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  • Trout Talk

    The truth about fly reels

    Are they fish brakes? Purring music-makers? Works of art? Answer: all of the above. There are two schools of thought on this one.  On the one hand, there are those who think a reel is nothing but a glorified line holder. They don’t see how spending money on fancy disc-drag systems makes any sense at…

  • steelhead The Versatile Angler Trout Talk

    A foray into ‘centerpinning’ for steelhead

    When was the last time you fought a hot 10-pound fish on a reel with no drag? For me, the answer was “never.”

    Another fishing experiment in a lifetime full of them. The strike was surprisingly violent. Really, it was just surprising. How often does that happen? We take a minute off. Or maybe just a few seconds. And boom! In this case I had been flipping the end of the fishing rod in hopes of removing a…

  • Trout Talk

    Five ways to make that old fly rod sing like an opera star

    If you’re like me, you cannot help but wonder as you stare at the “old faithful” fly rod, taking note of its nicks and scratches, its sun-bleached blanks and well-worn grip: “Do I really need a new rod?”

    Get ready… here it comes. It’s spring, the fishing season is dawning and next week is the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show. Which means everyone who fly fishes is about to get bombarded with all sorts of marketing-speak about fancy new fly rods featuring the latest, greatest technologies that promise to up your game…

  • Boats Trout Talk

    Used or new?

    What’s the right decision in buying boat equipment?

    What’s the right decision in buying boat equipment? Getting into rafting or a hard-sided drift boat can be downright expensive. When starting to do research on what you’ll need, it all can add up rather quickly. Trust me. I’ve spent the better part of seven years building up our raft and there are still things…

  • Gear reviews

    Deeter: I really wish there were a new company selling XXXXXX to anglers

    Even though I have some favorite brands, I think competition spurs innovation, and that pushes everyone to get a little better. I’m eager to watch what unfolds.

    We are quickly approaching the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show March 30-April 1 in Salt Lake City. That’s where the angling business community usually sees the debut of new products like reels, rods and the like. I’m like a kid in a candy store when I go there, and this year will be interesting,…

  • Boats Fishing Gear reviews

    Holiday Gifts for River Rats

    Because you’re here reading this, you’re more than likely into fishing… and boats. Probably both! This guide to last-minute gift ideas was compiled by TU’s resident filmmaker and boat driver Josh Duplechian and our at-large photographer/oarsman Tim Romano. While it’s short on fishing gear, it’s long on accessories that make any boat lover happy. Costa…