Getting ready to fly fish is slower for some than it is for others. Some of you jump out of the truck, don your waders in an instant, rig up, and are on your way. Others are more methodical (read: slow) as they get ready to fly fish. Steve is slow. Dave is slow but not quite as slow as Steve. In this episode on “Getting Ready to Fly Fish,” we describe some of our habits before we step into the river.
Listen now to “Getting Ready to Fly Fish”
Great Stuff from Our Listeners. At the end of each episode, we often include a feature called “Great Stuff from Our Listeners.” It’s the last portion of each episode, where Steve reads one of the comments from our listeners or readers. We enjoy hearing from you, and appreciate your advice, wisdom, and fly fishing experience.
What are your habits as you get ready to fly fish? How to you make the transition from the truck to the river? We’d like to hear about your disciplines and quirks!
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We’ve published a book called, The Fly Fisher’s Book of Lists: Life is short. Catch more fish.
We like to say it is a book of bite-sized snacks. Maybe even like a handful of potato chips. It’s an entire book of lists. The goal is to help you find practical help quickly and in an easily digestible format!
I try to pack my gear as assembled and put together as possible. I try to have my fly boxes where I can get to them, leaders handy, water in pack, phone, snacks . . But upon arriving at a put-in, or trailhead, I usually rig in a hurry because my fishing partners are usually in more of a rush than I am.
I probably dawdle a little more when I fish by myself.
Hey guys, love the podcast! I found you from the blog Casting Across which I have been following for quite some time now. Anyway a couple notes on S3 E6, I always rig my rod and even have a fly tied on before I ever leave my car for the river, two reasons why. Years ago when I was just getting into fly fishing, my dad and I decided to go fishing in the canoe. After paddling up river for about 2 hours with the intention of fishing the float back to the car, I pulled my rod out of its tube and went to grab my reel… which was still in the truck a couple miles down river. So the first reason I rig up before I leave is to make sure that I have everything with me, rod, reel, line, leader, and at least one fly haha! Second reason for rigging at the car is that one time I put my rod together and was walking to the river with it pointed behind me to prevent breaking the tip off on a tree or something. Anyhow, I had not strung the line through the guides and had a fly in the hook keeper to hold the rod together and was quite disappointed when I got to the river with only half of a fly rod. (Tip got snagged somewhere along the trail and was never found). This was when I was starting in the sport and only had one fly rod (thankfully inexpensive) but it still ruined the day for me. These two experiences have taught me to always rig up at the car! Love the podcast guys and I hope to make it out to the driftless one day!
Great podcast.
I put my waders on when I get to the spot. I also have an old bath Matt carpet in my tote. Yes tote, I keep all my gear in a large plastic tote. I do this for several reasons. When people look into the car window they won’t see expensive fishing gear. 2nd it keeps the car clean easpecially when I have fished all day and the gear is wet! Make sure to pull it out when you get home. I keep a small folding hunting stool that also fits in the tote.
As a guide I’m used to putting my waders and boots on quickly. The night before I go out I always check my gear and resupply anything that is missing.
I will only rig my rod up when I get to the river bank. I never know what I’m going to use until I see the water. I have a rod tube that lashes to my sling pack and the tube is has room for the reel. I know where all my gear is in my sling pack and I am constantly doing inventory on flies and leaders and floatant, tippet, I ran out once with a client and vowed that would never happen again.
Once I rig up, then I hit the water and its time for buissness. Have fun and tight lines guys.