The excited catcalls and snarling gears suggested I’d better hurry if I wanted to watch the kid get stuck. Rubber is pretty ineffectual when the “Bones of the Old Girl” are exposed – ocher clay, equal parts mud and Vaseline, with a veneer of gravel that lures the aggressive into complacency. Offroad tires and wading boots are [...]

Brownlining is so much more than a cheesy car decal or embossed ashtray. Singlebarbed readers can enhance their stature both instream and off with the addition of the “Chest” inflatable wading aid. A misstep in our fetid world is always life threatening, a simple pull of the imbedded necklace inflates into a snug neck shield, [...]

We may be at a crossroads with health and well being on the one hand, and allegiance to environmental principles on the other. While the “Talking heads” assure us the worst is over, and the President’s cabinet stump the streets doing likewise, reports continue to surface of the rebirth of angling, sustenance variety… “Belt tightening” [...]

After an exhaustive 20 year research effort scientists at the University of Illinois suggest that the vulnerability of being caught is an inheritable trait in Largemouth Bass. Science like this should stifle them yawns, as it bespeaks of vast changes in your angling habits. Study anglers were allowed to fish only under a strict reservation [...]

Like you I’m the recipient of every strange aberration that is loosely connected to fishing. Today some well meaning cubicle denizen sends me a link to body piercing, featuring fish hooks and the traditional, “Dude, check it out!” Any guide worth his salt would suggest fish hooks and flesh have a natural attraction – with [...]

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to go fishing with a genuine fly fishing blog author? Wonder why we never mention where we fish – like it’s some great, dark secret? Nothing could be further from the truth. We sure talk a helluva game, but when it’s time to show our l33t skills, we [...]

For the auction crowd, Lang’s April 17th auction contains the estate of Martin J. Keane, author of “Classic Rods and Rod Makers.” Lots of classic bamboo rods available with hoary and rarified names; Young, Leonard, Pre-Fire Leonard, Halstead, Thomas & Thomas. Payne, Winston, F.E. Thomas, Goodwin Granger, Orvis, and Edwards. Reels to match with numerous [...]

I think “Scarface” holds the key to the entire salmon – steelhead issue, and is the poster child for what ails us… A Crystal FX leech proved his undoing, which would suggest diminished capacity – as the fly does look appealing, but it in no way rivals a Big Mac.   My interest started with [...]

Most fly tiers would confess the bulk of their cash is tied up in genetic chicken necks, hidden away from prying eyes and the astonished gaze of their significant other. It’s one of the many shamefaced truths; chickens cost six bucks to eat, and sixty to play with. While brown water doesn’t give me much opportunity to fiddle with hackle alternatives, I’ve been climbing that mountain – leaving a trail of dubious prototypes in my wake.

This is the weekend where you remember Opening Day is only a scant 14 days away. Tomorrow “Momma” is going to wonder why you’re mowing the lawn without her having to ask six times, why you’re suddenly attentive, and why that squeaking laundry room door suddenly claims your undivided attention. She’ll remember as soon as your behavior [...]