Gear reviews
Finding the perfect soft-hackle water
I love to swing soft-hackle flies. It’s one of the best fishing methods I know for trout in steadily moving water with a generally constant depth. Below, RIO Products Brand Manager Simon Gawesworth shows you what kind of water you’ll be looking for when...
Sage Trout LL fly rod
When you find a fly rod that’s essentially made for the kind of fly fishing you like to do—and makes that fishing markedly better—you hang onto it. That’s why I’ll likely never part with the new Sage Trout LL rod. I’m a walk-and-wade...
Patagonia recycles 10 million plastic bottles for new travel bag
Each new Black Hole travel bag from Patagonia incorporates some of the 10 million recycled plastic bottles used in this year’s model, meaning you can own tough gear that lasts and help keep waste out of landfills. Every Black Hole bag is incredibly durable,...
Simms introduces two new wader models for women
Women’s interest and involvement in the sport of fishing is growing and becoming more of a focus in the industry. Simms announced last week the introduction of the new Women’s G3 Guide Z Stockingfoot and Women’s Freestone Z Stockingfoot waders.These women-specific...
Back to the vest
I had back surgery last winter—three vertebrae were fused just above my tailbone after a lengthy battle with sciatica and what turned out to a cracked and splitting bone. I was honestly worried about the future of my fly fishing. The first few weeks after surgery were...
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Seattle Sports E-Merse Neo XL submersible phone case
By Scott Criqui There are times when we test products that are fishing specific, like a fly rod for example, and then there are times when we review more of an all-around product, like the well-designed E-Merse Neo XL from Seattle Sports. The benefit to receiving this...
Catch-A-Lure can help retrieve tree-bound flies
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
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...
How to fix your Gore-tex waders
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...
Patagonia hits the road to fix your gear … for free
With as much as a good pair of Gore-tex waders costs these days, it pays to do your best to take care of them. But even in the best conditions, waders will eventually fail—water is pretty determined to find its way into even the smallest of holes. Above, Cameron...
Gear test: Under Armour Shoreman Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo
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...
TU members get discount on onX app
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...
New gear: Redington Butter Stick 8-weight
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: Tom Morgan Rodsmiths gift creel
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: Simms G4 Pro Shift Pack
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: Cheeky’s new pliers and backing
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...
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