It can be intimidating to try a new river, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out this video from Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for tips on how to find trout in a new river.
2024 F3T Behind the Lens: Marlin Fly
The 2024 F3T Schedule is set and tickets are NOW AVAILABLE to purchase – click HERE to find a local showing and purchase tickets.
For this installment of the Fly Fishing Film Tour Behind the Lens, we head down to Baja, Mexico with Perrin James to learn about his film, Marlin Fly. Perrin is no stranger to the productive waters off Baja and Mag Bay. Now living in Hawaii, Perrin was THE guy to get the shots needed to make an epic film about marlin fly fishing and had the passion to tell the story of Costa’s first-of-its-kind fly fishing satellite tagging project. Follow along to learn more!
Flylords: Perrin–before we dive into the world of Marlin fly fishing and your film, can you tell us about yourself and how you got into this work?
Perrin: I’ve been filming underwater and documenting wildlife for a little over a decade now. Most of my work is done free-diving on a single breath of air. I was born and raised in Florida, where I learned how different tidal systems work. Now I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and spend most of my time in open ocean searching for pelagic species and documenting their grandeur.
Flylords: In the best way possible, marlin and Mag Bay have kind of taken the fly fishing social media game by storm. How much did you know about this fishery before getting the call to head down and document this incredible place?
Perrin: I had a pretty solid understanding of the fishery and how most of it worked prior to joining the Marlin Fly project. I had visited Mag Bay and free-dove a bit in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2015 when Carter Andrews and Julio Meza invited me on a fishing trip down there. I remember watching Carter hook a marlin on the fly from my underwater view and thinking this was an absolute riot. Aside from the marlin fishing, Mag Bay has been historic – drawing many wildlife thrill-seekers, musicians, and writers – including Neil Young. This place just draws you in and brings you back.
Flylords: For our audience who may not know about the Mag Bay fishery or the Los Locos operation, can you give them a quick background?
Perrin: Full on Pirates…but the absolute best kind. They are family now, and if I was stuck on a deserted island I hope they would be there. It’s been awesome to watch them grow and integrate the local community into their operation. They care about the community just as much as the fishery, and I respect that. It’s how it should be done.
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Flylords: Same goes for Costa’s Marlin Fly Project?
Perrin: Costa went above and beyond industry standards to tell this story, and I’m honored to have played my part in that. Their entire team worked incredibly hard on this one and I think the data we are collecting now from the Sat tags will help solidify this kind of fly fishing angler science.
Flylords: I know you’ve reworked the ending of the film, because some of the science from this project is just being reported out – but can you share some of the findings?
Perrin: We are just putting the final touches on the Marlin Fly project rendition. So, if you really want to know, you have to go see the film – ha! But in all seriousness, it’s been incredible seeing this project come full circle. The science team seems to be really impressed with the findings so far. There are so many variables that can affect the success of a satellite tag – getting them across international borders, catching the fish, determining it’s a viable candidate before tagging, tagging the fish, trusting the technology and battery life of the tag, and not to mention it’s attached to a wild animal, so you never really know what might happen.
Aside from an almost zero percent mortality rate on the fish we caught and tagged, the migration patterns that coincided with water temp and bait movement are truly incredible. We are still waiting to get back some of the 12 month tags, and I think those data will be huge considering the abnormal water temps this year (the year of the MahiMahi), not to mention the distance these fish travel after they leave Mag Bay. The film goes into more detail on what that all means, but the team is pumped to get the data back from all 15 tags (short and long term) and present those collective findings at the International Billfish Symposium in San Diego, CA this October.
Flylords: Tell us about shooting this action-packed fishery–what type of gear were you using to get these shots?
Perrin: Wiley and I were shooting on a mix bag of Cameras. We had a Red Gemini and Canon r5c built out in underwater housings. Then we had additional dry setups on the boat. Trying to not get stabbed by a Marlin or break gear is the biggest concern, but the conditions we had were remarkably glassy and truly key to making this film work.
Flylords: Similarly, this shoot had to be incredibly challenging from a logistics standpoint. Getting all your gear to Los Locos, shooting on hard charging pangas, and getting in the water with marlin could not have been easy.
Perrin: I actually flew to Mag Bay from West Papua. It was a terribly long flight but once hitting the ground in Baja, a few tacos and beers later, we were ready. Wiley and I spend a bit of time surfing and diving down here, so logistically, it seems to have gotten easier – or we are just getting better at dirt bagging. The only major problem these days is that the Cabo airport tries to fine/tax anyone with a pelican case. When they ask to see a camera or open a case, I just tell them no, and keep walking.
Flylords: What was your favorite shot or sequence you captured?
Perrin: There was one moment a Stripey came up and slashed a Sardine off my chest and then flared its top dorsal fins. For me, that was the shot of the trip, and something I won’t ever forget. Nick Price was also shooting for this project, and the look on his face when he jumped in the water was epic. Sharing that was pretty cool.
Flylords: As with any remote outdoors film, it really takes a whole village, (literally in this case) – can you tell us about the team and partnerships that made the film successful?
Perrin: What made this so successful in my opinion is that every single person involved in the Marlin Fly project genuinely cares about the fisheries at home or in this case, Mag Bay. It was really cool to see the anglers all fired up about the science and task at hand to protect this place.
To learn more about this project, head over to Costa Sunglasses, and if you’re enthralled by this fishery, be sure to check out Los Locos!
Tools of the Trade: Exploring New Water with Kayla Lockhart
Whether you’ve spent 100 or 10,000 days on the water, what defines any angler’s skills are the tools they’ve collected during their fly fishing journey. Whether it’s inventive ways to trick trout, or tried and true gear that’s made its way through the process of natural selection – our metaphorical tool belts are always filling up with more implements that we hope will aid us in finding success on the water. In our newest Flylords Editorial Series, we’ll be asking some of our friends to show off a few tools they’ve discovered over the years, in hopes of inspiring new ideas and offering some advice to those who are looking for different approaches when exploring new and familiar fisheries.
This is:
In this installment of ‘Tools of the Trade,’ our friend and seasoned traveling angler, Kayla Lockhart, is here to share three tools she always keeps on hand, and in mind, when exploring new water.
Via Kayla Lockhart
Exploring New Water:
Throughout my fly fishing journey, I’ve learned how important it is to have the right tools at my disposal when approaching a new fishery. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that when fishing new water, starting with a few tricks up your sleeve makes figuring out the unknown just a bit easier. Whether it’s a technique I’ve picked up from a fishing buddy, or a piece of gear that I don’t leave home without, with those tools in mind and on hand, I can focus on the bigger picture when I’m getting ready to make that first cast.
Here are 3 tools I always utilize when exploring new water:
#1. THE LOCAL FLY SHOP
In my opinion, local fly shops are one of the best tools you can utilize when exploring new water. As fly anglers, we are so fortunate to have a vast network of locations where we can get tailored advice for fly fishing in that area. It’s one of the amazing things that makes this sport and our community so unique compared to other outdoor pursuits.
The thing about fly shops is that they mainly exist to serve one core tenant: To help anglers! Now, this doesn’t mean you should go waltzing into any fly shop and expect to get a hand-picked list of the best fishing holes around – what would be the point in that? However, what it does mean, is that you have a resource of passionate anglers/employees who’ve put in countless hours on their local waters trying to “crack the code.” This can provide you a jumping-off point for success. This includes advice like: which flies have been working well, stretches of river that have been productive, recommended gear, water conditions, recent angler success, and more can be at your disposal entering a fly shop. Even if you’re new to the fishery, and want some on-the-water assistance, you can book a guided trip.
Just remember, the advice is free, so make sure to say thanks by being sure to purchase some flies, leader, or any other materials you might need while you’re there. This is a sure fire way to ensure fly shops will remain a tool for us all in the future.
#2. TWO RODS RIGGED UP
When fishing new water, I learned I was spending a lot of time re-rigging: changing from indicator to streamer or dry setups… which leads me to my second tool – having two rods rigged up. Having two rods with different setups on new water makes for less time rigging, and more time fishing.
One of the most frustrating, yet necessary, parts of exploring new water is to constantly be re-rigging and tying on, sometimes dozens of, new flies or even leaders and lines, in an attempt to figure out what exactly the fish are biting on that day. This is why I’ve recently started bringing two rigged rods with me down to the water. Sure, it’s one extra thing to worry about, but having both rods ready to be subbed in and out within moments lets me thoroughly fish each stretch of water I’m exploring, with no time wasted by swapping rigs.
For instance, there have been so many times that I’ve come to the water hoping to entice a fish to take a big top water dry, but when that fails, letting a properly swung streamer entice that brooding bunkered fish to drop its guard and find its way to my net is pretty great. Sometimes, revisiting a spot with a brand-new approach is the only way to make the action happen – and having that second choice already rigged and ready to go makes the choice of taking a second pass all the more justifiable.
#3. THE onWater FISHING APP: PROPERTY BOUNDARIES LAYER.
The newest tool that I have recently added to my wader pocket is the OnWater fishing app. Within the app, one of the features I use most frequently when exploring new water is the Public and Private Property Boundaries Layer Feature.
Unfortunately, across the United States, water access laws differ substantially from state to state. What constitutes legal access in one state could be completely off the table in its neighboring state. For instance, in Colorado, Stream Access laws dictate that anglers aren’t allowed to enter the water, via land or navigable stream, if they are touching the bottom of the river/lake bed (water crafts are still allowed to make their way through the river, since they aren’t touching any land, but even the act of anchoring on private stretches of river is specifically prohibited). This means that anglers must stay within public land boundaries when wade-fishing unless they have explicit permission from landowners. Laws like this exist all over the country, and in these states, it’s paramount to know where you stand.
However, the onWater Private and Public Land layer allows me to do just that just from my phone. By turning on the Public Land layer, all public land is highlighted in green, showing me where I’m safe to fish. The Private Land layer also highlights any private property around me in red, showing me where I need to stay away from, to ensure I’m fishing safely and responsibly.
This feature also helps a lot with E-scouting, or scouting via onWater maps before I even head out fishing. By checking out areas in advance and adding points of interest, I can begin to piece together where I want to fish before even getting there.
Note: your phone’s GPS isn’t always 100% accurate, so still be sure to be vigilant of public “no trespassing” or “POSTED” signs. If you’re not sure about an area, don’t guess. Getting answers is usually as easy as calling your local Fish and Game, or Department of Wildlife Office.
Conclusion:
I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with others, empowering fellow anglers with proven tools and strategies that can transform their fishing adventures into unforgettable and fulfilling experiences. I hope you were able to learn something new and add these tools to your next fishing adventure!
Be on the lookout for more installments of ‘Tools of the Trade’ for even more helpful tools you can utilize and add to your fly fishing tool belt. Also, thank you to the onWater Fishing App for making this series possible.
To learn more about the onWater Fishing App, or see how you can start your free trial today, CLICK HERE.
Win A Trip to the XFlats By Helping Beat Cancer
Support XFlats fishing director, Chad Sperry, in his nephew and family’s battle against cancer. Participate in a raffle for a two-person, all-inclusive trip down to Mexico with a $100 entry fee. The trip is valued at over $10,000.
All proceeds, 100 percent, will be dedicated to the Billy Fournier Foundation at You’ve Got a Friend INC. Kindly share this initiative to contribute to a noble cause and stand a chance to enjoy a week at @the_xflats. Even if you don’t win the trip, your $100 donation will be credited for a lifetime at the Xflats.
To enter the raffle for an all-inclusive trip, and to support beating cancer, please CLICK HERE to donate.Â
Check out the articles below:
First Atlantic Salmon Caught in London in 200+ Years
A 34-year-old angler, Hector Rodriguez, was astonished to catch a rare Atlantic salmon weighing 3 pounds while fishing in London. This remarkable catch on the River Wandle, a tributary of the Thames, marks one of the first occurrences in 200 years.
Check out the full article by clicking HERE.Â
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Colorado Brook Trout State Record Broken for the Third Time in 2022
How to Tie: The CH Barely Legal
In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Kelly Galloup with The Slide Inn ties one of his best small baitfish imitations, the CH Barely Legal.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Difficult
For trout anglers, winter offers some fantastic opportunities for quality fish. Trophy trout are consistently caught in these colder conditions, as predators look to capitalize on meals to sustain themselves. Streamer fishing during winter is an effective and entertaining way to target these fish, and an excuse to not stare at a bobber. The CH Barely Legal is a streamer pattern that will turn the heads of those larger trout and possibly produce the fish of the year for you.
Many streamers that Kelly ties are most attainable by intermediate to experienced tyers, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying. Practice makes perfect and this could be a great pattern to try for your first articulated streamer due to comparative ease. Take your time on these, as they are quality over quantity on the vise. The CH Barely Legal is a fly tied best with your favorite music playing and a drink by your side.
Depending on depth, this pattern can be fished on a sinking or floating line. Changing retrieval speeds to figure out exactly what the fish want is crucial this time of year. Be prepared to switch things up and be versatile on the water during winter, as pressure changes and time of day will impact feeding behavior. Fish the CH Barely Legal with confidence this winter and prepare to feel headshakes on the end of your line.
Ingredients:
- Thread: GSP 100Â
Back Section
- Rear Hook: MFC 7050 #4Â
- Tail: 1 plume of white (bottom) and 1 plume of olive MarabouÂ
- Body: Pearl Cactus Chenille (Medium)Â
- Under Wing: White Marabou
- Wing: Olive Marabou
- Connection: 17 lb. AFW Surflon Micro Ultra Wire -19 Strand
Front Section
- Hook: MFC 7050 #2
- Body: Pearl Cactus Chenille (Medium)
- Under Wing: White Marabou
- Wing: Olive Marabou
- Collar: Minnow Belly or Pearl Ice DubÂ
- Head: Large Brass Conehead (Black Nickel)Â
Now you know how to tie the CH Barely Legal!
Video and ingredients courtesy of The Slide Inn.
Video of the Week: Streamer Fishing with Kelly Galloup Episode 1
In this Video of the Week, we take a breather from the winter vortex and embark on a day with the master himself Kelly Galloup. Kelly and Johnnie McClure set out on the Madison on a high water streamer float searching for a consistent pattern and a big fish. Few come to mind more often than Kelly and the crew at The Slide Inn when it comes to streamer knowledge and the knowledge of the upper Madison. So sit down and enjoy as we hop in the backseat for a day of streamer fishing with Kelly and who knows you might learn a thing or two.
If you fly fish you know who Kelly Galloup is. Owner of The Slide Inn, creator of the Sex Dungeon Streamer Pattern amongst a very long list of other patterns as well. In this special instance, we get to see his thought process and how he reads water as he fishes. From how he works the bank to the jig retrieve, there are many tips and tricks here. To see and learn more make sure to check out @TheSlideInn and his website: “Galloups Slide Inn”
Check out these awesome articles as well!
Video of the Week: “The Life and Death of a Fly Fishing Truck” with Trouts Fly Fishing
Check Out This Realistic Brookie Fly Pattern
We source most of our flies from the local fly shop, carefully selecting some to match the hatch, preparing others for saltwater expeditions, and reserving a few for show-and-tell. Recently, our team came across a remarkable post by Stan Mackerwicz showcasing an incredible Brookie fly pattern. This intricately designed fly closely mimics a brook trout and remarkably reflects Mackerwicz’s brook trout he caught while fishing.
To follow more of these realistic ties be sure to check out the Realistic Fly Tying group on Facebook!
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The Best Fly Reels for European Nymphing
The term Euro nymphing has taken the fly fishing industry by storm, and rightfully so. When it comes to its sheer effectiveness, it’s hard to beat. This specialized technique uses heavy flies, long rods, and light lines to optimize the amount of time your nymphs spend in the strike zone. The result is more fish in the net. With the increasing popularity, companies have begun to tailor their gear to Euro nymphing enthusiasts. Reels are an often overlooked part of trout fishing but a crucial piece of the perfect Euro setup. Long rods in the ten to eleven feet range require reels that balance the combo. This minimizes fatigue to effectively keep your flies in the zone all day. With new options flooding your local reel case, here are our picks for the best fly reels for European nymphing.
Best Full Frame: Orvis Hydros II Euro Reel
Best Drag System: Galvan Euro Nymph Reel
How We Made Our Picks
Choosing a Euro reel is a crucial part of any good Euro setup. While it’s certainly easier now with a fleet of dedicated reels, there is still plenty that went into our picks. We tested these reels on the water and made sure they could handle the issues normal fly reels encounter. First and foremost, the reel had to keep the thin diameter line on the spool. We then looked for reels that were heavy enough to handle long Euro rods. If they met those parameters, the final test of a good reel was drag. We looked for reels with a smooth drag system with minimal startup inertia. Fishing light tippets, it’s crucial that the drag engages instantly to ensure fish don’t break off on the initial hookup and run.
 Best Overall: Sage ESN
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: 3 7/8in
- Weight: 4 15/16oz without added weights
- Drag Type: Fully sealed disc drag
 Pros:
- Numbered drag settings
- Interchangeable weight system
- Good looking reel with two color options
Cons:
- Higher price point
Sage has always found a way to stand out from its competitors, and the ESN is a prime example. It’s the first Sage reel I’ve had the chance to put my hands on I was not disappointed. Out of the box, the attention to detail immediately stood out. The reel is slimmer than others but with a diameter of nearly four inches. When a fish is running at you, the wide diameter gives you the best shot of getting extra line on the spool and staying tight to the fish. It’s paired with a fully sealed carbon drag system and an oversized drag knob. Additionally, Sage took the time to number all the drag settings, making it easy to fine-tune your setup. Like the Tilt, the ESN comes with an interchangeable weight system. The options range from 1/2 ounce to 1.5 ounces and can be switched out by removing the spool.
 Best Budget: Redington Tilt
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: TKTK
- Weight: 7oz
- Drag Type: Carbon disc drag system
 Pros:
- Larger arbor design picks up line fast
- Adjustable weight system balances out long rods
- Smooth drag system
Cons:
- Modern styling may not be for everyone
 A typical Euro-style fly rod can range anywhere from 10 to 11.5 feet in length. Balancing these extra-long rods with the correct weighted reel can be tricky. Enter the Redington Tilt, one of the few reels with an adjustable weight system. The ingenious design allows anglers to choose from three different one-ounce weights that mount to the reel frame. Having the ability to use one reel on every Euro rod I own is a nice feature. Especially since level lines are universal across rods, a simple weight change has me on the water. This full-frame reel comes with a crisp drag system, an oversized drag knob, and minimal startup inertia. The Tilt features a surprisingly slim and wide profile for fast line retrieval and minimal coiling. At an intro-level price point, it’s a surprisingly good-looking reel with modern styling, two color options, and more features than most.
Best Full Frame: Orvis Hydros II Euro Reel
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: 5 in
- Weight: 6oz
- Drag Type: Sealed disc drag
 Pros:
- Incredibly tight tolerances
- Full frame design
- Increased weight to balance longer rods
Cons:
- Set weight and size make it hard to balance specific rods
The Orvis Hydros is a legendary lineup with a reputation as powerful and reliable reels. The newest iteration is the Hydros II Euro Reel, and like its predecessors, it lives up to its name. It features a fully sealed drag with an ergonomic drag knob. Paired with carbon and stainless steel disc washers, the drag is incredibly smooth with little startup inertia. When fishing light tippets, minimal startup inertia is crucial to protect light tippets. The reel is slightly oversized and heavier than the standard Hydros to balance out long rods and aid in line pickup. The full frame design keeps thin diameter lines from slipping between the frame and spool.
Best Crossover: Ross Cimarron
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: 3.125-4.24
- Weight: 5.8-6.2oz
- Drag Type: Composite-Disc Drag with Stainless Steel Interface
 Pros:
- Smooth operation
- Tight tolerances from Ross’ C&C machine helps keep thin euro line in the reel
- Canvas phenolic handle adds grip
Cons:
- The drag system is not fully sealed
This classic reel is back and it’s a game-changer as the first America-made fly reel under $300. Like its predecessor, the Ross Cimarron held up to everything I put it through and excelled. This lightweight, beast of a reel has a premium feel in the hand. The canvas phenolic handle adds an extra bit of grip even when wet. Paired with a composite-disc drag with stainless steel interface, it’s easy to make micro adjustments to dial in your setup. While not as heavy as other reels, it balances long rods well and is an excellent option for those wanting a crossover reel for all their rods. If you find yourself looking for a heavier option, the 5|6 size adds a just enough weight and increased line pickup. Time and time again Ross has established itself on reliable and clean looking reels, and the Cimarron is worthy of that reputation.
Best Performance: Bauer RVR
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: 54 in
- Weight: 9 oz
- Drag Type: Sealed carbon drag system
 Pros:
- Stunning modern look
- Buttery smooth drag with no startup inertia
- Good weight to balance Euro rods
Cons:
- Higher price point
Prior to the Bauer RVR, I had limited experience with the brand. After, multiple days on the water two things stood out – quality and performance. Bauer prides itself on engineering overbuilt reels with sleek modern designs. In fact, to build the RVR, they had to retool to new 5-axis CNC machines. The result speaks for itself. The RVR has one of the smoothest drag systems we tested capable of handling strong fish and ultra-fine tippets. For a modern-styled reel, it still has a good weight to it for longer rods. The RVR does not have a full frame design, but the over-engineered design results in tight tolerances that minimize the chance of line slipping between the frame and spool. If you’re looking for premium performance, the RVR is amongst the best, but it does come with a hefty price point.
Best Drag System: Galvan Euro Nymph Reel
Key Features:
- Spool Diameter: 5†or 3.7â€
- Weight: 96 oz or 5.40 oz
- Drag Type: Torque Drag System
 Pros:
- Perfectly weighted
- Available in two sizes
- Full frame design
Cons:
- Basic looking design
Galvan Fly Reels delivered on its take on a Euro reel. The Galvan Euro Nymph Reel checks all the boxes for a specialty reel. It’s built with a full frame and an oversized spool to minimize line coil and aid in quick pick up. Rather than a weight system, Galvan took the approach of making two sizes for various rods. The 3.5 weighs in at 4.96 ounces and is designed for rods under 10ft 9in. For rods longer, the 3.7 weights 5.40 ounces to properly balance these longer rods. To round out its flagship Euro reel, a three-pawl drag system results in a smooth and powerful drag. It has zero startup inertia to protect fine tippets. On several occasions, the drag proved itself on abrupt runs from fish that didn’t want to give in. My only gripe with it is the looks. When you’re paying a premium price, it’s nice to have a reel with a premium design.
Final Thoughts on Euro Reels
Choosing the right reel is the difference maker between lost fish and an enjoyable day on the water. Euro reels exemplify this. These technical pieces of gear must balance long rods well, protect fine tippets, and tackle the issues associated with thin, level lines. While the market has evolved to offer specific reels to European nymphing there are some that stand out from the rest. Before you go all in look for a reel that is adaptable and in your budget. From there it never hurts to test fit on your rod or one similar in weight and length. If you find a setup that feels balanced and meets your standards, you’re ready to hit the water.
Article by Max Inchausti, be sure to check out Max on Instagram @east_coast_fly_fishing.Â
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Best Entry Level, Intermediate, and Advanced Euro Nymphing Rods
Keep Fish Wet: Bonefish In Our Hands Initiative
If you haven’t experienced the thrill of catching a bonefish, consider this your invitation, kinda. Whether you’re wading through flats or searching for tails from the bow of a skiff, bonefishing offers an exhilarating adventure. Recognized as the elusive “ghost of the flats,” these fish are a challenging find in the water with their silvery look. Once hooked, they’ll lead you on an adrenaline-pumping journey, taking you deep into your backing and stripping up to 200 yards of line from an 8wt reel.
However, as responsible anglers, it’s crucial to prioritize the conservation of what we cherish. With each retrieval and successful landing of the fish we’ve caught, proper fish-handling practices should be at the forefront of our minds. Keep Fish Wet has taken a commendable step by creating an informative infographic, not only shedding light on bonefish characteristics but also providing valuable insights on how to handle these precious fish with care. Partnered up with Yellow Dog, an Bahamian artist Jace McKinney, explore Bonefish In Our Hands details below:
1. Use Barbless Hooks
2. Limit Fight Time
3. Holding Bonefish
4. Minimize Air Exposure
5. Fun Fact
6. Reduce Handling Time
7. Post Release Predation up to 40%
8. Water Temperatures
