The non-slip loop knot has been helping anglers stay connected to fish for decades. This knot is ideal when trying to add some extra movement to your fly as the loop allows the fly to swing more freely in the water. Often when I see knot diagrams it shows a good breakdown of this relatively…
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Search Results for: fly tying
Gear You Need, Stocking Stuffer Edition // Smartwool Pro Wader Sock
After I wake up and blindly stick my hand into my sock drawer, I know it is going to be a good day if I pull out a pair of my Smartwool Wading Socks. The PhD Pro Wader socks are designed with the angler in mind. Some of our favorite fish to target happen to…
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7 Go To Winter Tailwater Trout Flies
Last week we discussed ways to improve your success when fishing for tailwater trout during the winter. This week we wanted to follow up with some “Go-To” flies that should be found in every tailwater angler’s fly box from November-March. You will notice a theme on all of these flies, they are small and sparse…
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Worms for Bonefish?
Worms have a funny reputation in the fly fishing world. I am not talking about live worms hung below a bobber but even worm flies get looked down upon. The San Juan worm was probably the first fly you learned to tie if you are a trout fisherman and it has maybe even accounted for…
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Winter Trout Fishing On Tailwaters
It is almost that time of year when summer fishing spots begin to get a little icy. If you are lucky enough to live in an area with winter steelhead opportunities we are very jealous and hope you take advantage of them. If not, you may have some winter fishing options available through tailwaters. These…
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Items to Help you Stay Warm this Winter
Fishing is always better than not fishing, regardless of how intimidating the weather forecast is. Luckily for the ambitious winter angler, there is some great gear currently available to help keep you on the water during even the coldest of days. Here are 3 of our favorite fishing items for those times when the thermometer…
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Introducing the STRONG ARM MERKIN
“What happens when Dave Skok is given unlimited space to let his bobbin roam free by a recovering drug addict fly shop owner that’s fishing with one of the sharpest guiding minds in the Keys? Dave Skok’s Strong Arm Merkin. Through constant tweaking of the design over 10 years – the claw migrated up the…
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Timeless Tips, Test Your Knots!
Always be sure to synch your knots completely down before testing them with a good tug. In fly fishing, there are already countless variables outside of our control. Gear failure is something you can control. Losing a fish because of a bad knot is something that is avoidable. After every knot you tie, give it…
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Your Alaska West Score Card
One of our favorite parts of fishing our friend Mr. Hankey are the tally marks you get from the teeth of the leopard rainbows that engulf it. Mr. Hankey was created by Alaska West alumni Jeff Hickman. The foam back on the fly keep it swimming up top and upright, but our favorite part is…
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Timeless Tips // Beware of the Salt!
I love fishing in the saltwater. Whether it is walking the flats looking for tails or throwing topwater plugs to Tuna offshore, the ocean fascinates me. I love the diversity and the “eat or be eaten” attitude that the fish of the sea take on. One thing I do not love about fishing the salt…
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