Gear reviews
Orvis Pro Insulated Hoody
The Russians say that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. That’s why I don’t agree with my friends in Arizona who say that the heat of their summer is just the obverse of the cold of our Midwest winters. Nonsense. You can only legally take off so...
FITS light hiker-crew socks
Let’s face it…socks are not the kind of gear which occupy much of our thought, in the way that a sexy, machined-aluminum fly reel might. But this somewhat overlooked bit of gear is one of the most crucial elements of our comfort out on the river. Over the past few...
Fishewear wine hydroflask tumbler
While I would prefer to be remembered as well-suited to review something like a nice new tip-flex 6-weight, because of my propensity to fish big water for large, wild trout… it would be entirely disingenuous to pretend I was not perfectly-suited for the...
Loon tying tools help keep winter at bay
The drift hanging over the eves on the house this morning is quite impressive. And it’s cold. Damn cold. The thought of sneaking off for an afternoon on the Henry’s Fork is now more of a pathetic inside joke—fighting frozen guides, frozen fingers and...
Loon Ergo fly-tying tools
Good fly-tying tools are hard to find. Often, you get exactly what you pay for. Scissors that fall apart or quickly dull. Bobbins that slice thin thread in the middle of a pattern. You know, predictably cheap stuff. But not Loon Outdoors products. I’ve been...
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I am 20 years old; sitting cross-legged on the floor of my dorm room. The words on the page are so freaking clear, but their application remains elusive. “Fly casting makes it possible to deliver a relatively weightless lure or imitation of a living creature on a...
A greener fly-fishing industry on display at IFTD
Perhaps the overarching theme of the 2019 International Fly Tackle Dealer show in Denver was environmental sustainability. The show itself was a plastic-free event, and according to American Fly Fishing Trade Association President Ben Bulis, there was no cost...
The New Zealand Strike Indicator
I’m not big on gimmicks when it comes to fly fishing. Anything that requires an extra tool on the water, or some complex, newfangled series of steps in order to make something work like it should rarely appeals to me. But my friend Walt Gasson changed my mind...
FisheWear Wedge Tote
It seems like I’m always short a hand or two and a good tote bag can definitely make life easier, whether running errands or heading to the water, the Wedge Tote from FisheWear is a great addition to any angler’s life. Perfect for hauling gear to and...
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...
Voices from the River: From toys to necessities
The UPS man came to the door the other day, a pretty big package in his hands. It was from Simms. Not too long ago, the arrival of orders from outdoor gear retailers would make me giddy. Soon, I’d have my hands on a new rod. Or a new reel. Some cool flies or lures. A...
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
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...
How to fix your Gore-tex waders
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...
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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