Articles

AFFTA and The Fly Fishing Show Reach Collaborative Agreement

by Marshall Walker - Tuesday, Oct 15th, 2013

AFFTA + Fly Fishing Show Logos

In an effort to increase participation in fly fishing and support the fly fishing industry the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and the Fly Fishing Show have teamed up to offer AFFTA members more benefits in 2014. The Fly Fishing Show has agreed to give a 10% discount on booth fees to any AFFTA retailer or manufacturer who didn't participate in the trade show in 2013. The AFFTA and Fly Fishing Show are also working on future member benefits for upcoming conventions as part of the cooperative agreement.

"This mutual agreement falls within AFFTA's mission and goals, which include growing demand for fly-fishing products by attracting new participants to the sport and promoting better business practices and professional development opportunities for our members," explained AFFTA president Ben Bulis.

Southern Culture on the Fly Issue #9 Released

by Chad Shmukler - Monday, Oct 14th, 2013

Go. See.

The Fall 2013 issue of Southern Culture on the Fly is hot off the digital presses. Most of you are likely already familiar with SCOTF, but those of you who aren't should make yourselves so. Each issue of SCOTF is loaded with the good stuff: killer photography, rich stories and usually some pointers, fly patterns, etc. You get the idea.

This latest issue features topics such as fishing with big, fat hopper patterns, heading north to chase musky and also includes art from Paul Puckett and a photo collection from Captain Joel Dickey that contains some of the most stunning permit and tarpon photography I've ever seen. I keep looking at it over and over again, drooling with jealousy, and have since started boxing up my camera to send it to Canon for calibration. Clearly there's something wrong with it, as I don't think I could bribe it into turning out photos like Dickey showcases in this latest issue of SCOTF.

Scent on Flies: Is it Cheating?

by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Oct 11th, 2013

Are any of these in your gear bag? Will they ever be?

Fly fishing is an ever-evolving sport with an ever-evolving set of rules, conventions and ethics which accompany it. In most areas of the world, what anglers consider everyday fly fishing tactics and techniques have traveled great distances from the dry-fly-cast-upstream-only ethics of England's 19th century chalk streams. Wherever the boundaries of fly fishing lie at one particular time or another, one thing that is certain is that anglers are always looking for ways to push the envelope. Currently, the use of added scents in fly fishing is a controversial topic. Some anglers have chosen to add scented gels and floatants into their arsenal with the simple goal of getting into more fish. Certain scents are known to attract fish and may also be useful in covering up natural and unnatural human odors that may repel fish. Others have been critical of this approach, most often citing the notion that the use of scents takes the "fly" out of "fly fishing", rendering flies little more than new forms of bait. Other opponents flat out call it cheating.

So, what's the reality? Are scents a way of cheating your way into more fish without developing your skills as an angler? Or are they a new and innovative way of expanding the boundaries of our sport that, in time, will be looked upon as a commonly used tactic not unlike other formerly new methods and techniques that were once considered taboo?

We reached out to some of our favorite people in the world of fly fishing (as well as folks that happen to know a thing or two about it) and asked them.

Columbia River Steelhead Forecasts Cut Again, Idaho Drops Bag Limits

by Ben Kryzinski - Thursday, Oct 10th, 2013

This steelhead made its way up the Columbia River and on to the Deschutes River, in Oregon (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Last week, officials again cut the expected returns of B-run steelhead. The current forecasted number of B-run steelhead (steelhead over 31 inches) is now only 10,700 fish, which represents only around one-third of the originally expected 31,600 fish. Only around 2,500 of the currently forecasted returning fish are expected to be wild.

In response to the reduced forecast, officials in Idaho have cut the steelhead bag limits on the Clearwater River and its tributaries accordingly. The Clearwater is the primary destination of most B-run steelhead entering the Columbia. Normally, anglers are permitted to take three steelhead per day. This year, however, anglers will be permitted to take only one steelhead per day.

Final 2013 Photo Contest Reminder

by Tom Breck - Wednesday, Oct 9th, 2013

Last year's grand prize winner, "Natural Beauty", by Hayden Clark.

To say that this year's photo contest has been our best might be considered to be saying a lot of nothing at all. After all, the site itself has only been around a little more than two years, and this year's photo contest is only our second annual. That said, by virtue of these contests, we've had the pleasure of hosting some of the finest fly fishing photography out there. Some of these photographs have been submitted by professionals, some by avid amateurs and some by everyday fishermen that have become accustomed to carrying a camera on the water with them whenever they go, with little more in terms of expectations that keeping a visual record of the experiences that drive them to the water each time they venture there.

Whether the camera is a $3,000 digital SLR, a point and shoot, a GoPro or a smartphone, the result is the capture of many stunning images which remind each of us why we seek out fish-filled waters. It is a privilege to host and showcase these images and it is no doubt a tradition we hope to carry on for years to come.