Growing up, if you wanted to find information about fly fishing, you either bought a copy of Field and Stream or watched Gadabout Gaddis on TV. Gadabout would travel to some iconic fly fishing spots with friends and famous people.
I always enjoyed the episodes where he was fishing with Red Sox legend Ted Williams. These shows and magazines had wonderful entertainment value, but not much specific information. For example, what type and size of line you should use and which flies worked best for which fish.
I wanted to know the secrets. With the advent of the Internet, these answers are readily available. Online forums, such as the one sponsored by Trout Unlimited, can be a great help with any fly fishing questions. The problem sometimes becomes getting too much information and having to sort it all out. Questions range from suggestions, information and/or advice. Many questions, especially at this time of year, are entertaining. For example, “If you won the lottery, where would you like to fish?” So I would like to share some of the questions and my answers.
What is your favorite fly rod?
I have an 8’6” Orvis 3 superfine fly rod that I try to fish with as often as I can. It makes even small fish look like monsters, and since I only catch small fish, it works out great for me.
What color polarized glasses do you use?
I have a nice pair of dark green glasses that I have used for years. After reading the forum I learned that many fly fishermen prefer an amber color. I went online and bought an inexpensive pair and they have become my go-to glasses.
Anyone famous you’d like to fly fish with?
Henry Winkler aka “The Fonz”. Henry wrote the book “I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River” so there’s a good chance it wasn’t the first.
What is your favorite fly?
Without a doubt, the Wooly Bugger is olive with a small head of account. Although the Hornburg is a close second, it’s the Wooly, because the fish love it as much as I do.
What book would you suggest for a flybrary?
That’s a tough question for someone who’s never met a fly fishing book they’ve liked, as evidenced by the couple of hundred volumes stacked in my office. “The Nick Adams Stories” by Ernest Hemingway is a classic favorite. Another one from local author David Van Wie is “Storied Waters.”
Where would you like to fish in the US?
The no drift zone in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa for a couple of reasons. The Driftless is an area where most fly fishermen fly over to get to Montana and West Yellowstone. This area costs about half the price to visit and there isn’t much fishing pressure. Also, my friend Mike Stracco sends me pictures of all the fish he catches there, so there’s a chance I won’t be left out.
Forums like Trout Unlimited can be very helpful when looking for suggestions such as what type of wading boots, waders or rods and reels to buy.
The site is also helpful when looking for contact information, such as which fly shop to visit and guide names, when fishing in Jackson Hole or the Catskills.
Having contact information when fishing a new destination can save you money and time, leaving you more time to fish. Plus, it’ll give you more time to update your Valentine’s gift, because it looks like a pair of handmade chicken sandwiches from Chic-Fi-LA won’t be doing it this year.