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The Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs You’ll Actually Want to Wear 

By
Francesca Krempa
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Of all the gear I get out on the water with, I’m most particular about my fly fishing packs. I don’t love backpacks, since they’re often bulky and make me feel like a turtle. I hate chest packs—too much in the way. Lumbar packs can be fine, just as long as they don’t fall down. I’ve come to prefer fly fishing sling packs, if—and this is a big if—they are comfortable. So many packs I’ve tried over the years have dug into my shoulders, flopped around while I cast, or left me with an aching back by the end of the day. Sure, it needs to fit all my gear, but more importantly, it just needs to be comfortable. 

When I first pitched this story, I was on a mission to find that sling pack—the one you actually want to wear, not just tolerate. I tested a ton of them: some too stiff, some too saggy, some that felt great until hour four when they started to dig in. These are the fly fishing sling packs that made the cut. 

Best fly fishing sling packs, at a glance: 

How We Tested These Sling Packs 

I put these fly fishing sling packs through the wringer on long days wading rivers, bushwhacking to alpine lakes, paddling to remote spots, and sneaking in quick after-work sessions. I paid close attention to weight, fit, waterproofing, and how easy it is to swing the pack around to grab gear without feeling clunky. 

Most importantly, I paid attention to comfort: Did I actually want to put the pack on in the first place? Were the straps comfortable and even against my shoulders, or did they make me feel constricted? Did I feel good coming off the water, or was I left feeling like Atlas? I also tested how each pack was organized and detailed, accounting for pockets, lash points, D-rings, daisy chains, and other accessories that allowed for streamlined storage. These are the sling packs I’d confidently recommend (and keep in my own rotation).

The Best Sling Packs for Fly Fishing 

Best Overall: Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack 9L, $149

Best Overall

Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack

Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack
See Here
Key Features: 
  • Convertible — can be worn as a sling or a hip pack
  • Integrated magnets and lash points
  • External water bottle holder
Pros: 
  • Smooth, easy swing for quick access to gear
  • Smart internal and external organization 
  • Ample pockets, magnets, lash points, and an integrated net holder
Cons: 
  • Water-resistant only, not waterproof 
  • 9L capacity can be a bit small if you pack a lot of gear
Fishing with a sling pack.
The Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack converts from a sling pack to a hip pack with ease.

Just when I was ready to give up sling packs for good due to back and shoulder pain, I was gifted the Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack, and it’s been my trusty fishing companion ever since. I love this thing. It’s smaller in size compared to other bags I’ve carried, but big enough to stash essentials, plus some, like a rain shell, lunch, and SPF. What I love most is the versatility: it converts from a sling pack (for both right and left shoulders) to a hip pack, which is great for days I want to switch it up. As for details, it’s full of touches that you’ll actually use and don’t just get in the way: an external water bottle holder that doubles as a snack pack or beer can sleeve, magnetic tool holders, ample lash points, and even a pocket on the sling that perfectly fits your iPhone. It’s water-resistant, lightweight, and built with recycled materials, which is a big plus in my book. If you want one sling that can pretty much do it all, this is it.

Best Waterproof: Fishpond Thunderhead 13L Sling, $249

Best Waterproof

Fishpong Thunderhead Sling

Fishpond Thunderhead Sling
See Here
Key Features: 
  • Waterproof 
  • Removable internal pocket 
  • Ample external organization
Pros: 
  • Waterproof 
  • Smooth, easy swing for quick access to gear
  • Smart internal and external organization 
Cons: 
  • Expensive

I’ve chatted at length with a bunch of fishy friends and guides for this story, and Fishpond’s Thunderhead 13L Sling was recommended over and over and over again. After testing it myself, it’s easy to see why; this thing is 100 percent waterproof and fully submersible, so you never have to worry about your stuff getting wet. The zipper is burly but smooth (a rare combo for waterproof packs), and the exterior is tough without being heavy or cumbersome. It’s big enough to fit extra layers, water bottles, and more, but not so oversized that it feels like a burden. 

Like Patagonia’s sling, I feel like the designers really paid attention to every little detail they added throughout. Externally, there are plenty of loops, D-rings, and other attachment points to keep your need-to-haves close at hand. Inside, there’s a removable pocket to keep essentials (mostly my phone and keys) from disappearing into the abyss. Can confirm: it’s worth the hype. If you’re worried about keeping your belongings dry, this sling pack is worth every penny.  

Best Lightweight: Simms Tributary Sling Pack 10L, $90

Best Lightweight

Simms Tributary Sling Pack

Simms Tributary Sling Pack
See Here
Key Features: 
  • Integrated net sheath
  • Water bottle pouch
  • Ergonomic shoulder strap
Pros: 
  • Lightweight 
  • Ample external and internal organization
  • Budget-friendly
Cons: 
  • Not ambidextrous—right shoulder only
  • 10L can be small if you pack a lot of gear 

If you want to keep things light with a bag for necessities that won’t break the bank, this sling is for you. The 10L capacity is the perfect size for quick after-work sessions or minimalist days where you really just need a fly box, tippet, and tools. It swings easily, sits comfortably, and doesn’t weigh me down when I’m on the move. I love that it’s simple—no overbuilt compartments or features I’ll never use—but heads up, it’s definitely on the smaller side. If you like to pack extra layers, a camera, or your lunch, this one might feel a little tight. For me, it’s the ideal grab-and-go sling when I’m fishing light and fast, or when I just don’t feel like hauling a bunch of stuff.

Most Comfortable: Bote Highwater Sling Pack, $199

Most Comfortable

BOTE Highwater Sling Pack

BOTE Highwater sling pack
See Here
Key Features: 
  • Waterproof 
  • Molded back panel 
  • Padded shoulder strap
Pros: 
  • Comfortable
  • Smart internal and external organization 
  • Spacious 20L capacity 
Cons: 
  • Expensive
  • Technically not a fishing bag, so no net holder

I do a ton of paddleboarding in the summer, sometimes with a fly rod, sometimes without. Regardless, I always pack this waterproof sling pack by Bote. The padded strap and soft back panel make it easy to wear for hours without digging into my shoulders or, more importantly, getting in the way. It’s fully waterproof (huge plus), but it’s more flexible and lightweight than most dry bag-style slings, which makes it feel more natural to get out with. I love the front, quick-access zipper for stuff I need to grab fast, as well as the ample lash points and straps for hooking on extra gear. Occasionally, I’ll just tie it down to the front of the board, and I’ve never once had it leak or swamp. 

While it’s not technically a fly fishing pack, it makes a great gear bag for wading trips. The fit just feels dialed—it hugs your back instead of bouncing around, and it doesn’t leave my shoulders achy and sore. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a bag that feels as good as it performs, get this one. 

Most Durable: Orvis Pro Waterproof Sling 14L, $298

Most Durable

Orvis Pro Waterproof Sling

Orvis Pro Sling Pack
See Here
Key Features: 
  • Waterproof 
  • Molded back panel + padded shoulder strap 
  • Tippet Whippet
Pros: 
  • Comfortable and spacious
  • Built-in tippet whippet
  • Durable
Cons: 
  • Limited internal organization 
  • The zippers can be hard to open since they’re waterproof

The Orvis Pro Waterproof Sling is a beast in the best way possible. This thing is fully submersible, seriously rugged, and built to handle years of hard fishing without falling apart. The material is thick and abrasion-resistant, the zippers are airtight (but still manageable), and it has just the right amount of structure that it holds its shape without feeling stiff. It’s also pretty comfortable and sports a molded back panel and padded shoulder strap that allows for better weight distribution, which is key for long hikes and wading sessions. 

On the outside, there’s a smaller front zipper, cinchable water bottle holder, fly patch, and built-in Tippet Whippet, which is clutch. The inside is no-frills—no internal pockets or compartments, just one big space to store all your stuff. I do wish there were more organization internally because I’m prone to losing gear; however, I appreciate its roominess; I fit an entire spare outfit in it this spring, including a rain jacket, and still had enough room for my fishing gear. 

It’s a splurge, no doubt, but if you want a waterproof sling that can handle getting roughed up and keep your stuff bone dry, this is the one.

FAQs

Q: How do I pack a fly fishing sling pack?

Start with the essentials and go from there. I always pack non-negotiables first: fly boxes, tippet, nippers, floatant, Leatherman, sunglasses. I try to keep the items I need quick access to (floatant, my phone, snacks) in outer pockets so they’re in arm’s reach. Less is more—overpacking just makes the sling clunky and awkward to swing around.

Q: How do I wear a fly fishing sling pack?

Some slings are ambidextrous and can be slung around either your right or left shoulder. Others are shoulder-specific—your sling should say how to wear it when you buy it. I recommend using the included support straps that many slings come with. They’re not mandatory, but they can help immensely. Most wrap around your hip or the sternum to take the pressure off your shoulders, which is a godsend when you’re on your feet all day. 

Q: What should I look for in a fly fishing sling pack?

Fit, weight, durability, and organization are key. Look for a pack that sits comfortably, swings smoothly, and has just enough space for your essentials. Bonus points if it has thoughtful extras like net holders or quick-access pockets.

Final Thoughts

Life’s too short to wrestle with a bad pack. The only reason your shoulders should ache after a day of fishing is because you fought a record-breaking catch, not because your sling pack damn near broke your back. I can’t promise you’ll hook into a monster, but I’m confident you’ll love these slings. 

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Angler Story of the Week: Sight Fishing Striped Bass

By
Tripp Nazziola
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A Note from Mackenzie (@mackenziesapier):

“On this day I was walking around the salt flats sight casting to schoolies when I came across a small group of slightly larger fish. I had a good sized deceiver on picked my cast and boom the fish turned and inhaled it.”

Angler Story of the Week from Mackenzie, be sure to follow his Instagram at @mackenziesapier !

Check out the articles below:

Link Between Ocean Temps, Steelhead Survival Discovered

The Drift: Expensive Fly Rods Are Worth The Money

Link Between Ocean Temps, Steelhead Survival Discovered

By
Spencer Durrant
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New research published by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) adds another data point to a long-held theory between temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, and winter steelhead survival along many of Washington’s storied rivers.

WDFW’s study focused on winter-run steelhead (returning to fresh water between November and April) on steelhead rivers off the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula, and a few that flow into Grays Harbor. The Chehalis, Hoh, and Quinault were among the rivers studied.

By looking at data all the way back to the early 1980s, researchers were able to track steelhead abundance, and cross-reference that with temperature readings from the Pacific Ocean, where steelhead spend the majority of their lives.

“Our team’s findings provide evidence that increased temperatures and intensified competition at sea have contributed to negative trends in survival for many steelhead populations, outside of freshwater factors that may affect individual populations,” said Jan Ohlberger, a WDFW research scientist and the study’s lead author in a recent article by WDFW on Medium.

Looking at the specifics, the study found that both immature and adult steelhead survival rates have declined as ocean conditions have changed, leading researchers to believe there’s a “strong” association between the two.

In addition, the researchers also pointed to the abundance of pink salmon (which are bred in hatcheries and released by the millions to supplement the commercial fishery). Pink salmon and steelhead “may compete for prey or otherwise be linked in the marine food web,” the study concludes.

The study then made the claim that “if not for these variables…coastal winter steelhead survival and abundance would have been nearly constant over the last four or five decades.”

WDFW is concluding that if pink salmon populations hadn’t exploded, and ocean conditions hadn’t changed (most notably warming water), steelhead would be as abundant as they were in the 1970s.

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Best Fly Fishing Prime Day Deals You Don’t Want to Miss

By
Flylords
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A big part of the fly fishing community is supporting local fly shops. These are the heart and soul of fly fishing throughout the country, and why we started Fly Shop Tour. Unfortunately for some, you may not have access to a fly shop. This is where online shopping comes into play. Sometimes it is the only option anglers have to find the gear they need. If that’s the case for you, we tracked down all the best deals this Amazon Prime Day so you don’t have to. From rods and reels to essential apparel, this list has it all, along with some great deals over 40% off!

Disclosure: The article may contain affiliate links that may result in commission at no additional cost to the reader.

Rods:

Reels:

Rod and Reel Combos:

Waders & Wading Boots:

Packs & Vests:

Apparel:

Gear & Accessories:

The Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide

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Reel of the Week: Capturing a Big Brown Trout Eating Caddis

By
Tripp Nazziola
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A note from Dallas (@dt_fishing42):

My buddy and I had been planning on a fishing trip for months, and we decided we wanted to hit the mother’s day caddis hatch. It was mayhem. Bugs were absolutely everywhere. We saw this fish rising and after two hours we finally got the hookup. It almost felt like seeing a friend at the bottom of the net after watching him/filming him eat caddis flies for two hours. Definitely the fish of a lifetime.

Check out the full YouTube video HERE

Reel of the Week from Dallas Trane, be sure to follow his Instagram at @dt_fishing42!

Check out the articles below:

False Albacore vs Bonito – Everything You Need To Know

The Drift: Expensive Fly Rods Are Worth The Money

 

False Albacore vs Bonito – Everything You Need To Know

By
Nate Holmes
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False Albacore
Photo: Ben Scott @tashmooflats

As the summer rolls on, anglers around New England start to get antsy. When the inshore waters warm and baitfish begin to pile up, the clock starts ticking. Ticking down until inevitably, they show up. “They,” in this case, are false albacore and bonito, two of the fastest, most action-packed fish that fly rodders have a chance to encounter. Through all this craziness, the two can be very similar, so here’s our rundown on the differences and similarities of false albacore vs bonito, and of course, our tips on catching them.

False Albacore release
Photo: Ben Scott @tashmooflats

What is a False Albacore?

False albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus), also known as Little Tunny, Albies, Bonita, and Fat Alberts, are members of the Scombridae family, in the Euthynnus genus; somewhere in between true tuna and mackerel. Albies are often finicky with anglers and can be difficult to get a fly in front of, causing the obsession known as “Albie Fever.” Once an angler catches “the Fever”, it is impossible to cure and can only be treated with more albie fishing. Essentially being a “party-sized” tuna, albies give fly anglers a taste of bluewater fishing, close to home. Pound for pound, albies are one of the hardest-fighting fish I’ve ever encountered and would have no problem towing most fish their size across the Atlantic.

Little Tunny on Fly
A false albacore. Photo: Ben Scott @tashmooflats

What is a Bonito?

Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda) is an often-confused fish. A quick Google search for “Bonito Fish” reveals that they are in the same family as albies. But the main photo Google uses for bonito is undoubtedly a false albacore. I’m not going to get into a scientific war with the largest source of information in the world, so I’ll just go off of what I know. Bonito, not bonita, is also a member of the Scombridae family, but in the Sarda genus. Bonito do run a bit smaller than albies and give up a little quicker, which makes them an awesome 7-8wt fish. A school of bonito slashing at a large baitball is most definitely a sight that gets the adrenaline going.

Atlantic Bontio
Photo: Ben Scott @tashmooflats

What Does A False Albacore Look Like?

Albies have a bright silver body with a green back. Along their back, they have a unique, black, squiggly pattern, different from any other fish. In the water, they look like missiles (they essentially are), with their pectoral fins jetting out of their sides acting as stabilizers. Even though they technically are not, every part of them screams tuna. Albies are also bigger on average than bonito.

False Albacore pattern
Photo: Alex Blackwell @xblackwell

What Does A Bonito Look Like?

Bonito resemble species of mackerel much more than albies. They are generally smaller than albies and are much skinnier. Bonito have a silver body with a blue or green back. Along their flank, they have black stripes, kind of similar to striped bass. Running with the mackerel theme, bonito have a nearly rectangular dorsal fin compared to albies, and noticeable teeth.

Bontio
Prepare for blastoff! @nateholmes_wild

False Albacore vs Bonito Diet:

This category is where the differences cease. Albies and bonito feed on the same kinds of bait while cruising the waters of the Eastern US. Some of their favorites are silversides, peanut bunker, anchovies, and sand eels. To feed on these baitfish, albies and bonito work in schools of anywhere from two to hundreds of fish. These schools of pelagic fish work together to corral large amounts of bait into tight bait balls and then proceed to annihilate them, causing a serious commotion on the surface. 

Bonito on fly
Photo: Ben Scott @tashmooflats

Fly Fishing for False Albacore:

At a glance, one would think that a fish moving at crazy speeds through a sea of food would hit any fly put anywhere near it. False albacore proves that assumption wrong with a passion. One of the hardest parts about targeting false albacore is getting a fly in front of one. Not only are the fish moving super fast, but they are often spooky and are easily put down by boats. Add some wind and other anglers to the mix, and you have a challenge set out for you.

 

False Albacore
Tuna Eyes @nateholmes_wild

Your best bet for getting a shot at them is to anticipate where the school is moving next. If you are able to get in front of a moving school of albies, you have a much better chance at getting a better shot. When you do get your shot, make a cast into the school towards the front of the pack, and start stripping. Sometimes they like it as fast as humanly possible, and other times they like it slow; you’ll have to figure that out yourself. No matter what you do, keep your line tangle and snag-free, and you should be just fine.

Fly Fishing for Bonito:

Everything said above about fly fishing for albies applies to bonito, but there are some things that should be added on. For the most part, bonito like flies moving a bit slower than albies, but again, it is all situational. Also, bonito do have teeth, so I’d recommend checking your tippet every chance you get and using flies with synthetic materials for durability. Also, as I mentioned before, I like a 7- or 8-wt rod for bonito, opposed to an 8-10 for albies.

Tuna head
Hydrodynamics at its finest @nateholmes_wild

False Albacore Vs Bonito Range / Geography:

Both False Albacore and Bonito are found all around the North Atlantic Ocean. Both of these species can be found from Nova Scotia to South America, and across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and Africa. While they are both so spread out, the northeast coast of the US seems to be a hotspot for anglers targeting these fish.

The Drift: Expensive Fly Rods Are Worth The Money

By
Spencer Durrant
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If you spend any time in online fishing forums, fly shops, or chatting with other anglers at boat ramps and gravel pull-outs, you’ll end up talking about fly rods. Most of us are gear junkies of some variety, and in my experience, we generally fall into two camps: buying the best gear we can, or stubbornly sticking with our budget-friendly rigs.

There’s nothing wrong with either approach, and you don’t need to justify your gear purchase to anyone other than yourself (or your spouse, if you’re married). But I’ve always found it interesting that there’s a contingent of both the big-spenders and budget-conscious who want to tell you that you’re wrong for using this or that fly rod.

I suppose that’s human nature, but it’s surprising that both groups of anglers are willfully blind to the benefits of cheap or high-end fly rods.

‘Not Worth It’

I had a chat recently with an angler who was using a rod-and-reel kit from Walmart. We’d run into each other along the riverbank and had the usual conversation about where we wanted to fish, and how much room the other person would like. I was about to head downstream when he pointed at my Winston and said, “You know, those fancy rods don’t catch more fish than this.”

“Depends on who’s using the rod,” I said. “I like this one, though, I’ve had it for a while.”

“Yeah, but you spent like $1,000 on it,” he replied. “No fly rod’s worth that much money. It’s no better than mine.” He then held out his Walmart combo for me to inspect.

“Well, have a good one,” I said, and kept walking downriver. It was an odd interaction, but not the first time I’d talked with someone who seemed to have a personal vendetta against high-end gear. I’ve reviewed fly rods for about a decade now, and without fail, someone will leave a comment that sounds exactly like that guy on the river: “I’m sure it’s a great rod, but it’s not worth that much money.”

Here’s the thing, though: these high-end fly rods are amazing. And no, that’s not just me buying some marketing hype. In fact, a few years ago, one of the bigger rod makers rolled out two new rods. The company talked up these sticks like they were the second coming of the Sage XP.

After about a month of fishing with both rods, I was underwhelmed. I wrote a review about how middling these rods were, and how they hadn’t lived up to the hype. The day that review was published, the CEO of that rod company called me to have a “friendly chat” about my opinions.

I’m not afraid to call out a rod that underwhelms. The St. Croix EVOS is one that retails for $975, but I wouldn’t recommend the 9′ 5-weight to too many anglers. It’s a stiff rod without much feel in the tip section. If you’re chucking hopper-dropper rigs out of a drift boat, it’s an effective rod, but as a general all-purpose trout stick (especially for smaller dry-fly fishing), I’d recommend you spend your money elsewhere.

By and large, though, the high-end rods of today are incredible. I run out of adjectives to describe them. Often, I have a hard time finding something I don’t like about a company’s new flagship rod. Sure, the Orvis Helios could have a touch more feel, and the Winston AIR 2 could use a tad more backbone, and the Sage R8 CORE would feel better with a different cork grip, but at that point, I’m nitpicking things most anglers won’t notice.

What about the features anglers will notice, though? What are the standout reasons I’m happy to recommend someone drop a mortgage payment on a piece of graphite?

Accuracy

Well, today’s top rods are inherently more accurate, for one. Accuracy is largely in the caster’s hands, but I’d argue the biggest advancement in rod design over the past 20 or 30 years is in accuracy.

A fly rod will be accurate if it tracks straight and doesn’t oscillate (side-to-side movement during the casting stroke). If the rod tip stays in a straight line, and the rest of the blank doesn’t move too far right or left, that rod will throw a tighter, more stable loop. Tight loops are accurate loops. It still takes knowledge of casting mechanics and skill to coax tight loops from any fly rod, but the top-tier sticks throw better loops than most cheap rods do.

Some lower-end sticks, like the Douglas DXF Gen 2 ($499), Douglas LRS ($269), and Redington Classic Trout ($169) buck that trend. But most rods in the budget-friendly segment aren’t as inherently accurate as a top-tier stick.

Feel

You need to feel the rod load and unload. The rod should be sensitive enough to give you feedback at every stage of the cast and fight with the fish. The more you feel, the more control you have over casting, presentation, and fighting.

High-end rods have the latest-and-greatest graphite and resins that make them strong, accurate, and sensitive. A lot of entry-level rods are too stiff to give you the sort of feedback that takes your angling to another level.

Versatility

I fish a lot of big tailwaters, but I also live in the foothills of the Rockies, so I get my fair share of small spring creeks and freestones, too. I love pocket water as much as I enjoy long casts to wary trout, and except for extreme cases, I like to use the same rod for most of my fishing.

In my decade of reviewing rods, the few years I spent as a guide, and my almost 20 years of fishing experience, I’ve found the most versatility in rods that cost a bit more. These rods are able to handle hopper-dropper rigs, small streamers, light dry fly work, and heavy nymph rigs, effectively enough that I don’t feel the need to switch rods throughout the day.

Rod designers know we ask a lot of our 9′ 5-weights, and they’ve built these to be incredibly versatile sticks. With the exception of a few cheaper rods (the Douglas LRS comes to mind), I’ve found more versatility in the expensive sticks.

The Sage R8 CORE is a great example of a rod that feels equally at home tossing dry flies, nymph rigs, or swinging small streamers and wet flies. It’ll set you back $1,050.

Speaking of Price

While we’re at it, let’s talk about price for a minute.

I did some digging and found an R.L. Winston catalog from 1975 online. It shows the company’s top rod (which was bamboo at the time) listed for $275. That same rod in 2025 dollars would set you back $1,611.80, per the CPI Inflation Calculator.

In 2013, you could buy a Sage ONE for $775, which is $1,053.94 in 2025 money. The ONE was Sage’s top rod, and the R8 CORE is the company’s flagship now, which sells for $1,050.

Even though the dollar amount has crept up, we’re paying roughly the same amount of money for top-end rods that we always have. And just because they cost over $1,000 now doesn’t mean they’re suddenly not worth it.

Will You Notice?

What makes an expensive fly rod “worth it” is whether you notice the differences in performance, and whether those differences are large enough to justify the rod’s cost. But to make a blanket statement that “expensive fly rods aren’t worth the cost” is dishonest and ignorant. It might not be worth it to you, but other anglers will feel differently.

It’s also not a slight or a personal insult to admit the failures of cheap rods. I fished an old, awful Redington for years before I stepped up to a mid-level Sage. That Sage got quite a bit of work before I dropped some coin on my current favorite, go-to rod: a 9′ 5-weight Winston Boron IIIx.

I wasn’t a good enough angler to really notice the difference when I first bought that Winston. I’ve always been a middling caster, and I unfortunately have video evidence from back then of how awful my casting was. It took a long time for me to dial in my casting and really appreciate what a great tool the B3x is.

In some ways, I wish I had waited to pop on a nice rod. Back then, though, my ego was the size of Montana. I thought I was some big-shot who needed an expensive fly rod, and though I hate to admit it now, the jerk in me loved showing off my fancy, glamorous Winston to the unwashed masses (the folks who, for reasons I’ve never understood, fished with me back then).

I distinctly remember being disappointed that my fishing didn’t make a huge leap forward after I bought the Winston. I even thought something was wrong with it. It wasn’t until I ate some humble pie and focused on improving my skills that I realized how wonderful the B3x is.

So, if you’re new to fly fishing or you don’t get to spend much time on the water, it’s hard for me to recommend a $1,000 rod. As great as the top-end rods are, they’re not the best tool for everyone.

They are a ton of fun to fish with, though. And fun’s worth something, right?

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New Small Craft Sales Platform Launches for Boats, SUPs

By
Spencer Durrant
-

Tim Romano, the well-known photographer, writer, and editor/founder behind Angling Trade and Flylab, has launched a new venture: Small Craft Sales.

Small Craft Sales is a marketplace for selling anything from float tubes to drift boats, but jet skis aren’t allowed. Romano and his team have spent the past year building this platform, giving any boat enthusiast—fly anglers, whitewater rafter, kayakers—a personalized directory that cuts down on the headache of finding a quality used boat.

“Anglers, whitewater rafters, kayakers, and wooden boat geeks are passionate about their hobbies and know exactly what they want. But finding it through unstructured classified sites can be a headache, and your listing can get lost in the clutter. Plus, these sites make it difficult to find your perfect vessel outside of your local area. Small Craft Sales is here to connect these passionate people and streamline the process of buying and selling small, specialty watercraft,” said Romano.

When you use Small Craft Sales to list your boat, you reach folks who are looking only for a boat. In addition, your listing can be featured both online and in an email newsletter, and on social media.

Small Craft Sales also has the ability to help facilitate delivery of your watercraft throughout the country. So if you find that perfect boat on the opposite coast, they’ll be able to help get it to you.

Small Craft Sales will also be consistently publishing content, including stories, how-tos, gear roundups, and profiles from across the boating world. They want to become not just the go-to classifieds for selling watercraft, but a hub for folks who live to be on the water.

Finally, Small Craft Sales is running a great promotion to celebrate their launch. All listings are currently free through August 1, (prices usually start at $35) and if you make a listing, or subscribe to their newsletter before that same deadline, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card to Sawyer Paddles and Oars, and a Yeti Tundra 45 or 65 Cooler (winner’s choice).

You can check out their site, and subscribe to their newsletter, here.

Support for Captain Owen Gayler

By
Max Inchausti
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The fly fishing community is a tight-knit family, always supporting its own. Recently, beloved Captain Owen Gayler was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Gayler is a Texas native and fly fishing guide whose passion for redfish and fishing is infectious. Battling cancer, not being able to guide, and waiting for insurance to kick in have put Gayler and his family in a tough spot.

To offset this, they have started a GoFundMe campaign that the fly fishing community has rallied behind. So far, the community has come together to raise $214,000, just shy of the $250,000 goal. If you know Owen or want to support one of fly fishing’s best, we ask for your help in supporting Owen and his family during this time.

Owen Gayler’s GoFundMe

10 Signs That You Suck at Fly Fishing

By
Flylords
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Let’s face it, fly fishing has a steep learning curve, and some of us tumble down it headfirst with a tangled leader and a bruised ego. While there’s no shame in the struggle, there are a few telltale signs that you might not be the river ninja you think you are. If you’ve ever tried to fish a streamer during a mayfly hatch or argued that sling packs are the pinnacle of human innovation, this list might hit a little too close to home. Here are ten signs you just might suck at fly fishing—and hey, we’ve all been there.

 

1. You fish streamers during a hatch

There’s a hatch going off, trout are rising like popcorn, and what do you do? Tie on a streamer the size of a chipmunk. While everyone else is matching the hatch and hooking up, you’re ripping meat through a dry fly buffet like it’s October. Bold move—but maybe not your best.

2. You put your wading boots on before your waders

You proudly lace up your wading boots, feeling ready to hit the water—until you realize your waders are still sitting in the truck. Now you’re doing the awkward reverse boot dance in the parking lot while your buddies are already rigged up and laughing. Rookie mistake, but hey, we’ve all been there. Once.

3. You let your strike indicator do it’s thing because you think its bottom, so you don’t set

Your indicator twitches, pauses, maybe even takes a dive—and you just stare at it like it’s doing performance art. “Just ticking bottom,” you mumble confidently, as yet another fish spits the hook and swims off. Pro tip: when in doubt, set the hook. Worst case, you look overly enthusiastic. Best case, you actually catch a trout.

4. You wiggle your rod tip to try and get your fouled line untangled

Your line’s a knotted mess, wrapped around itself like spaghetti, and instead of actually fixing it, you go for the ol’ rod-tip shimmy, waving it around like a broken car antenna. Shockingly, the tangle doesn’t fix itself. Who knew? Sometimes, you just have to accept that it’s time to stop dancing and start detangling. (Pro tip: point the rod tip down and tap on the first section of the rod, your line sometimes magically unwraps)

5. You make hero casts in a small stream, but all you really need is a simple roll cast 

You’re standing in a stream barely wider than a sidewalk, but you’re hauling back like you’re trying out for a saltwater distance comp. Trees are snagged, your line’s in a bush, and the trout are now somewhere in the next county. Meanwhile, a simple roll cast would’ve done the job—quiet, clean, and effective. But hey, at least you looked cool for a second!

6. You break off three fish and a row and blame it on bad knots

You hook up—snap. Again—snap. Third time’s the charm? Nope—snap. By now, you’re loudly blaming your knots, your tippet, the humidity, and probably your horoscope. But deep down, you know the truth: maybe it wasn’t the knot. Maybe it was you. Or maybe next time…re-tie between fish.

7. Every fish you catch you need a grip and grin 

You finally land a fish, nice! But instead of a quick release, it’s lights, camera, ego. You stage the shot, adjust your hat, maybe even pull out a second rod for “aesthetic.” Meanwhile, your buddy just caught three more and moved upstream. Look, we get it, pics or it didn’t happen—but not every trout needs to star in your personal highlight reel.

8. You think a thousand dollar rod will fix your cast 

You’ve convinced yourself that your tailing loops, wind knots, and limp deliveries are all the rod’s fault, so you drop a grand on a high-end stick. But surprise: the new rod didn’t come with a new cast. Turns out, no matter how fancy the gear, you still have to put in the practice. A thousand-dollar rod won’t fix a ten-dollar cast.

9. You argue that sling packs are the best pack option

You swear by your sling pack like it’s the ultimate fishing accessory, even though half your gear’s spilling out every time you turn around. Meanwhile, the rest of us are rocking chest packs, hip packs, and backpacks that actually hold everything without the constant struggle. Sure, sling packs look cool, until you’re chasing a fish and it’s bouncing off your shoulder like a rogue cannonball.

10. You swear euronymphing is the only effective way to catch trout

You’re convinced euro-nymphing is the one true path to trout-catching enlightenment, and everything else is just hobby fishing. Dry flies? Waste of time. Streamers? Cute, but why bother? While euro-nymphing is powerful, believing it’s the only way makes you miss out on the full fly-fishing experience, and maybe a few good fish too. Variety is the spice of fishing, after all.

 

So, if you found yourself nodding (or wincing) at more than a few of these, don’t worry, you’re in good company. Fly fishing isn’t about perfection; it’s about the pursuit, the screw-ups, and the stories that come with them. Besides, for every bad knot, missed hookset, or overhyped gear purchase, there’s a lesson waiting on the next cast. Just remember, it’s not about sucking forever, it’s about sucking a little less each time you hit the water. Tight lines, and may your indicator actually not be just the bottom next time.

Reel of the Week: Tying a Spongebob Fly?

Fly Fishing For Carp: A Complete Guide

 

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