The Fly Fishing Photographer

For anglers, being on the water is where many of our most memorable experiences are created. Capturing those moments on film, or in megapixels helps us to relive the instances that frame our experience. But balancing photography time with fishing time is a tricky business which requires a balancing act between rod and camera.

Elevenmile Rainbow
As a photographer, capturing images like this pre-release shot are no problem when the camera is out and ready to go. Rather than fumbling to stow your rod and get into a suitable position you are able to get the shot quickly and get the trout back into the water with minimal handling stress.

For those who aspire to strike the balance between rod and camera, take heart because it can be done by keeping one thing in mind; you can’t get the shot with a fly rod in your hands, believe me I’ve tried. Learn More “The Fly Fishing Photographer”

Fly Box Frustration and Redemption

What do these 3 fly fishing scenarios have in common?

Scenario 1:

You’ve been on the water for an hour, just blind casting and waiting for something to happen. Praying for the hatch or to see some rises. Suddenly it happens, a couple BWOs start floating off the water and the trout start rising. You reel in, re-rig your leader and pull out your fly box to grab a BWO emerger because you can tell that’s what they’re eating . . . Learn More “Fly Box Frustration and Redemption”

Just Go Fly Fish – Time On The Water Is Your Best Instructor

I’ve always wanted to learn to fly fish. The old romantic idea of swinging a fly rod on some lone stream without another soul around always captivated me. Fly fishing had been on my bucket list for almost a decade before I put an honest effort into the craft. I started to save money for gear and lessons several times, but some unforeseen expense around the house always came up that depleted the bulk of my cash (taking on any new hobby after kids come is always difficult). Eventually I did get all the gear, piece by piece. I made a few mistakes and ignored common sense advice along the way, like spending more on my fly reel than my rod and going cheap on a quality fly line but it all worked out in the end – somethings must be experienced rather than heard before a lesson is learned. Learn More “Just Go Fly Fish – Time On The Water Is Your Best Instructor”

Layering for Winter Fly Fishing with Patagonia Gear

It takes a strong constitution and a true dedication to go out fly fishing in winter. You’re going to want to wear more than your Hawaiian shirt and waders. So, let’s take a look at what gear is designed to help you out in some of the coldest water climates fish-able.

You not only want to stay dry, but warm. You also need the flexibility of being able to move to cast your line. Some winter clothing will stiffen you up like a straight jacket, and that just won’t work! Learn More “Layering for Winter Fly Fishing with Patagonia Gear”

5 Reasons A Simple Fly Tying Vise Is Best

New to tying? Take my adVISE…

When I first got interested in tying my own flies, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the countless vise options available at various price points. Did I really need a fly tying vise that cost several hundred dollars? Was a rotary option actually worth it or would stationary do? Should I get one with a c-clamp or base plate? Why were there so many knobs and what in the world was that skinny metal arm sticking off the side for?

Ultimately, after asking a lot of dumb questions at the shop, and hours and hours of researching on my own, I decided to purchase a Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise. This vise is geared towards beginners, which at the time described me, but after tying thousands of patterns on this thing, I’m pretty convinced it’s the only vise I’ll ever need. Learn More “5 Reasons A Simple Fly Tying Vise Is Best”

Winter Fly Fishing – Best Clothing for Cold Weather Fishing

When the snow starts falling, many anglers pack up their gear and wait out the cold months, anticipating the return of long days and warm afternoons. For those willing to brave the cold, though, winter fly fishing can be a rewarding time.

In many places, fish are active and accessible year-round. Even better, you probably won’t have to compete for your favorite runs, and can often go all day without seeing another fly fisherman.

Learn More “Winter Fly Fishing – Best Clothing for Cold Weather Fishing”

3 Tips On How Carp Made Me A Better Fly Fisherman

Carp. Making lemonade out of lemons is what it’s about. Besides Oklahoma State University and Eskimo Joe’s, Stillwater is just a dot on the Oklahoma map. I am currently living there because of my dad’s Air Force ROTC job at OSU. When moving from fishing the greatest tailwater fishery on the planet, the Missouri River in Montana, to fly fishing for carp in Northern Oklahoma, one can certainly count on being bothered by the itch to get out West. But there are ways fly fishing carp can help one become a better fly fisher in general. Learn More “3 Tips On How Carp Made Me A Better Fly Fisherman”

The Fly Fishing Obsession that Happened by Accident

Part 1: Once I meet someone new it becomes apparent to them quite quickly that I have a lot of hobbies, like to stay busy and might be classified as having an “Type A” personality. I have a hard time sitting still and am always up for trying something new.

I rock climb, mountain bike, road bike, hike, camp, backpack, travel, hangout with my dog and am an avid photographer. Sometimes the better question is what don’t I do? For the longest time one of those hobbies was fly fishing. Learn More “The Fly Fishing Obsession that Happened by Accident”

Tips for an Epic Fall Fly Fishing Experience

Fall is the time of year when crisp air rolls in, the leaves on the trees turn beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown, and all things in nature seem to settle down and start preparing for the long winter months ahead. It is an especially pleasant time of year for fly fishing, and you are likely to experience less competition among other anglers who are all searching for their own secret hole along the water’s edge. Whether you have been fly fishing your entire life or are new to the sport, here are some tips to ensure you have a successful fall fly fishing trip: Learn More “Tips for an Epic Fall Fly Fishing Experience”