Fly-fishing Resolutions For the New Year

Fly-fishing Resolutions For the New Year

What are you resolving to do, fishing-wise, in 2025? 

Are you resolved to catch a certain species? Hit a bucket list destination? Do you want to break a personal record? Maybe you’ve resolved to finally catch that big SOB that’s been tormenting you for years. All good. All fair. 

I’m going in the reverse direction. 

I’m resolving to catch more bluegills. That’s where I started, and I want to feel young again.

For that matter, I want to catch more pike. On streamers. Or walleyes. On jigs.

I’m giving up split-shot in 2025. If I can’t get them to eat off top, that’s fine. And if I can’t get them to eat sub-surface with a weighted fly (dry-dropper, Euro nymphing, all in play) so be it. I’m done with flossing and gagging trout via split-shot. Anyone who wants to argue with me about the “fine art” of nymphing with lead can knock yourself out–no harm intended, simply not my flavor anymore.

I’m hoping to shoot more birds, and tie more flies with their feathers. I’ve realized a couple things–the Pheasant Tail is probably the best all-around nymph/emerger pattern, and the “Mole Fly” is, bar none, the best midge/mayfly emerger pattern to be had anywhere, so I need to whack more pheasants for tail feathers and ducks for CDC feathers. My bird dog is “all in” and happy to accommodate.

I’m going to fish more gear in 2025. I live and die by the fly, but I’ve found that I learn more about fly fishing by fishing with gear than I do by reading the same recycled stories about how best to fish 7X tippet, or any of that stuff.

I’m going to put a catch-and-release limit on myself, because I’ve learned that an angler who catches 50 fish, even though they release all of them, probably kills more fish than the catch-and-keep angler who tucks two or three in the creel during a day of fishing.

I’m going to play golf, or go lake fishing, when the river temps hit 65 degrees or higher. “Hoot owl” regulations are bogus. They’re only meant to make outfitters feel good, and give them opportunities to turn a buck when they don’t know what else to do. But the smart ones already know better, and stay off the water when it’s harmful to fish populations.

I’m still going to support my local fly shop, and buy dozens of flies I could tie myself, and maybe buy a reel, or a line, or something else, because I still believe in the value of a local fly shop.

I’m going to ignore Instagram, because I think the Insta grip-n-grin is pile-driving the ethos of fly fishing into a terrible abyss.

I’m going to row my boat more, because I find more value in watching people fish from my dory than I like fishing and catching myself.

To that end, I’m going to go out of my way to mentor others–of all ages–with the hope that I can instill an appreciation of what fly fishing is really all about, or at least what hooked me many years ago.

How about you?  What are you going to do in 2025? Tell us what you think… – Kirk Deeter

Flylab $25 Lifetime Membership

Flylab has introduced a new $25 lifetime membership plan.

We surveyed users over the holidays about our current membership plan pricing, and there was broad consensus that people wanted a more moderately-priced option.

So, we built a second “basic” membership plan–a one-time $25 lifetime plan–geared towards everyday anglers, providing introductory discounts and incentives with fly shops, outfitters and brands from our growing list of outdoor partners.

The original $120 plan will become our “pro” plan, intended for travelers and serious anglers looking for higher-end travel and gear incentives.

The Basic Plan

Flylab “basic” membership: access to our private community, gated content and introductory-level deals, providing meaningful savings on flies, gear, boats, guide trips, schools and travel from the best fly shops, outfitters and brands in the fly-fishing industry. This starter plan is for sensible, everyday anglers. Lifetime plan = $25/single payment.

The Pro Plan

Flylab “pro” membership: access to our private community, gated content and pro-level deals, providing exclusive savings on travel, lodging, outfitters and the best brands in the fly-fishing industry. This premium plan is ideal for travelers, gear heads and serious anglers. 12-month annual plan = $120/annually.

Both plans should quickly pay themselves, whether you’re adding a few pieces of core gear for the upcoming season, or looking for more serious travel discounts.

Product Buzz

Skwala Fishing releases their RS Outpost Jacket, offering “unparalleled” warmth in frigid conditions. “The jacket has been rigorously tested over the past two years in the most extreme conditions and by some of the industry’s most demanding anglers and guides, making it an essential addition to any cold-weather fly fishing kit.” Hardy announces a collaboration with Trout Unlimited, commemorating 65 years of the organization’s work to protect and restore North America’s rivers and streams: The Limited Edition Trout Unlimited Tealweight Fly Reel. From The Fly Shop: The History of Winston and Bamboo. “Lew Stoner developed the ground-breaking hollow-fluted fly rod. This invention would bring the attention of tournament casters as well as fellow anglers...” Field Mag’s Ultralight Down Jacket Guide: Materials, Construction, Care & Top Picks. “On top of being a fantastic jacket option to wear for an entire adventure, they also make a killer safety net, because they’re highly packable…” Hatch reviews the Winston Pure 2 7-foot 9-inch 4-weight: “The rod flexed with a lively, yet relaxed, action that would be perfect for small dry fly work, but it wasn’t a slouch against the stiff breeze, either.” (Find a Winston Pure 2 at Vail Valley Angers).

Fly-fishing News

Check out the BONEDALE FISHING REPORTS twenty-five and twenty-six, featuring legendary guide, Kea Hause, from Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. Last week, Washington state leaders cast a historic vote to “permanently ban commercial net pen aquaculture in Washington marine waters to ensure these facilities can never return in the future and setting a global precedent to bolster efforts worldwide to eliminate this industry in public waters.” From Anglers Journal: Brian Grossenbacher joins the AJ podcast to discuss his latest photo essay and life as a fly-fishing photographer. Hatch reviews Dave Karczynski’s new book, Calling After Water. "[He] is a tried-and-true bum, the kind I think we all secretly yearn to become. He’s also a supremely talented writer.” From GearJunkie: Websites Are Scamming Consumers by Mirroring Legitimate Brands. “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Readers informed us about two fake websites this week advertising real products at ridiculously low prices…” From Outside: Everything You Know About Lightning Safety in the Backcountry Is Wrong. “Most backcountry lightning education–including what’s taught by major outdoor organizations–is antiquated. Here’s your overdue expert update.”

Recent Press

“Love all the fishing knowledge you guys are building–simple, smart and dependable information.” – Keith, Flylab Fan

“Nice job on the $25 memberships–thanks for listening to the users, and the price is more than fair for a lifetime value.” – Sander, Flylab Fan

“I like what you guys are building and see the value. I think the pro plan is worth the investment, but it’s taken time to understand.” – Trapper Creek

“Well done on the daily news feed. A great way for folks to understand the quality content you guys are delivering. And I mean that.” – Devin, Flylab Fan

Regarding the Fly Banjo Fly Dryer: “It’s a rubber band! Every dry fly fisherman should have one (recycled) on their vest or lanyard. Some things just don’t need to be invented.” – Mark, Flylab Fan

But can your rubber band play a full Allman Brothers Band live set like the Fly Banjo?

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Scouting Report

We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of.

Kendjam Lodge

Kendjam Lodge is a remote and high-end fly-fishing lodge located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest on the Iriri River, a tributary of the Xingu River. Known for exceptional, clear water fly-fishing opportunities, targeting various species like Peacock Bass, Pacu, Matrinxã, Wolf Fish and Payara, the lodge and guides (the best jungle fly-fishing guides in Brazil) provide an immersive experience in the untouched Amazon. The lodge operates during the low, clear water season, which runs from June to September.

Flylab discount: 10% off Kendjam travel packages, plus a “Best Flies of the Kendjam” kit.

Partner Spotlight

Lost Key Lodge

Another fly-fishing lodge from Best of The Wild: The Bahamas, a tropical paradise of azure waters and white sandy beaches, is not only a sought-after destination for relaxation, but also a haven for avid anglers in pursuit of trophy bonefish and permit. These two prized game fish, known for their elusiveness and challenging nature, make the Bahamian waters an irresistible playground for those seeking the ultimate fishing adventure. At Lost Key Lodge, the quarry we search out every day are really big bonefish.

Flylab discount: 10% off Lost Key Lodge packages.

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.

Project Big Wood x The Salmonfly Project: Restoring the Big Wood River to a World-Class Fishery. Building stewardship and better science for one of Idaho’s great freestone fisheries.