Category: Blog

Gear Review:  Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On By Jordan Taylor Why the Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On is My New Favorite Travel Companion: As a fly fisherman and self-proclaimed gear junkie, I’m always on the hunt for tools, gadgets, and equipment that will make my fly fishing easier, more enjoyable, and my trips smoother.  There’s something about being prepared (more…)

Merino Wool is a game changer! One of my best memories of Christmas was back when I was 13 and my mum and dad gave me a drab green, 100% wool British military surplus Wooly Pully sweater. It was far and away my favorite insulating layer in a duck blind or on the water fishing. (more…)

Winston Bamboo The History of Winston and Bamboo by Terry Jepsen I’ve worked at The Fly Shop®, or at least been a part of it since I was 14 years old…I’m 51 now. When I started, the majority of fly rods were made of fiberglass. Graphite fly rods, which were just coming out, were only (more…)

NCCFFI Hall of Fame Event – The History & Story David Draheim, then a member of Mount Diablo Fly Fishers conceived the idea of the Hall of Fame Event to honor Fly Fishers who had given so much to the sport of fly fishing & helping our fisheries, and a way to generate funding for (more…)

The Winston Pure Series is known as an accurate and delicate presentation style rod  with a wide range of lengths and weights to accommodate any small stream or lake.  This series of rods is well known for being the perfect dry fly and small nymph rod. The PURE 2 has taken the previous model and (more…)

I’m 19 years old (2024), soon to be a sophomore in college! I’m currently studying financing and marketing. I was born in the gloomy city of Youngstown, Ohio (my parents say it was the best thing that happened to them when they lived there). I’ve lived in Redding for 13 going on 14 years, and (more…)

I started fly fishing in 1998, and I was lucky enough to have friends who guide, and they were willing to take me out fishing, so I learned from the best. After trying most of the various techniques in fly fishing I feel that I’m most suited for Spey fishing for steelhead. I hope one (more…)

Sunglass selection can be a touchy subject for many, as sunglasses are such a personal choice.  We aren’t going to tell you what style, brand or model to buy, but rather give some insight and suggestions on lens color and functionality. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any fly fisherman is their (more…)

Patagonia Luggage Gear Review  Black Hole® Cubes (3L, 6L, & 14L) Patagonia Travel Rod Roll Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel On my most recent trip to the Colombian jungle in search of peacock bass, I had a chance to try out the new Black Hole® Cubes in conjunction with my usual travel set up of the (more…)

What I’ve found after 30+ years working in fly fishing is that everyone says they have the most comfortable everything. “Our wading pants and tech sun shirts are the very best and you’ll want to wear them all the time.” I’ve heard that so many times I’m pretty numb to these exaggerations. I’ve worn so (more…)