Yes, anglers can ask for gifts that aren’t $700 fly rods. Yes, people shopping for anglers can find gifts that aren’t $600 fly reels. Here’s our Top 10 list of Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50. Happy Holidays! Bug Slinger Microfiber T-Shirt – $39.95. Great for the younger angler – a hip design in a lightweight…
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Gear
Smith Ignitor Lens – A Great Choice for the Flats
In our coverage from Fly Fishing Retailer in Denver this year, one new product that we were intrigued by was the Ingnitor lens from Smith Optics. Having been popular in the ski goggle world for flat light conditions, Smith brought this lens to their fishing lineup this year. We said we’d give them a try…
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Sage 7126-4 TCX – The Death Star
The Death Star is at home here. Photo: David Lambroughton As use of Skagit-style spey lines continues to grow and become more refined, rod manufacturers are pushing the envelope on some of the basic variables of rod design. One of the biggest trends is that towards shorter rods that are still plenty powerful. Earlier this…
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Simms HardBite Studs and Star Cleats
Star Cleats – great for moderate traction. Chances are you’ve heard that most wading boot manufacturers are working hard to develop wading boot soles that are less likely to transmit invasive species like the New Zealand mud snail from one piece of water to another. Simms’ main solution to the problem is their StreamTread soles,…
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Simms Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket
Photo: Simms Fishing Products There are some parts of the fly fishing world where you live and die by your rain gear. You’re in it every day, it’s loaded down with gear, and bombproof durability and storage options are key. On the Kanektok and the Kenai and the Skagit, high-end fishing shells like the Simms…
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Bonefish Flies – 5 Favorites For South Andros
Something in here’s gotta work. Compared to most in the bonefishing world, the flies that we like to fish on South Andros tend to be an unusual combination of big and light. For anglers wanting to load up a fly box before their trip, that can make it a little hard to buy commercially available…
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Buffs – Merino Wool
Cozy, not crazy. We’ve told you before that we like Buffs, because they keep the sun off, they keep the bugs off, and they’re cozy when it’s cold out. Buff has just come out with a new version of their headwear product that’s specifically targeted at that last scenario – cozy when it’s cold out.The…
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Sage 7136-4 Z-Axis Review – The Perfect Summer Steelhead Rod
Take it pretty much anywhere. If you fish for summer steelhead anywhere in or near the Pacific Northwest, the Sage 7136-4 Z-Axis is a rod that you pretty much need to have in your arsenal. The 13’6″ length is extremely versatile and blends easy all-day casting (because it’s not too long) with the ability to…
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Bonefish Leaders – What To Use In The Bahamas
Rod, reel, line, leader…all equally important. OK, you’re headed to the Bahamas this month to chase bonefish. You’ve got your rod and your reel and your line all ready to go. How should you handle your leader? Here’s how you should handle your leader. First of all, remember that bonefish in places like South Andros…
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Trash Goes In The Cooler: Universal Fly Fishing Tips
It’s more than just a fly sorting bench. Photo: Cameron Miller Today we continue our mini-series on the truths of fly fishing – tips, rules and guidelines that apply to fly fishing all over the world. Over the years, fly fishing guides have built up knowledge on not only the many technical aspects of fishing,…
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