Gear reviews
Catch-A-Lure can help retrieve tree-bound flies
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a little suspicious of little plastic gizmos that look like they came from a late-night venture on some home shopping network. But sometimes you run on to a very simple idea that you wish you had invented yourself. Here’s one. It’s not expensive, and it’ll pay for itself in no time through reclaimed flies – yours or someone else’s. It’s called Catch-A-Lure, and it was invented by Dave Olexson, a lifelong angler from eastern Pennsylvania. I talked with Dave recently about this nifty piece of simple technology.
Pescador on the Fly’s El Boso sling pack
Our friends at Pescador on the Fly make fly fishing gear that’s light and packable and functional. It’s just the thing for the traveling angler. And now, they’ve launched a fully loaded sling pack. They call it “El Bolso” – the bag. It’s got tons of extra D rings,...
Use floatant and desiccant together
The news out of Ashton over the weekend was pretty encouraging. The big stonefly nymphs were moving around, heading to streamside rocks in anticipation of a little sunshine. Any minute now, the fabled salmonfly hatch on the lower river would start to pop. The big bugs...
Kammock’s Kuhli weather shelter
Weather has always had a way of rearranging an outdoor experience. There’s a famous quote by Mark Twain that says, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Many of us have seen it all while fishing, camping, rafting and hunting on our...
Midland X-tra Talk GXT radio
By Bill Thorne In this day and age of smart phones boasting limitless data capabilities, you may not think you need a set of walkie talkies. In the rural parts of the Ozarks, where I fish and hunt, I have found the Midland X-tra Talk, GXT Walkie Talkies to come in...
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Patagonia hits the road to fix your gear … for free
Fly fishing soft-goods manufacturer Patagonia is starting its first-ever Worn Wear Fishing Gear Repair tour on April 13, and I’ll be visiting the Jackson Hole tour stop on May 3 to get a pair of Patagonia waders patched by the pros. For free. Patagonia’s Worn...
Gear test: Under Armour Shoreman Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo
Over the past two months, I have spent countless hours wearing the Under Armour Shoreman Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo. It has seen wind, rain and snow, as well as activities ranging from hiking to fishing, and even a bonfire and some late night pick-up ice hockey on...
TU members get discount on onX app
At TU, we’re strong believers in public lands. We see these lands as a legacy for future generations and a keystone in our efforts to protect, reconnect, restore and sustain coldwater fisheries across America. These are your lands and waters, to hunt and fish and hike...
New gear: Redington Butter Stick 8-weight
When I think of glass rods, I think of noodly little sticks meant to pluck backcountry brook trout from beneath overhanging willows or in tight quarters where a short backcast is as vital as a quiet presentation. But I have new appreciation for big glass after a day...
New gear: Tom Morgan Rodsmiths gift creel
In the fly-fishing world, some “gear” items aren’t terribly functional. But Tom Morgan Rodsmiths fly rods are that and more—they’re made for you by craftspeople who have discussed the implement with you, and know exactly what you’re...
New gear: Simms G4 Pro Shift Pack
I was pretty sure that nothing could convince me to step away from my newfound “less is more” approach to trout fishing. Years ago, I was a vest guy—load up the pockets of the fishing vest with everything you need and off you go. Then I tried the lanyard...
New gear: Cheeky’s new pliers and backing
As Cheeky’s Ted Upton says, “We like to have a little fun with our designs.” That would explain the rainbow of color options for the manufacturer’s quality fly reels—the color options give customers the ability to add a little personality to...
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