Gear

Lake run spring smallmouth| photo by Brian Bradfield An intermediate fly line sinking at 1.25–2 inches per second is the most versatile fly line for March warmwater fishing, covering the two-to-six-foot prespawn zone where bass hold most consistently in 48–55°F water. A floating line and a sink-tip round out the system for shallow afternoon windows and...

The 2026 wading gear market has arrived with recycled fabrics, PFAS-free water repellents, and smarter sole technology as the expected baseline. Several major releases in the past few months—from Patagonia, Simms, Skwala, Guideline, and SITKA Gear, which just entered the fishing category—reflect an industry where materials science now pairs durability...

Dan Favato photo An eight-weight and ten-weight saltwater fly fishing travel system — two rods, two reels, one carry-on case — covers bonefish, redfish, permit, smaller tarpon, and most backcountry species on a March flats trip from the Keys to Belize to the Bahamas. The eight-weight handles bonefish presentations and moderate wind, while the ten-weight...

photo by Thomas Three hand-tied leader formulas cover the range of March trout fishing: a 12-foot Harvey-style leader to 6X for midges and BWOs on flat water, a 7.5-foot tight-line leader with a built-in sighter for euro nymphing, and a 9-foot power-tapered leader for indicator rigs with split shot. Each uses a thinner butt section than store-bought leaders...

Orvis has introduced the Ratio Fly Reel as its highest-performing saltwater reel to date, aimed at anglers targeting tarpon, roosterfish, permit, tuna, and billfish. According to Orvis, the Ratio centers on a fully sealed carbon-stainless drag system engineered for smooth engagement, zero startup inertia, and 12 to 20 pounds of stopping power, depending on...

I am hard on fly lines. Lots of days. Plenty of concrete, riprap, bridge junk, and sharp edges mixed in with the usual rocks and gravel. The front of the line always takes the worst of it, and that is the section most likely to fail. In a previous article, I covered why I cut factory-welded loops from many of my lines. Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters...

Images by Rick Mikesell Fly fishing often seems to chase the rest of the outdoor industry, hoping that by mimicking its messaging it will magically find a larger market. In reality, our market has always been much smaller than other cornerstone outdoor pursuits. The golf industry has become the benchmark. Many rod makers lean on the analogy of golf clubs to...

Image by Rick Mikesell Between work, kids, and everything else that fills the calendar, most of my time on the water this time of year ends up falling on the coldest nights and the worst weather. After work in the dark. Canceled weekend plans due to cold or snow. Quick ice-fishing windows when the wind is howling and the temperature barely cracks double...

photo by Olya L A 9-foot 8-weight fly rod is the best first saltwater fly rod for most anglers, offering the ideal balance of casting power for wind, delicacy for spooky fish, and versatility across species from bonefish to redfish. This single rod handles tropical flats, coastal marshes, and baby tarpon equally well—making it the natural entry point for...

The Redington Wrangler Bass Kit 790-4 features a four-piece rod and a solid Crosswater reel with line and protective carrying case for $329 A complete budget bass fly fishing setup costs between $130 and $300 and includes everything needed to start catching fish immediately. The Redington Wrangler Bass Kit ($249) represents the best overall value, while the...