A couple quick tips to up-level your photography on your next fishing trip. Spend enough time on the water fishing with friends and, at some point, someone is going to want pictures of their fish. It’s almost inevitable. We’re a digital society, and it’s nearly routine for people to want to snag a “grip and grin” to show their buddies and post on Instagram. Someone, at some point, is going to ask you, “Hey, can you get a pic of this?” as they wrap fingers around their catch and press it toward the camera (or phone, or whatever is handy). And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. In ..read more

We’ve worked hard to build the very best fly rod we can. Here’s how to do your bit:  1. Store your completed rod dry and clean. Completely air dry your fly rod and place it in the cloth bag and tube before storing. 2. The best way to stow a rod over long periods is to hang it in its bag. Our rod bags all have a hang tag designed for this purpose. 3. Never put your rod back wet or damp in the rod bag or tube. Simply clean the rod off with a soft cloth and allow to dry. We’ve included a cloth to do just that. An occasional wipe down with a damp cloth will do ..read more

"Fly fishing's Michael Jordan is a woman, and her name is Jess McGlothlin." - Men's Journal Jess McGlothlin is an impressive character, expert angler, talented writer and professional photographer of note. Jess sees her mission as a simple one: tell stories. She's is happiest on the road in the gritty, far-off corners of the world. She sees her mission as a simple one: tell stories. Working as a freelance photographer and writer in the outdoor industry; while on assignment in past years she’s learned how to throw spears at coconuts in French Polynesia, dodge saltwater crocodiles in Cuba, na ..read more

  Setting up a dropper rig? It's like they say: Different strokes for different folks. The bottom line? Get your fly where it needs to be and make sure those knots hold when you inevitably hook yourself a hog! In this article Joe Mahler breaks down three popular methods for rigging droppers. So pick your favourite grab your fly rod and go wet a line!   Hook-Bend Dropper To add a nymph dropper to a dry fly simply take the tippet connected to the dropper and tie it to the bend of the dry-fly hood with your favorite knot. The distance between the dry fly and nymph can range from 4 inc ..read more

How to improve your travel, navigate new places, and work well with your guide. Don’t be that guy (or girl). We’ve all seen him… the one who shows up fly rod in hand for the trip of a lifetime, that destination trip we’ve all dreamed of, wholly unprepared and therefore quickly becoming a problem for the rest of the anglers on the trip. Sure, he might be a nice enough guy, but his lack of basic preparation and bad attitude with the guide dampens the vibe of the entire trip for everyone else. Don’t be that guy. I’ve been lucky enough to spend the past 15 years traveling around the world as ..read more

How a Fly Rod Works While the answer might seem fairly obvious, a fly rod is by design, quite a clever piece of engineering and is a very different beast compared to rods used for spinning, surf and bait fishing. To help explain things and simplify a little for this article let’s call any type of fishing other than fly fishing “conventional” fishing. A conventional fishing rod is designed to accelerate and ‘throw’ a weight off the tip - Usually some sort of weighted lure or lead sinker. This travelling projectile then pulls line off the reel as it travels through the air. The greater the veloc ..read more

This knot was developed by the renowned angler Lefty Kreh with a focus on enhancing the natural movement of flies when fishing with a fly rod. A no-slip loop connection to streamers and nymphs allows a free-swinging action that eliminates the stiff, mechanical connection that I call a “Puppet Show”. When the no-slip loop is finished the tag points toward the hook and is less likely to pick up grass or other flotsam. In my opinion, the smaller the loop, the better. The size of the gap between the loop and the hook determines the size of the finished loop. The number of wraps changes with ..read more

Mastering the Art of Spey Fishing When it comes to the world of fly fishing and fly rods, few techniques are as elegant and effective as Spey casting. Spey fishing is not just a technique; it's a beautiful dance between angler and river. At Epic Fly Rods, we understand the importance of having the right gear for the job. In this blog post, we'll delve into Spey rods and explore the different styles of Spey casting, including Skagit, Scandinavian shooting heads, and full Spey. We'll also provide you with line recommendations for 6wt, 7wt, and 8wt Spey rods of 13 feet, ensuring that your next Sp ..read more

When it comes to fly fishing, choosing the perfect fly rod is akin to selecting the right tool for a craft you're deeply passionate about. As an avid fly angler with a lifetime of experience, I understand the critical role that your equipment plays in your angling pursuits. In this article, I'd like to share some insights on selecting the ideal fly rod for different species and environments, drawing from the expertise that has shaped Epic Fly Rods into a name synonymous with excellence in fly fishing. Fly Rods for Freshwater Species Trout (Commonly 2-6 pounds) For many of us, the gentle w ..read more

Introduction: Fly fishing is an art, and the heart of this art is the fly rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, understanding how to choose the right fly rod can elevate your fishing experience. Let’s dive into what makes a great fly rod and how to select the perfect one for your fishing adventures. Understanding Fly Rods: A fly rod is more than just a tool; it's your partner in the tranquil yet exhilarating world of fly fishing. Unlike conventional rods, fly rods are designed to cast the line with precision and grace, offering an unmatched fishing experience. The right rod f ..read more