Techniques

Question: What can I do to mitigate leader twist when using bulky flies like poppers and streamers that catch wind? Answer: We've all been there, friend. Nothing knots up your day and unfurls your frustration like doing everything right while in pursuit of big, meat-eating fish only to have your efforts stymied by a twisted leader. But fret not, fellow fly...

Late summer is the toughest period for streamer anglers. The rivers are warm and low, the days still bright and sunny—everything pretty much the opposite of good streamer conditions. What makes this time truly difficult to endure is that it's all so close. Like a distant siren song heard on the wind, the knowledge that the glory days of autumn, with its...

Question: How do manufacturers ensure that each fly rod rolling off the line is exactly like every other fly rod of the same make and model? Is it possible to end up with a "lemon" rod? ~ Bob from Rhode Island Answer: The short answers are tight quality control and not likely. There's little leeway for sloppy QC. Social media access to nearly everyone in...

Question: I have a 4-weight, 8-and-a-half foot St. Croix rod I have used for years. I never see any mention of St. Croix in your articles. Are they not worthy rods? ~ Bryon from Traverse City, Michigan Answer: First, let's address St. Croix specifically. Contrary to your perception, Bryon, we have indeed covered St. Croix rods in reviews like this one, and...

I’ve always been a big fan of the Discovery Channel. Growing up, I’d sit on the couch with my eyes glued to the screen, on the edge of my seat with anticipation. The programming was always beautiful and informative, but the real reason I was so obsessed with such nature shows were the predators. A lion charging out of the brush and pouncing on the...

Question: Should I choose a fly rod weight based on the size of the fish I plan to catch or the size of the fly I plan to cast? Answer: The answer is "yes." Yes, you should choose a fly rod weight based on the size of fish you plan to catch. And, yes, you should choose a fly rod weight based on the size of fly you plan to cast. But before we bend our minds...

Question: I've never really paid much attention to cleaning my fly line. Do I need to? I don't want to mess up my gear, but I also don't want to waste time on unnecessary maintenance if it's not really needed. Answer: We invest hours of time and oodles of money into selecting the perfect fly rod, reel, flies, and keep all of these tools in tip-top shape. So...

Question: I've heard and read that a lot of bass fly anglers use straight instead of tapered leaders. Is this true? And if so, how and why does this work? Answer: This topic, straight and tapered leaders, often sparks lively debate among bass fly anglers. While both options have their merits, it's true that many seasoned anglers have come to prefer straight...

In the world of fly fishing for trout, dry flies rule. Every fly angler out there, from the foam-chucking rookie to the size-24-on-8x-tippet-loving veterans, dream of rising trout sipping drifting bugs off the surface. Dry flies are iconic and have shaped fly fishing culture by creating their own sect of “dry or die” obsessive anglers that twitch and...

Question: We're planning a beach vacation to either the Gulf or East Coast this August. Any tips on surf fly fishing along these  coasts? Where are the top fishing/family beaches? What gear should I bring, and how can I involve the family without boring them? Answer: You're ankle-deep in warm surf, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, a fly rod in...