Is It Madness?
Fly fishing is often characterized as a singularly complex endeavor: subtle casting techniques, aquatic entomology, reading water, fly selection, fly presentation, mountains of gear, another PhD in terminal tackle…
Well, you get the idea, and we haven’t even discussed water and weather conditions.
To be fair, there is a healthy amount of truth to this “complexity” notion, because anglers are generally interacting with wild creatures in their native environments. There isn’t a ten-step, “how-to” rule book, and even if there was, you would rip it up tomorrow.
And yet, this sport is also enjoyed by pudding-smeared children and bumbling grandparents. We once saw the “smartest” tailwater trout in Colorado undone by a bag of white cheddar popcorn. Greg Keeler, the Montana poet and writer, became well known back in the 1990s for “tying” streamers out of duct tape, and, yes, they were effective.
So, it’s probably right and fitting to approach this wonderfully diverse pastime with equal amounts of wonder, patience, humility and humor.
Have a bunch of “fly-fishing experts” overcomplicated every aspect of the sport to the point of incoherence? Possibly.
Conversely, are you going to show up on your first saltwater flat with three months of practice and start lasering 90-foot casts at tailing bonefish? Doubtful.
That’s where we come in–an independent, experienced and ruthlessly honest team of professionals with one purpose in mind: to help you grow as a fly angler.
The Road Goes On Forever
We are Kirk, Tim and Andrew–the founders of Flylab. For years we’ve been writing about the fly-fishing industry, providing reporting and perspectives that dig a lot deeper than your average media brand.
The newsletter editorial goals will be direct and effective: 1. Discovery 2. Functional skill development 3. Building an on-water approach and process 4. The defense of field etiquette and ethics 5. Deeper connections to the places we explore 5. Timeless storytelling.
Things we’ll cover: gear, the craft, boats, bugs, news, travel, conservation, fly-fishing culture, “the industry.”
Things we’ll avoid: divisive politics, social media fever swamps, bros and beer, big fish stories, gratuitous promotions, fly shop guys.
Pay It Forward
We have over 70 years of combined industry, media and on-water experience, working as as writers, editors, conservationists, instructors and river guides.
And we’re deeply invested in passing along the insights we’ve accumulated.
Our mission is to help a new generation of fly anglers become better fishermen, smarter consumers and successful adventurers.
Kirk Deeter is the editor of Angling Trade, editor-in-chief for TROUT Magazine, the national publication of Trout Unlimited, and an editor-at-large for Field & Stream. He also is the co-author of The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing, The Little Black Book of Fly Fishing and has been writing about the fishing industry for the last two decades.
Tim Romano is the founder of Angling Trade, the former managing editor of Fly Fishing Trade and the former photo editor of The Flyfish Journal. He also is a long-time contributor to Field & Stream and knows more about fishing boats and running whitewater than anyone around. He also just launched Small Craft Sales, where you can sell or buy your next SUP or drift boat.
Andrew Steketee is the former managing editor of The Flyfish Journal, editor of MidCurrent and has worked as an in-house product designer and sales representative for Hardy USA. He’s also a technology consultant, former fishing guide and the co-author of two fly-fishing books, Castwork and Tideline. He has traveled extensively across the U.S. Rockies, west coast, southern coast, New England and Canada.
Why Subscribe?
Simple. You’re looking to elevate your fly-fishing game, and we can help you get there.
Subscribers will have access to our full library of stories, interviews, gear round-ups, fishing tips, industry news and travel guides, as well as direct access to the team for comments, chat and exclusive Q&A sessions.
If you choose to support us, many heartfelt thanks–storytelling this awesome doesn’t grow on trees.
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Helping Hand
If the subscription fee feels like a burden, either because you’re finishing school, having a rough go at work or just think paywalls are unnecessary, email the team and we’ll get you set up for free. No questions asked.
Sign Up and Let’s Get to Work
Live from the WORLD HEADQUARTERS
Kirk, Tim and Andrew
