Harry Burleigh was hiking in the Twin Lakes area of Douglas County, Oregon for an “in-and-out” fishing trip that he thought would be an easy hike. Burleigh is an avid and experienced outdoorsman but said he failed to understand completely what this hike would entail.
“I dropped all of my protocols that I would normally follow,†Harry said. “I didn’t implement the seven P’s: Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.â€
He even spoke about leaving behind the usual necessities like a water bottle making his time stranded in the field difficult.
“It sounds funny, but it’s so true. You gotta take those kind of considerations when going out in Mother Nature,†he said. “And if you’re not prepared for it, she’ll hammer you.â€
After losing the trail on the “easy” hike in Harry became disoriented and thus began his survival ordeal in the Oregon woods.
When he didn’t return home on the 6th of May, his family became worried and contacted officials, starting a search and rescue operation that would last more than 2 weeks. During his time surviving in the woods, Harry managed to build a makeshift survival shelter and campsite, which rescuers found and used to contact him. After finding his camp and leaving a note, it only took a day for rescuers to return and rescue Mr. Burleigh.
In line with G. Loomis’ 2021 specialty additions to their IMX Pro and NRX + rod series, yesterdayG. Loomis announced the brand new NRX+ T2S. The T2S is designed with tournament anglers and guides with intense tarpon fishing in mind. The 2-piece rod is designed to “Crush Variables”, answering the requests of saltwater anglers looking for an alternative to their one-piece broomstick.
Last April, we had the chance to partner with Brandon and Jared Cyr in the Florida keys to capture this rod going up against the Silver King. Stay Tuned to see it this Monday!Â
From Loomis HQ:Â
You don’t pick tournament days; tournament days pick you. While anglers can’t control environmental factors like wind, tide, and light, they can enhance their own effectiveness. With leaderboard glory on the line, clear a path to victory with rods forged to crush common variables. Designed for apex saltwater fly anglers, the NRX+ T2S series boasts a unique fusion of materials, technology, and innovative design to elevate angler performance under the most challenging conditions.
The all-new G. Loomis NRX+ T2S is rolled with Dynamic Recovery Technology, a blend of several premium technologies that unite to create an action with exceptional performance characteristics. Exclusive Mega Modulus+ graphite matrix and GL8 resin, combined with the industry’s most advanced compound taper construction process, creates a crisp action with smooth, rapid recovery. The key to achieving this is a reimagining of G. Loomis’ proprietary Multi-Taper Design technology to yield lightness, strength, and action.
“Dynamic Recovery Technology enables everything that we want the NRX+ T2S to do,” asserts Steve Rejeff, G. Loomis Director of Engineering. “It provides the power, line speed, and loop stability expected from a modern fast action rod without compromising feel and finesse. At the same time, the GL8 resin and Mega Modulus+ high-performance graphite matrix make the rod surprisingly light, reducing angler fatigue over a long day of repetitive casts.”
Anglers will experience the difference that Dynamic Recovery Technology makes every time they tempt a tailing bonefish or laid-up tarpon with a well-presented fly. “When an angler picks up the NRX+ T2S, the first thing they’ll notice is how light and balanced the rod feels, which reflects the advanced graphite matrix and GL8 resin used to build the blank,†reflects Red Kulper, G. Loomis Fly Fishing Brand Manager. “The rod is designed to produce blazing line speed, allowing anglers to punch through the wind to deliver bulky flies to distant targets. At the same time, a unique micro taper close to the tip allows the NRX+ T2S to bend and load crisply even on short-range casts with limited line. Ultimately, the technology infused into the NRX+ T2S series increases the casting distance “sweet spot,†blanketing everything between 25 feet and 100 feet from the angler.â€
Each NRX+ T2S rod measures 8’10” and has a unique two-piece configuration that offers one-piece performance with the convenience of compact transportability. “One-piece fly rods are quite popular, and for good reason,†continues Kulper. “Without the additional ferrule weight of a standard 4-piece travel design, one-piece rods are noticeably light in hand. They have tighter actions, which boosts line speed. However, a one-piece rod a few inches shy of nine feet in length is a major challenge to transport and ship. The Tournament Configuration of the new NRX+ T2S, with its unique two-piece construction, offers one-piece weight and performance with the added benefit of easy transportability.â€
Refinements continue down the entire length of each NRX+ T2S rod. Anglers will find a hybrid guide train with Recoil snake guides and Titanium SiC stripper guides. A full wells, AAA grade cork grip provides comfort and control while chasing bonefish, permit, tarpon, and other saltwater sport fish. The custom aluminum reel seat with fighting butt provides leverage over hard-fighting trophies. A functional aesthetic feature completes the package with a glare-cutting, aggressive matte-black finish, specifically chosen to boost boat side eats from wary targets. G. Loomis handcrafts each NRX+ T2S rod in Woodland, Washington.
The new NRX+ T2S is available in five-line weights to maximize its versatility across the spectrum of saltwater targets: Select the 8-weight (NRX+ T2S 8810-2) to deliver crab patterns to bonefish in skinny water. The 9-weight (NRX+ T2S 9810-2) is an excellent choice for enticing permit on the flats, stepping up to the 10-weight (NRX+ T2S 10810-2) on windy days. Tarpon adventures call for the 11-weight (NRX+ T2S 11810-2), with the 12-weight (NRX+ T2S 12801-2) well-suited for light Tuna, GT’s, or other big game fish in deeper water.
Rolled with G. Loomis’ most advanced compound taper construction to date, NRX+ T2S provides power, finesse, and sensitivity over the broadest range of casting distances and styles. These ultra-versatile tools are designed from the ground up to crush variables and maximize angler performance on the water. The NRX+ T2S will be available in late July with an MSRP of $895.
Features:
Dynamic Recovery Technology
GL8 Resin
Multi-Taper Design
RECOIL Snake Guides
Titanium SiC Stripper Guides
Full Wells, AAA Grade Cork Grip
Custom Aluminum Reel Seat with Fighting Butt
Aluminum Rod Tube with Cloth Rod Bag
Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, USA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Be sure to check out the newG. Loomis NRX+ T2S, and stay posted for more exciting news from G. Loomis and the Flylords Team.
When I was learning to fly fish, I mistakenly believed I needed a boyfriend to teach me. I met a boy who owned a raft, knew the very best fishing holes, and was cute enough. He’d do the trick. But just as I was learning to cast and way past falling hopelessly in love, I broke him off so to speak.
I was left with a 6 wt rod, a handful of dry flies, and a burning desire to fish. Heartbreak aside, I would learn to fly fish gosh-darn-it. I am no damsel in distress! Soon after the breakup I went to the river only to find I had no idea how to rig up a rod, select a fly or read water– he had always done that for me.
Years after, still single, I can at least say I now know how to fly fish. And, perhaps, it was a more rewarding process to learn on my own. So, to my striving fly gals, this is how you learn to fly fish like the badass heroine you are:
Find a Mentor
Women now make up over a quarter of anglers in America (this is obviously too low, but at least we are growing). Finding yourself a female mentor can be highly beneficial. Not only can they teach you, but they can be a sort of a role model to encourage you to keep at it. A mentor can be someone you meet through Instagram, a fly shop, or a guiding outfitter.
Hire a Guide
That brings me to my next point; if you have the funds, hire a guide. But, don’t let them guide you the way I let my ex-boyfriend guide me… ask questions, insist on tying your own knots with their supervision, and pry them for as much information as you can. Guides fish for a living, have a plethora of knowledge to share, and will likely be excited for a client who actually wants to learn. Let them instruct you and listen.
Use the Internet
If you are broke and single as I was, and hiring a guide is not an option, the internet is your best friend. YouTube and informational sites like Flylords can teach you everything from how to improve your streamer fishing to fly fishing hacks in under 3 minutes. Go to the park, or better yet the river, and practice your cast with a video or article by your side. Practice and accurately practice again. I learned a double haul cast, a fisher(wo)man’s knot, and various fly fishing techniques from the internet. It can be done.
Frequent Your Local Fly Shop
Fly selection and reading water can be learned for the mere cost of a few flies at your local fly shop. On their website or written on a whiteboard at the shop, you can often find trip reports and flies that are fishing well. The shop may say “copper johns and elk hair caddis are fishing well.†Then, look those flies up on your phone or shamelessly ask someone at the shop. Buy a few of each fly and go to the river. If you are feeling gutsy ask them to show you some Google Map pins—they may look at you like you are crazy or they might show you. What do you have to lose?
Join Female Fly Fishing Groups
Another great resource is female fishing groups such as United Woman on the Fly that host free or low-cost events and have Facebook groups to connect you with others. I attended a free beginner fly fishing event a few years back. They clothed me in oversized waders and showed me a basic cast. I met other beginners to share the steep learning curve with as well as experienced anglers to teach me their secrets. I still fish and keep in touch with these people today!
Get Out There
Simply get out and fish. You can learn to fish on your own. Be prepared to make more mistakes than if you had a boyfriend to show you, lose more fish than if you had a boyfriend to help you, and have a crappier time than if you had a boyfriend to kiss you. That being said, learning how to fly fish on my own is the most rewarding endeavor I have ever embarked on, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Article by Gloria Goñi, a content creator based in Bozeman, Montana. Check her out on Instagram at @lapescadora.
In this week, Video of the Week we catch back up with Wild Fly Productions, Paco, & Shane from Due South Outfitters on their mission to fish new water in and around the Boone area. On the first day, the boys hike up new drainage in search of some bigger fish. After quite a successful mission, the boys shift their focus the next day onto a smaller river in search of some fish willing to look up. From climbing waterfalls to catching gorgeous wild Browns in small water Scottie and the boys encapsulate the beauty that is intertwined with Appalachian trout streams.
Sit down and enjoy another epic video from Scottie and don’t forget to check out these awesome articles as well.
Earlier today, July 15th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled its new Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy. The goal of which is, “to help support a diverse economy, enhance community resilience, and conserve natural resources.” Among the goals, this strategy ends old-growth logging in the Tongass National Forest, restores previously altered forests, and initiates a rule making process to reinstate Roadless Rule Protections in the forest. This comes after the Biden administration identified restoring protections in the Tongass as a priority a month or so ago.
As a refresher, the ecological value of the Tongass National Forest cannot be understated:
Largest remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world and immense carbon sink
17,000 miles of clean, undammed creeks, rivers and lakes that provide optimal spawning and rearing conditions for the region’s wild Pacific salmon and trout
The wild salmon coming from the forest represent approximately 70 percent of all wild salmon harvested from national forests and close to 13 percent of all salmon harvested on the Pacific Rim
The highest density of brown bears in North America as well as healthy numbers of animals as diverse as Bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, humpback whales, porpoises, and many other species
Forest-wide, the spiderweb of logging roads has left of legacy of more than 1,100 culverts that fail to meet state or federal standards for fish migration and impede access to nearly 250 miles of salmon and trout stream
“We look forward to meaningful consultation with Tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations, and engaging with local communities, partners, and the State to prioritize management and investments in the region that reflect a holistic approach to the diverse values present in the region,†said Secretary Vilsack. “This approach will help us chart the path to long-term economic opportunities that are sustainable and reflect Southeast Alaska’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural resources.†The strategy includes a $25 million investment to promote sustainable economic opportunities.
“The real value of the Tongass is in its abundant fish and wildlife, its cultural resources, and in its beautiful scenery and wild landscapes,†said Austin Williams, Trout Unlimited’s Alaska director of law and policy. “This announcement will help ensure these values remain long into the future, that we are investing where we see the greatest return, and that management of the Tongass supports the region’s economic mainstays of fishing and tourism.â€
For decades now, the Tongass has been a political football–going back and forth whenever the White House flips. Hopefully, this action today can stabilize the Tongass’ future and protect the forest’s remarkable ecosystems–and save some salmon and trout for when you make it up there!
We’re in the thick of it: the long and hot days of summer are upon us, which means staying cool just got a little bit trickier. But us fly-anglers are a creative bunch – give us a few ingredients and we’ll keep the good times rolling. Here are five TINCUP Mountain Whiskey cocktails that every angler should know… arguably as intimately as the waters they fish.
Blackberry Whiskey Smash: This is one of my favorite summer cocktails. It looks beautiful, tastes delicious, and uses ingredients that grow wild throughout much of the United States. Feel free to substitute black raspberries, mulberries, or any other local berries that taste somewhat tart. This cocktail can be strained to remove the mint leaves and berry pieces, or served unstrained. I tend to go the unstrained route, but to each their own.
Place blackberries, mint leaves, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Muddle.
Add honey, rye whiskey, and ice. Shake.
Pour into a glass, top with ginger beer, and give a gentle stir.
Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.
Kentucky Mule (AKA, the Rocky Mountain Mule): Inspired by the Moscow Mule, the Kentucky Mule trades vodka for something a bit darker. The lime juice and ginger beer incorporated in this cocktail make it extremely refreshing. But don’t worry, the deep flavor of the whiskey still shines through. This beverage is traditionally served in a copper mug, but nowadays I’m partial to a tin cup.
Place lime juice, whiskey, and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake.
Pour into a glass, top with ginger beer, and give a gentle stir.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig and lime wedge.
Jalapeño Mint Julep: A new take on a timeless classic. Personally, I’ve always found traditional Mint Juleps a little on the sweet side. The addition of a jalapeño pepper introduces some heat, which balances the sweetness quite well. It’ll leave your lips warm like you just ate some spicy tacos, but if you’re anything like me, that’s a welcomed sensation.
2 jalapeño wheels (deseeded for less heat, seeded if you’re up for a kick)
Club soda, to top
Mint sprig, for garnish
Method
Place mint leaves and agave nectar in the bottom of a glass. Gently muddle.
Fill the glass with ice, leaving about 1†of free space from the top.
Add the whiskey and jalapeño wheels.
Top with club soda and give a gentle stir.
Garnish with a mint spring.
Whiskey Sour: As the name suggests, this cocktail packs an acidic punch. People love sour stuff, and the popularity of this drink is a testament to that. One ingredient here might catch some folks off guard. Yes, that’s right – egg white. The addition of egg white actually helps cut down the citrus sourness and simultaneously provides a smooth mouthfeel. Nowadays it’s optional, but for years it was the only way whiskey sours were served. This cocktail can be served strained without ice (similar to a martini), or on the rocks. Personally, I go for the rocks version because I prefer the extra dilution from the melting ice.
Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
Shake for 30 seconds, then add ice and shake for an additional 10 seconds.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Add three dashes of Angostura bitters.
Rye Old Fashioned: No cocktail list would be complete without the infamous Old Fashioned. The inception of this doctored-up whiskey shot took place over 200 years ago and it remains just as relevant today. This one lets the Rye Whisky take front and center, the other ingredients just provide the stage.
TINCUPbelieves life is too short to drink bad whiskey, and we couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s after your next fly-fishing excursion or just an evening in the backyard, I encourage you to mix up something fresh. These are five surefire whiskey cocktails to get you started, but with a bottle of whiskey and some creativity, there’s no telling where you’ll end up. Cheers!
In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Piscator Flies gives us a great tutorial on how to tie the Crystal Meth Sucker Spawn Egg.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
The Crystal Meth Sucker Spawn Egg is a fly that will undoubtedly make purists feel dirty on sight. In any river where there are trout, steelhead, or salmon this fly is an absolute essential. Egg flies are deadly and should be utilized heavily in the Fall and Spring months when fish migrations are consistent.
This fly was originally created to imitate sucker fish egg clusters but can be applied to nearly all spawning situations. The Crystal Meth Sucker Spawn Egg should be tied in various colors such as pink, red, orange, and chartreuse. Various colors matched with the unique body shape of the Crystal Meth Sucker Spawn Egg is key for finding success with this pattern.
Beginners and veterans alike can rejoice in the simplicity of this fly. Using only four materials, a tyer of any skill level can fill up their egg box quickly. Like many things fishing related, efficiency is crucial, and this pattern checks the box. The Crystal Meth Sucker Spawn is a fly that embraces both simplicity and productivity and should be in your fly box during those spawning seasons.
We sat down with marine biologist, angler, and artist Shelly Marshall. Shelly is a Florida native now living in Juneau, Alaska with her husband Dave and their dog Arctos (Arky). Passionate about conservation work, marine biology, and art, Shelly uses her scientific expertise and artistic skill to foster education about Alaska’s fish species and promote conservation efforts. Read more about Shelly and her scientific illustrations, stickers, mugs, clothing, and commissioned pieces below!
When did your passions for science and art begin?
My mom went to school for microbiology and cell science. She homeschooled me, and growing up I often went into the field after our class studies. Some of my favorite days were when my mom would bring the microscope to the beach and we would analyze the zooplankton and phytoplankton in the water. Part of my homework was drawing what they looked like in my field notebook. My mom encouraged me to draw and record much of my observations in my notebook, which may have sparked the beginning of my love for scientific illustration. I fell in love with Marine biology, and I ended up going to school for it. Along the way, my favorite part of my studies was keeping field notes and illustrating the species that we would find.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
When did you begin expanding your artwork?
When I graduated from college, I couldn’t find a job in my field right away. I was working in a billing office in Florida and missed getting to work on things related to biology. To get through that portion of my life, I started painting fish and began a little business called ShellART.
Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
What conservation projects did you work on in Florida?
I worked in the habitat restoration field in Florida for several years, specifically after the BP oil spill. We would do sea grass and oyster restoration projects. It was some really awesome work and it spurred on my passion for conservation as well. After that I always tried to be involved in local conservation projects, whether something simple like a beach cleanup or something bigger, like invasive species removal and scuba diving for nets. I have always had a big hand in conservation and restoration work and it has been a passion of mine throughout my life.
What brought you to Alaska?
My husband is a Black Hawk pilot, and there weren’t any postings available in Florida, so we moved. I told him we could go anywhere as long as there were marine waters, and we ended up in Alaska. We have been here for about three years—we spent a little bit of time in Anchorage, and most of our time in Juneau. Since moving, I have fallen in love with the biology and ecology of the salmon species here.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
How have you continued your work since moving?
As I have lived here, I have been trying to get involved in more conservation work. I have worked in fish hatcheries for the past three years and have grown my knowledge and love for the salmon biology and conservation work they do here.
When we moved, my art business fell to the sidelines for a while. Soon after, though, I wanted to start it up again. I rebranded everything for Alaska by learning about the fish species and working in hatcheries. Now my business is doing well, which is exciting. I do scientific illustrations and projects for local anglers, as well as commission pieces that capture people’s favorite catches.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
How did you discover the world of scientific illustration?
I accidentally stumbled into it. When I moved to Alaska and started working at the salmon hatcheries, I couldn’t find a poster specifically tailored to Alaska’s five salmon species in all their color variations (male spawning, female spawning, and ocean colorations). I was working for Alaska Fish and Game at the time, and I asked my boss if it would be helpful for me to illustrate posters of the fish they raised at the hatchery, and she said yes.
Fish and Game struggles with finding decent photos of the salmon because, whenever hatchery workers collect a sample fish, its colors start to fade right away and the lighting impacts the look. Illustrations help hatchery workers more than photos, but Fish and Game didn’t have a lot of illustrated resources. I started illustrating individual salmon for them, but then decided to make a poster of all five species and their color variations.
Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
The first poster took the longest. I wanted to represent all five salmon species in all their color variations, and include both their scientific and common names. Because that can easily look busy, I chose a white background. I tried to make the poster as simple and clean as possible so people can easily interpret it.
My boss has a masters in salmon biology, so I asked her to scrutinize the poster to make sure the drawings were scientifically accurate. She did, and sent the poster to other biologists in the Fish and Game Department to get their comments. After that, more biologists and researchers contacted me about illustrations to support their projects.
I have fallen in love with the whole scientific illustration process and it has been a dream come true to illustrate for Alaska Fish and Game.
Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
How does your scientific background influence your artistic style?
My art is heavily influenced by my love for science. I love anything that comprehensively presents the types of species that live in a certain area. Through my art, my goal is to teach people about the natural habitats they live in and to have them fall in love with local marine life. I want people to be visually drawn in, and then notice details like the names of species once they look closer. I also try to get my illustrations into classrooms and educational centers.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
What role does art play in conservation work?
I think art and conservation can be hugely related and hugely intertwined. For example, in Florida the Lion Fish is an invasive species that damages reef communities. I helped design a t-shirt for a conservation campaign called “Be the Predator.” The campaign hoped to get local fishermen to catch Lion Fish and sell them in the seafood market. The goal was for local fishermen to create a demand for Lion Fish, motivate more people to catch them, and remove them from the reef communities they damage.
In my business, I provide opportunities for people to support conservation efforts through my art. I create and sell stickers to raise money for the Tongass National Forest in Juneau, where there are protection and restoration projects for salmon habitat. By buying art, people are donating money to restoration and conservation projects. Between raising awareness and raising money, art can have a really important role in conservation.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
What is next for you and for ShellART?
I have a marine mammal poster in the works, and I am always trying to find new ways to help conservation groups. If any conservation organizations are interested in working with me, I am always happy to listen.
I learned how to fly fish last year, so my latest fishing goals are to land every Alaskan salmon species on the fly and to catch an Arctic Grayling up in Fairbanks.
Photo Courtesy of Shelly Marshall
To get in touch with Shelly about commission requests, conservation partnerships, or general questions, visit her website or send her an email.
What is Orvis cooking up in their rod workshop in Manchester? A new Helios line? A re-branded Clearwater or Recon? While the possibilities are limited, whatever’s next is getting the fly fishing world ignited. Check out the mysterious press release below and stay tuned for more updates as the story progresses!
“Spend seasons in boats and on the banks with storied guides and the planet’s fishiest DIY anglers and you’ll learn that the fishing quickly takes a backseat to deep conversations. That’s when our rod design team listens the hardest. We catalog input, cherry-pick consistent themes, and obsess over our anglers’ needs, wants, and challenges to design technique-driven tapers that answer the constantly evolving question of “What if?†with “Here’s what.â€
New for summer 2021, we’re bringing you a series of high-concept, highly refined rods meant to excel in specific angling scenarios. Each new model provides accuracy with purpose — exactly what you’ve come to expect from the leading name in innovation because our process is really quite simple: Fish with the best anglers, listen instead of talking, take notes and you can’t help but return the favor with the best rods.”
What do you think the new rod line will be? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve all been there: fishing on a great fishing boat, but not a great fly fishing boat. Whether it’s your fly line tangling, fly gear storage, or awkward casting positions, some boats that are great for conventional fishing are just not ideal for fly fishing. But worry not, follow these tips to improve your odds on the water!
Duck/Masking Tape to Cover Cleats
As every fly angler knows, fly line has a tendency to get tangled around everything. While most boats are relatively open and tangle-free, there is nothing worse than firing an absolute bomb of a cast only to have it abruptly stopped by your line getting caught on a cleat. Some newer boats are made with recessed cleats, so you can get them out of the way when they aren’t in use, but many boats still don’t have that feature. If your boat doesn’t have the fancy recessed cleats, you can use tape as a quick fix. Just place some tape over the cleat so the pointy bits are covered, and then you have a tangle-free cleat. This is a cheap, easy fix to make your boat much more fly-friendly while still keeping all of the necessary functionality.
Stripping Baskets/Buckets:
This is another line management hack that can really make a difference between missed and made shots. Stripping baskets and buckets really shine when on a flats boat or any boat where you will be fishing in windy conditions. Having a bucket or basket to strip your line into while on a boat ensures that you don’t accidentally step on your line mid-cast or get random wind tangles. These can be made from clothes hampers and plastic bins or purchased online, but either option will get the job done.
If you’re like me, you toss a lot of different flies on any given day. Having to dig through gear bags and fly boxes every time you want to switch flies is a total pain, so keeping your most used patterns accessible makes a lot of sense. My favorite way to do this is with a foam fly patch that I have stuck to my center console. This patch makes it easy to swap flies fast and get my line back in the water!
No, it doesn’t need to be a yeti, but your average cooler might not last if you use it like this. Apart from being used as a cooler, which shouldn’t be taken for granted, cold food and drinks are a very good thing, Yeti’s are incredibly versatile. Positioned on your boat’s bow, a yeti is sturdy enough to serve as a sight fishing platform; plus it will keep your drinks cold when you blow the cast. I’ve used coolers as casting/sighting platforms, fish cleaning stations, tables, diving boards, and just about anything else you can think of, so I consider them to be a very valuable thing to have on a boat.
The common theme of this article seems to be efficiency, and this last item is no exception. Having east-to-access fly rod holders on your boat makes a huge difference. While this may seem obvious, I’ve been fishing on plenty of boats that don’t even have rod holders. The ability to have multiple rods rigged and ready to go at any given moment is a luxury that I’m definitely grateful to have. This allows you to switch tactics altogether without much of a second thought. Also, if you are running and you see a school of breaking fish, you can quickly grab a rod and start casting instead of struggling to find the right setup or trying to quickly re-tie.
While these modifications definitely aren’t necessary, they can help out quite a bit. Anything you can do when fly fishing from a boat to manage your line or store your gear more efficiently will create a smoother experience and more successful trip. So, try these out for yourself, and make sure to let us know if we missed anything.
