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Africa Experience: Tanzania Tiger Fish

Patrick Perry
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Africa Experience: Tanzania Tiger Fish

Our friends Jonathan and Attison, Co-Founders of Captain Experiences, recently returned from a badass trip to Tanzania chasing tiger fish, dogtooth tuna, and Kilimanjaro rainbow trout with their guide Dom Lever and photographer Austin Stapleton. Read on to learn more on the tigerfish leg of their trip, and check out Captain’s tiger fishing trips here.

Our First Tiger Fish:

We must’ve looked like a bunch of war-time generals surveying the field.

“Put us where you want us, Bwana” I said to Austin, using our favorite word (“Boss”) in Swahili.

“Alright” Bwana responds, “Attison, grab the 8-weight with the popper and go stand on that rocky point on the right. Oh my gosh, there’s a hippo back there- hustle, this is gonna be great.”

Attison (AB) and George, one of the Ruaha National Park Rangers, scurry down the rocks to get in position for the first cast of the trip, leaving Austin, our guide Dom, and myself to our bird’s eye view from the bridge overlooking a prime tiger fish pool on the Great Ruaha River.

“Cast towards that rock just upriver” Bwana whisper-yells down, hoping AB can hear him and the fish can’t. “That’s right where I saw em smashing baitfish.”

AB strips out some line, false casts, and drops one right where the rock gets wet.

SPLASH…pause

SPLASH…pause

As AB strips, the little popper sends a cascade of water flying, disturbing the otherwise dead-flat pool.

SPLASH…pause

SPLASH…pause

SPLASH…pause…SMASH

Like a cheapshot slap to the face, a massive blow-up destroys AB’s poor popper.

AB, resorting to his quick-twitch instincts as a high school wrestler, strips hard, rod tip down. He’s tight on a Tanzanian tiger fish.

“LETS F*****G GOOOOOOOO!!!!!” We all scream at once from the bridge like a well-trained choir.

“Get the net!” he yells back.

AB tight on our first Tanzanian tiger fish, hippos in the back. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.

We all sprint down the rocks, net in tow. Just as we get to AB, our first tiger of the trip shows off with an acrobatic, fully airborne, tarpon-like leap, and AB’s popper comes flying back at his feet.

“DAMN!!!” The choir hits another perfect note.

“That was absolutely insane.” AB turns and says, smiling ear to ear to a captivated audience.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”

Mike Tyson’s famous words rang true here. Our plans of “picture here,” “picture there,” from the bridge went right out the window as soon as that tiger hit AB’s popper.

AB, Austin, Dom, and I dispersed to every corner of the expansive pool. AB, Austin and I had traveled halfway across the world from Austin, TX to catch our first tiger fish, while Dom, a seasoned vet, showed no lack of excitement in chasing a familiar foe.

Fly Fishing Techniques for Tiger Fish:

Tiger fish are full of contradictions: beautiful scales, and tails, but a face only a mother could love.

The Blue Tiger fish (“Hydrocynus tanzaniae”), unique to Tanzania, can be distinguished from the more common African Tiger fish (“Hydrocynus vittatus”) by the blueish tint of its adipose fin.

Susceptible to a variety of presentations, tigers are somewhat easy to get a bite out of, but they’re notoriously difficult to land.

AB bringing in a tiger tight on structure in shallow water.

Always on the move, tiger fish are ambush predators tough to pattern, so fan casting to cover water got the job done for us.

That being said, we did key in on a few concentrated spots that seemed to hold numbers- we found success fishing noticeable structure and dropoffs, where current might drift baitfish right over expecting tigers lower in the water column.

When to Fly Fish for Tiger Fish:

Per Dom’s recommendation, we headed over to Tanzania in November, the end of the dry season. Generally, the dry season in Tanzania runs in August-early December.

As the name implies, it effectively never rains in the dry season, and since Tanzania sits in the Southern Hemisphere, our winter is their summer, and temps were consistently 90-100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pack lightweight sun protective clothing and a few good pairs of polarized shades.

Tanzania lies in east-central Africa with an expansive coast along the Indian Ocean.

We were cutting it close with our seasons by heading over in mid-November, and as fate would have it, the first rain of the season (and the only rain we saw) coincided with our drive into the park.

Ruaha National Park is situated in central Tanzania just west of Iringa. Source: African Pride.

The end of the dry season is prime time for tiger fishing since water levels recede heavily. As the water dries up, the Great Ruaha River in Ruaha National Park divides into distinct, deep pools connected by thin, trickling streams.

As mentioned, tiger fish are ambush predators, so they congregate in deep pools, concealed by Dr. Pepper-colored water.

These pools are easy to spot when surveying sections of the Great Ruaha, or you can close your eyes and listen- hippos and crocs dot these pools to escape from the heat, so just listen for the grunts of hippos and you’ll find tigers.

Hippo in Ruaha National Park.

Word to the wise: hippos account for more human deaths each year than sharks (more than 5 times more according to the Bill Gates Foundation). Keep your distance and never get between a hippo and the water as Dom cautioned us- they’ll feel vulnerable and charge.

Hippos thankfully keeping the fight between themselves.

Fly Fishing Tackle and Gear for Tiger Fish

As anyone would assume, tiger fish are ridiculously tough on tackle. Wire leader is a must and do as Noah did back in the day- bring (at least) two of everything. There’s nothing worse than realizing your favorite popper or streamer works so well that tigers literally destroy it.

Bwana (Austin) with a nice tiger and what used to be a nice red and white streamer.

On fly, 8 and 9 weights are great with smaller streamers and poppers for “Mvulana mdogo” (“little boy”) tigers. But for the big dawgs, 10-12 weight rods are the go-to.

A nice one I brought to hand fishing a popper.

Tigers aren’t known for their eyesight and water clarity isn’t much, but lighter poppers and streamers with red accents seemed to do well, followed by whites with green or blue streaks. Generally, dark flies and lures attracted less attention, but tigers would smoke ‘em nonetheless.

AB with a hearty tiger. Another telltale sign of Blue Tiger Fish is that they have fuller bodies than the more slender African Tiger Fish. We regularly noted that these fish seemed to have “shoulders”.

On Safari in Ruaha National Park

As far as I know, there’s nothing in the world like Ruaha NP in that you can pair world-class tiger fishing with a world-class safari. We had our routine down like a tight summer camp schedule:

We’d wake up to Chapatis, a delicious flatbread (like if a tortilla and a pita had a baby). Chapatis originated in India and are a longstanding staple throughout East Africa since the two regions have traded together for centuries.

After Chapatis with peanut butter and honey or eggs and cheese, we’d fish the morning hard and then check out what the park locals were up to by midday- elephants taking a dip…

A male bull elephant in the Usangu Wetlands.

…baby Eles taking their first steps…

A female elephant with her calf, palm trees in the background. Palm trees are a relatively unique aspect of Ruaha National Park.

…water buffalo butting heads…

Water Buffalo in the riverbed during dry season.

…and lions chowing down…

A pride of lions gorging on a giraffe. Coming face to face with the circle of life was a humbling experience.

The dry season is also a complete game-changer when it comes to safari.

A lion peeking during nap time.

Many of our favorite sightings would’ve been impossible during the wet season, as grasses grow tall and vegetation provides otherwise absent cover.

As Dom shared, there are four unique species of Hyena, all of which, including this Spotted Hyena, are rarely seen during daylight.
An even rarer Egyptian Mongoose.
Sable in the Usangu Wetlands of Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is home to five rare species of antelope: Sable, Tope, Kudu (Greater and Lesser), and Eland.
Water Buffalo don’t take kindly to strangers.

The Ruaha National Park Record Tiger Fish:

We fished Ruaha for 7 days, and at some point lost count on the number of tigers we collectively caught- the excitement when a buddy hooked up paled in comparison to the anticipation of a big one tugging at your own line- no friends when the bite is on!

Such is the mood as we scope out a new pool late in the trip. “No crocs here, good. Some hippos over there, alright,” I’m thinking to myself when I’m sharply interrupted by what sounds like a croc thrashing out of nowhere near the bank we’re standing on.

“Giant fish. GIANT fish.” Austin calls from just a few yards from where we set our tackle boxes on one of the first casts of the day.

He’s honestly not excited at all between his voice is genuinely full of concern and fear. He knows this is a really big fish, not a croc, and is worried it’ll spit the hook, snap the leader, a croc will “shark” it, or it’ll break our spirits in some other creative way like the vast majority of tigers before it.

“Get the net- PLEASE someone get over here with a net. This is a huge fish.”

Tackle goes flying, reels get a little sandy, we run into each other grabbing nets and GoPros, and run down the bank to Austin.

12-weight bending over, Austin walks back to bring the fish up the bank. As he does, the fish flops, half in the water, snapping the wire leader clean.

Austin, still in panic mode, turns back to the water’s edge, half expecting a croc to lash out and fully expecting the fish to disappear. It flops again and George dives down the bank to net it (or at least all that’d fit in the net, about half of this giant).

Austin turns back around, panic giving way to full stoke: “WOOOOOOO!!!!!!”

George is the first to get a good clean look at this goliath: “new record” he says without a drop of doubt.

Bwana with a Bwana.

We quickly measure the giant with a piece of line, snap a few quick shots, and send the fish swimming off strong.

This one had some shoulders.

George confirms it as the new Ruaha National Park record at 89 centimeters (35 inches) that night.

Article from Jonathan Newar, co-founder of Captain Experiences. All photos by Austin Stapleton.

Video of the Week: Faro by Black Fly Eyes

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Video of the Week: Shortbus Diaries – (A Ski/Hunt/Fish Adventure Film)

Landen German
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Video of the Week: Shortbus Diaries – (A Ski/Hunt/Fish Adventure Film)

In this Video of the Week, we link up with the crew from the Shortbus Diaries in the latest installment of their first winter adventure on the bus. From Skiing Brighton Resort, chasing after Pheasants through the sagebrush, or targeting deep water winter rainbows this adventure has it all. So sit down and enjoy the epic camaraderie, the amazing videography, and some frigid winter fishing.

The Short Bus Diaries consists of Scotty Finanger (@wildflyproductions), Steve and Adam of (@BlueLineCo), and Bryant Patterson (@brpatt). This is just the first installment of 2022 from the crew so keep your eyes and ears peeled for what’s to come!

Check out these other epic articles as well!

Short Bus Diaries Vol. 3 Episode 3: Behind the Scenes with Wild Fly Productions

Short Bus Diaries Volume 1: BUILDING OUT THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BUS [Behind the Scenes]

Video of the Week: Skiff Wanderer’s Rough Log Ep. 24

BTT Announces 2022 Circle of Honor Inductees

Dan Zazworsky
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BTT Announces 2022 Circle of Honor Inductees

From the Bonefish Tarpon Trust:

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust will induct Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris, the late President George H.W. Bush, and the late Captain George Hommell, Jr., a pioneering fishing guide, into the organization’s Circle of Honor on April 21, 2022.

Morris, a noted conservationist and leader in the outdoor recreational industry, will receive the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation, which is BTT’s highest honor. As a founding member of the organization, Morris’ support over the years has made possible important flats research, youth education programs, habitat restoration projects, and disaster relief for fishing guides and coastal communities in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.

President George H. W. Bush will receive posthumous recognition and induction into the Circle of Honor for important environmental initiatives advanced during his presidency as well as for his flats fishing passion. Under his Administration, Bush established 56 new National Wildlife Refuges; signed the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which has contributed to the conservation of almost 30 million acres of North American habitat; and supported key amendments to the Clean Air Act, designed to curb acid rain, urban air pollution, toxic air emissions and stratosphere ozone depletion. He was a frequent visitor to the Florida Keys, where he enjoyed fishing and participating in tournaments that benefitted flats conservation.

Hommell, a native of Haines Falls, New York, made his way after World War II and Korea to Islamorada, where he began guiding in 1952. He started fishing with President Bush in 1979 and also guided many other notable anglers, including Ted Williams and Dan Rather. He’s equally revered for his pioneering flats fishing techniques. He refined methods for poling for bonefish and developed many innovative fly patterns.

In 1967, Hommell launched World Wide Sportsman, Inc., a fly/tackle shop catering to anglers traveling to Islamorada from around the world. As a member of the Islamorada Fishing Guides Association in the 1970s, Hommell was one of the early proponents for catch-and-release fishing. He advocated for tarpon and bonefish protection and Everglades restoration through World Wide Sportsman, and was a founding member of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. In 2002, Hommell was named one of NOAA’s environmental heroes in recognition of his numerous contributions to conservation causes.

The BTT Circle of Honor recognizes legendary anglers, fishing guides and conservation leaders who have made significant contributions to the conservation of the flats fishery. It is housed in the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, located in Islamorada, Florida, and features an annually rotating exhibit on those honored as well as educational content about the significance of the flats fishery. Past recipients of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Lefty Kreh Award, Curt Gowdy Media Award, and Flats Stewardship Award are recognized in a digital archive maintained as part of the exhibit.

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IGFA Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

Dan Zazworsky
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IGFA Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

Every year, the International Game Fish Association releases its new class of Hall of Fame inductees. Unfortunately for the fly fishing crew, no fly fishing anglers made the 2022 class, but regardless the folks who did make it have left large impacts on the world of sportfishing.

From IGFA:

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to recreational angling around the world, The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) today named five angling greats to the 2022 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

This year’s inductees include IGFA World Record holders and light tackle aficionados Pam Basco and Enrico Capozzi; renowned angling historian and advocate Mike Farrior; iconic B.A.S.S. leader and industry pioneer Helen Sevier; and legendary lure designer and innovator

Elected unanimously by the IGFA Board of Trustees, the 2022 class will join 136 legendary anglers, scientists, conservationists, writers and fishing industry leaders whose contributions to sport fishing are forever preserved and celebrated in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

“The 2022 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame truly embodies the diversity and scope of this prestigious recognition,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “From incredible anglers, pioneers in tackle design, to unmatched advocates and ambassadors of our sport, each of these individuals have left their mark on the sport fishing world and we are honored to welcome them into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.”

The 2022 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Please click HERE for additional event information. The 2022 class will take their honored places alongside fishing luminaries, including: Isaak Walton, Michael Lerner, Francesca LaMonte, Zane Grey, Mary Orvis Marbury, Ernest Hemingway, Ted Williams, George H.W. Bush, Bill Dance, Mark Sosin, Lee and Joan Wulff, Flip Pallot, Alfred C. Glassell Jr., Kip Farrington and Curt Gowdy, just to name a few.

Pam Basco

Pam Basco is an IGFA Trustee Emeritus and past IGFA Treasurer. She has also been very active in the International Women’s Fishing Association (IWFA) and served as its President. Pam also has a long track record of fisheries management by serving on the Billfish Advisory Committee, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel, just to name a few. She’s also a founding member of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club and served as its Treasurer. An accomplished angler, Pam has held 14 IGFA World Records and 3 IWFA Records. Pam was inducted into the International Women’s Fishing Association Hall of Fame in 2019, received the IGFA Bob Herder Light-Tackle Award and the IWFA Kay Young Memorial Award. In short, Basco’s angling achievements and conservation work make her worthy of induction into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

Enrico Capozzi

Enrico Capozzi is one of the world’s most accomplished big game light tackle anglers. He pursued IGFA World Records for 20 years and amassed a total of 44 records. He has set records on every species of billfish with the exception of swordfish and spearfish. A true light line aficionado, 85% of Enrico’s records have been on light tackle or fly rod. Enrico also holds one of the IGFA’s most impressive catch ratios with a 735-pound 5-ounce black marlin caught on 6-pound line. He has also logged over 10,000 billfish releases and is the only man to have achieved an IGFA World Record for billfish on 2-pound tippet. He was awarded the IGFA Bob Herder Light-Tackle Award in 2008. Capozzi has also earned an IGFA Billfish Royal Slam, 14 IGFA Billfish Grand Slams and was the first angler in history to catch an IGFA Billfish Fantasy Slam (five species) on fly tackle.

Mike Farrior

Mike Farrior is an IGFA Trustee Emeritus, former secretary, and one of the sport’s most authoritative historians. He has served as the historian for both the IGFA and the venerable Avalon Tuna Club and served the latter as President. Farrior also owns one of the world’s largest collections of rare and antique fishing tackle. Mike has generously loaned some of his collection to the IGFA, maritime and California history museums. He also allowed his rare Ernest Hemingway artifacts to be displayed in Japan for a fundraiser benefiting the victims of the Kobe earthquake. Mike authored the award-winning “History of the Tuna Club,” which established southern California as the birthplace of big game saltwater fishing. He is one of only three Avalon Tuna Club members to receive the McCarthy Trophy for outstanding service on two occasions. Farrior has also been cited as a National Treasure by the United States Congress for researching and uncovering fishing history. Mike and his wife Susan also give back to a myriad of charitable organizations.

Helen Sevier

In her 31-year career with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), Helen Sevier rose from direct-marketing expert to President and CEO of the organization. Signing on in 1970 as only the third full-time employee of B.A.S.S., behind Ray Scott and Bob Cobb, Sevier was tasked with increasing membership. Membership grew exponentially under her leadership, until it exceeded 600,000 by the time she sold the company to ESPN in 2001. She maintained the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as the world’s most prestigious tournament circuit, and she also raised payouts to more than $6,000,000, the highest purses at that time. She also hired the first full-time conservation director for the organization. Actively involved as a volunteer leader in the sportfishing industry, Sevier was elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sport Fishing Institute in 1987, and she helped guide its merger with the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association to form the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). She has received numerous awards including the U.S. Department of the Interior Conservation Service Award and the Norville Prosser Lifetime Achievement Award from the ASA. Sevier was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2004.

Joe Yee

In 1960, Joe Yee was an aircraft mechanic in Honolulu, Hawaii, who started making lures in his spare time. He is now famous the world over for the design of trolling lures such as his Super Plunger. Yee’s lures have accounted for numerous IGFA World Records, personal bests and numerous tournament wins. Known worldwide as “The Master Lure Maker,” his hand-made lures are responsible for catching over 30 grander blue marlin. Joe has been making handmade resin-based lures for marlin fishing for over 60 years. Each lure is carefully crafted, and some anglers regard each a piece of artwork. Some of his older lure designs are selling for hundreds of dollars and some for over a thousand dollars. Yee is a prominent fixture in the Hawaiian big game fishing circle and is known worldwide for the quality and effectiveness of his lures.

Please visit IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame to learn more.

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Artist Spotlight: Travis Luther

Gretchen Mahoney
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Artist Spotlight: Travis Luther

This month we got to speak to Travis Luther, an artist, and angler native to Florida, about his custom artwork. Travis is passionate about the rich diversity of fish species Florida offers and enjoys working with clients to create paintings that bring their best days on the water to life. Learn more about Travis and his work below!

Flylords: Where are you from?

Travis: I was born and raised in the northeast Florida area, mostly fishing, skateboarding, surfing, and doodling as I grew up.

Flylords: When did you first become interested in art?

Travis: Art was always part of my life growing up. I can remember that as a child I would draw boats and other stuff I saw around me.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: How did you learn how to draw and paint?

Travis: I think just the sheer amount of time I’ve been creative has led me to this point. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I think it’s funny to point out that I failed art class in high school. I always just did my own thing instead of assignments.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: What is your favorite medium to work in?

Travis: My favorite medium is acrylic on wood panels. I also enjoy a little woodworking. I like to build the panels I paint on and hand frame them in some unique wood when the painting is finished. I guess I just like the entire process of creating something from start to finish.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: What about Florida inspires your pieces?

Travis: Florida is my home, and I’ve really never left other than some small trips here and there. It’s basically all I know. I love it here we have one of the most diverse landscapes. In a day you can go from the beaches to the marshes and flats of the intracoastal to the swamps and lakes connected to the St. John’s River and freshwater springs. As far as fishing goes you can knock off an impressive list just here in Florida.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: When did you start painting people’s catches? What has been your favorite part about working with folks to capture their fishing trips?

Travis: The whole “paint your catch” thing started as me wanting to paint something new. I did a few and hung them in the local fly shop with my good friend Captain Luke Blaser of Old City Guide Service, and he pushed me to take on some commissioned pieces that people had been asking about. After telling him I wasn’t really confident enough he decided to just give me a solid shove into the work by booking a client for me by surprise. From there it took off. I think it is exciting to paint someone with their catch almost like I can feel the energy of the individual’s day on the water.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: What is your process for creating a painting or a coaster set?

Travis: My paintings usually start off with getting a good photo and a good story from the individual. I always enjoy hearing the story behind that catch photo. From there I build the panel to size and prep it for paint. Usually takes me about a week to paint everything. Then I varnish and hand frame each piece. The coaster sets are just a little creative project I enjoy doing. I like that art can be functional. The first coaster sets I did were the redfish tails. After showing them to my parents they seemed confused and asked where’s the rest of the fish so that started a whole bunch of new projects and ideas.

Flylords: What do you hope people experience when they see your finished work?

Travis: With my commissioned fish catch paintings, I enjoy sharing the process with clients as I go. I enjoy updating them periodically then getting to see their final reactions. I like being able to provide something for them that’s not just a fish on the wall, but rather the entire moment just after that awesome catch. It’s the scenery, the person, the fish, and landmarks that make these moments special.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: When did you first learn how to fish?

Travis: I’ve been fishing since before I can remember. When I was very little we lived on the west side of Flagler County on a small lake. My dad would get up at like 4:00 am and go limit out on largemouth bass before having to be at work at 7:00 am. He would get me up put a rod in my hand and that’s where it all began. From there it’s always been a favorite pastime, and when I started fly fishing it became an obsession. Now that I’ve merged art and fishing that’s about all I do. If I’m not fishing I’m painting or woodworking and the other way around.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: What do you think people should know about Florida’s fisheries and their conservation?

Travis: Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. As far as the fishery goes it’s one of the most diverse and fun places to fish. All within a few hours you can catch anything from largemouth, striped, and peacock bass to tarpon, bonefish, redfish, permit, and the list goes on. I mostly practice catch and release unless I’m keeping one for my father-in-law. I do some local clean-ups and try to stay up to date on conservation agencies like Captains for Clean Water. I also like to help by occasionally donating things for the conservation event fundraisers. I really enjoy working with the Tailer Trash podcast crew for their annual Dinghy Derby for the Marine Discovery Center and Mosquito Lagoon restoration.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther

Flylords: What’s your favorite fish to catch?

Travis: I do quite a bit of fishing for redfish and that’s always exciting, but it’s hard to beat tarpon. My goal the past few years has been to land a tarpon on the fly from the beach. I’ve come pretty close a few times, but it’s still a dream. Tarpon just seem to be the bigger challenge and that keeps them at the top of the list.
Photo Courtesy of Travis Luther
You can see more of Travis’s work on his website and Instagram.
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Happy G3 Day – Celebrating an Industry Icon, the G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

Dan Zazworsky
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Happy G3 Day – Celebrating an Industry Icon, the G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

From Simms Fishing:

Simms Fishing Products, the preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing designate March 3, 2022, G3 Day. This year’s inaugural celebration coincides with the unofficial start of the 2022 fishing season as well as the 20th anniversary of arguably Simms’ most iconic product, the G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader.

In January of 2022, Simms released an all-new G3 Guide collection inclusive of the Men’s and Women’s G3 Guide™Stockingfoot Wader, and the Men’s G3 Guide™ Wading Pant. In addition, the new G3 Guide collection brings with it, an all-new backpack, men’s jacket, and duffel.

The DNA of G3 can be found in virtually all Simms waders that have come after it, making it the most important franchise in the brand’s history. Originating from a rock-solid foundation of dedication and an unwavering commitment to achieving perfection, G3 raised the bar of what’s possible in terms of comfort and performance in a wader.

Over the course of the past 20 years, Simms has continuously gone the extra mile sourcing the highest performing fabrics possible, engineering the most innovative fishing focused features, and has spared no expense in order to manufacture the most durable wader possible that’s made by hand, heart, and soul in Bozeman, Montana. Present-day, all of this tireless work has culminated in the most comfortable, durable, performance-driven G3 Guide Wader Simms has ever released.

“G3 Day isn’t only a day to celebrate the launch of a new G3, it’s a day to honor its 20-year legacy and pay homage to all the folks who have hand in creating an industry icon,” says Simms CEO, Casey Sheahan. “We understand and respect that for many years, anglers have loved their G3s. That said, before we offer a new iteration, it’s critical that the improvements we make are going to be improvements that anglers will immediately and easily recognize. I can say with all the confidence in the world, that’s exactly what we’ve achieved with the new G3.”

Roughly 18 months ago, Simms’ product team began leaning into the 20-year design and development history and set forth to create the best, most performance-driven G3 to date. Compared to its predecessor, the new G3’s boasts a 7.5% increase in tongue tear strength, a 23% increase in standard puncture resistance, an 84% increase in pinhole puncture resistance, all the while increasing breathability by 33%.

Built with a highly breathable 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell upper, the real secret to these radical increases in durability and performance has to do with an all-new 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric package found in the lower portion of the wader. In addition to the fabric, the new G3’s for the first time ever now come equipped with an air-mesh suspender package that allows for all-day comfort like never before. The durability of the built-in gravel guards have also been improved by removing the longstanding boot hook and including a reinforced seam on the bottom to eliminate fraying. Another small, but greatly appreciated detail is a new drop-in pocket on the inside of the wader.

Virtually all of the features that originally put G3 on the map remain, such as the patented front and back leg seem that offers maximum mobility as well as durability, an oversized zippered chest pocket, zippered reach-through micro-fleece lined handwarmer pockets, and anatomically correct left and right stocking feet with an antimicrobial finish that provides unmatched comfort and a warm fit inside wading boots.

“G3 represents quality, craftsmanship, performance, and innovation, but most importantly, G3 represents reliability. In terms of waders, it’s the gold standard,” says Simms Chief Product Officer, Jordan Wand. “As far as the future of G3 goes, based on the 20-year reputation it has earned, G3 isn’t going anywhere. I will say however when it comes time for the next iteration, we are really going to have our work cut out for us. This one is going to be tough to beat.”

Shop the full G3 Collection, here!

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Fishing Tips: How to Fly Fish for Permit

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Tips: How to Fly Fish for Permit

This is Permit 101 – how to fly fish for permit. If you’ve been wanting to scratch that permit itch, or maybe your just dreaming about that fantasy trip, check out this video from Red’s Fly Shop.

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NM Supreme Court Sides With Anglers and Boaters in Stream Access Case

Dan Zazworsky
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NM Supreme Court Sides With Anglers and Boaters in Stream Access Case

On March 1st, New Mexico’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled that “non-navigable regulations” are unconstitutional. This voids more than a few existing closure certifications and is certainly a victory for public access to streams.

From Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 

On Tuesday [March 1, 2022] the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a ruling strongly in support of public access to the state’s waters when it unanimously struck down a regulation allowing landowners to close access to streams running through their properties.

The New Mexico Chapter of BHA, along with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico, filed suit in 2020 asking the court to nullify the regulation as unconstitutional. Today the court agreed. The decision not only strikes the so-called Non-Navigability Rule from the books; it also voids closures on five New Mexico streams adopted previously.

“This decision by the state Supreme Court is great news for anglers, boaters and others who use our public waters in New Mexico, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise,” said New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Policy Chair Joel Gay. “In 1945 the Supreme Court said the same thing – that these waters throughout the state are everyone’s to enjoy for recreational use. We don’t know how that constitutional right got lost, but for decades we have been told otherwise. Our chapter thanks the state Supreme Court for setting the record straight – again.”

The New Mexico Constitution, which is based in part on Spanish and Mexican law stemming from the state’s colonial era and differs somewhat from other state constitutions, declares that all waters belong to the public. The state Supreme Court spelled out that right to access more than 70 years ago in the Red River Valley decision. Since then, however, New Mexico has treated waters that run through private property as, in fact, private.

After a state attorney general reminded residents of their right to stream access in a 2014 opinion, a small group of landowners began a battle to reduce or eliminate public access opportunities for anglers and other members of the public. They pushed a bill through the legislature giving the State Game Commission authority to give individuals with waterways running through their properties a certificate of non-navigability, along with “no trespassing” signs to post. The Game Commission established the new regulations in 2018 and immediately closed portions of five waterways to public access.

When current Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed an entirely new Game Commission in 2019, however, the new commissioners began to unwind the regulations. That, in turn, caused the governor to fire first, in 2019, the highly qualified commission chair, and then, in 2021, another experienced commissioner and outdoorsman.

Read a timeline of New Mexico public waters access.

In the meantime, NMBHA and its coalition partners filed suit against the game commission, contending that the current non-navigable rule does not comport with predominant law, the state constitution. Several additional landowners applied for non-navigable certifications under the game commission rule, but when the commission refused to act, the landowners asked a federal magistrate to intervene. He forced the commission to vote on the pending applications in 2020, and all were dismissed.

The court today nullified the non-navigable regulation and voided the five existing closure certifications. NMBHA, which has consistently argued that “with rights come responsibilities,” is urging the State Game Commission to work aggressively to protect vulnerable fish stocks with catch-and-release regulations, increase law enforcement, and educate anglers on the extent of their public access rights.

“This ruling gives anglers certain rights and is a key component of reestablishing public access,” said Gay, “but it does not allow anyone to trespass across private land to either reach a stream or to leave the stream. We urge the public to recreate thoughtfully while the line between private property rights and the public’s water are further delineated. New Mexico BHA will be there every step of the way.”

You can read more about the court’s decision and what it means for stream access in New Mexico in this article from the Albuquerque Journal.

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New World Record Speckled Peacock Bass Landed in Brazil

Dan Zazworsky
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New World Record Speckled Peacock Bass Landed in Brazil

For years, Rodrigo Salles and the Rio Marié Lodge team have been exploring Brazil’s river systems in search of the largest peacock bass on Earth, and in early September last year, Rod’s dream became reality. Rodrigo managed to land a 91cm (35.8″) speckled peacock bass while fishing in the midday heat of spring in the Amazon. This fish (shown in the Instagram video below) tied the All-Tackle Length record for the species. Learn more about the catch below!

From the International Game Fish Association: 

“On September 4, 2021, Rodrigo Moreira Salles was fly fishing Rio Marie, Brazil, when he landed this 91-centimeter speckled peacock. With this fish, Rodrigo tied the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for the species. Rodrigo landed the massive peacock on a streamer after a short fight in the midday heat. Salles had originally applied for the All-Tackle Length Fly record but was using 50-lb class tippet, so his catch was entered into the All-Tackle Length category.”

 

You can read more about the record in this article from our friends at Fly Fisherman Magazine!

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Spring Into Great Lakes Steelhead

Dan Zazworsky
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Spring Into Great Lakes Steelhead

Spring is one of the best times to get into Salmon River steelhead. The crowds have died back from their salmon run highs of the fall, and snow lines the banks of the New York tailwater feel like they have a little more breathing room. By this time of year, the fall run of steelhead have settled into their over-wintering holding spots, and the first spring running fish are starting to push in from Lake Ontario. when you combine these factors, you end up with a recipe for a bent rod and a screaming reel if you put in the hours and river miles. Check out these helpful tips, in partnership with Oswego County Tourism, to better your chance of Steelhead success this spring.

Make a Plan…

Personally, the planning stage of any fishing trip is usually my favorite. You get to pour over Google Maps, prep gear, and strategize with your fishing buddies over the phone while you tie up a few more squirmy worms that you’re sure to lose on the river bottom or to the jaws of a cartwheeling steelhead.

Generally, the best place to start your planning is by putting together a list of spots you want to hit. It doesn’t matter whether those are secret sneaky pockets or well-known public areas, you’ll want to have a good idea of where you want to go, or where you’ll bail to if another angler is standing in your favorite hole. After you’ve got a cheat sheet of Google Maps pins ready, you can get to the fun part of the planning, gathering your gear and flies.

…Then Explore, Explore, Explore

If you’ve been fishing for hours and notice that you’re near the end of your list of pre-planned spots, the best advice any accomplished Salmon River angler would give you is to just start walking down a section and read the water. Thanks to the river’s high fish density, you’ll likely find more than a handful of fish holding in pocket water, or tucked up against deadfalls and undercuts. All it takes to find these fish are a few casts in juicy-looking water and a little faith. Some of my favorite holes on the river have been discovered out of sheer boredom and a desire to walk around to warm up. You’ll be surprised what you can find with just a few hundred yards of walking away from the parking areas.

There’s More to the Salmon Than the Fly Zones

When newer Salmon River fly anglers start looking around for spots to fish, the seemingly obvious place to start would be the Upper and Lower Fly Zones. Now, don’t get us wrong, these zones can be a nice place to escape the more crowded all-tackle fishing areas. But there is so much more water than just these zones on the Salmon River. If you pull into either of the fly zones and see lots of cars, head to other zones and explore. You’ll often find areas with fewer anglers and less pressured fish eager to eat an egg or leech as they drift by in the current.

Fly Choice: Steak, Eggs, and Stones

Luckily the springtime creates a wealth of forage options for the river’s steelhead, which means you’ll have a wide range of flies to choose from when you’re trying to figure out what the fish want to eat that day. But Salmon River steelhead can be quick picky with their food, and sometimes seem to switch food and color preferences at a moment’s notice. My mantra on the water is simple, if I don’t feel a grab after a dozen or so solid drifts, I switch flies and keep doing so until my indicator drops under the waves with the pulse of a headshaking steelie on the end of my tippet.

Gear

Steelhead on the Salmon doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment. All you’ll need to fish is a 9-foot 7-9WT rod & reel, a solid coldwater salmon/steelhead line, split shot, and a few 10lb leaders. Beyond that, you’ll just need to make sure you have all the layers you need to stay warm and dry, and a box full of flies.

Guide to Basic Salmon River Fly Rod & Reel Setups

Rods

Luckily, you only need one rod and reel setup to effectively fly fish the Salmon River. Most anglers prefer to fish either 9-foot 8WT or 9-foot 9WT rods. You generally want a heavier fly rod for the Salmon due to its higher flows and larger fish, but can still protect the lighter tippets you may need to fool steelhead.

Reels

The main things you’re looking for in a Salmon River steelhead reel are a large arbor, and a strong, sealed drag system. You want a large arbor so you can keep up with a speeding steelhead as it rips up and downstream once you’ve hooked it. The sealed drag is almost more important than the arbor size, as you need a reel that can handle below-freezing temperatures without seizing up.

Lines

As far as lines go, you’ll want to make sure you have a heavy, weight-forward line like Airflo’s SuperDri Bomber or Kelly Galloup Nymph/Indicator, to make turning over heavy rigs in fast currents easier.

Tips for Drop Back Steelhead

April usually brings with it some of the hottest steelhead fishing of the season. As the fish finish up spawning, they “drop back” to the body of water where they will spend the remainder of the year until they head back upstream in the fall/winter. These “drop-backs” are starving after their labor-intensive spawn, and get aggressive as they head downstream. This part of the steelhead cycle is prime time to swing up a hungry and aggressive tanker steelhead.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Great Lakes Steelhead run on the Salmon River, check out Oswego County Tourism’s helpful directory on their Website, HERE.

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