What does it mean to “Never Cast Doubt”? It’s the tagline of the new Simms G3 2022 wader and gear line, but goes far deeper than standard marketing jargon. “Ferocious weather, pushy water, and technical terrain – backed by pros who know the G3 Guide takes it all in stride…” as you’ll find it defined by the team behind the new G3 collection, a line 20 years in the making. To never cast doubt is to never second guess your decisions on the water. It’s the sense of confidence a seasoned angler has in their research, skill, and their gear. Doubt is a bi-product of fear, and fear is a prelude to failure which in the world of guiding, is not an option. It was this mentality that, when searching for an embodiment of this spirit, the Simms team came across the story ofPaula Shearer.
Who is Paula Shearer?
Paula is a hard-rowing, ass-kicking, time-tested guide based out of Alberta, Canada. Since she was a young girl, Paula has spent her free time exploring the outdoors, while being immersed in competitive sports like hockey, lacrosse, and skeleton racing. As Paula got older, Paula focused her efforts on training to work towards making the Olympics one day, representing her home country of Canada in Skeleton Racing. Through rigorous training, Paula experienced immense strain on her body, specifically her head. After a traumatic automobile accident, and being diagnosed with multiple concussions as well as symptoms of many prior head injuries, Paula knew she had to walk away from the world of competitive sports.
However, if you know Paula, you know she’s not one to sit still for long. For many, this news would have been a death sentence, for her, it was only an opportunity. From there, Paula continued to pursue her unforgotten love of fly-fishing and channeled her competitive nature into guiding. Determined to be the absolute best possible version of herself, she started to dive deeper and deeper into her guide career, pushing the limits of what it means to be a fishing guide. Longer trips, more fish, earlier starts: the spirit many guides strive to embody, Paula demonstrates on a weekly basis.
Today, through unrelenting fervor and determination, Simms Pro, Paula Shearer is one of the most reputable guides in Alberta. If you see her on the water, give a wave… that is if you can catch her.
The Making of: “Simms Fish it Well Diary: Never Cast Doubt w/ Paula Shearer”
In the summer of 2021, we had the privilege of teaming up with the Simms team to put our minds together to form a story surrounding G3’s 2022 launch. Already knowing our subject, Paula, the planning just came down to how her story was to be told. Through storyboarding, permitting, and trip-planning, the project was in motion, and we were on our way to Calgary, Alberta to meet with Paula, and her friends Justin and Scott.
Upon arriving, we got our first in-person perspective towards the new G3 line, and before we knew it, alarms were set for a full week of shooting. Joined by Simms’ creative team of Darcy Bacha (Photographer), as well as Rex Messing (BCP) and Cassie Cline (PMC), we set out to capture a week of adventure, in the typical Canadian fashion. Fueled by Tim Horton’s breakfast wraps, and covered in cold, refreshing, Canadian rain; we had the privilege of watching Paula and company put the G3 waders to the test. Scree slopes, boulder hops, and questionable climbs were just the basis of our shoot routes, as we maneuvered through the Canadian Backwoods, experiencing what was “just another day in the office” for Paula.
The vision of the film was to focus it around Paula’s story, not just as a guide, but what brought her there. This was through the lens of young Paula’s eyes, as well as a glimpse into her old racing career through the visor of her helmet. After lots of technical rigging and lighting, brought to life by the magnificent mind of Max Erickson (Flylords Director of Photography), as well as long hours of acquiring footage, editing, and sound design from Jeb Burroughs (editor), we knew we had something special on our hands. A story worth telling – without doubt.
More about the new G3 line:
All we can say is, after watching what Paula and other guides put their gear through, it takes a special type of engineering to make a product like the G3 waders. Designed and made in Bozeman, Montana – this gear lives up to the tagline: “Never Cast Doubt”. From everything we witnessed in helping bring this film to life, all we can say is:
If these waders are good enough for what Paula puts them through, they’re good enough for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the G3 line, CLICK HERE.
Thank you to Simms and the Simms production team for allowing us the privilege to make this film come to life. Also, thank you to Paula,Justin, Scott, Mike, and everyone else for working with us day and night to help bring this story to fruition. Be on the lookout for more on the way from our friends in Bozeman, and keep up with all future G3 developments HERE.
YETI Coolers has just released a handful of new products and colorways to keep your spring fishing season bright and iced-down. This spring, their designers took inspiration from the corals of the Bahamas and the deep blues found when you venture into the deep, off-shore waters
The new compact Camino 20 Carryall is built for daily hauls. Made from the same waterproof, ultra-durable, and easy-to-clean material as the Panga Duffel, this tote bag will keep muddy boots contained and provide a tough barrier against your trusty grill set. Designed for everyday carry, the Camino 20 Carryall is the go-to bag for all of life’s small adventures.
Sized for big hauls and even bigger adventures, the Camino® 50 Carryall can handle just about anything you throw in it. Made from the same waterproof, ultra-durable, and easy-to-clean material as the Panga Duffel, this tote bag will keep ski gear dry and helmets and harnesses safely contained.
Consumers spoke and YETI listened. The beloved Hopper M30 is getting an update! Featuring a new MagShieldaccess that stays open for easy loading and seals tight to lock in the cold. Big enough to fit a case of beer, you can throw it over your shoulder or grab it by the handles for a day on the boat or at the beach.
Key Features
Improved wide-mouth magnetic access stays open for easy loading –and easily closes with a gentle tap of the hand
Fits up to 26 cans of your go-to brew
Hangs over your shoulder for comfortable hauling
Puncture-resistant DryHydeShell made from the same materials used on white water rafts
The leakproof liner acts as a bucket; indefinitely holds in melted ice
Thick ColdCellfoam insulation never compresses, retaining ice for days
Earlier last month in February, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which has significant implications for clean watersheds throughout the country. Mining law in the United States is a complicated and rather outdated collection of laws. This piece of legislation provides a crucial liability carveout for well-intentioned entities to clean up the tens of thousands of abandoned hardrock mines in the United States.
Hardrock mining pollution is a serious problem in our country from coast to coast due to a long history of harmful mining activities with weak laws. “The EPA estimates that 40 percent of western headwater streams are polluted by drainage from abandoned hardrock mines. These are not large-scale Superfund sites,” Chris Wood writes in a recent TU blog.
Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced the bill, S. 3571, to address these sources of legacy pollution and leverage public and private partnerships eager to do the restoration work. Without this legislation, the ‘good samaritans,” groups like Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, state agencies, or even local governments could be on the hook for all of the existing pollutants, and possible future impacts, from a mine the second that entity takes responsibility. So, an organization that is volunteering to clean up watersheds and reclaim abandoned mine could become liable for millions of dollars in damages in the event of an accident or unforeseen outcome.
Additionally, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), and John Barrasso (R-WY) were original cosponsors on the Good Samaritan Remediation of abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. The bill now has 13 sponsors–more than previous Good Samaritan pieces of legislation.
“Abandoned mines across the West are leaking toxic metals that threaten our land, water, fish and wildlife—and the communities that depend on them,â€Â said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Risch to create a path for Good Samaritan groups to clean up these sites and create good-paying jobs in New Mexico and across the country.â€
Senator Risch added, “There’s real motivation among the mining industry and conservation community to remedy the environmental challenges created by long-abandoned mines. Unfortunately, meaningful action has been heavily discouraged due to the significant liability risk.â€
Should this bill become law, volunteering reclamation entities would be able to further leverage the increased investment in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package.
The Good Samaritan Remediation and Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act would be immediately positive in many western communities. “The legislation introduced today would not only secure the future of critical Western water resources,” Backcountry Hunters and Anglers President and CEO Land Tawney said. “It also would improve habitat for fish and wildlife – all while generating new jobs and establishing a new benchmark for the stewardship of our public lands and waters.†In addition to addressing the Good Samaritan liability issue, this legislation would authorize and fund 15 pilot projects for Good Samaritan remediation projects at abandoned hardrock mines that meet certain criteria.
23 JUL 2015: Acid mine drainage from abandoned mines is contaminating our clean water in the San Juan Mountains.
“Passage of the Good Samaritan legislation will allow us and our partners to address mines that leak orange water,” writes Chris Wood, “and it will help us expand our abandoned mine clean-up work onto private lands that are important for trout and salmon, provide people with drinking water supplies, and offer places where kids can ride their bikes without fear of getting sick.”
If you want to learn more about the bill and how to encourage lawmakers to support the legislation, check out this TU action page.
For this installment of F3T Behind the Lens, we check in with filmmakers Chase White and Jordie Lepage to discuss their latest film “Common Ground”. The film takes us north to British Columbia, where a husband and wife duo, Missy and Darren own an intimate steelhead lodge nestled on the shores of the mighty Skeena River. This is not your normal fishing lodge it’s one big family. And in this family, everyone is brought together by common ground.
FLYLORDS: How did this film turn from an idea to a reality?
CHASE: As both outdoorsmen and creatives we’re drawn to the Skeena Valley. If you’re an angler, there’s no better place in the world to pursue the connection with a wild steelhead. And if you’re a creative, the opportunity to bottle that up and share it with the world is super compelling. That said, after initially meeting Missy & Darren from The Steelhead House a year earlier, I just knew there was a big opportunity to combine this into something that will inspire people around the world to both connect with the fish, and also to protect them. That was really the inception, the rest is really just production work of connecting everyone’s aligned interests.
FLYLORDS: The Steelhead House seems like a special place, what makes it this way?
CHASE: Missy & Darren are just awesome. They’re like the brother/sister/aunt/uncle that you can’t help but have a very natural connection with. And their DNA is in everything about that lodge – from the structure of the house to the knots in the tippet. When you have two people like that who have deep experience in both the area and industry (and great taste in outdoor experiences) you get The Steelhead House. A warm, unique outdoor experience unlike anything else. It is steeped in the community they foster. And in that community, it always comes back to the fish.
JORDIE: Missy and Darren are what make the Steelhead House what it is. They each have a deep passion for what they provide. Whether it’s on the water or at the dinner table they are always striving to provide the most tailored experience you’ve ever had. They basically bring you into the family and treat you as such.
FLYLORDS: The film portrays “steelhead†as the glue to the community, what is so special about steelhead?
CHASE: For recreational anglers in the river, they’re really just the perfect target species. From where they live to the way they’ll take a fly, to the unforgettable war that ensues when the stars align… They’re as aggressive as they are magical. And that’s all compounded by the mythical journey these fish take as they migrate from the salt to freshwater. Like most steelhead anglers, I’m pretty sure I can remember every single steelhead I’ve ever landed. They become burned into your memory. Like Ray Makowichuk said in Leap Year, “You just never forget them.â€
JORDIE: I’d have to say that steelhead are the conduit to strong relationships, good or bad. They can bring people together but at the same time they can really divide a community if people disagree on management practices. In any community that you find steelhead you’re going to find people on both sides of conservation.
FLYLORDS: If you could describe the Steelhead House operation in one or two sentence/s what would it be?
CHASE: They’re a small operation but they are very dialed. Nothing is overlooked. It’s casual and fun, but very much designed for the die hard spey angler. Simply put, if you’re looking to chase wild steelhead on the main stem Skeena, you’re gonna have a good time with Missy and Darren. They’re beloved legends.
JORDIE: It’s an amazing place to call home for a week and you will want to revisit for years to come.
FLYLORDS: What was it like hanging out with Darren and Missy?
CHASE: You know how you feel deeply rejuvenated after you spend time with your family? It’s like that. They’re a wonderful family that extends from the community to the fishery.
JORDIE: Darren is so passionate about steelhead and has so many great stories that it’s impossible not to find a common thread. Missy is so caring and just wanted us to have the best day on the water (and have the best food). She really felt like a sister to me. Together they really make an amazing team.
FLYLORDS: Let’s talk about fishing, what type of fishing were you doing and what kind of gear was the team using?
CHASE: In this world, it’s all about the swung fly. Whether with a dry fly on a dry line or a wet fly with a light sink tip, the two-hander reigns supreme. We specifically gravitated towards the Sage IGNITER 8136-4 on this shoot because it allows you to make big casts (even in the afternoon wind) with longer-belly shooting heads while also giving the angler the power to turn heads of bigger fish, which in this case are typically 30-40 inch wild steelhead. We also leaned heavily on the impeccably-designed rain gear and waders from Simms. In northern British Columbia, there’s no bad weather, only bad preparation. With their made-to-fish layering systems, we were always well prepared for anything that Mother Nature threw at us both on and off the river. Highly recommended.
FLYLORDS: Any memorable fish moments? Can you walk us through the most memorable moment of the trip?
CHASE: Ah man… The one that got away. As an angler, they haunt us. But as a filmmaker, it’s true torture. After a few days, Missy hooked into what was easily the biggest steelhead I’ve ever personally seen. Of course chaos ensued. We all watched the fly come unbuttoned mid-air on the last jump, as if it was in slow motion. Missy and I were both stoked and gutted. And to be honest with you, I’m still not over it. Maybe I should see some kind of sports psychologist to work through it?
JORDIE: Definitely the most memorable fish moment was the fish that rose to Missy’s dry fly. I didn’t even see it because I had just changed positions to shoot Darren but Chase was losing his mind at the size of it… When it spat the hook Darren described the splash as sounding like a refrigerator dropping into the water.
FLYLORDS: Any difficulties filming? Multiple days without fish? Or disaster stories from the production?
CHASE: Well for some of the filming, we had to row our own media boat through some pretty techy class-3 water with about $100k worth of equipment in a raft that had definitely “lived a lifeâ€. I remember once when Jordie and I were on a cut bank filming down-river with the drone when our bear-dog started yelping. Darren (across the river) then yelled out, “Hey guys, bear coming your way!†Instantly panicked, we’re frantically trying to get the drone back safely. Jordie responded, “Grizzly?!†Darren yells back exactly what we didn’t want to hear: “Big one!  We pretty much crash landed the drone into our arms as we dove into the raft, only to see a Volkswagen-sized grizzly just below the bank from where we were (and closing the distance). I’ve lived in bear country for years and I’ve never seen a bear that big.
FLYLORDS: Last year your guy’s film “Leap Year†went into the struggles that many Canadian fishing lodges and guides went through during the pandemic. How is the Steelhead House doing with the ups and downs of the pandemic and steelhead numbers being lower than the 10-year average?
CHASE: Steelhead are a really interesting species, and for those who really know, there are still reasons to be hopeful. And no one knows these fish more intimately than Darren and Missy from the Steelhead House. They are part of their family. So, I would say they are both optimistic and energized to see what lies ahead while they do what they can to fight on behalf of the fish. They are participant stewards – exactly the type of people you want guiding others on the river with fish that are as special to us as steelhead are.
JORDIE: Darren credits Missy and her business sense for getting through the pandemic. Deep down I think that there is a bit of optimism in every steelheader, and Missy and Darren are no different. They are optimistic that things can turn around but they also know that they need to adapt to a changing fishery and contribute to conserving it.
FLYLORDS: What message are you hoping viewers walk away with?
CHASE: Really, I just want people to enjoy this example of how impactful angling can be to someone’s life, and a community as a whole. Not necessarily because it’s work, but rather because it brings people together in ways that are life-changing. That is finding Common Ground. Missy and Darren’s lives would be dramatically different if it weren’t for their love of angling and spending time on the river. Make no mistake about it: This is not sitting down at the pond with your pole and your bobber. This is a lifelong obsession they share that has singularly brought them together in ways they never could have imagined. Like the rocks in the river worn smooth from years of changing currents, it has shaped who they are.
JORDIE: I want people to realize that the relationships that we build on the water are going to outlast any problems that we might encounter and they might be all that we have left if we fail to protect the fish that we do have.
FLYLORDS: Anything else you want to add about the film?
CHASE: With all the talk about the lower-than-average numbers on the Skeena system this year, we specifically did not want to make a “fish porn†film. That sort of thing felt a bit tone-deaf, and we much more preferably leaned into the characters, culture, and overall impact that this angling life can have on someone. And ultimately I couldn’t be more glad we did. Will there be more fish porn in future films? Maybe, maybe not. Ultimately, that’s not why we love this life of angling adventures. These moments we share together in-between fish are what we really love. And that’s what we’re proud to share in this film.
Coming off the heels of their short film, Leap Year, Common Ground is the sophomore piece from the duo. Leap Year garnered enthusiastic acceptances into five film festivals, including awards such as “Best Cinematography in a Short Filmâ€, and is now available to watch for free on YouTube:
More about Chase: Chase White is a commercial and editorial outdoor photographer based in Squamish, British Columbia. Often documenting the places and experiences that define The British Columbia experience, he draws his creative inspiration from nature and the outdoor pursuits that make people feel thrilled to be alive. His work has been featured in publications, films, and with brands around the world. As an avid fly angler, when Chase is not working, you can likely find him on his home river with his wife Lindsay, son Waylon, and their pup Ted on the hunt for an encounter with a wild fish.
More about Jordie: Jordie Lepage is the director and co-founder of TOPO Films, based in Vancouver’s backyard, Squamish, British Columbia. With extensive experience working behind the lens on small and large teams alike, Jordie is an adventurer with the technical skills to bring hard-to-reach visions to life. When Jordie isn’t working, you can often find him cruising the river with his dog, mountain biking or tying flies for his next steelhead outing.
Women are incredible anglers and guides. I am not writing today to convince the few remaining skeptics; read a book, watch the news, or hire Hilary Hutcheson for a day of whitewater fly fishing. This is a story, or more like an ode, dedicated to the incredible woman who I not only get to call friends, but also fishing partners. You remember those incredible female anglers I mentioned previously? My friends and I aren’t those. Not because we don’t have the aptitude, but simply because we would rather throw dance parties on the banks of rivers, dream up silly themes for dinner parties, or ditch the hatch for the nearby bbq restaurant than hone in our angling technique.
For most of my life I mistakenly believed that beauty was measured by a scale, that being polite meant being silent, that other women were competition, that marriage meant you had made it, that female sexuality was shameful and should be kept secret, that any sort of respect was earned from impeccable perfection, and that since the day I was born and everyone yelled, “its a girl,†I never really had a chance.Â
The biggest factor in confronting and debunking my internalized misogyny was fly fishing. Traveling from river to river, casting a bundle of feathers and foam, and every now and then feeling that trout tug, I learned that happiness and fulfillment comes in many forms. For the first time in my life, I began to question the status quo. And cast by cast, I realized that my womanhood was not a flaw; it was an honor. I realized that being a woman means anything I want it to mean.
So I leave you with this: Love is nothing like flies or fish, love is limitless— that’s the best thing about it. When we share love with our sisters it comes right back. Happy International Women’s Day!Â
Article by Gloria Goñi, a content creator based in Bozeman, Montana. Check her out on Instagram at @lapescadora.
If you want to improve your casting distance check out this video from The New Fly Fisher. These simple tips will surely add some distance to your cast.
In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Cheech from Fly Fish Food ties a small stream trout killer, the Grumpy Frumpy.
Difficulty: IntermediateÂ
When it comes to summertime attractor dries, the Grumpy Frumpy is one that many anglers consider a favorite. Being constructed heavily with foam, this fly floats with the best of them and will certainly produce trout. On high mountain streams, whether for cutthroat trout or brook trout, this pattern is a killer. Small stream fishing with the Grumpy Frumpy will undoubtedly produce fish and will stay intact even after a long day on the water.
Many different colors can be used for this fly, but the traditional yellow and red have passed the test of time. The Grumpy Frumpy has all of the key elements that make a fly successful. Building the body with foam is a way to ensure high floatation and durability, which when paired with hackle only helps the fly ride high. Rubber legs add to the buggy nature of this attractor and allow it to take many different profiles when colors are changed.
Thinking of hot summer days and small high mountain stream fishing is a good escape from the colder months. For your next excursion, make sure the Grumpy Frumpy is on the end of your line. A 3wt setup and a hike to a river can sometimes lead you to the best memories. Escaping the crowd can be essential at high points in the year, and this fly will ensure you make the most of those days when you explore blue lines. The Grumpy Frumpy will be your best friend on the water, and might make you fall in love with small stream trout fishing.
The last time the boys and I put together a piece with Flylords we wrote about “10 Tips for Fishing with Your Kids†and now we are back to share more about our experience of introducing the boys to saltwater flats fishing! The twins have grown up a bit since our last conversation and they are now turning 7 years old.
Both boys still love fishing and this past summer our family decided to take off time from work as well as everyday life. We spent a month in the Bahamas for some much-needed R&R after a crazy couple of years.
We caught up with Jason Paez (@finsandtwins), the father of two twin boys Kingston and Mason to learn more about getting your kids out on the saltwater flats and some trials and tribulations he has experienced with his seven-year-old boys. Check out the interview below.
Flylords: How do you choose a good destination for saltwater flats fishing with kids?
Jason: My wife and I have always loved to explore and gain new experiences but when we went to the Bahamas for the first time we absolutely fell in love with those islands. We have met wonderful people there who are willing to share their homes, beaches, culture, and of course fishing spots with us. There are a lot of wonderful places to visit but one thing we look for when fishing with the boys is accessibility.
The easier it is to explore the beaches and flats the less likely the boys will lose interest. They can immediately start exploring, picking up seashells, and try fishing with me. The Bahamas has heaps of flats and beaches or combos of both that are perfect for DIY fishing! The scenery and pink sands are stunning. The other thing we look for are spots that are primarily sandy for easy wading. We target low tides that allow the boys and I to wade around, spot fish, and try to make some casts.
When researching places to visit it is good to make sure air travel is easy. Prior to booking anything, we check that the lodging and amenities offer plenty of fun entertainment and are kid-friendly. A pool is a key ingredient for success! The Bahamas checked all those boxes.
Flylords: What is a good species for kids to target in the salt?
Jason: I love starting the boys off with species that are easy to catch and get them used to the elements of bringing in a saltwater fish on fly fishing equipment. Unlike trout, most ocean species can give you a good tug even if they are small. The boys had to learn to play the fish more before we moved on to a fast-running fish like a bonefish (Trust me it was good to practice this as we broke a rod while learning how to handle the line against jacks off the beach).
We started off with little palometas, jacks, yellowtail snapper, small barracudas, and small mutton snapper. The majority of these fish could be caught right off the beach or near the mangroves. All these fish plus some by-catch species are also easily caught on the fly in the Bahamas and some like the yellowtail snapper are great eating. The boys love fish tacos!
Flylords: What went into the success of your son’s first DIY bonefish?
Jason: On our trip, I had located a nice size flat using Google Earth that was accessible by car and close by our rental house. You could hike to it or cruise in a kayak or SUP. Once you got into the zone there were mangroves to tie off the rig before wading out quietly. The boys had learned to scan for bonefish from our good friend Shaw Underwood who is an amazing guide out of Spanish Wells and has been fishing with the boys and I for years.
So, the morning Mason caught the first tailing bonefish he had pointed out the school of bones feeding near the middle of the flat before I even saw them. We stalked quietly towards the school. Then I helped him make an early cast to lay up the fly as the school was feeding towards us and then I stood behind him guiding his strips as the bonefish came near the fly. After a couple of nice long strips, it came tight. After that, it was a bit of chaos clearing line for Mason but with a little luck everything went tight, and the fish was peeling line off the reel! Mason was hollering as loud as he could and laughing as he reeled it back in. I assisted him holding the rod until I was able to land the fish. He held the rod up over his head with so much excitement and grinned ear to ear. We took a few quick photos and he released his first bonefish and said he was ready for more! This memory will last us a lifetime.
Flylords: What kind of gear do your kids use for the salt?
Jason: The must haves are good hats, kids polarized glasses, sunscreen, and a nice sun shirt! Patagonia has good options for kids regarding clothes. I typically bring life vests as we use on the fishing raft back home. The reason for that is if we use a SUP or Kayak or end up wading somewhere that gets deeper as the tide rolled in, I thought they would come in handy. Most of the flats had sugar like smooth white sand, so having shoes were not necessarily needed but they had either Teva or Keen water shoes to protect the feet. In my pack, I carried extra equipment, water, snacks, and a camera.
I liked using my 9ft. 7-8wt rods from Sage and Thomas and Thomas. I still assist the boys with their casting since the gear is a bit heavier than their setups for trout back home and they are still getting used to it all.
For flies, I threw them in a Fishpond Tacky Pescador box that fits in my pocket for quick access. We used pink gotchas and other similar patterns that the bonefish love in the Bahamas. The boys liked carrying a GoPro to assist with taking photos and it gives them something to do while searching. A handful of the pictures I shared for this article were taken by my son Kingston.
Flylords: Any tips to other parents for having a successful saltwater fly fishing trip with kids?
Jason: I like to mix it up! I know as adults we all love fly fishing but sometimes for the kids the spot, stalk, and overall process of catching game species on the flats can be way more challenging than their attention span will allow.
For them to learn and get introduced to as much as possible regarding the ocean and outdoors I also enjoy taking the boys on the bay boats, offshore boats, and skiffs whenever possible to experience all the different types of fishing that can be done. If we go with our friend Shaw, he even lets the boys be captains for a bit and drive the skiff!
Both have enjoyed catching fish off boats with both flies and regular tackle which adds to more species and exciting catches. There are also more experiences for them to enjoy such as a little swimming, snorkeling, or hiking around small little islands to collect shells. Mix it up and keep it fun!
Flylords: Where are you and the kids going next?
Jason: For their next school break our family is headed to Belize! Mason has his eyes set on Tarpon so Dad will need to find the small ones haha!
Be sure to follow along with Jason and his two boys on Instagram at @finsandtwins. Check out these other articles about fishing with kids below.Â
Winter weather can mean cozy weekends spent inside watching the snowfall from your living room window. However, it can also provide opportunities for the full-season angler to escape the crowds, layer up, and hit the river. Winter fishing, while not for everyone, can lend itself to being some of the best fishing year-round. With opportune cloud cover, low angling pressure, and ideal temps for big trout; if you can bear the frosted fingers, it’s more than worth your while to try your hand in the winter weather. Here, Pro Skier and Tincup Whiskey ambassador, Tatum Monod, teamed up with Alberta guide, Paula Shearer, to put together some tips for your next winter outing.
1. Read The Water and Adjust to New Behavior
In the winter, trout tend to be a little more stagnant. They stay hunkered down in deeper holes and drop-offs. They may be opportunistic and eat if something drifts in front of them, but they aren’t going to expend much energy to go out of their way too much to eat your fly.
That’s why reading the water is so important. Look for the drop-offs at the tail end of riffles and target these areas. Also, look for long slow runs maybe with some boulders where trout can find holding water. Cast upstream and let your fly drift into the zone naturally. Sometimes a twitch or even skating a big bug across the surface a little bit will entice them. Depending on the temp, a well-presented indicator dry fly might just be too much for them to resist…
2. Presentation is Still Everything
While with cloud cover overhead and cold temps testing patience, remember to keep to the golden rule: presentation is everything. How you present your fly is all dependent on what rig you’re using. Here, we were fishing a combination of nymphing and dry fly fishing (in other words hopper to a dropper). If utilizing a rig like this, after casting you’ll want to immediately mend your line upstream so the fly gets a nice, natural float without drag. Remember that it takes a few seconds for the nymph to sink so it’s not really in play until a few moments into the drift. You want that nymph to be ticking along the bottom and hopefully right along the snout of a big brownie! Remember you have to adjust the length of your dropper to suit the depth of the water you are fishing.
3. Utilize Your Resources: Link Up With a Guide!
I wasn’t too confident that we would be able to hook any fish given that we had a week straight of stormy weather on the Bow River, but when I called up local guide, Paula Shearer, she confidently said “no matter what, I can guarantee we catch something.†Her enthusiasm immediately fired me up and the crappy weather turned out to be a bonus, because we were the only people on the river! I took advantage of being with Paula on her home water by asking a million questions and learning from her. It’s not every day you get to fish with a guide, so if you have the opportunity to – keep your ears wide open.
4. Find Ways to Stay Warm!
There’s nothing that will shut down your day faster than getting cold on the river, I wear as may layers under my weighers as possible. If it’s a really cold day I suggest a pair of heated socks. Gloves are also helpful to have on you. However, I recommend fingerless gloves as I enjoy having the connection to the fly line and maintaining dexterity. Here are a few items from my ski arsenal I use to stay warm and keep dry on the water:
Pro tip: A splash of Tincup Whiskey is the perfect way to warm up from the inside out on a snowy day
5. Remember, It’s the Experience That Counts
While it can be great and offers different excitements outside of just catching fish: remember that wintertime fishing can sometimes leave days on the water feeling slow. Take time to slow down on days like this, have a fire, warm up and enjoy the experience. There’s no hatch going off, the fun is what you make it. Swap stories and experiences, enjoy the company you’re with. After all, that’s why they call it fishing not catching.
In summation, winter fly-fishing is just like any other day on the water – plus a few extra layers. It’s a great excuse to get out and spend time with friends outside, and an even better excuse to go play in the snow. Remember to be safe, and to always be aware of your surroundings. There’s nothing that kills fun quicker than an unintentional dip in frigid water. If you’re going to enjoy some whiskey out there, make sure to bring along someone to get you home safe, and always enjoy responsibly.
Thank you to Paula, Amber, and the Tincup team for making this amazing day possible! To learn more about Tincup, check them out HERE.
Community showers that might have hot water, basic electricity powered by a generator (so don’t forget to fill it), bears that prowl through camp at night, and sleeping in a wood and tarp tent for six months – these are just a few things that ensure that the guides up at Alaska’s Naknek River Camp never have a dull moment.
After spending last summer with this crew we couldn’t help but be impressed by their passion and dedication for what they do… and the sheer insanity. Get to know a little more about the guides that really make Alaska tick.
Flylords: So, tell us, who is Austin?Â
Austin: Austin is a guy from West Virginia and Virginia who made the mistake of coming up to Alaska. Haha. I don’t mean mistake. I’m just a guy who rolled the dice to come up to Alaska.
Flylords: How did you end up in King Salmon, Alaska?
Austin: I met some dudes through another job that I have that recommended that I come to NRC and then I chose to come here. Just word of mouth and I heard great things.Â
Flylords: What does a typical day look like for you?
Austin: Oh man. You wake up super early and no matter what happens you put on a good face and show people a good time. It really varies, from different water types to different rivers themselves. A lot of managing people, it’s a lot of fun. Especially in a not-so-safe environment.Â
Flylords: How do you prepare for a season in Alaska?
Austin: Well, I didn’t. Haha. And I feel prepared not preparing. There’s so much shit I didn’t know. I prepared the best I could and I had some good help from people that have already been up here and this is my first year so I tried my best.Â
Flylords: What’s one thing you wouldn’t hit the water without?
Austin: Definitely water. Hydrate or die!Â
Flylords: Where do you live in the off-season?
Austin: In Roanoke, Virginia. I’m from West Virginia but live in regular Virginia.Â
Flylords: What occupies your time in the off-season?Â
Austin: Guiding for trout in southwest Virginia and F3T. Hanging out with loved ones. I work on the road crew for F3T and will continue to do so in some capacity. We get to go put on live film tour events around the country.Â
Flylords: Do you guide anywhere else? If so, how if that different from guiding in Alaska?
Austin: I think it’s way different. We don’t have the luxury of just going home and decompressing. Not that I think it’s bad here, we just decompress in a different way here. I have never guided in a capacity in which I have lived amongst the people I work with, so that’s definitely different. You know, you’re kinda at the whim of the schedule and you aren’t able to make too many audibles like you can back at home. You’re really just forced to send it!Â
Flylords: What is your favorite fish to target in your own backyard?
Austin: Brown Trout. They eat a streamer really well.Â
Flylords: If you were a fly or streamer pattern which would you be?
Austin: Drunk and Disorderly. For both effectiveness and name.Â
Flylords: What do you miss most about home?
Austin: My fiancee Abby, my dogs, sleeping in a comfortable bed, being able to shower whenever I want, being able to drive a car whenever I want. Watching a Netflix show. All the things I used to take for granted.Â
For a peek at the fisheries in Virginia and West Virginia, follow Austin on Instagram @laketroutlarry
