After months of searching, I’d finally found the perfect wading sandal for my small stream fly fishing – the Simms Streamtread. They came with great reviews, and when they arrived, I was loving them. They fit super comfortably and the Vibram soles provided the perfect balance of dry ground hiking and minimal slippage in the water. But they had one problem. After about a … [Read more...] about The Sad Story of the Simms Streamtread Wading Sandal
Gear
Okuma SLV Fly Reel: Product Review
When I dove headfirst into small stream fly fishing last summer, my 9 foot 5 weight rod was a bit too much for tight spaces and 8-inch brook trout. So I shopped for a smaller outfit. My fly fishing gear budget was tight, but I didn't want to buy junk either. But how to avoid potentially low quality Chinese knockoffs without breaking the bank? The best quality for the … [Read more...] about Okuma SLV Fly Reel: Product Review
New Gear
I finally gave in. An opportunity came my way to get my first quality rod and reel combo ever. Prior to this, I'd been using the same $50 cheapo for over 5 years (see here). It worked fine and I caught plenty of fish, but the quality of the experience wasn't what it could be. I learned that when I casted friends' rods and was blown away at how effortless they made the whole … [Read more...] about New Gear
My Old Gear
I have to laugh sometimes when I look at the old fly fishing outfit I've put together over the past couple of years. I just got back from the local TU group's annual fly fishing expo, and got a look at much of the new, fancy, and super expensive gear. I think a tiny part of even the most down to earth, dirt poor fisherman like myself wishes to get their hands on the 'good … [Read more...] about My Old Gear
The New Ride
The Outcast Pac 1200 is going to revolutionize the way I fish this summer. After a long summer of fishing from shore and in friends' boats last year, and a long winter of thinking it over, my neighbor and I ordered this two-man pontoon boat that should handle all of the local rivers we like to fish. The boat was delivered to the house early Thursday afternoon in several … [Read more...] about The New Ride