Bonefish are perhaps the most well-known flats species. They’re plentiful, often found in large schools, and put up a thrilling fight on a fly rod. Bones offer novice saltwater anglers ample targets and (relatively) easy fishing to boost confidence before targeting some of the more elusive flats species. That being said, at times they can be picky and offer exciting challenges on a fly rod. Read on to find out which flies work the best when flats fishing for Bonefish with a fly rod.
Permit are finicky, picky, bad-attitude kinda fish. They’re known for challenging feeding habits, unnecessary pickiness, and humbling elusiveness. That’s part of the reason anglers focus so much time, energy, and resources to catch one on a fly rod. A Perm on a fly rod is like a badge of honor in contemporary fly fishing. Catching them is much easier with the right fly selection. Read on to find out which flies are the very best for Permit.
Steelhead are often called the fish of a thousand casts, but the right fly can turn those odds in your favor. Whether you’re swinging flies through a coastal river or dead-drifting nymphs in a Great Lakes tributary, fly selection plays a crucial role in your success. Steelhead are known for their unpredictable nature; aggressive one moment and lock-jawed the next, so having the right patterns in your box can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best flies for steelhead fishing, covering the must-have patterns for both summer and winter runs. From classic streamers to modern intruders, you’ll learn when, where, and how to fish each fly for maximum results.
We’ve been doing tackle shootouts for years. They are among the most visited pages on our website and we take pride in having helped thousands of anglers find the right tackle for their needs. As our business has grown, we asked ourselves: Which area of fly fishing had the least amount of information? The answer amongst our team was travel. Have you ever booked a lodge and wondered if it was the best lodge? Who has the best food? Most comfortable? Best guides? It’s almost impossible to find anyone who’s visited multiple lodges in a given area, let alone any sort of comparison amongst them. With this shootout, we aim to change that.
Small stream fishing has become incredibly popular in contemporary fly fishing. Small streams are easier to access, more prevalent throughout the US, and offer anglers a chance to get away from the crowds and find solitude. The scenery can be beautiful, you don’t need a ton of gear, and the fishing can be great. Targeting native trout in small streams is an easy way to relax without having to worry about catching the largest fish or carrying 3 fly boxes. That being said, outings on small streams will be more productive if you have the right gear. Read on to find out which flies are the best for small stream fishing.
Mexico is home to some of the best tropical saltwater flats fishing anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a novice saltwater angler or an expert chasing Permit, Mexico has something to offer every fly fisherman. It’s also easy to get to from anywhere in the US, relatively inexpensive, and the perfect place for a week-long fishing trip. From Permit to Bonefish to Tarpon and more, Mexico truly has it all. Read on to learn which flies are the most productive for every individual species.
Fly fishing for Panfish is a great way for beginner anglers to get into the sport. These fish are easy to fool and fun to catch on smaller setups. If you’re wondering which fly rod is best for Panfish, we’ve covered that in a previous post. Now that you have a fly rod picked out, it’s time to choose the fly line that will help you catch more fish on the water. Choosing a fly line for Panfish isn’t technical; there are many line options that will work well. Let’s start with the basics.
Targeting Carp with a fly rod is as entertaining as it is difficult. Using the right gear increases your chances of success. And, if you’ve read any of our other species-centered blog posts, you probably have your fly rod and fly reel picked out. If not, check out our posts about fly rods and fly reels for Carp. To round out our posts about how to choose the right gear for Carp, this post will provide information and insights into choosing the right fly line.
Pike and Musky are some of the most aggressive fish in freshwater. They’re tons of fun to catch on a fly rod and offer the freshwater angler a chance at a 40+ inch fish. That being said, the big ones are tough to fool. Choosing the right gear helps increase your chances of success on the water. If you’re wondering which fly line is the best for the job, read on for recommendations. Plus, other resources including which fly rod and which fly reel are best for Pike/Musky fishing.
We’ve already talked about choosing the best fly rod for Salmon and the best fly reel for Salmon. Those posts are important for first time Salmon anglers and provide valuable insight into which fly rods/reels are the best tools for the job. In an effort to round out our species-centered blog posts, this post will help you choose the right fly line for Pacific Salmon with tips, line recommendations, and more. Read on to find out which fly line works best for you.
