Latest news with #flyfishing
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Travel + Leisure
19 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I've Been Fly Fishing for 5 Years, and This Is the Genius Fishing Gear That Makes Every Trip a Success—From $8
There's nothing better than a day on the water—just me, my fly rod, and (hopefully) a few trout willing to play along. But getting to that peaceful, cast-after-cast rhythm takes some prep work, especially if you're just learning how to fly fish. I've learned over the years that showing up with the right gear makes a huge difference, not just in how the fishing is, but in how much fun I actually have. Going home with a sunburn after forgetting my SPF, or limping out of the river with blistered feet from wearing the wrong boots, is just as bad as leaving skunked. Learning a new sport can b e intimidating, and trying to outfit yourself with all the right gear to get outside can be even more intimidating. So, I'm sharing the tried-and-true essentials you need to confidently and comfortably get a line in the water, like ultralight waders, a fly rod and reel kit, and comfortable shoes for the water. My setup is a mix of gear I've used for years and a few newer finds that have quickly earned permanent spots in my kit. If you're building out your own river kit, this is a great place to start. Shop my top picks from REI, Amazon, Orvis, and more, with gear starting at just $8. Fly fishing is a gear-intensive hobby that requires you to have a lot of little stuff on you at all times. Spools of tippet, sunscreen, flies, sunglasses, chapstick, snacks—you need a comfortable place to put it all that won't get in the way or won't weigh you down. Enter this pack from Patagonia, which converts from a sling to a lumbar pack depending on your preference. For 9 liters, it's surprisingly spacious. I wear mine on my hip most of the day, and it holds all my gear, and some. There are ample magnets and lash points, too, so I can hook on extra spools of fly line or my water bottle for easy access. Trust me—there are a lot of packs out there. This is one you'll actually want to carry with you. $88 at Dicks Sporting Goods $98 at I'm ultra-picky about what pants I wear under my waders because a) I don't like sweating more than I have to, and b) I need something that stays in place. That's why I almost always reach for my Breeze Drift Pants from Free Fly. They're breezy, breathable, and have a slightly tapered leg that stays down under waders or looks cute on their own. I've worn them hiking, paddling, and post-fishing runs to the Dairy Queen, and they feel great doing it all. $75 at Amazon $75 at Invest in some solid UPF hoodies and shirts for extra protection while you're on the water, like this breathable hoodie by Cotopaxi. Despite its UPF 50+ protection, it's airy enough that you won't overheat, even when the sun is sweltering. The fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, too, meaning you won't mind it getting splashed. Thoughtful touches, like the thumbholes and hood, offer added shade, which you can never have too much of. You can spend a lot of money on waders and technical fishing apparel, but if you're looking for a pair to keep you cool and dry this summer that won't break the bank, I'd recommend the Ultralight Waders by Orvis. True to their name, they're shockingly lightweight, but still tough enough to handle brush and rocky banks. The fit is dialed in for a woman's frame, so you're not constantly battling sagging or weird bunching in the knees. I especially love the adjustable shoulder straps that convert into a belt for warmer days when I wear them waist-high. Add in the built-in gravel guards and a chest pocket, and they're worth every penny. Like the matching waders, these Orvis boots are supportive yet featherlight, which is rare for wading boots. The quick-dry synthetic materials keep them from staying soggy, and the Vibram soles grip surprisingly well on wet rocks and slick mud. You spend a lot of time standing and hiking in fly fishing, and I've found these boots to give me all-day comfort, even after 12+ hours on my feet. When it's too hot for full waders and I'm confident I can get my feet wet without freezing, I strap these sandals on. The Teva Hydratrek sandals are my go-to for wet wading—they're sturdy, supportive, and grippy enough to handle whatever is underneath me. Unlike some water sandals that feel clunky or rub in weird places, these give you incredible ground-feel and grip, even when you're hiking into a more remote spot. They also clean up easily and dry fast, which is a must when you're bouncing between trail and stream. You can't go fishing without your rod and reel. This all-in-one kit is ideal for both beginners and seasoned anglers who want a no-fuss setup. Redington's 9-foot, 5-weight rod is versatile enough for most freshwater situations, and the included reel is pre-spooled with quality line, so you're ready to cast right out of the case. I keep mine in the car for spontaneous trips because it's so portable and durable. A multi-tool might not seem essential… until you need it. Whether I'm snipping line, tightening screws on my reel, or using pliers to un-snag a stray fly out of my sun hoodie, this thing comes in clutch. The Skeletool Cx is streamlined but still packs a serious punch, with pliers, wire cutters, a knife, and even a bit driver. It's lightweight enough to clip onto my belt loop and tough enough to withstand years of wear and tear. Plus, the bright colors always get tons of compliments and stand out in my pack for easy access. $40 at Amazon $40 at Hydration is key, and this bottle keeps my water ice-cold even after hours in direct sun. The narrow mouth is easy to drink from on the move, and the stainless steel build is virtually indestructible. I can hook it to my fishing pack or shove it in the water bottle holder, and it doesn't leak—even when it inevitably falls out or rolls down a riverbank (get a brightly colored one you can easily spot in case that happens!). It's the kind of bottle you buy once and never need to replace. I rarely fish without a hat, and I love this $8 find from Amazon. It's lightweight, breathable, and offers just enough shade to keep my face and neck from frying. The foldable design means it doesn't take up space, and if it blows into the river, it dries quickly. Just a solid, budget-friendly way to keep your cool. As with any outdoor sport, you'll want to slather on SPF. The tricky thing is, fly lines and rods don't love sunscreen (especially if it's chemical, the ingredients can eat away at the materials). I always carry a stick in my bag that I can apply all over my face, while keeping the rubbing with my hands to a minimum. Lately, I've been loving Tula's Protect + Go Sunscreen Stick, which comes in an easy-to-use applicator that's also easy to find (it's bright yellow, so it never gets lost in my pack). Bonus points for the better-for-you ingredients my skin slurps up in the sunshine. The same goes for lip balm, which I am constantly reapplying on the river. Sunburned lips are the worst , and this balm saves me every time. It's packed with organic ingredients and has a smooth, buttery texture that actually stays put, even after eating or getting splashed. Ask any angler what piece of gear they never fish without, and I bet they say polarized sunglasses. Quality eyewear is a non-negotiable on the water. On top of protecting your precious peepers, they cut glare, allowing you to see fish and structure better. You can drop a ton of money on good sunglasses, but I've been really impressed with Suncloud's affordable styles, which punch well above their price point. If you're new to fishing and not ready to spring for a $200 pair, these are a smart and functional pick. I've lost way too many sunglasses overboard to ever fish without a retainer on my glasses again. Specifically, this floating strap from Chums, which costs $15 but has saved me probably hundreds of dollars in otherwise lost eyewear. The foam is floaty and bright, making it easy to spot before they drift away. I use this for everything: drying my hands after handling fish, wiping down wet gear, or blotting sweat off my face. It's small but mighty, and the microfiber material absorbs way more than you'd expect. It dries quickly and comes with a clip, so it's easy to attach to your pack or vest. At just $10, it's a total no-brainer add-on for any outdoor adventure. Love a great deal? 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Forbes
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Your Guide To Fly-Fishing With Dad On Father's Day
Your dad likes to fly-fish, eh? So did mine. And so did his. (And so do I!) Father's Day makes for a great excuse to get dad out on the water. That the holiday is in the middle of June—arguably the best fishing month of the year—makes it all even better. Tarpon and bonefish are active in Florida. Largemouth bass are ready to crush a popping bug in the southeast. Striped bass are well into their annual migration in the northeast. Smallmouth bass and muskies have come out of hibernation in the Midwest. And trout fishing out west has begun to ramp up and gather steam. So, want to get dad out on the water? Below, a guide to fly-fishing with dad on Father's Day. Nearly every golfer I know spends some time on the range before they play a round. Fly anglers should do the same and practice casting before a trip, even if it means getting dad out there for twenty casts on the lawn in the evenings after work. Orvis has a good series on casting to help dad get primed up. We are blessed with a lot of good fly-fishing podcasts these days. A few suggestions to start with: Mill House, the Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast and Wet Fly Swing. Bonus one which touches on fly-fishing on occasion: Mountain & Prairie. And don't forget books! Thomas McGuane's The Longest Silence is, in my opinion, the best fly-fishing collection out there. For other suggestions, check out this lengthy thread on Reddit. Looking for some concierge-like help to plan your fishing with dad? Cache_Seven is a cool new company that will help you plan your next fishing trip all over the country (they also do skiing, climbing, surfing and other sports). The idea is that you log on, plug in what you want to do and where you want to do it, and a professional guide will help you get ready, with gear and tips and even guide you if so desired. That way, you'll be ready to go when you arrive for your trip. (Prices vary.) More of a DIY person? Might I suggest that you and dad check out some of the fishing on our vast—and priceless—public lands. Some of my favorite public land fishing includes the Cape Cod National Seashore for striped bass, Yellowstone National Park for trout, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for smallmouth bass. The reason to fish the water on the public lands now? Dads, by nature, like to hand things down to their children. One of those things that should be handed down, generation to generation, is our public lands. And these lands are currently under some serious pressure. I'd bet dad would like to join in the fight to keep our public lands in the hands of their owners—us. Trout Unlimited is leading the charge in this fight (check out this landing page) and, in celebration of Father's Day, the organization is giving out complimentary memberships. Good fly-fishing gear does not have to break the bank. I have two recommendations for rods, both priced well below the hot new models (which go for more than $1,000 these days), and a suggestion for a pack. I've long been a fan of G. Loomis fly rods. It's just a high-quality brand, from its trout rods all the way up to its tarpon ones. With the G. Loomis IMX-Pro V2 (from 4-to-8-weights), you get the quality of those hot-shot new rods for only about half the price ($595). IMX-Pro V2 G. Loomis I grew up fishing with an Orvis Superfine (1-to-5 weights, 7'6' to 7'11'). This new iteration of the classic is a reminder of how fun that was. Orvis remade the rod using some of the technology they feature in their (rightly) celebrated Helios rods. It's a great tool for small-stream trout and summer bluegills, at the very good price of $598. Orvis Superfine Orvis Dad is going to need something to hold his flies on the river. The Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack 3L ($59) is a perfect little pack for the days that call for a minimalist approach. It can be worn on your chest or your hip, and features a big zippered pocket for your fly box and smaller one for your leaders. And it has a cool magnet on the top to hold your fly when changing up your rig. Stealth Switch Pack 3L Patagonia Sometimes dad might need a little rum after a day on the water, either to mourn the big one that got away or to celebrate the big one that didn't. Goslings Spirited Seas Limited Edition Rum ($60 for 750 ml) comes with a cool twist: it finishes its aging process with a year at sea (for real), harking back to the very beginnings of the rum trade. You can drink it neat. Or you can check out these recipes if you prefer to mix it up. Goslings Spirited Seas Rum Goslings And for the after-fish grilling session, you can't beat Bear & Burton's W Sauce ($10), a Worcestershire that's made from a recipe that's a century old. Put it on a burger, a brisket or maybe some veggies. (I use it for making salad dressing.) The company is owned by two anglers—Bear Holeman (a guide) and Burton Young (an industry veteran). It's thicker than the Worcestershire you may be used to. It's also tastier. Bear & Burton's W Sauce Bear & Burton's
