By Kirk Deeter

Anyone who knows me personally understands that I think the sun rises and sets in the fly fishing world where guides say it does.  I've always been a fan of guides; I guide myself; how could I not be a fan?

I know, I know... it's expensive to go on a guide trip.  But in my experience, if you find the right guide, the investment is ultimately as valuable in your long term fishing experience as almost anything you can buy, save the rod and reel itself.  Put it this way... if the investment is not extremely valuable in this way, well, you went fishing with the wrong guide.

I think that's especially true in fly fishing.  Too many "gurus" approach this sport as a platform to show all the stuff they know that we do not, and maybe make a buck or too in the process.  The guide's mission should be exactly the opposite... to break down the barriers, to share understanding, and to instill confidence that this crazy sport isn't rocket science after all.

By Kirk Deeter

Around this time of year, the fly fishing game takes on a little more "prospecting" flavor.  Of course, there are some big hatch events happening... PMDs in many western rivers... the Green Drake thing is either exploding or about to in other places... we're getting into callibaetis and tricos as well. 

But in many spots, the dog days of summer see daytime action slow down as fish get keyed on those specific hatches in the mornings and evenings, and act fussy with water temps rising.

In other words... it's the perfect situation for my favorite type of fly fishing, any time of the year.  This is, after all, when we separate the contenders from the pretenders, and find out who has game, and who doesn't.

By Kirk Deeter

I have never considered myself a slave to fashion, least of all when it comes to footwear.  But I can tell you this.  I think Crocs--once the trendy phenomenon, now the embodiment of a sizzle and fizzle flameout product (and company)--are ugly shoes.  

By Kirk Deeter

Leave it to my buddy and Fly Talk regular Conway Bowman to spice things in the fishing world up with yet another feat from the ragged edge...

This time, Con Man (Mr. Mako Shark Fishing from a Kayak) skippered Jeff Patterson of Abel Reels to what must be the holy grail of "out there" angling accomplishments--hooking and landing a great white shark on a fly rod.