Start Them on a Spinning Rod
Handing a six-year-old a fly rod first is a decision most of us make for ourselves, not for them. Why spinning gear is often the better on-ramp — and how...
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Alaska Will Change Forever: Go Now
Alaska, a land renowned for its wild, untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers some of the most spectacular fly fishing experiences in the world. But with increasing popularity and looming...
Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog
The Day You Stop Holding the Rod
There's a moment where you have to stop steering your kid's cast and let it be theirs. Here's how to know when it's coming and how to hand it over.
Permit on the Flats: Accuracy, the Drop, and the Eat You Have to See
Belize permit guide Damien Nurre's approach — spook them or catch them, fish the drop, and set on what you see rather than what you feel.
Tarpon on the Flats: The Cast, the Strip-Set, and the First Ninety Seconds
Capt. Joel Dickey's casting drill, his 60-20-20 leader, and the hookset — everything that decides a tarpon in the first ninety seconds.
Bonefish on the Flats: How to See the Fish Before You Cast
Nervous water, tails, and pushes — the flats skill that has to click before your casting matters. Plus the lead, the shrimp strip, and the strip-set.
What Actually Makes a Fly Rod Better: Inside Rod Design with Douglas Outdoors' Fred Contaoi
Rod designer Fred Contaoi explains how materials, tapers, and intended use decide whether a fly rod actually fishes better, not just casts farther.
The Case for a Backup 'Grab and Go' Fly Rod (And What to Look for When Choosing One)
Why every angler benefits from a dedicated travel rod, and what actually matters when choosing one: weight class, line compatibility, and kit simplicity.
Trout Spey Swinging: What Skwala's Kevin Sloan Taught Me About Slowing Down
Skwala's Kevin Sloan on trout spey swinging: rod setups, the step-and-swing method, one confidence fly, and why washing your waders actually matters.
How to Choose an Affordable Quality Fly Rod
How to pick a fly rod you can trust without overspending: rod action, where rods are made, and matching the rod to how you fish.
The Right Way to Thread Your Fly Rod
Most anglers thread their rod with bare tippet and lose it back through the guides. Here's the fold-the-fly-line trick that fixes it.
Bamboo Fly Rods: Where It All Started
The history behind bamboo fly rods, six-sided vs. eight-sided construction, and a rigging ritual worth stealing for any rod.
All About Tenkara: Misconceptions, Gear, and the Beginner's Mindset
Tenkara demystified — rod length, line types, and why a "beginner's mindset" might be the most useful gear tip in fly fishing.
12 Best Fly Fishing Reels by Budget: $50 to $500+
The fly fishing reel market is confusing. You'll see reels ranging from $40 to $1,200, all claiming to be essential for your success. Here's the truth after guiding for over...
10 Best Fly Fishing Rods for Beginners in 2025
Choosing your first fly rod can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of options ranging from $50 to $500+, how do you know which rod will actually help you catch fish without...
Gear Up: Comparing Fly Fishing Reel Manufacturers to Iconic Car Brands
Just as every car enthusiast has their preferred brand, so too does every fly fisherman hold allegiances to certain reel manufacturers. From the sturdy reliability of a Ford to the...
Fly High: Matching Fly Fishing Rod Manufacturers to Airplane Models
Fly fishing rods and airplanes may seem worlds apart, but when you break down their characteristics—precision, design, and the thrill of the experience—they share more similarities than one might initially...
Caledonia Museum Trout Festival, Bamboo Rods, and Historical Reels
Summary David Lehmann, a fly fishing historian and collector, discusses his passion for the historical side of fly fishing and his involvement with the Big Springs Museum in Caledonia, New...
Bamboo Rods for Fly Fishing
Christian and Paul (PJ) Dufour's encounter at the 2024 Fly Fishing Show in Denver, Colorado, began an unexpected friendship. Beyond their shared passion for the art of fly fishing, they...
Rod Building and Creative Arts Side of Fly Fishing
Summary In this conversation, Christian Bacasa and Lance Kittel discuss the creative side of fly fishing, with a focus on rod building. Lance shares his background in conservation and how...
How to Buy Used Fly Rods
Guidelines for Buying Sound Investments in Fly Fishing Rods Buying used fly rods can become an undertaking that isn’t all that pleasant. However, the cost associated with acquiring new rods...