AT News: Fly Rod Sweet Spots, 2025 Year In Review, Roland Martin on the Mill House Podcast

Talking about oversized heads (no, not talking about casting instructors or magazine editors) and fast-action graphite fly rods.

It’s All About the Sweet Spot

Question: Why have “fast-action” fly rods dominated the market for the past 30-plus years?

Answer: Because they help non-expert anglers make longer and more accurate casts.

That’s not a criticism or complaint. It’s just a fact. And fly fishing is far from the only sport where product design has largely evolved around helping amateurs perform like professionals.

Take tennis, for example. In the 1970s and early 1980s, American Jimmy Connors made the Wilson T2000 racquet all the rage. The more he won, the more the racquet sold (ultimately over 2 million units). This, even though the T2000 had a head size of only 67 square inches, which made it powerful in the hands of a pro like Connors, but otherwise pretty difficult to master for the average recreational player.

Then Prince came along (the racquet maker, not the musician) and, by making racquets with “oversized” heads, it leveraged the advantages of a larger “sweet spot.” Current day Prince racquets have heads over 100 square inches. What that means is the average player can hit balls slightly off center and still find forgiveness via power and accuracy.

Golf is another good analogy. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus made golf history, swinging persimmon wood drivers with heads about the same size as a man’s closed fist. They played with “blade” irons that packed a punch and ability to shape shots with ball spin–if you hit the ball just right.

But the average duffer couldn’t always do that, thus was born a generation of drivers with heads nearly the size of goldfish bowls, and irons with large faces and cavity backs–all made with space-age materials like graphite and titanium. These larger-sweet-spot irons are called “player improvement” irons, but what that really means is they’re made in a way that lets you mishit the ball and still keep it in play. Golf club manufacturers just didn’t want to call them “screwup forgiveness” irons.

Fly rods aren’t about sweet spots that can be measured in square inches, per se, rather, a fly cast is about generating line speed, then stopping the rod, and flinging a weighted/coated line, hopefully in a compact “u” shape, without doubling over itself (a tailing loop)... Read the entire post ($ subscribers). – Kirk Deeter

2025 Year In Review: “Best of the Best”

A look back on our fly-fishing favorites of 2025…

Fly Rods

• Scott GT Series fly rods: We tested the 8-foot-8-inch 4-weight (MSRP $1095). “The rod tracks and recovers well. It’s accurate. I’d rate it right up there with Orvis Helios (generation 4, the new ones) that I think are among the most consistently accurate rods out there. Most important of all, the ‘feel transfer’…you can sense the energy during the cast, not just in the tip section, but also right through the lower section and into the grip. If you can sense the energy, you can control it. That means you make more consistent casts. But it also allows you to improvise. Little flicks and mends, the unheralded things that often spell the difference when it comes to presentation, are augmented through this rod.” Read the full review (KD).

• Epic Titanium Series fly rods: We tested the 9-foot 7-weight ($1095). “In a word, this rod is an absolute gun. A loop-packing, wind-busting, dart-throwing beast that will absolutely own any saltwater situation imaginable. This one takes the fight right to the fish. It shines best with a half-size heavy line (the way many saltwater lines are already built these days), but it will shoot just about any line under the control of any B- or better caster. The best attribute is accuracy. You can pick up and fire at short ranges, for sure. What it really boils down to is an honest, responsive action that lends itself to both distance and accuracy. This rod ranks right up with the best of the best in the 40-to-60-foot range.” Read the full review (KD).

• Sage Classic R8 fly rods: We tested the 8-foot, 6-inch 4-weight ($975). “Not unlike the Scott GTS, this is a medium-action, throwback rod intended to appeal to dry fly and light-line enthusiasts, and neither of these rods are at home slinging lead or banging the banks with articulated streamers. On the flip side, when you’re required to lay down long leaders and soft, accurate casts to spooky surface feeders, this is where these spring creek rods shine.” Read the full review (AS).

Fly Reels

• The Epic Backcountry fly reel: We tested the Backcountry 7/8 – New Zealand ($500). “It’s light. It’s sturdy. The pickup is great (with a large arbor). It’s easy to pop the spool. Easy to switch from left- to right-hand retrieve. The drag knob (an X-shaped surface on a round knob) is easy to find as you play a fish if you do that sort of thing, but maybe a bit stiffer to adjust on the fly than some of the other saltwater reels I use–Hatch, Hardy, Abel, Tibor, Orvis, etc.–especially those with completely round, larger drag knobs.” Read the full review (KD).

• (New) Ross San Miguel fly reel: We tested the 4/5 line weight ($650). “Version 3 of the San Miguel is the finest version yet, insofar as it incorporates the best of what Ross has had to offer, and it even stacks up against a ‘holy grail’ reel I’ve enjoyed for 30 years. It isn’t cheap, coming in @ $650, but by way of smoothness on startup and functionality as you fight fish, it stands apart from the crowd. This version is lighter, if that matters to you. The drag system is completely contained and supremely reliable (though time will tell, as usual).” Read the full review (KD).

Fly Lines

• Scientific Anglers Magnitude Textured Infinity Clear Tip Floating fly line: We tested the weight-forward 5-weight ($180). “This is the best floating, and casting, clear tip fly line I’ve fished. I’ve used a number of clear tips over the years, and frankly, many of them were pretty disappointing–they sank or fell apart, and lost their effectiveness pretty quickly. This fly line is completely different. It rides as well as the other colorful/coated lines I fish, and I think the stealth factor can make a positive difference when approaching wary fish.” Read the full review (KD).

Wading

• Skwala Backeddy Waders ($769). “The Backeddy Waders from Skwala are the real deal–tough, reliable, well-designed and good looking. I’ve put these waders through the ringer while exploring western Wyoming and Idaho this summer–fished, hiked, bushwhacked–and they never flinched. The pocket spaces (larger kangaroo pocket, side pockets, plus a smaller stash pocket), magnetic suspender clip system that makes taking on and off a breeze and knee pads, that I never thought I needed until I had them, are all thoughtful features of these well-built and conceived waders.” Read the full review (WK).

• Korkers Stealth Sneaker ($160). “Performance-wise, they also seemed to be right up my alley, because I’m a wet-wading guy who values minimal footwear. But I’m also a blue-liner who likes to hike far into the backcountry to find and fish those subtle small creeks and rivers. And because they are quite light at only 1.1-pounds per boot, they’re easy to put some miles on. But better than that, after having tracked through literally dozens of trail and riverbed miles since early spring (from Montana’s Paradise Valley to the Front Range region of Colorado), I’ll also vouch that they’ve held up admirably. When wading, they also are light and not heavy or bulky, and you feel the rocks under your feet, which I consider another plus.” Read the full review (TR).

Apparel

• Patagonia Men’s Boulder Fork Rain Jacket ($229). “The Boulder Fork Rain Jacket is a minimalist approach to a more feature-heavy river jacket. It only does a few things–keep you dry, pack lightly into a gear bag or backpack (13.7 ounces) and provide a few pockets for gear–but it does them well. The waterproof/breathable 3-layer shell (made without PFAS) has been comfortable and reliable during summer downpours and also provides enough wind and rain staying power when conditions deteriorate.” Read the full review (AS).

• The Frigate Windshirt from 3BIRD ($119). “Made from 100% post-consumer recycled nylon (from commercial fishing nets), a ‘100% brushed polyester knit mesh’ interior and a wind- and water-resistant (PFAS-free) DWR finish, the windshirt is durably stitched, attractively designed and performs as advertised, i.e. blocking wind, wicking moisture and performing functional water resistance, when required. It’s not a storm jacket by any means, but does provide some basic levels of protection for bugs and ubiquitous river elements.” Read the full review (AS).

• Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody ($250). “If you opened my closet, hoodies would account for an embarrassing percentage of it. Technical hoodies, sun hoodies, workout hoodies, ‘I forgot to change after fishing’ hoodies, you name it. The Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody gets the nod because it somehow works for all of that. Cold days on the water, chilly mornings around camp, office days and even double duty as a camp pillow. It’s definitely aimed at colder temps, but the comfort and versatility are why I keep grabbing it over everything else. I’ve been wearing it for over two years now. While I tend to be fairly nice to it in the wash cycle, I pretty much ignore it on the road and while traveling. The durability is incredible, and it surprisingly gets a lot of unsolicited ‘good-looking hoody’ comments.” Technical notes: mid-weight synthetic insulation, breathable stretch fabric, athletic cut that layers cleanly under shells and an excellent warmth-to-bulk ratio for cold-weather fishing and travel (TR).

Packs

• YETI Cayo 35L All-weather Backpack ($300). “The top compartment is great for your phone/camera, a snack, or anything else you want to grab on the fly. The side is great for keeping sunscreen, a water bottle, or anything else you don’t want leaking all over everything inside. The inside pockets are more versatile also–it’s easy to find your fly box, a bottle of aspirin, your passport, a book, etc., as most of these pockets are stretchable and segmented. I like that this pack has handles on the top and the side, and if you want to cinch the shoulder straps, they seem to nearly go away.” Read the full review (KD).

• Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack 9L ($149). “Smart design considerations: 1. The water bottle sleeve (or fly rod carrier) can be cinched from either entry point, providing versatility for the user. 2. The strap pocket is a great addition for carrying a phone, monocular, or snack. 3. Extra padding on the pack and strap is a great ergonomic touch. 4. Tons of gear and tool lash points. 5. Extra long magnetic tab for staging flies. This is a sturdy, thoughtfully designed and highly versatile day pack for your next trek to the river.” Read the full review (AS).

Gear

• Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio ($180, 5-watt radio). “Using two-way radios as you fish is often child’s play. If you want to hear from your buddy that he just bagged a 14-inch brown on a prince nymph, and in reality, you’re standing 500 yards apart, go get the cheap walkie talkies you had when you played ‘hide the flag’ when you were 14 years old. If, on the other hand, you’re an outfitter, or some other serious angler, who legitimately cares about how the Class III rapid is behaving a mile downstream from you, you probably shouldn’t mess around with toys.” Read the full review (KD).

• YETI GoBox 15 ($125): The Canyon Junk Drawer That Earns Its Keep. “I treat the GoBox as ‘home base for the important stuff.’ Camera, headlamp, sunscreen, meds, lighter, spare batteries, gloves, beanie–basically the items you’d be miserable without. It moves with me from boat to tent pad to whatever craft I hitch a ride on next. Small enough to stash almost anywhere, big enough to hold the essentials, and built with tie-down slots that actually work with cam straps (you can even open the lid while it’s strapped down). The flip handle stows flat, which sounds minor until you’re trying to pack efficiently.” Read the full review (TR).

• Ombraz Armless Sunglasses ($160). “I was skeptical when told about a pair of ‘armless’ sunglasses. As a photographer for the last twenty years in the outdoor world and co-owner of Angling Trade, the B2B authority in the fly-fishing space, I’ve seen it and used it all in the sunglasses realm. Unfortunately, that means I’ve become a product snob when it comes to the glasses I wear and test. There are many high-quality shades out there for anglers, but none that are quite like Ombraz. The first thing you’ll notice is they don’t have arms. Think of your current pair of sunglasses, but with a tailless sunglass retainer like these from CHUMS as the only thing holding them to your face.” Read the full review (TR).

• The James Brand: The Chapter 2 Knife ($400). “I always have a knife in my pocket. Every single day. I’m that guy. I feel genuinely naked without one. After living with The Chapter 2 for well over a year, it’s become my favorite daily carry. It disappears in the pocket, works when I need it to and doesn’t look like it was designed by a committee of whitetail hunters and YouTube survivalists. It’s the knife I grab without thinking, and that’s usually the highest compliment I can give any piece of gear. It looks great without being pretentious, has what might be the smoothest action I’ve ever felt on a knife, fits my small-ish hand perfectly and uses a very nice steel without being overly beefy or dainty. I use my knives as tools for just about everything, and this one has absolutely earned its keep.” Technical notes: CPM S35VN stainless steel blade, thumb-stud deployment, liner lock, deep-carry pocket clip and a balanced overall weight that makes it disappear until you need it (TR).

Boats

• Over It Raft Covers ($329). “I’m an admitted boat junkie. As a result, I’ve got boats stashed everywhere–rafts, a drift boat, a runabout, jon boats, a Grand Canyon dory, you name it. Living with limited space means I’m constantly shuffling boats around and doing my best to protect those investments. Enter the Over It Raft Cover, which has been a legitimate game-changer in my world. It’s simple, well thought out and solves a problem I deal with constantly. If you own a raft and care about UV protection, road grime, or storage logistics, this thing deserves your attention.” Technical notes: heavy-duty UV-resistant fabric, reinforced stress points, tailored fit by raft model and a quick on/off design that actually encourages you to use it instead of skipping coverage “just this once.” Read the full review (TR). Grab one with a Flylab discount: 10% off all raft covers.

• AIRE 146DD Raft ($6,570). “I like a lot of raft companies, but I’ve been an AIRE/Outcast fanboy for a long time–and I’ve owned more than a few of their boats. The AIRE 146DD is a unique rig. I bought it for family floats, desert getaways and sneaky overnight fishing missions. If you like floating high-gradient, low-volume rivers and want the interior space of a 15-plus-foot boat in a shorter package, this thing deserves a look. I went with the sealed floor. It rows like a much smaller boat, tracks beautifully, has just enough rocker to be fun when needed, and absolutely wallows gear like a champ.” Technical notes: 14’6” overall length, sealed self-bailing floor, high-volume tubes, wide interior footprint for its length, excellent frame compatibility, strong load-carrying capacity and surprisingly nimble handling for a gear-forward boat (TR).

Books

• Beartooth: A novel by Callan Wink that earned wonderful reviews.

• A Wooded Shore: And Other Stories by Thomas McGuane–another entry to his long and esteemed body of work.

• Rivers Always Reach the Sea: Angling Stories by Monte Burke. Pitch-perfect writing and storytelling from a master wordsmith.

• Pheasant Tail Simplicity by Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews and Mauro Mazzo–throwback materials and patterns for any level of fly tyer.

• Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. From the New York Times: “The possibility that a river is alive ‘changes the world,’ he says. It forces us to think differently. If nature is alive, then it should excite our imaginative sympathies. Macfarlane resists the impersonality of pronouns like ‘that’ or ‘which,’ preferring instead ‘to speak of rivers who flow and forests who grow…’”

Flylab Stories

• They Ain’t From Around Here by Miles Nolte. “I’m not attacking native fish advocates or their work, and I’m not promoting non-native fish conservation at the expense of the species that evolved in our systems. I’m calling on all of us to lower the tension and the holier-than-thou-ism a few degrees by remembering that we all have common motivations and common interests. We’re far better off harnessing those commonalities than seeking opportunities for judgement and infighting…”

• In Defense of Dry Flies by Andrew Steketee. “The point of this lesson is not to bemoan the loss of a long-forgotten dry-fly fishery, which would be easy to do, but to simply point out: our seemingly innocuous interactions with these complex ecosystems is always creating impact. The nagging question is always, can we define the quantity of this impact? And I guess that depends on your ecological perspective (or education) and how closely you’re looking…”

• A Failure Of Modern Fly Design by John Juracek. “There’s no mystery here. The best flies evolve to solve problems: fishing problems. Always have, always will. But cast a critical eye at fly design today, and a different methodology comes into view. You’ll see flies developed to solve problems, alright. Just not fishing problems.”

• Castwork: Rusty Vorous by Andrew Steketee and Kirk Deeter. “To people who fish and hunt the west, the greater Yellowstone region and its legendary rivers are no secret. The stretch of territory between Bozeman and Red Lodge is home to some of the most celebrated outdoor writers, artists, and assorted fishing ‘gurus’ in the region. Rusty knows most of them, and they know him. He refers to the notables as the ‘princes of merriment,’ but not with disdain. Anyone who would move to south central Montana for the fishing, or the wide-open country deserves his respect. But Rusty simply is not interested in status or fame.”

Films

• Life Keeps Runnin’ In Cycles. From Swedish filmmaker Rolf Nylinder: “Something about the best song in the world.” Can you make a great fly-fishing film without a fish?

• HUFF – The Film. Aspiring guides should learn more about Captain Steve Huff, the first full-time professional fishing guide ever inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. “When someone is paying for an experience I think you have the responsibility to try to the last measure, to the last drop of sunlight–everything you can do to produce that thrill.”

• Clear Intentions from The Flyfish Journal: Photographer and director Chase White from Squamish, British Columbia. “White wears many hats: photographer, director, conservationist, advocate, dad and steelhead obsessive are just a few of them...”

• From YETI: Japan to Jamaica. “In his pursuit of unearthing little-heard Jamaican music, Naoki ventured far from his home in Tokyo. A one-of-a-kind reggae researcher, he took on a vital role of documenting rare music for the public. Naoki then discovered another icon of Jamaican culture: tarpon fishing…” Finally, the brand is getting back to the films that put them on the map.

• ‍HOOKED: A short film from The Flyfish Journal about Jeff Forsee, a fly-fishing guide from Ohio now in New Zealand with his family. “An official selection of the 2025 Australia/New Zealand Fly Fishing Film Tour, the film explores the story of obsession and balance, set against the blue ribbon trout fisheries of New Zealand’s South Island where Forsee has made a life for himself…”

The Twenty-foot Tailing Loop Awards

And, regrettably, the biggest disappointments of the year.

• Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is the hands down winner for his ruthless and ubiquitous attacks on the country’s hunting, fishing and recreating public lands. Removing him from office in 2028 should be Utah’s first order of business.

• Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, comes in as a close second, when he went on record with the statement that U.S. public lands are nothing more than “assets on America’s balance sheet.” He’s more interested in fracking or developing real estate in your national parks than protection.

• Feeding fish on Colorado’s Lower Blue River. “The region’s lead aquatic biologist is being emphatically clear about a factor absent from the public narrative: pellet feeding produces unnaturally large trout in densities the natural food web cannot support. And that combination is a recipe for nutritional imbalances, disease susceptibility, disease communicability and mortality spikes…”

• Is it time to move on from Strike indicators (bobbers)? “I guess this is the last remaining argument for the utility of bobber fishing: it works, it’s legal, leave me alone. Also, you’re an elitist snob for looking down your nose at me if I use them…”

Recent News

• David Schluter, co-owner of St. Croix Rod and the St. Croix Family of Brands, has passed away. From St. Croix: “Throughout his 35-year career at St. Croix, David was known and respected for his intelligence, work ethic, practical problem-solving skills, and relentless focus on innovation. Dave was passionate about St. Croix’s brand, processes, and people. He was very proud of what his father had accomplished in saving the company twice in its history. He would advance to Vice President of Manufacturing, then Vice President of Product Management, leading manufacturing and product development at St. Croix for over a decade before retiring to continue leadership on the company’s Board of Directors.”

• Ted Williams exposes the dissonance and disconnect between hunters and anglers who support the protection of public lands (for hunting and fishing access) and the same constituency who cheers on the current lineup of politicians who are tearing down any shred of public lands protection. “If sportsmen had read newspapers instead of hook-and-bullet rags, they’d have understood that state seizure of public lands was a plank in the GOP platform and that state lands get sold off or reserved for extractive industry. As a condition for entering the union, most Western states agreed to disclaim all rights to unappropriated public lands. In exchange, the federal government gave them ‘trust lands’ with which to generate revenue through sale and development. So far, Utah has sold off 4.1 million acres of its trust lands, New Mexico 4 million, Montana 800,000, Idaho 1.5 million, Colorado 1.7 million, Arizona 1.8 million. Of the 4 million acres given to Nevada, only 2,914 acres remain.”

• Outdoor and Active Lifestyle Trends: 2025 Recap and 2026 Forecast–a response to digital exhaustion. “If you manage a brand or store, the challenge is to create a physical space that’s more than a place to buy stuff. Retail is increasingly experiential. These are spots where people can hang out, connect, and feel at home. ‘Retail spaces are evolving into storytelling platforms,’ Gentner and Esquiliche said. ‘In response to digital exhaustion, stores are becoming ‘Fourth Spaces’ that invite lingering and belonging–standing in sharp contrast to the transactional nature of online experiences. In a landscape of overwhelming choice, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that express a clear, genuine perspective by remaining true to themselves.’”

• The Bureau of Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement and will invite Public Input on Strategies to Address the Colorado River Crisis. The Bureau of Reclamation will be accepting public comments on the DEIS beginning on January 16. “‘This is a critical moment for the river and the 35 million people who depend on it. Unless we come up with a proactive and comprehensive management plan, the West could see reservoir levels crash in the coming years and could even struggle to keep water flowing through the Grand Canyon,’ said John Berggren, regional policy manager at Western Resource Advocates. ‘This year’s current low snowpack poses an immediate risk to the system, highlighting the need for a long-term plan that goes beyond crisis management.’”

• From Yellow Dog Flyfishing: the 2026 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide. “Built for anglers who see fly fishing as a way to explore the world, the 2026 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide brings together the stories, knowledge, and destinations that define unforgettable trips. Inside, you’ll find immersive reports from the field, hard-earned insights from trusted guides and seasoned anglers, and in-depth profiles of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations.”

• From Deeter and Joe Cermele: Winter Trout Fishing Tips. “Long spans of bitter-cold temperatures and sunny skies often equal miserable winter trout fishing. You may not be able to fish at all if the edges ice over too badly or the stream is slushed up, but even if ice isn’t a factor, you can expect the water to be ultra-clear, low, and probably just a few notches above freezing depending on where you live. In these conditions, trout hunker down, both to minimize the energy they expend and because they can be more easily seen by birds of prey. Scoring a bite–which will often be so light you barely feel it–can be more of an endurance test than a fun outing, so I avoid these conditions altogether.”

• The Fly Fishing Show will be in Marlborough, MA (January 16th - 18th) at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. Hours are Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The show is $18 for one day, $28 for two days and $38 for three days. Children under the age of five are free, as are Boy and Girl Scouts under the age of 16 (in uniform). Children 6-12 are $5. Active military with an ID are $10. Parking is free.

Fly-fishing Media

Hunter Leavine interviews Arno Matthee from South Africa, a legendary fly-fishing guide working at Los Locos. They discuss “milkfish, giant trevally, pirate encounters, mothership expeditions and the lessons learned from exploring fisheries with no roadmap: spend more time observing than fishing.” More from Hunter: “Arno didn’t grow up with a plan to become a ‘legendary guide.’ In fact, where he grew up, guiding wasn’t even a thing. There was no career path. No roadmap. No version of this life you could point to and say, I’ll do that. There was just water. Rivers. Tides. Fish. A constant pull to see what was happening beneath the surface. What struck me early in our conversation was how little ego there was in his story. No talk of ‘making it.’ No chasing recognition. Just a steady following of curiosity from one place to the next…”

• Wild Steelhead words by Greg Thomas. “Manzanita offers enough restaurants and activity to keep you busy most times of the year, and certainly if you are visiting for a few days in February with metalhead on your brain. That’s what I was doing, cruising from Montana to the coast to meet up with a writer friend, the late Chris Santella. Chris only had a day to fish, and we didn’t touch a thing which, in retrospect, is kind of a bummer. I think that may have been the last time I threw a line with the man. While Santella drove back to Portland that evening, I met up with the steelhead guru Jeff Hickman and nestled into a VRBO a few short yards from the beach. I’d packed some wild Alaska sockeye salmon to Manzanita and we indulged in a feast while discussing plans for the following day. At 7 a.m., we were on our way to a first-class river, hoping the water might be in shape, offering that tantalizing steelhead green…”

• Hatch’s Top Ten stories of 2025. Tips for trout anglers on a limited budget (#7). “Not everyone can afford to go out with high-priced guides, or stay at fancy fly fishing lodges, or attend top fly fishing schools. At the same time, most folks I know lack the disposable income to buy $1,000 fly rods, $800 waders and $300 sunglasses. But that doesn’t mean fly fishers with more modest financial resources can’t become stellar anglers. With that in mind, Todd Tanner offers a bevy of suggestions that anglers on any budget can take advantage of…”

• The Fishing Club Journal–Issue #34: striped marlin. “Striped marlin are highly migratory billfish of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, favoring cooler tropical and subtropical water. They grow fast, mature early, and live roughly a decade, spending their lives moving vertically through the water column in response to light, temperature, and prey. Their color-shifting stripes are a biological signal, intensifying during stress, feeding, and coordinated group hunts on sardines, mackerel, and squid. Marlin arrive without warning and reset the day…”

• Andy Mill at the Ole Florida Fly Shop discussing the core tenets of tarpon fishing: 1. Reading the fish (it’s between you and the fish, not the guide) 2. Presenting the fly. 3. Feeding the animal. 4. Setting the hook. 5. Fighting the animal. Lots of great stuff here: “It’s about reading the fish before you ever throw the fly. And we have to understand, too, what we’re looking at, so we’re not always relying on the guide. Because when you get really good and the guide’s telling you, ‘Okay, tick, tick, tick, tick, move it, slide it, tick, tick…’ You don’t want to hear that, because I feel like he’s stealing from me. When I get a fish on, when I throw to a fish, when I’m trying to feed that fish, that relationship is with me and the fish, that’s mine, right?”

• From the Mill House Podcast: Roland Martin. “Roland is one of the most influential and successful figures in the history of professional bass fishing. A nine-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and winner of 19 Bassmaster tournaments (19 times runner up as well), Martin helped define competitive bass fishing during its formative decades…”

• The Big C: Columbia River Carp. Oregon carp guru John Bartlett, aka John Montana, heads out to the Columbia River’s carping flats. From TFFJ: “When Bartlett moved to Portland, OR, from Montana in the mid-aughts, he did what any self-respecting fly angler would do and turned his attention from trout to salmon and steelhead. The problem is, he quickly grew weary of the crowds. Instead, he started exploring the banks of the Columbia River…”

Gear Buzz

• G. Loomis redesigns their Asquith fly rod series–describing these advanced rods as “the pinnacle of performance, technology, and craftsmanship, combining world-class blank engineering.” Starting at $1,570 for the freshwater series (6 and 7-weight) and $1,635 for the saltwater (8 – 12-weight), “they aren’t cheap” is an understatement. When we eventually clear the $2k (fly rod) pricing threshold, we’ll be through the looking glass on product-market fit.

• Jacob Sotak of Hookswain documents his five-piece fiberglass travel rod build. “When I began last March, I had very little experience building rods. What I did have was a clear vision, enough confidence to get myself into trouble, and the stubborn belief that if I moved slowly and paid attention, the thing would eventually take shape. I made the project harder by trying to document it as I went: filming, photographing, and writing through each step. Sitting here now, with the rod finished, I’m still not sure which part of the process demanded more patience: building the rod, or learning how to tell its story without getting in the way of the work.”

• GearJunkie reviews the Overwatch X Rescue app, a comprehensive emergency SOS subscription. “OxR is a satellite-backed app that’s available for Android or iOS. It costs $80 per year and is compatible with Garmin devices and most modern smartphones. Each account can support three devices. When you send an SOS alert, it doesn’t go to a 911 call center. Instead, it’s sent to one of OxR’s Crisis Response Centers. Search and rescue operations can be extremely complicated and cost thousands of dollars. That’s where Overwatch x Rescue (OxR) comes in. This service’s new satellite app promises not only to coordinate your rescue but also to cover any costs associated with it–from SAR fees to medical evacuation expenses. It’s a rescue app and a financial rescue net in one.”

• GearJunkie also reviews the Vosteed Parallel Knife. “The Parallel is a minimalist’s dream, offering an extremely pocketable design without skimping on material quality. It weighs 2.36 ounces and all but disappears in the pocket at 0.279 inches thick–about as thick as a standard pencil. The Parallel has a titanium handle, offered in a multitude of colors and styles, ranging from flashy to subdued. This helps keep the overall weight low while providing strength that should last a lifetime.”

• From Field Mag, the Light Phone III Review: A Beautiful Dumbphone Fit for Travel & Adventure. “Created to help users disconnect from the doomscroll and embrace a more analog approach to life, the Light Phone III is a tool, rather than a social crutch. By stripping away attention-demanding apps and internet access, the phone’s creators hope users will focus more on real-life interactions. But like a film camera, it’s purposeful, and limiting. The Light Phone offers no offline maps, no activity tracking, no money transfer for the burritos you grab on the way to the trailhead.”

• The Holy Grail of Battery Charging: not sure if we’re completely there, but it’s a start. Donut Lab unveils world’s first production-ready solid-state battery. “Donut Lab’s all-solid-state battery delivers 400 Wh/kg energy density, enabling longer range with significantly less weight. The battery can be charged to full capacity in as little as five minutes, without the typical limitation of stopping at 80%. It also supports safe, full discharge, repeatedly and reliably.”

• One of the better guides on gun ownership from Wes Siler: Everything You Need To Know To Buy Your First Gun. “Like a lot of sectors of the economy, recent growth in sales of guns and associated stuff has concentrated in higher end, more expensive products. This is bringing change to retailers. Just a couple of years ago, my favorite gun store was full of commemorative January 6th memorabilia, LOCK HER UP bumper stickers, and stuff like that. Today, all that has been replaced with reclaimed barn wood and the owner will fix you an excellent espresso before showing you his wares.”

• Peter Morse and Steve Peach take a look at the new (2025) Sage Classic R8 fly rods, putting the 4-weight, 5-weight, and 6-weight models through their paces on the water. Medium-flexing rods that won’t tolerate being over-weighted with heavier fly lines; they do deliver dry flies crisply and with finesse.

• Captain Mitchell Dugger in Key West talking about how he helped design the REN+ 1190-4 11-weight tarpon saltwater rod with the Nam Products team.

Fly-fishing Jobs

• RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service: Float-fishing Guides (Ridgway, CO). “RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service is seeking experienced professional guides for the 2026 season. The Gunnison Gorge is one of North America’s premier wilderness float fishing destinations with a remote backcountry setting, world-class fishing and challenging Class III+ whitewater. What the job demands: 1. Expert whitewater rowing on technical rapids. 2. High-level fly fishing instruction for all abilities. 3. Multi-day backcountry leadership. 4. Professional client care in wilderness settings.”

• The Meadows on Rock Creek: Fly-fishing Guide (Philipsburg, MT). “The Meadows on Rock Creek is seeking an experienced, professional, and client-oriented Fly-fishing Guide to join our growing all-inclusive guest ranch operation and team. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about trout fishing, local landscapes and waterways, and delivering exceptional guest and hospitality experiences to help develop a premier luxury guest ranch destination.”

• Headhunters Fly Shop: Retail Associate (Craig, MT). “We are hiring for the 2026 season beginning in late March or April and running through October 31st. Hours: 40 hours/week. As this is a seasonal role, flexibility is required for split shifts and early mornings (starting at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.) or late evenings (until 9:00 p.m.) during peak periods. Overtime pay is provided.” Headhunters Fly Shop.

• FishHound Expeditions: Fly-fishing Guide (Willow, AK). “We are looking for fly-fishing guides for our 2026 season. Guiding experience is helpful, but not a prerequisite. We are looking for guides that can do float trips, wade trips, day trips and multi-day trips. Applicants will need to be here in AK from early June through mid/late September. As an outfitter, we provide all client gear, guides are responsible for their own personal gear and vehicle that can tow a raft.” FishHound Expeditions.

• Cross Current Outfitters: Fly Shop Staff (Starlight, PA). “Full-time/part-time seasonal fly shop associate in a multi-line shop. Customer service is paramount. You will work with a five-star-rated, award-winning outfitter. Strong people skills are a must, along with a desire to grow in the fly fishing world. Basic computer skills required, along with fly gear rigging. This can become a year-round position for the right candidate.” Cross Current Outfitters.

• Mayfly Outdoors: Customer and Dealer Service Representative (Montrose, CO). “We are looking for an avid fly fisherman with excellent customer and dealer service skills to join our sales team: work with our Dealers and Customers to deliver exceptional service and solutions, serve as the go-to expert for all dealer and customer needs, ensuring satisfaction and retention, collaborate with Brand Managers, production and shipping teams to exceed client expectations, identify opportunities for growth and innovation within dealer and customer accounts, provide insightful feedback to help shape our product knowledge and growth in the fly-fishing industry.” At Mayfly Outdoors, our legacy brands consist of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, Airflo, Dyna King, and Renzetti.

• Fly Shop of the Bighorns: Retail Specialist (Sheridan, WY). “Fly Shop of the Bighorns is looking for a few solid people to join our retail team for the 2026 fishing season. If you enjoy working with people, thrive in a small, team-oriented retail store, and have an interest in fly fishing, trout, or the outdoors, this could be a great opportunity. You don’t need to be a casting expert or know every bug by its Latin name. What matters most is that you’re friendly, curious, dependable and comfortable striking up conversations with all kinds of customers.”

• Wolf Creek Angler: Fly Shop Associate (Wolf Creek, MT). “Wolf Creek Angler is looking for enthusiastic, energetic, motivated individuals willing to work long hours doing everything from retail sales to launching boats to running vehicle shuttles to grounds-keeping and basic maintenance around our property.”

• Nine Quarter Circle Ranch: Fly-fishing Guide (Gallatin Gateway, MT). “The job will include guiding trips on the ranch, as well as off ranch trips to the Taylor Fork and Gallatin Rivers. The guide is responsible for the safety of the participants and must have/maintain a clean driving record. In addition to guiding fishermen, the fly-fishing guide’s responsibilities will also include some chore/maintenance duties as outlined by management. There are times when the guide’s services as a fly-fishing guide are not needed for a span of days or even weeks and the guide will be expected to fill in with additional duties around the ranch.”

Head to flyfishingjobs.com to search for more listings.

Boats

Small Craft Sales is THE go-to marketplace for buying and selling small boats and other specialty watercraft. Looking to buy or sell a small boat? Check out the brand-new used boat marketplace: modern, searchable, community-driven platform built for anglers, paddlers, rowers, tinkerers, outboard junkies and anyone dreaming of their next waterborne adventure. Read here to find out why it just works better.

Best Fishing options this week:

• 2015 Adventure Gheeno with 9.8 Tohatsu and trailer. Always wanted a Gheeno, never had a reason to buy one? A very cool, three seat option with tiller control that’s never seen the salt. Comes with a Garmin fish finder and MinnKota troller.

• 1955 Professionally Restored 14’ Chetek Navigator. Want to look dead sexy while you cruise your favorite lake or back bay looking for fish? The inside of this 70-year-old wooden beauty has to be seen to be believed. Comes with the original trailer, restored 1957 10hp Johnson Sea Horse and a 1987 Tohatsu 25HP + a ton of extras.

• 1999 14ft 6in Hyde Low Pro. Do you like those PNW or mid-west set-ups with the two high-backed seats up front? This might be the deal for you. It’s got a “no freeze” side-anchor system, a huge custom rear dry box port side rod storage and a pile of accessories. Great deal for the right person looking for a very specific boat.

• 2025 Fully Loaded 13’6” Rio Craft Teton. We’re talking fully loaded! Accessories included: Full Fishing Frame, dual lid dry box, cooler, front and rear no snag lean bars, Rod Dog rod holder, stripping basket, 3 Sawyer smoker bandits, 2:1 anchor upgrade W/ 25lb green anchor.

• 2025 15’ Rio Craft Colorado. This raft was lightly used for just one season and has very little wear. Great deal for someone looking for a solid but basic set-up. Comes with basic rowing frame, Sawyer cobra locks and 3 Sawyer polecat oars.

• 2015 Old Town Discovery 169 Canoe. This canoe was built to handle real use, not a thin recreational boat. The hull is tough, stable and designed for outfitters who need durability season after season. The owner says it’s been well cared for. An high-grade boat with plenty of life left for a stupidly low price.

Here’s what’s floating around the boating world this week: Chesapeake Light Craft dropped a must-read Complete Guide to Mixing Epoxy for builders, fixers and tinkerers working with small craft. “If you’ve ever mixed epoxy for anything remotely boat-related, you already know the deal: it’s equal parts chemistry experiment and quiet prayer.” Small Craft Sales is offering free listings plus a chance to win $250 for your favorite boat company of choice. 4CRS Paddle School is hosting free kayak rolling instruction at the Durango Rec Center on January 14th for anyone into flipping boats (intentionally). Sawyer Paddles and Oars is unloading some floor boats here and here.

Music

Another great 2025 album: Wet Leg’s moisturizer. Rhian Teasdale’s “shapeshifting” voice is the driving force behind this young, but promising UK band, which can remind you of their mercurial and often transcendent post-punk predecessors: Shirley Manson of Garbage, Juliana Hatfield and Angel Olsen. Songs like CPR, liquidize, davina mccall and jennifer’s body stand out, but the whole album is worth your time. From Pitchfork: “In the build-up to moisturizer, the band underwent two major changes, creatively and personally. First, they began working more collaboratively as a five-piece, recruiting live musicians guitarist Joshua Mobaraki, bassist Ellis Durand, and drummer Henry Holmes to join the songwriting process. The result is a meatier, more expansive sound, beefed up once again by producer Dan Carey, who’s also worked with Fontaines D.C. and Black Midi.” The KEXP performance.

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