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Orvis Releases New Additions to PRO Gear Lineup

Dan Zazworsky
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Orvis Releases New Additions to PRO Gear Lineup

Disclosure: The article may contain affiliate links that may result in a commission at no additional cost to the reader.

‘Tis the season for new product launches around the fly fishing world as the show season looms on the horizon, and brands are eager to display unique, innovative items to the masses of fly anglers around the globe. This week, Orvis joined the fray with a collection of new Orvis PRO products designed to keep you and your gear dry. Check out the highlights below!

New PRO Approach Hikers

Approach Hiker – Salt

From Orvis:

The ultimate wet-wade boot and made to cover miles, our popular PRO Approach Shoe morphs into a salt-perfect hiker specifically designed for the rigors of the marine theatre. The PRO Approach Hiker for saltwater offers generous ankle support required to explore endless flats, jetties, and mangrove muck quickly and safely. It’s built with an Intuition®-based foam footbed that molds around your foot for a custom fit unlike any other wet-wading shoe ever designed. Featuring the same exclusive Michelin® outsole as our PRO Wading boots, these saltwater hikers feature superior wet and dry traction in the boat, and on rocks and notoriously slick docks with a massive bonus: The teal outsole won’t scuff and mark up boat decks. PU cast exterior with a scratch rubber toe for next-level abrasion resistance. The built-in, zippered gravel guard with hook-and-loop closures and lace-up interior gives you the best fit possible and makes a separate set of wading socks unnecessary unless you’re battling cooler water temperatures. An EVA midsole with a soft liner protects against hot spots. Easy-grab heel loops on lace cover and liner heel help you suit up and get to the water quickly.

Shop here! 

Approach Hiker – Camo

From Orvis:

The ultimate wet-wading boot made to go the distance, our popular PRO Approach Shoe morphs into a trail-inspired form in the mid-height PRO Approach Hiker. Offering blue liners with generous ankle support needed to cover miles of ground quickly and safely, it’s built with an Intuition®-based foam footbed that molds around your foot for a custom fit unlike any other wet-wading shoe ever designed. Featuring the same exclusive Michelin® outsole as our PRO Wading boots, the Approach Hiker delivers superior wet and dry traction on slick rocks and gravel. The built-in, zippered gravel guard with hook-and-loop closures and lace-up interior gives you the best fit possible and makes a separate set of wading socks unnecessary unless you’re battling cool water temperatures. An EVA midsole with a soft liner protects against hot spots. PU cast exterior with a scratch rubber toe for next-level abrasion resistance. Easy-grab heel loops on lace cover and liner heel help you suit up and get to the water quickly. Non-marking black outsole.

Shop here! 

New PRO Waterproof Pack Collection

Orvis has just released a hotly-anticipated update to their waterproof/submersible pack line and these new designs add a classic Orvis feel to keeping your gear dry all the way to your destination.

PRO Waterproof Roll Top Backpack 20L

Shop Here! 

PRO Waterproof Backpack 30L

Shop Here! 

PRO Waterproof Hip Pack 10L

Shop Here! 

PRO Waterproof Sling 14L

Shop Here! 

New Women’s PRO Fishing Jackets

From Orvis:

This waterproof PRO Fishing Jacket features a finessed fit made specifically for women and tailored for unrestricted casting and rowing from revolutionary, breathable three-layer stretch CORDURA® fabric. The next-gen fishing jacket stands as a pillar of abrasion- and puncture-resistance made to serve the boat and bank angler for years instead of a mere season. Comfortable and quiet, with a remarkably soft feel, this fabric is simply the best we’ve found from both a comfort and durability perspective. Evidence our design team pushed deep into over-engineered protection from the elements, the PRO Fishing Jacket gives you further weatherproofing features like a YKK AquaGuard® zipper, fully taped seams, a longer cut, and even a redesigned internal cuff, which holds moisture out even when submersed, yet manages to feel more like a soft knit than neoprene. The forward-thinking design of the pocketing can’t be beaten, with two upper-hand pockets, dual chest pockets with rubberized zipper garages for streamlined tool docking, and a zippered internal security pocket. Note the pit zips that work as part of the PRO System, offering easy, unrestricted access to the PRO Bib or Waders without needing to remove the jacket. A three-point storm hood rounds out the design and can be cinched down in high winds or wide-open throttle scenarios, with hidden hardware that keeps cords out of your way when casting. Athletic cut.

Women’s – Shop here! 

New Men’s PRO Fishing Jackets

From Orvis:

The next-gen waterproof PRO Fishing Jacket for men stands as a pillar of abrasion- and puncture-resistance made to serve the boat and bank angler for years instead of a mere season. With a finessed fit and a design tailored for unrestricted casting and rowing from revolutionary, breathable three-layer stretch CORDURA® fabric, this jacket is comfortable and quiet with a remarkably soft feel. This fabric is simply the best we’ve found from both a comfort and durability perspective. Evidence our design team pushed deep into over-engineered protection from the elements, the PRO Fishing Jacket gives you further weatherproofing features like a YKK AquaGuard® zipper, fully taped seams, a longer cut, and even a redesigned internal cuff, which holds moisture out even when submerged, yet manages to feel more like a soft knit than neoprene. The forward-thinking design of the pocketing can’t be beaten, with two upper-hand pockets, dual chest pockets with rubberized zipper garages for streamlined tool docking, and a zippered internal security pocket. Note the pit zips that work as part of the PRO System, offering easy, unrestricted access to the PRO Bib or Waders without needing to remove the jacket. A three-point storm hood rounds out the design and can be cinched down in high winds or wide-open throttle scenarios, with hidden hardware that keeps cords out of your way when casting. Athletic cut.

Men’s – Shop here! 

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Reel of the Week: Doubled Up Redfish on the Game Changer Fly

Nelson Oxley
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Reel of the Week: Doubled Up Redfish on the Game Changer Fly

A note from Captain Brooks Turner:

“The day couldn’t have been more perfect; clear sky and slicked-off conditions. I was bringing my boat to the mechanic at another marina when I gave in and decided to pick up my buddies. We had only a couple of eight weights with no net or trolling motor remote. Completely unprepared, we figured we had to take a look and get out on the water.

As soon as we got offshore, we could tell it was the day to be out fishing. Everything was alive. We ran to a couple of different groups of birds before we found a school of redfish on the surface, feeding happily. We cut the engine off and floated into a frenzy of redfish fish ready to play. Blane Chocklett’s big bright Game Changer fly allowed every fish in the group to see it, forcing them to compete efficiently and give us a run to double up and catch a big one.”

To check out Captain Brooks’ operation and to book a trip, check out his website here. Follow Brooks on Instagram at @captbrooksturner.

Check out the articles below:

Beach Redfish: 5 Tips To Catch Redfish From The Surf

Ole Red: A Redfish Angler Story

How to Tie: The FireTiger BulkHead

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: The FireTiger BulkHead

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Gunnar Brammer ties a Bob Popovics inspired predator fly, the FireTiger Bulkhead.

 

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Intermediate

When it comes to predator flies, Bob Popovics’ patterns are some of the best out there. He undoubtedly changed the game when targeting both saltwater and freshwater species that prey on baitfish. Through many different patterns and platforms, he has inspired a generation of tyers who now produce incredibly effective variations. Gunnar Brammer is one of those tyers who continues to change the game as well with the innovation of streamer flies, which can be seen by his FireTiger Bulkhead.

Tying with bucktail is notoriously frustrating and time-consuming. Being patient and finding the right size bucktail for your size fly is extremely important. When working with bucktail, using longer hair than the fly requires and trimming the butt section is detrimental to the fly itself. The natural taper of bucktail is what makes it swim in the fluid motion it does, and cutting it down will only negatively impact that movement. Although for this pattern it does not matter as much due to building that bulkhead profile, it is a good tip to remember.

Pairing this fly with an intermediate or sink tip line may help it get down to the feeding zone. Bucktail and other naturals have an immediate tendency to want to float, and sometimes the weight of the hook just doesn’t cut it. Changing up the colors for this fly will allow you to imitate a wide variety of baitfish unique to your area. As is, this fly will entice any predator that hunts perch and result in explosive eats. The FireTiger Bulkhead is a streamer that every angler should learn to tie and implement into their predator fly arsenal.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie the FireTiger Bulkhead!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Gunnar Brammer.

Simms Releases Spring 2023 Gear Collection

Dan Zazworsky
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Simms Releases Spring 2023 Gear Collection

Simms Fishing’s latest collection of fly fishing gear has arrived from the Bozeman-based gear manufacturer. The new collection features some new products and some hotly anticipated updates to old favorites. Check them all out below!

From Simms Fishing:

An All-New Product Collection Loaded with New Styles, Designs, and Innovations

Simms Fishing Products, a preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing wrap up a record-setting 2022 and embark on the new year with an all-new, bar-raising product collection designed to inspire the world to fish.

In addition to the new Spring 2023 line, in February of this year, anglers will also have access to the all-new, limited edition Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Wader. Through Watershed sales and in association with Montana Freshwater Partners, a $50,000 contribution will be made to the Yellowstone Stewardship Campaign, a campaign developed to engage the community, out-of-state visitors, and businesses to give back to projects that support the overall health and vitality of one of southwest Montana’s most beloved outdoor resources, the Yellowstone River.

“Looking back at the past year, Simms has a lot to be proud of. It was the most successful year in the company’s history and these achievements are the direct result of a highly committed and talented team,” says Simms Chief Operating Officer, Ben Christensen. The success of 2022 is just a preview of what’s coming in 2023 and beyond.”

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Spring 2023 reaffirms the longstanding reputation of delivering angler-driven, technical fishing gear that Simms has cultivated over the past 30 years. True to form, Spring 2023 encompasses fishing-focused innovations and advancements across all categories and boasts standouts in each.

In March of this year, Simms will launch an all-new iteration of their Freestone® collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s, and a Pant, the revamped Freestone Waders are constructed from a durable, waterproof/breathable 4-layer Toray® Quadralam fabric. Featuring a fleece-lined, reach-through chest pocket, zippered stretch-woven stash pocket, and a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, all Freestone waders provide ample on-body storage for small essentials. Also equipped with Simms’ patented front and back leg seams, stretch elastic suspenders with opposing buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion on hot days, and built-in neoprene gravel guards, anglers can reap the rewards of comfort and a completely unhindered range of motion.

Built from Simms’ award-winning wader DNA, Spring 2023 also brings with it, the all-new Tributary collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s, all Tributary waders are constructed from lightweight, waterproof/breathable nylon fabric and include fishy features such as a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, a fleece-lined chest pocket, built-in gravel guards, a zippered top stash pocket, and anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet.

Leading the pack in terms of innovation is the all-new, award-winning G4 Pro® Powerlock Boot. Available with a Vibram® Idrogrip rubber outsole or a 12mm felt outsole, the G4 Pro Powerlock Boot takes wading footwear performance and durability to the next level. Built with durable synthetic leather, scratch leather, and highly abrasion-resistant mesh, the boot comes equipped with a partial neoprene lining for comfort and easy on/off and laser-cut fabric eye stays for a secure fit. For comfort and in-stream support, a molded TPU heel counter and a dual-density EVA midsole have been included. On both the Vibram and felt models, an innovative power lock system allows for quick and customizable cleat installment and removal with unmatched cleat retention. All G4 Pro Powerlock Boots come with 14 TPR cleats for use in boats, 14 aluminum cleats for wade fishing applications, and the Simms Ripper Tool for installment and removal.

Simms footwear category expands further with the arrival of the all-new Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe. Featuring a high-top construction, the Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe comes equipped with an adjustable ankle gasket to keep debris out, integrated drainage holes, and a quick-adjust lacing system with a built-in lace garage to prevent line snags. Powered by the award-winning Vibram Idrogrip Flex rubber outsole, anglers can now enjoy the same slip-resistance as the Flyweight Access Boot in a comfortable wet-wading platform.

Season after season, Simms’ sportswear category continues to grow and Spring 2023 is no exception. In order to bolster an already expansive collection of UPF 50 sun protective clothing, Simms has added a multitude of new SolarFlex® options built from the highest performing solar protective knit fabric that feels smooth to the touch, stretches for comfort, dries fast, and keeps anglers odor and stain free with the inclusion of HeiQ Fresh and HeiQ Stain Away technology. New styles include but aren’t limited to the Men’s SolarFlex Guide Hoody, Men’s and Women’s SolarFlex Hoody and Crew, and the Men’s and Women’s Bugstopper SolarFlex Hoody.

In addition to the expansion of the SolarFlex collection, Simms is also proud to launch the all-new Simms Challenger Solar collection, available in numerous Men’s and Women’s styles. Offering UPF 30+ sun protection, Simms Challenger Solar collection is built from lightweight Jersey knit fabric that’s smooth, stretchy, and wicks moisture to keep anglers comfortable on the hottest days on the water.

Other newcomers to Simms’ sportswear collection include the Intruder® Hoody that’s available in Men’s and Women’s, the Bugstopper Intruder Hoody, the Intruder Bicomp LS Shirt, the Women’s Bugstopper Jogger, and the Women’s Bugstopper Legging.

For rainy days, open water crossings, and choppy conditions, Simms has reimagined their ever-popular Men’s and Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib. Built from waterproof/breathable 2-layer, recycled Toray® fabric, the all-new Challenger Suit features oversized chest pockets with built-in sunglass chamois, adjustable watertight cuffs, a 3-point adjustable/stashable storm hood, and reflective logos for safety. Additional features include kill-switch D-ring attachments, an adjustable bottom hem and reinforced overlays in high wear zones on the bib for increased durability.

Another new addition to the Simms outerwear collection is the all-new Splash Cast Jacket. Whether casting in heavy surf, taking waves over the jetty, or kayaking toward fishy coordinates, the Splash Cast Jacket keeps anglers dry and comfortable regardless of the weather and/or conditions. Constructed from a rugged 3-layer waterproof/breathable Toray fabric, the Splash Cast Jacket features an internal adjustable neoprene neck cuff, wrist cuffs, and bottom hem to keep water out. Additional features include a fully submersible dump pocket and roll-away storm hood.

The Spring 2023 collection wouldn’t be complete without a couple of new standouts in the equipment category. Constructed from 420D double ripstop Nylon for long-term durability and water resistance, the all-new Dry Creek Boat Bag is built for long days on the water that calls for extra capacity. Featuring a magnetized catch-and-release buckle that keeps an overhanging compression molded lid securely closed even when unzipped, the Dry Creek Boat Bag also offers customizable internal dividers and under-lid zippered stash pockets for optimal organization.

For waders and boots, anglers can deploy the all-new Riverkit Wader Tote for easy and convenient carry to and from their next destination. Built from a heavy-duty 600D Polyester fabric with a backside PU coating, the Riverkit Wader Tote is durable and highly water resistant. Breathable mesh panels flank the side for ventilation and a padded lid unfolds and doubles as changing mat.

Check out the Spring 2023 Product Collection in its entirety by clicking Simms Fishing.

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Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Seeks to Raise Awareness Through The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

Will Poston
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Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Seeks to Raise Awareness Through The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

Much like elsewhere in Florida, Tampa Bay has its share of water quality issues impacting the local fisheries. Many readers will likely recall the Piney Point disaster of 2021 that pumped more than 200 million gallons of untreated industrial wastewater into Tampa Bay, contributing to red tide blooms, fish kills, and a preventable environmental disaster. We recently sat down with Tampa Bay Waterkeeper’s Executive Director, Justin Tramble to learn more about the issues and their upcoming fly fishing tournament, The Waterman.

Flylords: Justin, can you tell us about the work Tampa Bay Waterkeeper engages in? 

Justin: Tampa Bay Waterkeeper is a grassroots organization fighting to protect, improve, and preserve the Tampa Bay watershed. We are part of the global Waterkeeper Alliance with over 350 organizations around the world. We are a passionate group of anglers and recreational users of our estuary that believe in action when it comes to protecting our right to clean water. We focus on education, awareness, and coalition building, but what separates us is our willingness to file lawsuits over clean water act violations. If you pollute our water here in Tampa Bay, you hear from us. Our litigation has funded over a half a million dollars in restoration and clean water projects right here in Tampa Bay. 

TBWK Executive Director Justin Tramble at a Fly Fishing Film Tour showing in Tampa Bay

Flylords: What are the threats to a healthy Tampa Bay?

Justin: First, it’s important to talk about the Piney Point disaster… where 215 million gallons of toxic waste was released into Tampa Bay in early 2021, fueling one of the worst red tide events and largest fish kill events we’ve ever seen here. The impacts are still being felt. TBWK and our partners filed suit against the negligent parties and that lawsuit is still active. Making sure that the Piney Point facility is closed properly has been a major focus of ours. 

Stormwater is the single largest source of pollution in the watershed. Nitrogen is the primary pollutant in Tampa Bay and stormwater accounts for approximately 59% of total nitrogen loading. An excess of nitrogen is associated with harmful algal blooms (such as red tide), reduced oxygen, fish kills, and loss of essential fish habitat such as seagrass. 

With three million people living in the Tampa Bay watershed, education is critical to mitigate nitrogen loading. 

Piney Point Fish Kill
Dead Redfish from Piney Point Fish Kill

Flylords: How is Tampa Bay’s future looking?

Justin: Overall, Tampa Bay is actually known as a success story. In 1974, Tampa Bay was featured on the television news program 60 Minutes documenting the effects of nutrient pollution across the country. I’m pretty sure we were officially declared dead on that show. Apparently finding any seagrass was hard to do. We’ve come a long way because of the community’s desire to be better! 

Despite the significant progress, we’ve had a few rough years. We’ve lost more than 4,000 acres of seagrass in Old Tampa Bay between 2018 and 2020 according to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. So that’s a wake up call… I will say that it is encouraging to see how clean water is becoming popular to talk about. We need to capitalize off of the momentum and energy to get meaningful policy changes made. When you see that half of the jobs in the Tampa Bay region are influenced by the Bay, you understand how connected we really are. It goes beyond just casting to tailing redfish, it’s our economy. People are starting to get it… 

TBWK Board Member, Captain Dustin Pack

Flylords: You guys also have one of your big annual events coming up in a couple months. What is The Waterman tournament? 

Justin: The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament is a two-day, fly only Redfish tournament with a Snook Calcutta to be held on February 4th and February 5th, 2023. The fishing boundaries are the west coast of Florida from the Southern Tip of Sanibel Island to the Southern Edge of the Crystal River Power Plant Main Channel.

Flylords: How will this tournament assist the organization and improve Tampa Bay? 

Justin: The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament is our largest fundraising event, allowing us to continue our efforts to fight for clean water here in Tampa Bay. It funds all aspects of our organization: our litigation efforts, our water quality testing, our education and outreach. It also helps us generate more conversation regarding our efforts! When you put some of the best fly fishing anglers in the country head to head for a cause like this one, it gets folks not only excited about the fishing, but the mission. The bonus is that the fly fishing industry is really stepping up to support our cause here in Tampa Bay. It’s exciting to be a part of this. 

Flylords: Last we talked, it sounded like tournament spots were nearly sold out, but how can others get involved with Tampa Bay Waterkeeper?

Justin: We cap the tournament at 120 anglers, 60 teams. We are crazy close to that. People can get involved by becoming a member of our organization. Our “Redfish” membership is only $10 a month, but goes a long way in supporting our efforts. I think it’s an easy sell too… when you look at what we’ve been able to do here in Tampa Bay, why wouldn’t you get on board? Check out our website at www.tampabaywaterkeeper.org to find out how you can get involved. 

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Nike Releasing New “Rainbow Trout” Inspired Dunk Lows

Dan Zazworsky
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Nike Releasing New “Rainbow Trout” Inspired Dunk Lows

Fly fishing sneakerheads are currently drooling over a new colorway of Nike’s Dunk Low silhouette called the “Rainbow Trout“.  Supposedly inspired by the Official State Fish of Oregon (Nike’s home state), the new design features fish-hook swoosh on the side, and what appears to be a brook trout pattern on the ripstop material hiding behind the shoe’s suede upper.

 

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A post shared by Complex Sneakers (@complexsneakers)

According to HypeBeast.com, “In this early preview of the colorway, the branding elements aren’t the only references to fish as its ripstop base features a pattern similar to that of a rainbow trout. These yellow spots match the golden yellow scaly Swooshes that shine with a fishhook design attached on the lateral’s Swoosh. Rough suede overlays are covered in a forest green while the heel remixes suede in orange and pink patches. Its cream sole features orange stitching that matches the ripstop tongue that carries a fish drawing with “Nike Beaverton 1972” text written on it.”

Photo via SoleRetriever.com

Now, this might be this author’s opinion, but I think these shoes feel more like a brook trout-inspired kick than one designed by someone looking at an Oregon rainbow trout, but I digress. I’ll still be trying to get my hands on a pair when they drop later this year.

This new design is set to hit Nike.com and Nike retailers sometime this summer according to HypeBeast.com and other sneaker news outlets.

Learn more about the shoes and their release, here!

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Fishing Tips: How to Fly Fish for Snook

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Tips: How to Fly Fish for Snook

Check out this video from Red’s Fly Shop about how to fly fish for snook. Chances are, you’re not thinking about all of these things when you’re targeting snook.

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Video of the Week: Fishing for Tattoos Episode #6 with Drew Wilson

Landen German
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Video of the Week: Fishing for Tattoos Episode #6 with Drew Wilson

Happy New Year folks! We hope you spent some time with your loved ones and hopefully got to sneak away and fish for a bit as well! To kick off 2023 we catch up with the master designer and tattoo artist himself mister Drew Wilson. In episode 6 of “Fishing for Tattoos,” Drew takes his buddy Andy out for his first fish on a fly rod plus his first tattoo. “We decided to spend an afternoon floating Arkansas’ famous White River and take something funny from the trip to determine his tattoo design. Only this trip, the conversation during the drive over is what sparked the tattoo idea.”

Drew is an Arkansas-based tattoo artist who loves fly fishing and design. From banners, stickers, belt buckles, and even skateboard decks Drew’s unique visions on fly fishing and culture are definitely things you do not want to miss! Check out his website here: DrewLR.com and give him a follow as well! @drewlr

Check out these other epic articles as well!

Drew Wilson’s Cutthroat Shark

Fish Anatomy Art, COVID, and Tattoos with Drew Wilson

Video of the Week: River Pike Fishing with Vision Fly Fishing

Reel of the Week: The Beauty of the Red Sea

Nelson Oxley
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Reel of the Week: The Beauty of the Red Sea

A note from Robert & Nicola:

“The Sudan Red Sea is a paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts, with its crystal clear waters, the abundance of shallow flats, and pristine coral reefs that are not damaged by overfishing  and commercial fisherman. Triggerfish are a popular target for fly anglers on the flats because of their abundance here. With their bright mind full of different characters and behavior habits, these fish are growing increasingly in popularity among fly fishermen. Mainly because of the challenges they represent with their unpredictable behavior, they stand as a worthy challenge in front of any fisherman. Suppose you add an abundance of different types of trevally species, plus the biggest brother, giant trevally. In that case, Nubia is an experience you will want to repeat many times after you try it.”

Reel of the Week from Robert Pljuscec and Nicola Vitali, find them on Instagram @wildseaexpeditions @rpljuscec.

Check out the articles below:

Fly Fishing the Island of Socotra

Top 13 Underrated Saltwater Species to Target on Fly

 

Fishing Tips: When do you put a fish on the reel?

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Tips: When do you put a fish on the reel?

When do you put a fish on the reel? A question that’s important for improving the likelihood of getting a fish to hand/net/boat. Check out this video from Orvis for an in depth look at the best way to fight a fish and use your reel.

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