Fly fishing isn’t slowing down—and neither is everything happening around it.  From major hatchery investments and new fishing regulations to exploding social media trends and game-changing gear launches, May 2025 packed a punch.

The American auto industry didn’t just put a nation on wheels, it quietly changed the way we fish. From backcountry access to bamboo rods built in Motor City, here’s how fly fishing hitched a ride with America’s car culture.

This piece is part of Sunday Cast, a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better. Kevin Wolfe | Sunday Cast | Casts That Care Let’s get something straight: most beginner fly fishing kits aren’t designed to help you fall in love with the sport. They’re designed to make you fall in love with the brand , and drain your wallet before you even know where to cast. You crack open the box and find a rod that feels like a broomstick, a reel that sounds like a pepper grinder, and flies that look like they were tied by someone who’s never fished a day in their life. And somehow, all of that still costs you $200. We can do better. What I'd Actually Put in a Beginner Kit (That Doesn’t Suck) 1. A Real Rod with a Real Warranty You don’t need something fancy—just something that works. Start with a 9-foot, 5-weight rod. It's the most versatile setup for trout, bass, panfish, even light saltwater. Must-have:  Lifetime warranty. Because rods break, and when they do, you’ll want that covered. Good options:  Orvis Clearwater, Redington Classic Trout, Moonshine Drifter. 2. A Reel That Does Its Job (And Nothing More) At this stage, your reel’s job isn’t to fight 30-inch browns. It’s to hold your line and not rattle like a toy. You want durable, simple, and affordable. Look for:  Large arbor, disc drag (even if you won’t need it yet). Suggestions:  Redington Crosswater, Echo Base, Orvis Encounter. 3. Weight-Forward Floating Line (Pre-Rigged, Please) Most beginner frustrations come from bad fly line. You want a weight-forward floating line —the most universal line for learning. And make it pre-spooled with backing and leader . The less setup confusion, the better. 4. Tapered Leaders That Are Easy to Tie On Skip the confusion of building your own leader system. Just start with 9-foot tapered leaders  in 4X  or 5X . They’re universal, easy to loop on, and strong enough for most freshwater fishing. Throw in one extra spool of 4X or 5X tippet, and you’re good to go. 5. Flies That Actually Catch Fish (Not Just Look Pretty) You don’t need 40 flies. You need six proven patterns  in different styles that cover surface, subsurface, and streamers. Here’s the lineup: Parachute Adams (size 14–16)  – A do-it-all dry fly. Imitates almost any mayfly. Easy to see on the water. Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16)  – Floats high, catches fish when nothing else will. Classic dry fly for fast water. Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14)  – Natural, subtle, and deadly below the surface. Works almost anywhere. Squirmy Wormy (pink/red, size 12–14)  – Controversial? Sure. But if you want a tug, this one delivers. Woolly Bugger (black or olive, size 8)  – The Swiss Army knife of flies. Fish it like a streamer or dead drift it. Hare’s Ear Nymph (size 14)  – Buggier than the Pheasant Tail. Another must-have classic for under the surface. That gives you dry flies, nymphs, and a streamer, and covers 90% of freshwater situations a beginner will face. 6. Basic Tools That Aren’t Trash Nippers  – For cutting line. Attach them to a zinger so they’re always there. Hemostats/forceps  – For removing hooks cleanly. Bonus if they have scissor jaws. Floatant  – Keeps your dry flies from sinking after a few casts. Get gel-style for beginners. Why Most Starter Kits Miss the Mark Because they’re not built by anglers. They’re built by marketers.And when you’re learning something new, especially something as nuanced as fly fishing, your gear should make the experience easier—not more confusing or disappointing. Give someone a decent rod, a line that casts well, and a fly that actually catches fish—and they’re hooked for life. Give them a pile of generic junk—and they’ll give up before their first good drift. Final Cast One day I might put together a real Fly Box Beginner Kit. And if I do, it’ll look a lot like this, gear with purpose , not fluff. Because the first time you lay a fly down perfectly? That’s what makes a fly fisher. Not the box it came in.

From drift boat trays to gallery walls, the humble fly has evolved beyond its utilitarian beginnings. For centuries, anglers have tied flies to deceive fish. But there exists another lineage of fly tying, one not born of stream side necessity, but of expression, symbolism, and protest. These are the flies that were never meant to catch fish. And yet, they might be shaping the future of fly fishing more than we realize.

Last week, a major piece of legislation dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) passed through the House of Representatives by a razor-thin margin. While the bill has drawn attention for its sweeping reforms across energy, economics, and federal oversight, we wanted to take a closer look through a different lens: fly fishing, fishing in general, and the greater outdoor recreation industry.

In an age where online retailers dominate gear sales and Amazon can ship a fly rod faster than your local shop can ring it up, fly shops across the country are evolving. But they’re not shutting their doors, instead, they’re opening their benches.

In the world of fly fishing, independent fly shops have long served as the heartbeat of local angling communities. These establishments don’t just sell gear, they provide real-world advice, stories, and a sense of place you won’t find in a big box. But when it comes to brand partnerships, many of these shops are stuck in outdated, one-sided endorsement structures. It’s time to rethink that relationship.

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 real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "biotip15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. In an industry where innovation often chases performance, one company has shifted the focus toward sustainability without compromising quality. Meet Biotip : the world’s first fully biodegradable fly fishing tippet designed to disappear after  it disappears from your reel. We sat down with the team to learn more about how it all started, what makes Biotip so different, and why this little spool might just spark a big change in the fly fishing world. The Origin Story: From Frustration to Innovation The idea behind Biotip was born out of frustration—not with fishing, but with what was left behind. “We saw too much waste on the water,” the team shared. “Not just tippet, but all kinds of fishing line. Traditional monofilament can last hundreds of years. We started asking: what if we could make something just as strong, but designed not to last forever in nature?” What began as a question became a full-fledged mission, and in early 2023, Biotip officially launched. The team, composed of lifelong anglers and materials science experts, pulled from their backgrounds to create something the sport hadn’t seen before. Designing the Impossible Creating a biodegradable tippet that doesn’t fall apart on your reel sounds like a paradox. But Biotip found the balance through a proprietary plant-based polymer. “It behaves just like traditional mono while you fish—strong, abrasion-resistant, UV-stable—but it breaks down naturally in soil or water within 5–10 years,” they explained. Some anglers might ask, "If it breaks down in nature, won’t it break down faster in the water?" Biotip says no. The tippet holds up perfectly for 18–24 months when stored correctly, far longer than most anglers keep a spool on their pack. And when it finally does get lost to the elements? It begins to degrade gracefully . Debunking the Myths Convincing skeptical anglers that "biodegradable" doesn’t mean "weaker" has been a major hurdle. "We focused on real-world performance first. Our 5XB matches traditional 5X in strength, with a slightly thicker diameter for integrity. We’re still working on diameter improvements, but in terms of tensile strength and knot reliability, we’re right there. Once people try it, they get it." Their strategy? Let the product speak for itself. And back it up with data. Branding Built for the Modern Angler Biotip didn’t just reimagine tippet—they rethought how it should look and feel. “We wanted the brand to feel bold, clean, and forward-thinking,” they said. That extends to their 100% compostable packaging, right down to the spool. The goal? To make sure your gear reflects your respect for the places you fish. On the Water: What Anglers Are Saying So far, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. "We constantly hear things like, 'It performs just like what I’ve always used, but I feel better about it,'" they said. Some early skeptics have even become their biggest supporters. There are a few notes about sizing, since Biotip tippet runs a bit larger than standard. But the strength ratings match, and most anglers adjust without issue. Guides and fly shops across the country are taking notice, offering Biotip as a high-performance, low-impact option to their customers. Small Spools, Big Impact When asked about the environmental impact, the answer was clear: it adds up. "Tippet and leader are some of the most common types of fishing waste. If even a portion of the community switches to biodegradable options, the long-term reduction in microplastics is huge." The same material used in Biotip is already being tested in ghost nets in Norway and Korea, which hints at something bigger: a fishing future with less plastic, not just in fly fishing, but across the entire industry. What’s Next for Biotip? The team is far from finished. A biodegradable leader  is in the works, and they’re exploring new ways to bring sustainable thinking into every corner of fly fishing—from packaging and apparel to tackle. You can meet the Biotip crew in person at ICAST 2025 , where they'll be connecting with anglers, shops, and innovators alike. Where to Find Them If you want to follow Biotip’s journey or try it yourself, head to Biotippet.com or follow them on Instagram and TikTok @biotip. Whether you’re new to the sport or a lifelong trout bum, this is one product you can feel good about tying on! "You won’t notice a difference. But the planet will." - Biotip Team 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 real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "biotip15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts.

The 2025 FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championship is officially underway in the Czech Republic, and all eyes are on Team USA as they cast their lines in pursuit of gold. Often dubbed the “Olympics of Fly Fishing,” this prestigious event gathers elite anglers from across the globe to compete in five challenging sectors, four rivers and one lake, testing their adaptability, precision, and technique in diverse water conditions.

Earlier this year, we reported on a concerning provision in the House's budget reconciliation bill that proposed selling off approximately 460,000 acres of public land in Nevada and Utah.

This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better. Most fly shops today are in trouble. Skyrocketing rent, big-box competitors, and online sales have chipped away at what used to be the heartbeat of local fly fishing communities. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If I owned a brick-and-mortar fly shop, I’d rebuild it around value—not just products. Here’s exactly what I’d do to not just survive, but thrive . 1. The Local Intel Subscription Let’s face it—fly anglers don’t need more flies. They need better info. And right now, the most valuable part of most fly shops is that little chalkboard on the wall with scribbled notes from guides who were out yesterday. So why is that board locked inside a building? I'd turn it into a subscription service. Real-time fishing reports (written by humans , not scraped from the web) Updated every 2–3 days Includes rotating maps of productive zones Delivered to your inbox, not hidden behind the counter This is not just for locals, weekend warriors, and snowbirds who want boots-on-the-ground info. The subscription pays for itself in missed skunks alone. 2. Fly Boxes That Just Make Sense Forget subscriptions. I’d keep it simple. Pre-packed fly boxes, ready to grab off the shelf at the register. Saltwater Summer Box From The Fly Box Each one would be: Intuitive Seasonally relevant Designed for wherever you’re fishing Heading out this weekend? Here’s the box you need. No overthinking. No signing up. Just flies that make sense, Pre Packaged and sols at the counter when you need them most. 3. Make the Shop a Destination This is the heart of it. Your fly shop shouldn’t feel like a store. It should feel like the clubhouse . I’m talking: Free casting lanes (not tucked away—centerpiece stuff) Beer on tap from a local brewery Weekend fly tying demos Movie nights on a drop-down screen Birthday parties for kids that want to tie their own fly and catch their first fish Yes—people are already doing this. Fly shops are hosting movie nights once a year, and hosting casting/tying events once a month. But the key is committing  to it. Every fly shop should feel like you want  to stay there even if you’re not buying anything. For the same reason people drive by a driving range and stop to "hit a few balls" or a kid wants to go to the batting cages for their birthday; the fly shop should be a destination! 4. The Fly Lab: Test, Trade, Tie, Talk This is where retail gets hands-on . Picture a dedicated corner with: A mini casting lane for rod testing A water tank with current to watch fly action A formal trade system for used gear Communal tying benches where locals can walk in and spin bugs The trade system? That’s the secret sauce. Let customers bring in lightly used gear, price it through the shop, and take credit toward new equipment. Or, create an entire selection of "locally pre owned gear" people who have used the gear in your area, and it gets priced by the experts at the shop. This creates a local vibe, and no one gets ripped off! It keeps gear moving, builds trust, and brings budget-conscious anglers into the shop. And the Fly Lab doesn’t need to be fancy. Just real tools, in a real corner of the shop, that bring people together. 5. Rethinking the Brand Relationship Fly shops shouldn’t be bound by outdated endorsement models. I’d flip the script: Local Co-Branded Gear, Rooted in Place Work with established manufacturers like Orvis or Simms to make small-run, exclusive products that celebrate the region , not the shop name. Think a hoodie designed around YOUR local river or a reel engraved with a backcountry hotspot no one outside the area knows. You commit to the customer base, they handle the manufacturing. You both win, and the gear actually means something  to locals. Affiliate-Style QR Kickbacks When a shop doesn’t have something in stock, the customer should still have a reason to stick around. They scan a QR code, buy directly from Orvis through the shop’s affiliate portal, get a small discount, and the shop gets a solid cut. It keeps customers inside the shop’s and the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Support the Smallest Brands This one I am really excited about, and may be the easiest one to implement! I’d would carve out shelf space for microbrands—those 500-follower accounts making gear in a garage 20 miles down the road. Partner with them to create co-labeled gear. You get unique inventory and a compelling story to tell, and they get a launchpad. For them, that kind of exposure is gold—and for you, it’s authentic local value that can’t be mass-produced. Final Cast Fly shops will die if they only try to sell things people can get online. But they’ll thrive if they focus on what the internet can’t  offer: community, conversation, and context. If I ever open a fly shop, it won’t be because I want to sell flies. It’ll be because I want to build something people can’t help but be a part of. See you at the shop.

In 2016, something big happened in the world of outdoor retail: Bass Pro Shops bought Cabela's in a deal worth around $5.5 billion. Two of the biggest names in fishing, hunting, and outdoor gear became one. But how did we get here, what’s happened since, and what does it all mean for the future of the industry?