Articles

The Importance of Fly Rig OCD

by Chad Shmukler - Tuesday, Jan 14th, 2014

Be even more obsessive when you're fishing a shallow, rocky, snag lined run like this one.

I go through life with, for the most part, a cavalier attitude. I’m lousy with organization, terrible with abiding by deadlines, dismissive of rules and regulations due to their perceived silliness and critical of people who spend their time compulsively obsessing over minutiae. While it is fair to say that this approach to life most certainly causes me some level of complication, it is a personality trait I’m proud of, one I embrace. Put simply, I believe things generally tend to work out, and that obsessing over details is a waste of time. That is, except when it comes to fly rigs.

When on the water, I strive to obsess over minutiae. That’s my goal. I haven’t gotten there yet. But I’m trying. This means rebelling against my every instinct. And it isn’t easy. But I believe it is important. As opposed to the rest of life’s silly details, which require attention I’m unwilling to devote, obsessing over your fly rig is not only not a waste of time, it’s essential.

If I fail to renew my driver’s license before it expires, I can still drive (albeit illegally). Forget to pay the water bill on time? I can still take a shower (for a while). But, if I fail to pay attention to my fly rig, to regularly check that it remains the same rig I built and tossed into the water before casting it, there’s a good chance I’m no longer fishing.

Pennsylvania Conservatives Continue Assault on Wild Trout and Endangered Species Protections

by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Jan 10th, 2014

The height of summer on one of Pennsylvania's many wild trout streams.

Pennsylvania conservatives in the House and Senate have been aggressively seeking to undermine the ability of state agencies to protect wild and endangered species since June of of last year. The mechanisms through which these efforts have been channeled is Pennsylvania House Bill 1576 and Senate Bill 1047, otherwise known as the Endangered Species Act. The most recent revision of HB 1576 has been met by success, passing through the House Game & Fisheries committee in November of this year, and now sits awaiting listing for a vote on the House floor.

If the bill becomes law, it will dramatically diminish the ability of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to protect wild trout and endangered species throughout the state by miring the now independent processes of these agencies within a heavily politicized, bureaucratic process that serves to produce the opposite of the effects its proponents use to justify the bills' proposal.

Review: Beaverkill Rod Company Legacy Series Fly Rod

by Paul Snyder - Thursday, Jan 9th, 2014

The Beaverkill Rods Legacy Series 3 weight at home on these small stream testing grounds.

The company line: "If you enjoy the feel of a classic fly rod, with the smooth, easy casting capability combined with the technical advances of the day, our Full Flex rods are going to feel great in your hand. Although this family makes a great beginner's rod, these rods are really designed for those who simply prefer a slower action -- and they are the perfect fit for smaller streams and ponds.

My Take

“Son! Stocks may rise and fall. Utilities and transportation systems may collapse. People are no damn good. But they will always need land and they will pay through the nose to get it. ‘Remember,’ my father said, ‘Land.’” (Lex Luthor)

Such is the case when it comes to construction and performance of fly rods, I believe. The less area you have to work with, the more a product’s flaws are likely to show. Translation: it’s easier to build a 9’ 5 wt. that performs well than it is a much smaller rod.

Restoring a Wild McKenzie River: Spring Chinook Salmon

by Chris Daughters - Wednesday, Jan 8th, 2014

A spawning McKenzie River spring chinook salmon (photo: Matt Stansbury).

Like most Oregonians, I cherish the McKenzie River. The McKenzie has a special place in my heart. For the past 30 years it’s where I’ve spent the most time. As a father of two young children, as owner of The Caddis Fly angling shop and as a licensed river guide, I’m lucky to spend around 125 days a year on the McKenzie in some capacity.

Many Oregonians and tourists from near and far flock to the one-of-a-kind McKenzie River to enjoy its beauty. The crystal clear water, the beautiful forests along its banks, and its varied flows make the river an ideal place to fish, raft, hike along, and just plain enjoy life.

As the owner of a fishing business, I depend on the McKenzie and its tributaries — and the current state of the fishery and fish management on the McKenzie troubles me. In particular, I’m concerned about our most-prized and sought after fish: wild spring chinook salmon. The chinook is the king of the McKenzie. It is the anchor to this fantastic west Cascades stream — the ecosystem’s most critical native.

Umpqua's Deadline Wet/Dry Bag Chosen as "Best of 2014"

by Marshall Walker - Tuesday, Jan 7th, 2014

Every new year the editors from Gray's Sporting Journal select a handful of products that stood out from the thousands they tested over the previous year. This year, Miles Nolte, fly fishing editor, has chosen Umpqua Feather Merchants' Deadline 3500 Wet/Dry to be included on Grey's "Best of 2014" list. Nolte praised Umpqua for making the Deadline 3500 "truly innovative and functional" instead of just "changing colors or adding frivolous compartments".

"Every element about this pack is well thought out," said Notle. "I have used this bag for serious day trips and as a carry-on for travel. It performed equally well in both roles."

The Deadline 3500 Wet/Dry Duffel is designed to be a versatile multi-purpose bag to get anglers anywhere with all of their gear. It features a hide-away dual rod-sling, customizable wet and dry storage, secure back-panel access plus many other useful features. The 3500 is also weather- and dirt-proof and ships with a detachable water-proof, fold-out muck mat. The Deadline 3500 is available for $179.99.