How to Spend Your Tax Refund

How to Spend Your Tax Refund

If you’re fortunate enough to get a tax refund this year, what are you planning to do with the money? With economic markets reeling and prices going up, maybe the time is right to consider an “alternate investment” in fly fishing? 

To get more bang for your buck, instead of merely buying fly-fishing “stuff,” consider things (and gear) that could pay dividends over time. 

Get into (or back into) fly tying. I’ve always considered my fly tying to be more creative outlet than cost savings, but I’ll probably need a lot more of both in the months and years ahead. I’m thinking about stocking up on new materials and tools, maybe even a new vise. 

Get into carp fishing. Find that special rig and dedicate it (and yourself) to chasing ol’ rubberlips. Odds are, as you read this, the fish that’s swimming closest to you now is a carp. Think of the money you could save on gas by fishing closer to home. And, oh, by the way, fly fishing for carp will make you a better angler, hands down. Also, check out some favorite carp flies from our archives, as well as Blue Line Co’s lineup.

Speaking of accelerating your angling learning curve, how about investing in some casting lessons? A few lessons are probably going to be far less expensive than that fancy new rod. And just think, the better you can actually cast, the more you’ll get out of any fly rod you pick up, including the one that’s already in your closet. 

Get a small boat. A personal watercraft will set you free from the crowds, and also open your mind to fly fishing on still waters. Your own dory will have a dramatic impact on improving your popularity amongst friends. And, while it’s hard to pin down in words, there’s just something about having your own little water chariot to elevate the angling experience. 

Become a “life member” of your favorite nonprofit conservation organization. This might be the best true investment of all. Not only are you supporting the causes that keep fly-fishing opportunities possible in the first place, sometimes you also get a special fly rod, or some other heirloom piece of gear for your donation. And at least some of your contribution is tax deductible, which could set up having the same challenge of what to do with a tax refund again next year! – Kirk Deeter

The Tail Gunner

Fishing from a drift boat is one of the most enjoyable experiences in fly fishing. You see the sights, you cover water and you can catch many fish. But there’s nothing more frustrating for an oarsman than having two people regularly tangling their lines (and this inevitably happens right when you approach the honey hole, as instinct and anticipation hijack your common sense).

Here’s a simple rule that solves that problem: If lines get tangled, it’s the person in the back of the boat who’s at fault.

Period. No arguments or excuses allowed…

Read the entire story.

Product Buzz

We review the Hardy Marksman Z 9-foot 7-weight, 4-piece fly rod: “In terms of durability and pressing the angling limits, the Marksman Z (we tested the 9-foot 7-weight) is in its own league. It has an intuitive and honest casting feel.” We also review the new Ross San Miguel fly reel: “It isn’t cheap, coming in @ $675, but by way of smoothness on startup and functionality as you fight fish, it stands apart from the crowd…” From Field & Stream: The Seven Best Wading Boots, Tested and Reviewed: “There’s more that goes into choosing wading boots than just finding the right size. You must consider weight, materials, traction, sole type, and lacing.” Gink & Gasoline wets a line on the Chimehuin River tributary with a Tenkara fly rod. “If you’ve been him-hawing about trying Tenkara, you should do yourself a favor and either borrow a rod from a friend, or bite the bullet and purchase one for yourself…” Smith Optics continues its commitment to empowering anglers through innovative eyewear with the launch of the Outrigger and Redding 2 sunglasses. Simms launches Recast, a “customer-to-customer marketplace where you can buy and sell pre-loved Simms pieces.” Interesting and not necessarily new consumer concept (Patagonia Worn Wear) where you can dump your old gear. 

Fly-fishing News

Check out Tim Romano’s photo series Tailing Loops: Twenty Years of Flipped Boats, Punted Fish, Misfits and Semi-luminaries. It’s awesome. From Outside: A Turbulent Period for the Outdoor Industry. “Outdoor industry analysts incorrectly interpreted the flurry of buying activity as the mass arrival of new lifelong customers. In reality, many were just dabblers.” Throwback from Garden & Gun: How a Cuban Exile Changed the Trajectory of Fly Fishing. “Fernández holds a fly rod in his right hand and a fly in his left. He wears blue jeans and a Tilley hat. At eighty-four, he is spry and fit, and thanks to consistent tai chi and a decent diet, he can, say, still fish for giant peacock bass in remote Amazon rivers for hour after hour, seven days in a row.” From California Fly Fisher: America’s Fishiest City, San Francisco? “The fishiest city in America must have easy and accessible fishing opportunities. San Francisco’s fishing areas are all accessible by foot, public transit, car, or even a self-driving car…” From Hatch: Tips for Trout Anglers with Limited Budgets. “Most of us are not quite as talented or skilled as we think we are. Which is okay. As long as we focus on learning and growing, we can continue to improve.” How to Get the Skunk Smell Off Your Dog: “Spraying the dog with water only increases the chance of washing the spray into an open cut where it can sting. Also, skunk spray smells worse when it gets wet.”

Recent Press

“You guys aren’t afraid to take a stand with real fly-fishing issues–love the edge and honesty.” – Flylab Fan

“What differentiates outfitters in a competitive marketplace? It’s clear that there’s a lot more to it than just equipment and sales–the art of building genuine relationships, understanding the nuances of guiding and ensuring the best for the environment and the fish themselves plays a huge role.” – Western Rise

“I love your objectivity. So many fly-fishing reviews are manufacturer reps, shops reliant on manufacturers, or social media influencers trying to get free stuff. Finally, some consumer content I can trust.” – Sara, New Flylab Member

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.

Fly Profile: The Hudson Caddis

There are numerous Mother’s Day Caddis patterns on the market, and many work fine as usable imitations; however, the serious fly fisher, “fine” isn’t good enough; the serious angler, the one who falls asleep dreaming of rising trout and chases hatches across watersheds like Sheriff Buford T. Justice pursues beer runners across the southwest. They require durable, well constructed fly patterns engineered to premier qualities.

The Hudson Caddis, created by Blue Line’s co-founder and CEO Adam Hudson, is an optimal choice for a springtime MDC fly pattern. Tied on a strong, sturdy hook with full-synthetic dubbing and wings, this pattern stands up to long-term use on the water and can withstand numerous trout eats before showing signs of wear.

Read the entire story. Flylab discount: 20% off all BLC flies.

Partner Spotlight

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

RIGS is a full-service fly shop and guide service from Ridgway, CO. For twenty-three years, they have been well-respected outfitters from southwest Colorado, providing guided fly fishing on the Uncompahgre, San Miguel, High Country Cimarron, Curecanti National Recreation Area and lower Gunnison River/Gunnison Gorge Wilderness River sections. They pride themselves on being a family business with amazing staff that provide best-in-class guided fly fishing experiences.

Flylab discount: 10% off all guided trips (excludes overnight trips).

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.

From Catch Magazine: “Brown trout and rainbow trout thrive in the Taupo District of New Zealand, making it a dream destination for fly anglers.”