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

In my clinics and demonstrations, this is my number one “show me that again” cast and here is how it works. “How low can you go?” Chubby Checker posed the question in 1962 with “Limbo Rock,” and each time I cast under the mangrove trees, I hear that song in my head. There are several ways to get under obstacles, but the cast that I use for the tightest of all squeezes is one that I call “The Sunny-side-up / Over-easy” cast. In my clinics and demonstrations, this is my number one “show me that again” cast - here's how it works. The cast starts essentially as a horizontal or side-arm cast ..read more

Gary Borger’s twist on this variation of the uni knot makes the finished knot look as good as a true nail knot. It is a real workhorse in the field when you can’t find your small tube or nail-knot tool. 1. Form an overhand loop in the leader butt, adjacent to the end of the fly line. You will be sliding the knot down the line before tightening it, so don’t worry too much about precise placement right now. 2. Take four to five wraps depending on the thickness of the leader material (the thicker it is, the fewer wraps you need). This is the same as when tying a uni knot. 3. Here’s the twist ..read more

The Best Fly Rods for 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fly Rod Casting with accuracy and skill, the perfect fly rod can upgrade your entire fishing game. This helpful guide to choosing a fly rod will provide facts about materials, actions, lengths of rods as well as mention leading brands that could make all the difference in having a great day out on the water catching fish after fish while fly fishing. Key Takeaways Understand materials, actions & lengths of fly rods for successful fishing Choose the right rod action based on type of fishing and target species Top ..read more

There is nothing subtle about chucking big streamers and cone-heads, it’s time to forget about delicate presentations and bring out the big gear. Whether you are using a single or a two handed rod here are a few tips to help launch and fish those big streamers.  Go Big Big flies call for bigger gear, a more powerful Fly Rod, heavier fly line and stronger leaders. Loose that delicate presentation taper you’ve been fishing all summer, time to go for an aggressive weight forward fly line, shorten your leader and tie on that 8 or 10lb tippet hiding in your vest. It takes mass to ca ..read more