--Chad Love

What's the deadliest sport in British Columbia's rugged Fraser Valley? Mountain climbing? Whitewater kayaking? BASE jumping? Laughing at large, burly Canadian men (and women) when they say "aboot" instead of "about"?

Nope. As it turns out, the most dangerous sport you can engage in is fishing.

From this story in the Vancouver Sun:
The most dangerous sport in the Fraser Valley doesn't require participants to wear a helmet. You don't need to sign a waiver. And there are no referees. Over the last three years, at least three people have died engaged in this popular local past-time. Despite that, the hundreds of people who take part in the sport continue to eschew basic safety equipment. This deadly sport is none other than fishing - a relaxing pursuit that over the past three years has taken the lives of brothers, husbands and fathers. [ Read Full Post ]

By Kirk Deeter

I've been paying a lot of attention lately to colors on flies and using fluorescent "hot spots"; focusing more on how fish see flies underwater than how they look in my hands above the surface. We know, for example that certain colors dissipate in deeper water due to the decrease in light penetration. The deeper you go, the grayer it gets.

[ Read Full Post ]

By John Merwin

Very often when I write about various fishing tackle items, some readers comment that they wish the item in question were made in the U.S. They’d be much happier buying a domestic-made product. They’d like to support American jobs in the tackle industry. So this morning I’ll give you a chance to put your money where your mouth is.

American-made fishing tackle is far from dead. To be sure, giant, global-tackle brands such as Daiwa, Shimano, Rapala, and more depend, for the most part, on overseas (usually Asian) factories. But look around a bit, and you’ll find plenty of quality gear that’s made here at home--hook, line and sinker. Here are a few examples.

Fishing lures are the toughest, but there are still notable examples. One is Dardevle spoons (pictured here). Michigan’s Eppinger Manufacturing is in its third generation of family ownership and still stamping out spoons by the millions every year. Want to support American-made? Buy more Dardevles.

[ Read Full Post ]

By Kirk Deeter

I'm en route to Reno, for the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show which kicks off tomorrow and runs through Saturday. This is the place where the fly fishing industry--manufacturers and dealers--get together to discuss the latest trends, pressing issues, and, of course, show off the new products that will be launched in 2013.

The interesting thing is that many companies have already spilled the beans on their new products. Orvis is launching a "Helios 2" fly rod that is really, really good. (I know, because I've been fishing a prototype for the past month; an in-depth review is coming soon). Far Bank (Sage) is launching some new rods (actually the company already launched them at the European trade show in June) named Circa (a slow action), Response and Approach. But the real news concerning Sage might be that they're introducing the ONE Elite, which is tricked out with fine titanium guides and a reel seat for a record-breaking retail price of $1,295. (That's not a typo).

[ Read Full Post ]

By Chad Love

A team of fisheries experts looking for evidence of Asian carp in Lake Erie has come up...empty.

From this story on cleveland.com: 
Using electrofishing and nets to probe Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay and Western Lake Erie, fisheries experts this week from Ohio, Michigan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could not find an Asian carp. The team of researchers, responding to four positive DNA samples collected in August 2011, took more than 500 water samples last week. Those samples will be analyzed for Asian carp DNA, with the results expected in a month. [ Read Full Post ]

By Kirk Deeter

If you want to plan a fly-fishing vacation that involves the rest of the family, or perhaps a not-so-dyed-in-the-wool angler companion, my advice is to consider ski towns and resorts. The best ones are close to prime trout waters, and they offer great amenities and recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, top-notch restaurants, live music events and more. In many cases, the scene is as good (or better) in summer or fall than it is when the chairlifts are running.  

Having spent more than my fair share of time camping (or crashing in no-frills motels) in places where fly fishing is the only attraction, I've come to appreciate the opportunities when I can chase big trout on dry flies all afternoon, then soak in a hot tub. Of course, resort vacations can be more spendy than the DIY fishing trip, but it's often worth it to find a place where everyone can find their own adventure for a few hours, and regroup to share stories at day's end.  [ Read Full Post ]