Gear

At some point, the question is usually posed: what gear do you use. Let's get to that question sooner than later. For the most part, I use a Sage fly rod (XP, 4 piece, 5wt; FLi, 4 piece, 6wt) with a Ross reel (Gunnison). I still have the first rod I ever caught a fish with (Sage starter kit, 2 piece, 5 wt) because, well... because I just can't part with it and it comes in handy to have a spare rod and reel when friends come over.

I really like my Sage rods. I've tried a few dozen different rods from at least half-a-dozen different companies and I honestly believe that my Sage rods suite my casting style the best. I'm sure that I could 'adapt' my style a little bit to use another make and model rod, but why should I change?

As for the rest of my outfitting, I'll save that for another day...

On a Blue Highway

Another (almost) full moon and another opportunity missed. Maybe tomorrow night or the next. Given how cold it has been getting at night (low 30's), I doubt the pond will still be open a month from now.

First Cast

A bit about me. I've been fishing since I could walk. My first fishing outfit was a Zebco starter set. I don't think I ever broke off a hook - ever. In fact, I don't remember ever tying on a hook. Guess my Dad took care of that for me

The catch of the day was usually crappies or catfish. Nothing too exciting, but it filled my days and kept me out of trouble. Summers were just a blur of fishing, kickball, and riding my bike through the woods (I consider myself an original 'mountain biker')

Then there's a bunch of years that went by - college, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking...

Then I found myself living in Colorado in a little town known as Nederland. A little voice inside my head said 'you need to learn how to fly fish'. So I visited the local fly shop and signed-up for the beginner lesson.

By the end of class I was hooked. I bought a handful of flies and headed down to the lake to catch my limit... which didn't happen, but I stuck with it.

It's been six (6) years since I picked up a fly rod and it just gets better every year. I am fairly certain that my enjoyment is due in part to starting with good gear and an abundance of patience. More about the gear later...

I've got a fair share of fishing stories and insights to share. Stick around.

In the beginning...

In the beginning there was earth and sky, oceans and rivers... Then came the fish and flies, followed closely by the fly fisher. The fly fisher was equipped with a stick, some line, and a hook wrapped with feathers, hair, or twine. The rivers were clean, the fish healthy, and the fishing was good. That's were the story starts.