Articles

Steeped in Patagonia's north

Touring northern Patagonia's famed rivers and estancias in search of more than just trout

by Chris Hunt - Sunday, Dec 13th, 2015

Crossing the Traful River (photo: Chad Shmukler).

It was quite the juxtaposition, honestly. Not exactly what I had in mind for my first fishing trip to Argentina, but then, the whole experience had been somewhat surprising.

There I was, casually sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Hilux next to a waifish equestrian from Pennsylvania, a tumbler of iced Irish whiskey in hand, when the first shot from the 30-06 erupted in the night. The horsewoman quickly levitated into my lap and, from outside the truck’s cabin I heard a spirited Scotsman exclaim, “Great shot, Orek! I’m sure there’s another one up there.”

Film Review: 'What We Fish For'

A look inside Andy Danylchuk and Ted Caplow's latest documentary

by Brandon Shuler - Friday, Dec 11th, 2015

Photo: Fish Navy Films

Aristotle claims in Poetics that art is that which makes us feel, a visceral response that connects us with community through a collective emotion. Few pastimes—surfing, sailing, skating, motorcycling, maybe—create a sense of community in which members can look at one another and identify the each as part of the tribe.

Fishing tips from the bears

What we can learn from the experts

by Chris Hunt - Tuesday, Dec 8th, 2015

Photo: Chris Hunt

The big black bear plopped its sizable rear end down atop a moss-covered log overlooking the stream, and just scoped out the situation.

This was a beast that clearly had this fishing thing down, at least judging by its drag-the-ground belly and its patient approach to the endeavor before it. Below, half a dozen other black bears jockeyed for position along the salmon-choked southeast Alaskan stream. They tolerated one another, but just barely, as they wandered the banks of the rain-swollen creek looking for likely holding water that didn’t already have a bear in it.

Access Denied

How ‘Keep Out’ signs change history

by Kris Millgate - Monday, Dec 7th, 2015

Photo: Kris Millgate / Tight Line Media

Access to my favorite fishing hole is at the end of No-Tell-‘Em Road. You know the road. It's the bumpy, dusty two-track that looks used, but you never actually see anyone using it so you pretend it's yours.

I hike from the end of that road to reach my secret spot. I know the route well so my mind wanders as much as my feet do. I’m here to unravel the knot in my neck. Wading in the river with a fly rod ought to do it.

Review: Redington BEHEMOTH fly reel

A look at the ultra-affordable big-game offering from Redington

by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Dec 4th, 2015

Angler Alex Tejeda releases a BEHEMOTH-caught bonefish off the beaches of Miami (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Fly reels are expensive. At least, a lot of them are. For the most part, this is with good reason. Fly reels are relatively intricate pieces of equipment that need to be designed in a way that makes them perform reliably. Though playing most trout won't put most reels to the test, fighting bigger species — especially those found in saltwater — requires a well-constructed, strong reel with a powerful drag that you can count on. Anything less simply won't be up to the task.