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Anglers often reminisce about the "golden days" of fly fishing—when catching trout was supposedly effortless, hatches were thick, and waters teemed with fish. But how much of this is fact, and how much is nostalgia? Were there actually more trout in the early 1900s than there are today? Let’s take a look at historical data, modern trout populations, and what’s really changed over time.

Fly fishing has always had an element of secrecy. Whether it’s a tucked-away creek full of wild trout or a hidden salt flat where the redfish tail at dawn, some waters are fiercely protected by those who fish them. But in the age of social media, digital maps, and a growing fly fishing industry, t he concept of keeping a secret spot secret is changing—and sometimes, it comes at a cost.

The Partnership At Casts That Care , we believe fly fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a way to build connections, inspire change, and leave the world a little better than we found it. That’s why we’re beyond excited to announce our newest partnership with Fish for Change , a nonprofit that’s redefining what it means to be a fly fisher. For the month of March, we’ll be sharing stories, experiences, and deep dives into the incredible work they’re doing. From conservation efforts to life-changing cultural exchanges, Fish for Change  is proving that fly fishing can be a force for good. And we want to help make sure more young anglers get the chance to be part of it. If you believe in the future of fly fishing, you’re going to want to keep reading. Fish for Change: More Than a Fly Fishing Trip What if a fly fishing trip could change the way you see the world? That’s exactly what Fish for Change  does. Each summer, students from across the globe travel to some of the most stunning and ecologically rich fisheries—Honduras, the Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colorado. But these aren’t just guided fishing trips. These are fully immersive, experience-driven programs that teach young anglers how to think critically, connect deeply, and take action. They don’t just stay at lodges.  They turn them into learning centers—"campuses" where students live, fish, and work together on conservation and cultural exchange projects. They don’t just learn to cast.  They learn to lead. Through guide training programs, local scholarships, and real-world problem-solving, students leave with the confidence to make an impact beyond the water. They don’t just visit a place.  They become  part of it. Every student engages in hands-on conservation, from planting mangroves to managing invasive species, working alongside local communities to protect the waters they fish. By the end of the program, students aren’t just better anglers—they’re better stewards of the sport, the environment, and each other. A True Exchange: Local Scholarships and Lifelong Impact Fly fishing has long been seen as an exclusive sport. Fish for Change  is actively breaking that cycle. One in five students attends through a local scholarship, meaning kids from the very communities these trips take place in get to join in, learn to fish, and potentially start a career in guiding. The result? A real, lasting exchange where knowledge, opportunity, and passion for conservation flow both ways. For these local students, Fish for Change  isn’t just an adventure—it’s a door opening to a future in fly fishing. And for the visiting students, it’s a reminder that the sport is about much more than just catching fish. The best part? These experiences last a lifetime. Alumni often describe their time in Fish for Change  as completely transformational—an experience that changed the way they see themselves, their role in conservation, and their connection to the world. Alumni Stories: The Impact of Fish for Change The Fish for Change  experience doesn’t end when the trip is over. It leaves a mark, shaping students long after they’ve returned home. Many alumni continue their journey by working in conservation, mentoring new students, or even leading trips themselves. For some, it’s about the friendships—finding a global family that shares their passion for fly fishing, conservation, and community. One student, described Fish for Change  as "a worldwide family of young people with all the same interests: fishing, conservation, and community."  Inspired by his experience in Costa Rica, he’s now actively promoting the program across the UK and beyond. One thing is clear: Fish for Change  isn’t just a trip. It’s a life-changing experience that instills a sense of purpose, a deeper connection to the world, and a passion for giving back. Want to Make a Difference? Here’s How You Can Help We’re backing Fish for Change  all month long, and if you want to support their mission while getting exclusive fly fishing content, here’s how: Subscribe to the Casts That Care News  this March, and 50% of your subscription will go directly to Fish for Change , funding scholarships for students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to these programs. Want to give even more?  Use promo code Fish4Change  at checkout to get 15% off your first month , and we’ll increase our donation by 25% —because supporting the future of fly fishing should be a win-win. When you check out you can decide to "park" your subscription with Fish For Change, getting the same DAILY Fly Fishing news and giving to Fish For Change every month! We’ll be sharing exclusive stories from Fish for Change  throughout the month, so stay tuned. If you believe in using fly fishing as a force for good, now’s the time to get involved. Learn more about Fish for Change at   www.fishforchange.org #FishForChange #CastsThatCare #FlyFishingForGood

Fly fishing has long been associated with specialty retailers, premium gear, and a culture of craftsmanship. However, a growing trend is reshaping how anglers acquire equipment: the rise of gray market gear —used, discounted, and often uncertified products being sold through backchannels like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and second-hand retailers. While these markets provide anglers with access to affordable gear, they also raise concerns about quality, warranties, and the long-term impact on fly shops and the industry at large.

Fly fishing isn’t just a beloved outdoor pursuit—it’s a major economic force. The industry spans gear manufacturing, travel, guiding services, and retail sales, fueling a market worth billions. But where exactly is the money going, and what challenges are fly shops facing in this shifting landscape? Let’s break it down.

This article is free from The Fly Box. We provide free fly fishing information three times a week, along with daily fly fishing updates every morning at 8 AM. For just $10 a month or $105 a year, you can support our work—and 50% of your subscription goes to a different fly fishing organization each month. Join Us HERE The Role of Park Rangers and Public Lands in Fly Fishing Public lands and national parks play a critical role in fly fishing, offering access to some of the most pristine and diverse fisheries in the country. Park rangers and public land managers help maintain these fisheries by enforcing regulations, protecting ecosystems, and providing education to anglers. Their work ensures that fly fishing remains a sustainable sport for generations to come. How Anglers Can Adapt and Contribute Recent reductions in park service staffing have raised concerns about the long-term health of these fisheries. While these changes present challenges, anglers can take proactive steps to support and sustain their favorite fishing spots. Practice Self-Regulation  – With fewer rangers available to enforce fishing regulations, anglers must take responsibility for proper catch-and-release techniques, respecting limits, and reporting illegal activity. Get Involved in Habitat Restoration  – Many conservation groups organize riverbank stabilization projects, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration efforts. Volunteering for these initiatives can help mitigate the effects of reduced government resources. Support Infrastructure Maintenance  – If public funding is stretched thin, anglers can contribute by joining local efforts to maintain trails, clean up waterways, and advocate for responsible outdoor recreation. Educate Fellow Anglers  – With fewer educational programs, experienced anglers can play a role in mentoring newcomers about ethical fly fishing practices, conservation, and habitat protection. Making the Most of Public Waters As resources shift, anglers can take extra steps to ensure that their fly fishing experiences remain positive and sustainable: Be mindful of environmental changes, such as erosion or pollution, and report concerns to local conservation groups. Explore lesser-known locations to reduce strain on heavily trafficked fishing spots and help distribute angling pressure more evenly. Work with local organizations like Trout Unlimited , Bonefish & Tarpon Trust , and watershed alliances to advocate for conservation funding and policy changes. The Future of Fly Fishing on Public Lands While changes in funding and staffing may impact public fisheries, anglers have the power to make a difference. By taking an active role in conservation, supporting local efforts, and practicing responsible angling, the fly fishing community can help ensure that public waters remain healthy and accessible for years to come. Rather than focusing on policy shifts, the emphasis should be on what anglers can do today to protect and enhance the places they love to fish.

Ethical Angling: A Conservation-First Mindset

Introduction

Introduction The Woolly Bugger is one of the most widely used and successful fly patterns in history. It is a staple in nearly every angler’s fly box, used for trout, bass, steelhead, salmon, and even saltwater species. While its versatility and effectiveness are well known, its origins and rise to prominence are often overlooked. The Woolly Bugger is not an ancient fly, nor was it tied by traditional European fly fishers. It is a relatively modern pattern, emerging in the 1970s as an adaptation of older wet flies. Its success was immediate, and today it remains one of the most widely trusted flies in existence. This article traces the Woolly Bugger’s history, its connections to earlier fly designs, and how it became a global fly-fishing phenomenon. The Origins – A Fly Designed in Pennsylvania The Woolly Bugger was first tied in the early 1970s by Russell Blessing, a fly tyer and angler from Pennsylvania. He initially designed it as a smallmouth bass fly, intending to imitate the hellgrammite, the larval stage of the dobsonfly, a common food source in the Susquehanna River system. Blessing’s design was an adaptation of an older pattern known as the Woolly Worm, a simple wet fly with a chenille body and a hackle palmered along its length. The Woolly Worm itself was likely derived from even older patterns, such as the British palmer flies used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Blessing made a key modification—he added a marabou tail to increase movement in the water. This change proved to be transformative. At first, the Woolly Bugger was used locally, but its effectiveness soon gained attention. It proved deadly not only for bass but also for trout, and it quickly spread beyond Pennsylvania’s rivers. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, it had become a widely recognized fly. A Connection to the Past – The Influence of Palmered Flies The Woolly Bugger’s design has clear connections to older wet fly patterns, particularly the palmer flies used in England and Scotland as early as the 1600s. These flies, such as the Red Palmer and the Black Palmer, featured a body wrapped with hackle to create a segmented, bristled appearance. The term “palmer” refers to the worm-like body shape of these flies, which were designed to imitate caterpillars or other terrestrial insects that fell into the water. In the United States, variations of the palmer flies evolved over time into patterns like the Woolly Worm, which removed the wings found in earlier wet flies but retained the hackle and body segmentation. The Woolly Bugger took this evolution a step further with the addition of the soft marabou tail, giving it a more lifelike, flowing motion in the water. This lineage suggests that while the Woolly Bugger may have been a modern invention, its basic design was shaped by centuries of fly-tying tradition. The Woolly Bugger’s Role in the Expansion of Streamer Fishing The Woolly Bugger’s success coincided with a broader shift in fly fishing during the 20th century. Traditionally, fly fishing had been dominated by dry flies and wet flies that imitated insects. However, as anglers sought to target larger fish, they began to experiment with streamer patterns—flies that imitated baitfish, leeches, or other larger prey items. The Woolly Bugger became one of the defining flies of this transition. Unlike traditional wet flies, which were often fished with a dead drift, the Woolly Bugger could be retrieved actively, triggering aggressive strikes from predatory fish. Its versatility in mimicking different types of prey allowed it to be used effectively in a wide range of waters, from fast-moving rivers to stillwater lakes. As fly fishing expanded beyond trout streams and into bass, pike, and even saltwater fisheries, the Woolly Bugger adapted easily to new environments. It became one of the few flies that could be relied upon almost anywhere, for almost any species. Adoption and Recognition as a Classic Pattern By the late 20th century, the Woolly Bugger had become one of the most commonly recommended flies for new anglers. Its effectiveness and ease of tying made it a natural choice for beginners, but experienced anglers also recognized its value. It became a standard pattern in every fly shop, available in a variety of colors and sizes. The pattern was further cemented as a classic when it was included in lists of essential flies published by major fly fishing writers and historians. In 1991, the Trout Unlimited publication Trout  magazine even referred to the Woolly Bugger as the most effective fly ever created. Today, the Woolly Bugger is not only one of the most popular flies but also one of the most frequently tied patterns. It has been modified countless times—some versions include bead heads for added weight, flash in the tail for extra visibility, or rubber legs for additional movement. Yet, despite these variations, the core design remains unchanged from Blessing’s original concept. Conclusion – A Fly That Changed Fly Fishing The Woolly Bugger may not be the oldest fly pattern, but few flies have had a greater impact on modern fly fishing. From its origins in Pennsylvania streams to its status as an internationally trusted pattern, it has demonstrated unmatched versatility and effectiveness. Though its roots lie in centuries-old wet fly traditions, its introduction in the 1970s helped usher in a new era of streamer fishing and predatory fly tactics. Whether for trout, bass, or even saltwater species, the Woolly Bugger continues to prove that sometimes, the simplest patterns are also the most enduring. As long as fly fishing exists, the Woolly Bugger will remain a part of it.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box  and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you in-depth stories, expert insights, and the best of the fly fishing community. Our content is always ad-free, never sponsored, and dedicated to providing unique, high-quality information. Subscribe today  and use promo code: "Fishtechy"  at checkout for 15% off and we'll donate 25% MORE to charity for exclusive interviews, insider tips, and to support fly fishing charities with every subscription—50% of all subscription fees go directly to a different fly fishing charity each month! In the world of fly fishing, innovation often comes in small but game-changing packages. That’s exactly what happened with Fishtechy, a company that, at first glance, appears to be a futuristic way to measure fish. However, after sitting down with Lawrence Sowell, it became clear that Fishtechy is much more than that. Beneath its tech-driven exterior lies a deeper mission—one centered on conservation, ethical angling, and cutting-edge fisheries research. Fishtechy is not just about measuring your catch; it’s about building a system that collects valuable data to help protect fish populations, track environmental changes, and support scientific advancements in sustainable fishing. A lifelong outdoorsman and entrepreneur, Sowell founded Fishtechy and developed the Proof Ball—a revolutionary tool designed to standardize fish measurement using artificial intelligence and a spherical reference point. From the Woods to the Water: Sowell’s Journey Born in Spain but raised in the American wilderness, Sowell grew up surrounded by nature. His father moved the family back to the U.S. when he was a child and took over a heavy equipment business, leading Sowell to spend his formative years operating machinery, fighting wildfires, and working alongside seasoned loggers. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and an appreciation for the outdoors. His connection to fly fishing began at an early age when his father introduced him to the sport. While working on Forest Service contracts in remote areas of Oregon, he found himself with long afternoons to fill. Rather than staying in camp, he explored nearby rivers, teaching himself the art of fly fishing. With time, the sport became more than a pastime—it was a passion that stayed with him for life. The Spark of Innovation: Creating Fishtechy Although Sowell had a deep love for fly fishing, his professional background took him into the tech industry. Throughout his adult life he has been developing web applications and mobile apps, leveraging his expertise to build solutions for a variety of industries. He is also the owner/operator of a campground in North Idaho, and he often found himself answering the same questions from guests about where to fish and what flies to use. In response, he created an AI-powered chat app that provided real-time fishing advice. While useful, the concept lacked a compelling hook—until one unforgettable moment on the water. The Proof Ball: An Idea Born on the River In the fall of 2023, while on a walk-and-wade trip on the Coeur d'Alene River, Sowell landed a 22-inch cutthroat trout—his personal best. Trying to measure it proved frustrating. Traditional measuring tools were cumbersome, and without a reliable point of reference, it was difficult to capture an accurate length, while also handling the fish with care. Determined to find a better way, he realized that a ball, being a perfect sphere, would provide a universal scale for measurement. That same day, he conceptualized what would become the Proof Ball. “There should be a standard, a way that people, if they want to measure fish, could do it easier. And that’s where the Proof Ball came from.” Building the Future of Fish Measurement and Handling Wasting no time, Sowell patented the Proof Ball and began developing the technology behind it. The system uses AI and image recognition to determine fish length with precision, eliminating the guesswork that often leads to exaggerated fish stories. "Its funny... the season before I invented the proof ball, I was catching a lot more 20 inchers then I do now!" He personally traveled across the U.S., attending fly fishing trade shows and meeting with over 200 retailers to refine the concept based on feedback. For Sowell, proper fish handling has always been a top priority. One of his key motivations for developing the Proof Ball was to reduce the stress placed on fish during measurement, allowing anglers to quickly and efficiently record their catch without excessive handling. The Proof Ball ensures that fish remain in their natural environment as much as possible, minimizing unnecessary air exposure and reducing mortality rates. By mid-2024, Fishtechy had trained its AI on over 1,000 measured fish, achieving a 90% accuracy rate. The Proof Ball and accompanying app officially launched in July 2024, and the company has been growing ever since. More Than Just Measurement: Conservation & Science Beyond helping anglers measure their catches, Sowell envisioned the Proof Ball as a tool for citizen science. Through the SMART Log feature, the app collects water temperature, atmospheric data, and fish size in real-time, creating a valuable dataset for fisheries and conservation groups. Fishtechy is currently forming strong partnerships with many conservation based organizations to support fisheries management and sustainability efforts. “ We’re not just building tools to help anglers measure fish—we’re creating a system that collects valuable data to benefit fisheries, conservation efforts, and the future of the sport.” Looking ahead, Fishtechy is expanding into saltwater fishing, species recognition, and AI-driven conservation tools, all while continuing to refine its core technology. Sowell’s commitment to fish welfare and responsible angling will remain at the heart of every innovation, with future products designed to further minimize fish handling and promote ethical catch-and-release practices. A New Era for Fly Fishing Fishtechy is constantly pushing the boundaries of angling technology, with ongoing advancements in both hardware and software. Their team is dedicated to developing new tools that will enhance the fishing experience while contributing to a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems. There are exciting innovations on the horizon. Fishtechy continues to refine its technology, focusing on making fishing more efficient, responsible, and data-driven. After an insightful conversation with Lawrence Sowell, it’s evident that Fishtechy is reshaping the future of angling. What started as a simple idea to improve fish measurement has evolved into a powerful tool for conservation, research, and responsible fishing. By combining AI and real-time data collection, Fishtechy is not just helping anglers—it’s building a foundation for better fisheries management and sustainability. Join the movement Visit Fishtechy at there website: Here Get your Proof Ball: Here Social Media: A search for Fishechy across the major platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will direct you to them, make sure to Follow along there for updates and content! This interview was conducted by The Fly Box  and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you in-depth stories, expert insights, and the best of the fly fishing community. Our content is always ad-free, never sponsored, and dedicated to providing unique, high-quality information. Subscribe today  and use promo code: "fishtechy"  at checkout for 15% off and we'll donate 25% MORE to charity for exclusive interviews, insider tips, and to support fly fishing charities with every subscription—50% of all subscription fees go directly to a different fly fishing charity each month!

Fly fishing has seen some incredible records over the years, from jaw-dropping fish catches to impressive feats of skill and endurance. Whether it's record-breaking fish or unbelievable accomplishments on the water, these ten fly fishing records are sure to amaze you.