geartalk

Partner News: RareWaters Becomes a Pro Partner

RareWaters Becomes a Pro Partner with Flylab, providing 20% off their “Unlimited Season Pass Membership.” 

RareWaters is a simple and affordable way for anglers to book private ranches, experience fly-fishing adventures and get away from the crowds. RareWaters connects landowners and anglers together in one place, enabling premium do-it-yourself fly-fishing experiences. No upfront fees or long-term memberships required. Pay as you book, or purchase a Season Pass for unlimited access.

RareWaters is fly fishing unlocked. Experience serenity, adventure and solitude. Pay as you book for direct access to privately-owned, fly-fishing properties, or purchase a Season Pass for unlimited access. RareWaters provides maps, directions and descriptions, as well as river flow charts and weather reports, so you can spend more time on the water and less time planning. Find your spot. Book your trip. RareWaters handles the rest.

Flylab pro discount: Pro members receive 20% off the “Unlimited Season Pass Membership” plan. (Saving pro members $500.)

Flylab basic discount: Basic members receive 10% off the “Unlimited Season Pass Membership” plan. (Saving basic members $250.)

2024’s Best Fly-fishing Books, David Coggins on Argentina and a Jimmy Carter Remembrance

2024’s Best Fly-fishing Books from The Mission: “Some are practical, some are reference books, while others are inspirational, philosophical or downright entertaining.” River Songs by Steve Duda. The Klink by Hans Van Klinken. Cast, Catch, Release by Marina Gibson. The Believer by David Coggins. Bitten Hard by Jonathan Boulton. The New Fish by Simen Saetre and Kjetil Ostli.

David Coggins on Argentina: Angling for the Big Fish That Breaks Hearts. “This is not a lodge, it’s a house, and the house is run by two ladies. They are referred to by the residents of the valley as the Ladies. When we meet them we realize that they are indeed the Ladies and can be referred to no other way…” And a second piece on the Collón Curá Lodge: “The Way to Get Hooked on Patagonia? Catch a Really Big Trout…”

Down River Equipment wants you out exploring rivers in 2025. Check out their 2025 “River Permits” promotion: 1. Apply for your 2025 River Permits 2. Email confirmations to dre@downriverequip.com by February 7th, 2025 3. DRE will reimburse you with Down River Dollars (up to $25 per person).

The Fly Shop reviews the Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody. “This is a purposely designed and constructed thermal garment, built for fly fishers. It’s Skwala’s heaviest base layer, made of 95% hand-selected New Zealand Merino Wool. It features a full-cover hood with extra high collar to keep the bitter cold at bay and protect your ears from windchill.” Grab one today.

From Trout Unlimited: Jimmy Carter: A Remembrance. “In today’s climate of political polarization and rampant cynicism, it may sound hopelessly nostalgic to think that a Presidential candidate could campaign on a platform emphasizing the positive aspects of political life…”

Form The Flyfish Journal: Conservation: Shareholders Advocate for Creation of Sáttítla National Monument in California. “Vast swaths of uncut timber stretch up the flanks of volcanoes that make up the southern reaches of the Cascades. This region between Mount Shasta (to the north) and Mount Lassen makes up the Medicine Lake Highlands, or Sáttítla, as it has always been known to the Ahjumawi people…”

Issue #30 of the Fishing Club Journal. “Alaska: a place that truly lives up to its wild reputation. Arguably one of the most raw and untamed fly fishing destinations on the planet, Alaska offers massive salmon runs, steelhead in glacier-fed waters, and trout tucked away in hidden river bends. Its fishing grounds are in a league of their own.”

Patagonia Wader Repair Tour: “The Patagonia Wader Repair Team is hitting the road to try to diagnose and repair your seeping seams and pesky pinholes for free. One pair per person, any brand. Just make sure they’re clean, dry and inside out before you arrive. Our first stop is in Denver, and then we’ll be heading to fly shops all throughout the Rocky Mountain West this spring.”

Fly-fishing jobs: 1. Henry’s Fork Anglers Sales Associate 2. Asheville Fly Fishing Company Fly-fishing Guide 3. Oscar’s Fly and Tackle Department Manager 4. Henry’s Fork Anglers Fly-fishing Guide 5. The Tackle Shop Fly Shop Sales Position 6. High Alpine Anglers Fly-fishing Guide 7. Iliamna River Lodge Fly-fishing Guide.

Ten days fly fishing in Colorado: guide Pat Dorsey, sculptor Martin Gerdin, artist Piper Nunn, comedian Eeland Stribling and Dan Brauch from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Throw a Drink in My Face

The best description of the gradual, controlled acceleration motion that is the foundation for any good fly cast was offered up by Steve Rajeff, arguably the best caster and all-around angler to ever pick up a fly rod.

He said to imagine throwing a glass of water (or beer, if you’re so inclined) toward another person. You don’t just chuck it. You lift it off the table, accelerate as you aim and then stop suddenly to let the liquid fly.

Imagine doing that when you make your cast and, while you might not throw the line as far as Steve does, you will cast with more distance and accuracy.

Simon Gawesworth works you through the basic fly cast.

BONEDALE FISHING REPORT #27

BEGINNING WINTER IS AN IN-BETWEEN TIME

Everything goes blue and grey in the early winter, except the fish. The Browns get circus colors, primary and intense, but the Bows are what fascinate me the most–gunmetal flanks that take on a brilliant violet hue. The window into the river is muted by the low light, and as the fish come into view their colors pop. You’re hoping for Midge hatches or winter Stoneflies, which means nymphing the deep, late-season lies and going into zones you haven’t bothered with in months. The mystery of nymph fishing is what gives it appeal. There’s always hope some beast is foraging in a deep slot. I was fishing with an old friend, Bob Jacobson, one November and he wasn’t happy about slinging lead. We posted some nice fish here and there, but spent most of the day honking massive, snot-dripping Whitefish and one gigantic Red Horse Sucker we both thought was a world-class Brown. The Sucker was fair hooked, which is an achievement, because most of the time you hook them in the ass. After Bob landed the fish, he said, “Screw it. I don’t care if we don’t catch another thing, but I’m not bobber fishing anymore,” and proceeded to fish a small Griffith’s Gnat. After a few fishless hours he grudgingly went back to the nymph rig, and I knew our luck would turn. Almost immediately he hooked something big and lolling down the river. He put the screws to the object, but when we pulled it from the depths it was just some family’s discarded turkey carcass. I don’t think he’s thrown a deep-nymphing rig since, but the holidays are just around the corner and who knows what we might dredge out of the mighty river this November.

Live from the WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Kea C. Hause esq.

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Photo: Gunmetal Bow, Catherine Store, CO.