By Kirk Deeter

Cheesman Canyon (near the little crossroads of Deckers, Colorado, about an hour southwest of Denver) is an absolutely magical setting. It is a classic tailwater (The South Platte River here is a veritable trout factory). But the real attraction is the scenery: boulders the size of small houses strewn along the riverbanks...towering canyon walls...eagles soaring overhead. It's definitely a place any angler should put on a lifetime "to-do" list. I make a point to fish it every other year.

But no more often than that. You see, the funny thing is, Cheesman Canyon is less than a 40-minute drive from my house. Why the disconnect? Because Cheesman can be a zoo, where angling etiquette is an afterthought. If you want to get really bummed out by how a few people can ruin an amazing angling situation...go fish Cheesman. Weekday, weekend...early morning, late evening...doesn't matter, sooner or later someone will do something stupid, and it breaks my heart to say that some of the worst offenders are fly fishing guides.

By Kirk Deeter

How better to celebrate a spring Friday than by giving away three Cabela's 50th Anniversary custom glass fly rods? I know I'm chomping at the bit to get out there and get out fly fishing, and I suspect you are too. So we'll get right to the point.

I asked you to show me your appreciation of "flex appeal,"  and these three folks won the goods:

ckRich who said: "Fishing with glass, or even bamboo, gives modern anglers the opportunity to literally step back in time. Most of the time you have to read or hear about what was the “cutting edge” 50 years ago, but with gear you can literally feel the history. Nostalgia at its finest." I agree completely, and am a sucker for nostalgia.

mnobles23 who said: "Fiberglass rods are similar to traditional archery gear, which I have used for years. Sure, modern technology makes things easier to use, but is it really better? I think there's something to be said for gear that doesn't forgive a lack of skill. There comes a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that you succeeded because of your ability, not just because your gear is very "forgiving." Amen to the traditional archery analogy.

By Kirk Deeter

Nike has its famous "swoosh." Coca-Cola and Campbell's Soup have their trademark red cans...but what icon in the world of fishing stands apart most?

I think it has to be the G.Loomis "skeleton fish." This mark was conceived by a hat company roughly 20 years ago, and then tweaked by the company over time (the teeth added, then sharpened, the fins flared and so forth). According to G. Loomis's Bruce Holt, the power of the mark is that the fish can be any fish...okay, it's not a trout...but it's something mean. It's not a fossil...though it is a skeleton.

By Kirk Deeter

I've been reconnecting with fiberglass fishing rods lately. For some reason, that super-flexy action makes me feel more connected with the fish. And, by the way, I think noodling around with fiberglass rods is one of the best ways to hone your casting skills. Fiberglass won't cover up your casting flaws like fast graphite will. Fiberglass places the premium on timing and tempo... exactly where it belongs.

I am not, of course, alone in being fascinated with fiberglass. Those of you who are into this scene might check out The Fiberglass Manifesto if you haven't already.

If you are already really into fiberglass, or would like to be... here's your chance to win one of three Cabela's 50th Anniversary Custom Glass Rods (worth $100 a piece... they feature classic action and beautiful components... they are really fun rods).

In 50 words or less, make a case for how catching small fish on a fiberglass rod can be "top of the game." I'll pick the three best next week, and you'll be fishing glass rods by June.