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The True Cast – The 8-inch “Trophy”
What’s a “trophy” fish, really? Naturally, all of us anglers have been conditioned over the years to believe that bigger is better. And there’s certainly something to that. Catch a 30-inch wild brown trout on the South Fork of the Snake River in Idaho, for example, and the data from shocking surveys collected over many years says that’s beyond a one-in-a-million…
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The True Cast – Fly fishing through drought
Low water? Warm water? You still have options. But you also have responsibilities. It’s no secret that we’re experiencing some whacky, weird, often unfortunate, and sometimes downright devastating water conditions throughout the country now. Fly anglers understand that better than anyone. We are the “boots in the water,” the “canaries in the coal mine” as it…
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The True Cast – The 3 “modes” of dry-fly fishing
Not all dry-fly fishing is the same. Seeing trout poke their heads above the surface might be the obvious clue that you can play the dry-fly game. But the savvy angler recognizes subtle situational differences that can and should dictate some basics, like which fly pattern you choose and how best to present it. I’ve learned…
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The True Cast – It’s tube and canoe season… don’t sweat it!
Years ago, I was canoeing down the West Branch of the Delaware with a fishing buddy when we came upon an angler casting in the Farm Pool. We asked if he wanted us to paddle behind him, but he just huffed and took a step back toward the bank. So, we took that as a sign to hug the…
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The True Cast – The 5 questions you should ask about fly fishing product reviews
We live in a brave new world when it comes to buying things like fly rods, reels, jackets, waders and boots. “Brave” because it seems like everyone has the courage to step out and offer an opinion—especially in the digital realm, and even more especially when they can turn a buck by doing so. It seems like everyone is…
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True Cast – Fly casting in the wind
Because I’m not afraid of fly casting in the wind. In fact, I rather enjoy it.
I was supposed to take the ferry boat across Lake Michigan from Muskegon to Milwaukee recently, but gale-force winds were expected to whip up five- to seven-foot waves on the lake. So, they cancelled the trip. Which is probably a good thing because while I don’t get seasick myself, I’ve been on a couple boat…
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The True Cast – It’s all about the bread.
I just drove with my son, Paul, from Johns Island, South Carolina, to Baldwin, Michigan, so we could be at our family cabin for the opening of Michigan’s trout season. That’s kind of a family tradition I have sorely neglected over the past 20 years or so, but I’m now rekindling with Paul. I’m doing so because I fondly remember how important it was for me when I…
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