rising trout on the move. It's very much a team effort between the fly angler and the oarsman. Often you can't just sit in one spot and expect to get shots at rising trout.

Gink & Gasoline
First indo-pacific bonefish!

First indo-pacific bonefish!

Had a great day in aitutaki fishing for bonefish and GTs. The bonefish are big and smart. Casting to them was much more like permit fishing than the bonefish I am used to on the Atlantic side of the world. Definitely worth a trip if you love challenging flats fishing.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fly rod question

Fly rod question

If you had to get a rod that can throw dries and indicator rigs, and then one dedicated streamer rod what would your choices be? Upgrading my redington trout classic setup and also getting a rod to throw some streamers.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Surf and Turf

Surf and Turf

Moved back home to the PNW and caught some Rainbow on the Columbia. Feels good to be home 🥹 Trout and Tri Tip on the smoker went unbelievably hard

Reddit r/troutfishing
Double taper line

Double taper line

For those who fish a DT line and have fished the 444 has anyone tried the new airflow double DT? Any thoughts or reviews? I’m coming from many years of WF lines and looking to start in with DT for some of my shorter casting and longer leader setups. Any insight is appreciated.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fast-Forward Fly Tying: Ragin' Craven Crab Fly

Fast-Forward Fly Tying: Ragin' Craven Crab Fly

Charlie Craven’s permit crab fly that works on everything from bonefish to bass.Ragin’ Craven Fly-Tying RecipeHook:#2-6 Tiemco 811S.Thread:Chartreuse or fluorescent green 210-denier UTC.Weight:Medium lead eyes.Antennae:One strand black and one strand Rootbeer Krystal Flash, doubled over.Mouthpart...

Reddit r/flytying
How to Tie: The Mosquito

How to Tie: The Mosquito

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Charlie Craven with Charlie’s Fly Box ties a dry fly that every angler will wince at the sound of, the Mosquito. Learn How to Tie This Fly: Difficulty: Intermediate March has begun and with it comes hopes of warm weather and productive days on the water.

Fly Lords
Peacock Bass In The Amazon, Part 2

Peacock Bass In The Amazon, Part 2

Packing for Success in the Amazon If you haven't read part 1, you can find it here. Preparing and packing the right gear prior to your departure to the Amazon is crucial for your overall trip enjoyment and fishing success.

Gink & Gasoline
Top water bonefish

Top water bonefish

Been meaning to try this for years. First fish, first cast. Ended up picking up a couple more after this one. Fun to try something new.

Reddit r/flyfishing
My first on the fly

My first on the fly

Slippery bugger didn’t want to pose for a photo but stoked on my first fish on the fly. Caught on the Thredbo River, NSW 🇦🇺on a tan hi vis hopper. Spent a few days over the Christmas period on the rivers by myself learning on the fly but this trip I got to hit the river with my dad and learn to cast from him.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Caught my first fish on the fly!

Caught my first fish on the fly!

Ive been on a few camping trips with the fly rod and gone home empty handed. I went up to the Victorian high country in Australia to camp for a week recently with the family and was hoping to change that.I tried to put everything i had read into practice on the last fish of the trip, saw a rise and cast out to it.

Reddit r/flyfishing
The Drift: Winter Is Done

The Drift: Winter Is Done

I fished last week with my friend Gene. It was in the 50s, bright and sunny, and the wind was strangely absent. Gene was on the oars while I mended a drift down a shelf that’s a hundred yards or so long. Halfway through, without a bite, I asked Gene if he thought I needed […]

Fly Lords
Dunnigan’s Panty Dropper Nymph

Dunnigan’s Panty Dropper Nymph

By Bob Reece Dunnigan’s P.D. Nymph is a trout magnet. As I’ve moved further into my fly tying and fishing journey, I’ve been blessed to meet some outstanding people. Casey Dunnigan happens to be one of them. A skilled welder by trade, his ability to create with his hands is evident in his fly tying as well.

Gink & Gasoline
Wife’s first time flyfishing.

Wife’s first time flyfishing.

Decided to have a rod custom made for my wife for Valentine’s Day knowing she would be more likely to actually try if she had something “cute” that is her own.Even though it’s early in the year we drove up to my favorite freestone river as she said she was ready to try it out.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Suggestions needed!

Suggestions needed!

Hey everyone. Looking for some suggestions for gear as a beginner into trout. I fish tournaments and go out on big lakes and ponds for bass so all my gear is really tailored to that.I have a handful of stream and rivers near me I’d like to fish this year for trout on days I just want to sit and hang on the shore.

Reddit r/troutfishing
First fish of the season

First fish of the season

First day of the trout season today - went down to the river (quite high water still) and cast out a 3.5 inch softbait on a 7g head in a dark galaxy color just to get this absolute beauty on the 3 cast.

Reddit r/troutfishing
San Juan Advice

San Juan Advice

I’ll have a day to fish the San Juan this week and am looking for some general advice. From what I’ve read sensitive indicator rigs seem to be the most common approach.

Reddit r/flyfishing
How do I get unsnagged?

How do I get unsnagged?

Perhaps this is a silly question, but here we go. If I'm snagged on a rock while nymphing, how do I actually unsnag myself? Coming from tenkara, it's recommended to collapse the rod and pull the line so as not to snap the tip.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Why is fly fishing hard?

Why is fly fishing hard?

Why Is Fly Fishing So Hard? Fly fishing’s difficulty stems from the complex coordination it demands, blending casting technique, entomological knowledge, and river reading skills. Success requires consistent practice and adapting to constantly changing enviro…

Lifesciencesworld.com
BWO emerger

BWO emerger

BWO emerger with natural CDC. I ended up tying a bunch of these in size 18 and a couple in size 22 though the smaller ones were tough to cut the butt ends of the CDC close enough to not over hang the hook eye. I need to find some finer tipped scissors.

Reddit r/flytying
Living the dream in rural New Zealand

Living the dream in rural New Zealand

I'm a Brit living in New Zealand for the next 2 years. Currently working & living at a Wilderness Lodge on the rural West Coast on the South Island.Where we live sits right on a Lake fed by glacial rivers. This lake runs into another river which travels for about 3km before dumping into the sea.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Stipe Takes on Gierach and R.E.M. Records Fly Fishing Album

Stipe Takes on Gierach and R.E.M. Records Fly Fishing Album

WHEN MICHAEL STIPE, LEAD SINGER FOR THE BAND R.E.M., MADE A STRING OF APPEARANCES ON THE COLBERT REPORT AROUND THE HOLIDAYS I WAS SHOCKED BY HIS CURRENT PHYSICAL APPEARANCE. To be sure, none of us are getting any younger and I applaud Stipe for embracing his graying hair and changing features, but there was more too it than that.

Gink & Gasoline
First Catch : Tips?

First Catch : Tips?

Caught my first trout today unintentionally. Went to a new spot known for trout and bass. Tried to catch some trout first on some spoons, rooster tails, and even tried the new trout magnet kit I got at academy. No luck.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Don Gapen Style Muddlers

Don Gapen Style Muddlers

Bozeman rod maker Bill Blackurn made these Doh Gapen style MuddlersIt might have been Dah Bailey who popularized the clipped head incrrnation. Dan was a gift to civilization. But I do still like the original Muddlers best.

Reddit r/flytying
Am I an idiot?

Am I an idiot?

I’m headed to the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas in about 2 weeks. I’m a novice fly fisherman. I’ve been working on my casting up at my cabin for a couple summers and would say I’m a C+ to B-. I’ll be staying right on the ocean, Atlantic side near Governors Harbour.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Men and Their Adventures

Men and Their Adventures

“Cuba is two weeks from today!!! Got to admit I’m a little nervous going where my phone and credit cards don’t work, and taking some ancient helicopter.” That’s the text I got from my buddy Geoff this morning. He’s had this Cuba trip planned for almost a year but it’s only now sinking in.

Gink & Gasoline
Thoughts on these for Lake Michigan tribs

Thoughts on these for Lake Michigan tribs

Totally new to fishing the tribs here in Wisconsin. Im curious what your guys thoughts are about these flys I tied up tonight, are these sufficient for steelhead in the tributaries. Never fished for the Stealys so don't really know what to throw bit ive been seeing alot of bright colors for what guys are using.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fly Fishing Angler Wade Fishes for Carp

Fly Fishing Angler Wade Fishes for Carp

A Note from Henry (@meade_fishing): View this post on Instagram “Catching this carp was epic, it was like being back on the flats seeing a tailing bonefish in the water. I managed to creep closer through the weed and get a lucky cast right on to it, a little twitch of the fly and I […]

Fly Lords
My Experience At The G&G Bonefish School

My Experience At The G&G Bonefish School

By Jason Tucker I could not have been more shocked to find myself in the Bahamas than if my spaceship had crashed there. The call came on Thursday. “Can you go to the Bahamas for a week?” “When?” “We leave Saturday.” I checked with my employer, girlfriend and bank account. For once in my life the answer was yes.

Gink & Gasoline
1st Brown of the '26

1st Brown of the '26

Had no luck pulling streamers, switched to the BFS rod and caught 3 over 22in in the last half hour. Slowly twitching a brown Yum hellgrammite on ned rig across the sandy bottom by the weed beds.

Reddit r/troutfishing
Nymphing off the mothership

Nymphing off the mothership

I was looking through old pictures from when I was guiding from a mothership in Oman. We would get schools of fish hanging out in our lights at night, and I figured out I could drift little flies to them in the tidal current.Pictured are a Lunar Fusilier, a black tip trevally, a striped fusilier, a flagtail, a wave Garrick/dart.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fly Fisherman - April/May 2026

Fly Fisherman - April/May 2026

Fly Fisherman is the world's leading magazine for fly fishing. Every issue provides expert advice on the latest fly fishing techniques, the newest tackle and the hottest new fly patterns. Through informative articles, it highlights the best destinations for t…

Rlsbb.to
Glass or Graphite, What’s Right For You?

Glass or Graphite, What’s Right For You?

When choosing between graphite and fiberglass fly rods, it’s smart to consider where and how you fish. I got an email the other day from a reader. Here’s an excerpt: “I am looking at a 7wt predominantly for trout and smallmouth here in Tennessee.

Gink & Gasoline
Build Your Own Fly Rod: DIY Video 7

Build Your Own Fly Rod: DIY Video 7

THAT NEW DIY FLY ROD IS JUST ABOUT READY TO FISH. In this, the last video of the series, Matt Draft, of Proof Fly Fishing, shows you how to fix some common problems that happen when building a rod. These helpful techniques will ensure that your rod is perfect and will help with future repairs. I hope you have enjoyed this series.

Gink & Gasoline
Newbie

Newbie

Long time fly fisher brand new at tying, first go at some rainbow warrior’s, any tips or criticism?

Reddit r/flytying
A Conversation With April Vokey

A Conversation With April Vokey

April Vokey is one of the most recognized, and sometimes controversial figures in fly-fishing. Few anglers have been thrust into the limelight in quite the same way as April Vokey. April is the first to admit that she asked for it, but it hasn’t always been an easy ride.

Gink & Gasoline
Ugly stik of fly fishing

Ugly stik of fly fishing

I’m in eastern Idaho and do alot of trout fishing. Growing up I only learned how to spinner fish and we only used ugly stik. What’s the fly fishing equivalent of ugly stik? I want to get into fly fishing but not sure I want to spend so much money. Thanks

Reddit r/flyfishing
Thoughts on a Winston Air 2 864

Thoughts on a Winston Air 2 864

I want to get a higher end rod, starting with a range I generally fish a lot. A light all around fly rod, sans euro styles. This range suffices a majority of my fishing.it seems Winston stepped out a bit from their dry fly only vibe and the Air 2 looks appealing but I have not spoke with anyone who has fished one.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Lil sand eel streamer

Lil sand eel streamer

Weekend project. My best friend since childhood recently got into slow pitch jigging in saltwater. He asked if I could make him a sand eel imitating fly to replace the basic mylar teasers on his rig. Was excited to try because whatever fly I’d develop for myself should slay for his purposes.

Reddit r/flytying
Damsel First Attempt

Damsel First Attempt

So obviously lead eyes are too heavy for a dry fly but this is my first attempt and I'm trying to hone technique with the materials I have for salt flies and wooley buggers as I live 2+hours away from fly shops with materials. But here is my first attempt at a Damsel :)

Reddit r/flytying
Diamond Soft Hackles

Diamond Soft Hackles

These are some wet n’ dry soft hackles that have produced consistently for me over the years. They’re meant to be fished on a team of three upstream over riffles on warm summer days in the sort of water that dries and weighted nymphs are kind of useless.

Reddit r/flytying
How to fish my local creek

How to fish my local creek

Hey all just posted this on FishingAustralia but I thought I’d get some good advice here as well.I spent 5 hours today fishing this creek with no luck.I used a #2 panther martin (multiple colours), 10lb braid (not ideal | know), and 6lb mono leader.There's pools up to 3 meters deep (murky) and sh...

Reddit r/troutfishing
Josie’s Big Day

Josie’s Big Day

I’ve never had a dog who was a really good fishing partner. When I brought Josie home, I knew that was going be be a goal. My dog and me out on the river, doing our thing without any particular plan. It sounds good on paper but anyone who fishes with dogs knows it isn’t always ideal. Ive definitely had dogs who weren't with the program.

Gink & Gasoline
❄️Waiting to ride. Here are some of my favorite terrestrials. With Carl’s Cicada’s, a sneaky presentation is key. False cast just behind the fish for aim. Then, cast just ahead of the fish at a 45° angle. Let it drift a bit and then retrieve swiftly but slowly across the fish’s nose. 10/10 🎣

❄️Waiting to ride. Here are some of my favorite terrestrials. With Carl’s Cicada’s, a sneaky presentation is key. False cast just behind the fish for aim. Then, cast just ahead of the fish at a 45° angle. Let it drift a bit and then retrieve swiftly but slowly across the fish’s nose. 10/10 🎣

Read more about ❄️Waiting to ride. Here are some of my favorite terrestrials. With Carl’s Cicada’s, a sneaky presentation is key. False cast just behind the fish for aim. Then, cast just ahead of the fish at a 45° angle. Let it drift a bit and then retrieve swiftly but slowly across the fish’s nose. 10/10 🎣.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Fly Fishing 101: How To Choose Your First Fly Rod

Fly Fishing 101: How To Choose Your First Fly Rod

Walk into any fly shop, or browse around online, and you’ll quickly realize there are more fly rod choices out there than questionable food at a casino buffet. In this case, though, picking a less-than-stellar rod won’t give you food poisoning, so there’s a lot less risk involved.

Fly Lords
West Branch of the Ausable

West Branch of the Ausable

I’m planning a trip the second weekend of June to the Wilmington, New York area to fish the West branch of the Ausable with a buddy. We’re staying at the hungry trout, which seems like a good affordable option close to the water.I’m curious if anyone can share any tips or hints for the areanotrelated to fishing.

Reddit r/flyfishing
Taming Marabou Tails

Taming Marabou Tails

By Bob Reece As we move toward spring, the presentation of streamers increases for many fly fishers. For those of us that tie our own, the use of some materials is far more common than others. Marabou tends to be one of those materials, particularly in the tails of many bugger style streamers.

Gink & Gasoline
Fishing the Fall, What You Should Know About Sinking Fly Lines

Fishing the Fall, What You Should Know About Sinking Fly Lines

By Garner Reid A GOOD PORTION OF MY FLY FISHING INVOLVES THROWING SOME SORT OF A SINKING FLY LINE. Realistically, half of my time on the water involves streamers and sinking lines at least for some part of the day. If I am not out on the water guiding for streamer-eating fish like stripers, I’m in the fly shop talking about them.

Gink & Gasoline
Fast Pocket Water & Big Attractor Dry Flies

Fast Pocket Water & Big Attractor Dry Flies

During the spring, summer and fall I often get the itch to forget about catching numbers and instead see how big of an attractor dry fly I can get away with fishing and still fool trout. For those of you who don't know, my closest trout waters are North Georgia and Western North Carolina.

Gink & Gasoline
Fishing Streamers Is Still All About Presentation

Fishing Streamers Is Still All About Presentation

Mastering the art of streamer fishing hinges on presentation—something every fly angler can appreciate, whether you’re tossing a hefty articulated pattern or a classic Maine-style streamer. In a recent outing on a prime Tailwater, I found success working snaky sculpins with a long leader and intermediate line, while my friends experimented with a Sex Dungeon and other variations, proving that it's all about how you make that imitation dance through the water. Tight lines and rising fish await those willing to perfect their technique; dive into the full article for tips on maximizing your streamer game!

Gink & Gasoline
Nice stocked Rainbow

Nice stocked Rainbow

Was throwing lures all morning with no follows or hits. Tried something a bit unconventional and was able to hook into this one with two trout worms wacky rigged on a trout magnet jig under a bobber. Close to 15 inches.

Reddit r/troutfishing
First fly since 1993, and it's ugly.

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.

Reddit r/flytying
First time fly fishing in the salt

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.

Reddit r/flyfishing
My Favorite Fishing Sunglasses (Sanofan Fluid Tint)

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).

Reddit r/flyfishing
Reading The Body Language of Highly Aggressive Trout

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.

Gink & Gasoline
3 Classic Flies For New Tyers

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.

Gink & Gasoline
Keep Your Hands on the Cork

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.

Gink & Gasoline
Rubber, Above & Below

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.

Gink & Gasoline
How To Cast Sink-Tip Fly Lines

How To Cast Sink-Tip Fly Lines

Here’s a fly fishing quick tip for you on how to cast sink-tip fly lines from the Orvis blog. This fly casting tip is brought to you by Ben Sittig a.k.a. Huge Fly Fisherman on YouTube. Check out his channel for more tips as well. You can find the full post over on the Orvis […]

The Fly Fishing Basics
Best Fly Fishing Knots to Learn

Best Fly Fishing Knots to Learn

Knowing how to tie some knots is a useful bit of knowledge to have in general. Why not increase your fly fishing knowledge with the best fly fishing knots to learn? Add these to your arsenal and you’ll be ready for almost any fly fishing situation and be able to rig up your gear in […]

The Fly Fishing Basics
The Two Fly Setup

The Two Fly Setup

Post Updated August 14, 2020 Originally published June 21, 2013 Fly fishing involves many different techniques that can be used to catch that spooky little trout in your local waters.

The Fly Fishing Basics