Introduction Catch-and-release fishing is now a widely accepted ethic among fly anglers—but that wasn’t always the case. Just a few decades ago, the idea of letting a perfectly good fish go was met with confusion, even resistance. Today, it’s considered a cornerstone of conservation. So when did that shift happen? And where did it start?

Introduction In fly fishing, there are few things as fundamental—and as overlooked—as knots. We learn them, memorize their steps, and tie them in the dark by feel. But while we may use them daily, few anglers ever stop to ask: where do these names come from? Fly fishing knots carry a secret language—one shaped by function, folklore, history, and personal legacy. Each name is a tiny window into the culture of the sport itself. This article explores the origins and oddities behind the names of the most commonly used knots in fly fishing and what they reveal about the heritage of angling. Clinch Knot Why is it called a Clinch? The name “clinch” comes from the Old English word "clencian", meaning “to hold fast or bind tightly.” It was used historically to describe fastening with a firm grip—something that captures the essence of this simple yet effective knot. The Improved Clinch Knot, a modern variation, is the version most anglers learn first. It's used to tie a fly or hook to a tippet and is prized for its ease and strength, especially with monofilament. Its name reflects function over flair—it’s not poetic, but it gets the job done. Blood Knot A violent name for a peaceful pursuit The Blood Knot's name dates back to its use in sailing and ropework, long before it was adopted in fishing. There are two theories about its name: That it resembles the twisting of arteries or veins. That it was used to tie together ends of a rope during injuries in battle (less likely). In fly fishing, the Blood Knot is a favored method for connecting two sections of similar-diameter tippet. Despite the name, it’s known for its elegance and symmetry. The interlocking coils make it strong and smooth—perfect for leaders passing through guides. Surgeon’s Knot Did it really come from medicine? Yes—sort of. The Surgeon’s Knot gets its name from its resemblance to the knots used by doctors to tie off sutures. In surgical contexts, knots must be secure, easy to tie, and able to withstand tension—just like in fishing. Fly anglers adopted the knot because of its ease and versatility, especially when connecting lines of differing diameters. The Double Surgeon’s Knot, its more secure cousin, is especially beloved for fast, strong connections under pressure. It’s a fitting crossover: both surgeons and fly fishers tie with precision, dexterity, and calm. Nail Knot Named for the tool, not the body part The Nail Knot is used to attach a leader or backing to a fly line, especially before the era of welded loops. It requires a cylindrical object—traditionally, a nail—to form its wraps. This knot exemplifies DIY ingenuity: early anglers used whatever was handy—nails, hollow tubes, or even coffee straws. While modern tools now help tie it more easily, the name remains a reminder of fly fishing’s practical, problem-solving roots. Palomar Knot One of the few knots named after a place The Palomar Knot wasn’t born in fly fishing—it was popularized in conventional angling circles but made its way into fly use for heavier tippet and bass fly setups. Its origin is debated, but the most accepted theory ties it to Palomar Mountain in California, where it gained popularity among early West Coast anglers. Its strength and simplicity made it ideal for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. Though more common in spin fishing, the knot shows how techniques often cross over into fly culture. Davy Knot A tribute to Davy Wotton, Welsh fly fishing legend This small, sleek knot is named after Davy Wotton, a competition fly angler and fly tier from Wales who moved to Arkansas and became an Ozarks fly fishing icon. He designed the knot for speed and minimal bulk, ideal for tight-lining and Euro-nymphing. The Davy Knot is a rare example of a knot named directly after its creator—something that’s surprisingly uncommon in fly fishing. Bimini Twist The most poetic name of all? The Bimini Twist originated in saltwater fishing, particularly in the Bimini Islands in the Bahamas. It’s a long, looping knot used to create a doubled line, offering increased strength for big game fish. Its elegance and difficulty have made it a badge of honor among saltwater fly anglers. The name evokes palm trees, turquoise flats, and tarpon tailing in the shallows—a far cry from the function-first naming of other knots. Conclusion Knot names in fly fishing are more than just labels—they’re a quiet record of tradition, geography, and invention. From the utilitarian Clinch to the place-rooted Palomar and the personal legacy of the Davy Knot, each one tells a small story about the people and places that shaped the sport. So the next time you tie one on, take a second to consider the name. There’s history wrapped up in that loop.

Introduction Before hashtags and reels, fly fishing was sold to the public in a different way—through illustrated postcards, train ads, and travel brochures. In the early 20th century, as America’s national parks opened and train lines expanded westward, fly fishing became a symbol of escape, class, and clean air.

Introduction Every March, the United States splits in two: those glued to basketball games, and those wandering into the woods with a fly rod in hand. But sometimes, those two worlds overlap. March is a prime month for both college basketball and fly fishing. The NCAA Tournament takes over the sports world—aptly named March Madness—while across the country, rivers begin to shed their winter ice, insects hatch, and trout start feeding more actively.

Introduction There was a time—not too long ago—when fly fishing wasn’t just a quiet pursuit tucked into river valleys. It was beamed into millions of living rooms. From the late 1980s through the early 2000s , fly fishing had a place on cable television, with dedicated shows, charismatic hosts, and dramatic footage of saltwater runs and backcountry battles.

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our free newsletter, which drops every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at noon —but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here ! March has been a strong month for gearheads in the fly fishing world. While not the biggest launch season of the year, several brands have rolled out high-performance products, reintroduced classics, and continued the push toward environmentally responsible manufacturing. Here’s a roundup of five new pieces of fly fishing gear that dropped this month — and a few hints about what’s on the horizon for late 2025 and beyond. 1. Lamson Liquid S HD Fly Reel Released: March 2025 Available at:   lamsonflyfishing.com Lamson’s new Liquid S HD brings a full-cage redesign to their popular Speedster series. Built for anglers who fish long leaders, use mono running lines, or need a stronger frame in salt and heavy freshwater applications, this reel features refined spool machining to shave off weight while maintaining rigidity. Available in 7+ and 9+ sizes, the S HD is built to handle big water and big fish — with Lamson’s signature sealed conical drag backing it up. 2. Snow Peak Fly Fishing Apparel Collection Released: March, 2025 (U.S. Launch) Available at:   snowpeak.com Known for sleek, minimalist outdoor gear, Japanese brand Snow Peak just entered the U.S. fly fishing market with a full apparel line. The collection includes modular fishing vests, insulated mid-layers, lightweight outer shells, and quick-dry base layers — all designed with Snow Peak’s clean aesthetics and ergonomic fits. This crossover into fly fishing marks one of the more unique expansions of 2025 and signals continued interest from broader outdoor brands in the sport. 3. Orvis Superfine Graphite Fly Rods (2025 Edition) More info at:   orvis.com The return of a classic. Orvis has reintroduced its beloved Superfine Graphite series — this time in line weights 1–5 — keeping the buttery-smooth action and full-flex feel that made it a fan favorite. These rods are tailored for small-stream anglers who value delicate presentations, traditional aesthetics, and a slower casting tempo. With updated cosmetics and construction methods, the 2025 Superfine is a love letter to glass-era graphite. 4. PFCs/PFAS Regulator® TechFace Fleece - Patagonia Highlighted: March 2025 Available at:   patagonia.com Patagonia continues its push toward sustainable performance gear with the new R2 TechFace Pullover. It features the grid-fleece warmth of the classic R2 with a tougher, more abrasion-resistant face fabric for active fishing days. The standout feature? It’s completely PFAS-free — a huge win for eco-conscious anglers. This is part of Patagonia’s larger goal to eliminate all PFAS “forever chemicals” from their products by 2025. 5. Bauer Fly Reels – New Model Drop Released: March 2025 Featured in:   Fly Fisherman Magazine’s 2025 Gear Guide Bauer’s newest reel — teased as part of their modernized performance series — made its debut in Fly Fisherman’s  2025 Gear Guide earlier this month. While details remain limited, early testers report improved drag range, sleek machining updates, and a move toward lighter, salt-ready builds. Bauer continues to stand out in the precision-machined reel category, and this new model is expected to hit specialty retailers later this spring. What to Watch For: Late 2025 & 2026 Gear Rumors Fly fishing brands have been relatively tight-lipped about late-year launches, but here’s what’s been teased across industry channels: Orvis  has hinted at expanding its Helios line further into saltwater applications with new tapers and potentially a 12-weight+ model built for big game. Scientific Anglers  is reportedly working on a new “clear-tip” stealth series of lines that may drop in Fall 2025. Simms Fishing Products  is expected to roll out an entirely reworked line of waders for 2026 with advanced seam welding and lighter, more breathable fabrics, likely to be unveiled at IFTD or early next year. Hardy  and Greys  are both rumored to debut a new rod series at the European tackle shows this fall, focusing on Euro-nymphing and ultra-light applications. Conclusion March has been a busy month in the world of fly fishing gear, with legacy brands refining classics and new players stepping into the river. Whether you're after performance, sustainability, or style, there’s been something for everyone hitting the market. As we head deeper into the season, expect more announcements, product drops, and innovations to follow. Stay tuned with The Fly Box  for the latest gear updates, in-depth reviews, and insider news — we’ll keep you in the loop, one cast at a time. This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our free newsletter, which drops every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at noon —but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here !

Tippet — the final, whisper-thin link between fly and fish — is one of the most essential and least understood components in fly fishing. Whether you’re tying on a size 20 dry fly or swinging a streamer, the tippet is the unsung hero of presentation, stealth, and strength. But where did this slender section of line come from? How did we end up with a system of numbers like 5X or 0X? And why do modern anglers have to choose between nylon, fluorocarbon, and more?

The phrase “lifetime warranty” has become a marketing staple in the fly fishing world. It's printed on boxes, slapped across websites, and dropped into conversations like a badge of honor. For many consumers, it’s a green light to invest in high-end rods, reels, and waders. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that the story behind these warranties is far more complex — and not without cost.

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: "Ry'sFlies"  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! If you’re into fly fishing and haven’t stumbled across Ry’s Flies CLT or the Trout Wrangler Podcast yet, consider this your invitation to get hooked. What started as a spark in a sixth-grade friendship has turned into one of the most exciting up-and-coming names in the fly tying and storytelling space. From Bass Boats to Backcasts: Ryan Geraghty’s Path into Fly Fishing Like many anglers, Ryan Geraghty didn’t start with a fly rod. Growing up, he was obsessed with any kind of fishing, but it was a sixth-grade friendship with Colton Harrell that truly set things in motion. That friendship led to countless days of pond fishing, and eventually to the purchase of a starter fly rod from Bass Pro Shops. One day, after landing over 50 panfish, Geraghty was all in. Throughout high school and college, he focused heavily on conventional bass tournaments. But every offseason, the fly rod made its way back into his hands. A post-college internship at a lake club in Cashiers, North Carolina, marked a turning point. With guidance from fellow guide Michael Parks, Ryan started spending more and more time on trout streams. After a move to Florida and with his bass boat out of commission, he bought an 8-weight rod and started chasing redfish and tarpon. Along the way, he connected with John Grasta—who not only helped him dial in his approach to Florida flats, but introduced him to fly tying. Since then, Ryan has been chasing everything from trout to tarpon with a fly in hand. The Tying Table: A Daily Ritual of Creativity Ryan Geraghty picked up fly tying in early 2024, and it’s quickly become a cornerstone of his daily routine. “I work a 6-to-3 schedule, so I’m at the vise just about every night,” he says. What began as a way to unwind after a stressful day now doubles as both a creative outlet and a growing side hustle. He ties custom orders regularly while still experimenting and evolving. Inspired by mentors like Brian Smith (The Fly Smith) and Cheech of Fly Fish Food, Geraghty takes pride in originality—often swapping materials or changing colors to make each fly distinctly his own. He keeps things fresh by throwing his own spin on established patterns, and his discipline and consistency show: “I try to tie at least once a day, sometimes five or six flies, sometimes just one.” The Trout Wrangler Podcast: Sharing Stories from the Water If you've ever talked your partner’s ear off about fly fishing, you’ll understand how this all began. “Honestly, it was to keep myself from bugging the hell out of my girlfriend,” Geraghty joked That idea evolved into the Trout Wrangler Podcast, now more than 25 episodes deep. The podcast highlights conversations with anglers from across the fly fishing world. One standout episode? A nearly two-hour chat with David from Very Good Fly Fishing that packed in insight, laughs, and perspective. Geraghty has since featured rising content creators, expert guides, and friends he met on the water, like the crew from Hatchwater Fly Co. “It’s about creating a space where anglers of all skill levels can come together. If you don’t learn something, at least laugh at something.” He records and edits all the episodes himself, leaning into his teaching and storytelling instincts. “I don’t try to be perfect or super polished,” he says. “I just want it to feel real.” Building a Brand: One Cast, One Connection at a Time Balancing fly tying, podcasting, social content, and a full-time job isn’t easy—but Geraghty keeps a grounded mindset. "Day by day, you do a little to achieve your goals," he says. Whether it’s editing a video, setting up a new episode, or simply casting a line, it all adds up. Despite the temptation to compare himself with larger creators, Ryan sticks to his own lane. "Rome wasn’t built in a day," he reminds himself. The reward? Authentic connections. From heartfelt DMs to chance encounters on the water, the community he's building keeps him going. He’s particularly inspired by the ways fly fishing brings people together, both online and in person. That’s part of the reason he’s diving deeper into content creation—from short-form Instagram Reels to YouTube vlogs covering fly shops, breweries, and rivers across the Carolinas. What’s Next for Ry’s Flies CLT The road ahead is packed with ambition. Ryan Geraghty has plans to feature Upriver Boatworks and a popular TV personality on the podcast, plus highlight Charlotte-based guides and local businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. He’s also working on a YouTube series to showcase fly shops, rivers, and breweries across Western NC. Merch is on the horizon, too—from hats and shirts to a Hornets-themed Ry’s Flies CLT sticker. Everything Geraghty is building centers on authenticity, connection, and giving back to the community that shaped him. And while everything he’s doing is self-taught and fueled by passion, it’s clear the future is bright. “I don’t have it all figured out,” he says, “but I know I love this. I’m going to keep showing up and seeing where it takes me.” Where to Follow and Support To keep up with Ryan Geraghty, follow @rys_fliesCLT on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube . For fly orders, email rysfliesCLT@gmail.com. A new website is in the works and will be announced soon. Ryan gives thanks to his family, girlfriend, friends Ry’s Flies CLT and the Trout Wrangler Podcast aren’t just passion projects—they’re community pillars in the making. 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: "Ry'sFlies"  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!

When the stars align and the bugs begin to rise, there’s no fly fisher in the world who isn’t drawn to the water’s edge. Hatches are the lifeblood of fly fishing — natural phenomena that transform calm rivers into feeding frenzies. But not all hatches are created equal. Some are so iconic, so utterly magical, that they’ve earned a place in fly fishing lore. Here are three of the best hatches in the U.S., organized by fly type, followed by one jaw-dropping hatch deep in Patagonia’s wild backcountry.

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our free newsletter, which drops every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at noon —but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox , Subscribe Here ! In the world of fly fishing, a good podcast can be the perfect companion for long drives to the river, slow days at the vise, or just when you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the sport. The challenge, however, is finding a podcast that not only delivers high-quality content but also posts consistently. Too often, a promising show will disappear after a handful of episodes, leaving listeners wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best and most consistent fly fishing podcasts available today. These shows are informative, entertaining, and, most importantly, reliable. Whether you're an experienced fly angler or just getting started, these podcasts offer something for everyone, from technical discussions to thrilling stories from the water. The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast Hosted by the legendary Tom Rosenbauer, this podcast is a must-listen for fly anglers of all skill levels. Covering everything from technique to conservation, Tom delivers practical advice alongside fascinating guest interviews. His passion for the sport and deep knowledge make this podcast one of the most trusted in fly fishing. The weekly Q&A episodes, where Tom answers listener-submitted questions, are particularly popular, offering real-time solutions to common fly fishing challenges in a personable and down-to-earth way. "I didn't really want to start a podcast, but our social media guy, Jamie Hathaway, convinced me to try it. I said, 'what use would a podcast be, fly fishing is such a visual pastime?' I don't think it was until we started taking and answering questions on the podcast that it really took off."  - Tom Rosenbauer "What keeps me going is that there is an endless bucket of interesting people in the fly-fishing world, or in fisheries science, some of whom are not well known in the industry but are doing some very interesting stuff. I get to highlight these people and also learn a whole lot myself in the process."  - Tom Rosenbauer Anchored with April Vokey April Vokey brings her wealth of experience and unique perspective to this well-produced and insightful podcast. She interviews some of the biggest names in fly fishing, covering their personal journeys, conservation efforts, and the evolution of the sport. What sets this podcast apart is April’s ability to make interviews feel like deep, personal conversations rather than formal Q&A sessions. Whether she’s talking with a fly fishing legend or a scientist studying fish populations, she brings a warmth and curiosity that makes each episode feel fresh and engaging. Untangled – Ventures Fly Co. Untangled is a refreshing podcast that focuses on making fly fishing more approachable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for solid advice or an experienced angler wanting to refine your skills, this show consistently delivers engaging discussions and practical tips to improve your time on the water. The hosts do an excellent job of breaking down complex topics—like fly selection and casting mechanics—into easy-to-understand conversations. They bring a relaxed and casual style that makes learning about fly fishing feel natural rather than overwhelming. "We started Untangled to literally do what the show's title says: make fly fishing easy to understand, and help it become something that's accessible to everyone. My favorite part from doing the show - aside from the dad jokes - is hearing from people who've used the podcast to help them catch fish on a fly rod."   - Spencer Durant, Ventures Fly Co. The Destination Angler Podcast If you dream about traveling to the best fly fishing destinations, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Steve Haigh, The Destination Angler dives deep into some of the most iconic fishing locations, featuring expert guests who share tips and insights on where to fish, when to go, and what to expect. Unlike other travel-focused fly fishing podcasts, this one doesn’t just scratch the surface—it offers in-depth breakdowns of each fishery, including fly recommendations, seasonal tips, and local guide insights. If you're planning your next fly fishing trip, this podcast is a must-listen. "I’m in the business of bringing joy to anglers around the world. Everybody loves hearing about top fly fishing destinations. It's like you've stepped into the local fly shop to sit down with the expert who answers your questions, gets you excited about fishing there, and shares a few great stories along the way."   - Steve Haigh, The Destination Angler Mill House Podcast For those who love saltwater fly fishing, the Mill House Podcast is one of the best in the game. Hosted by Andy Mill and his son Nicky, this show focuses on legendary anglers, guides, and industry experts. Their storytelling ability and deep respect for the history of the sport make each episode engaging and informative. The podcast is known for its long-form interviews that capture the adventures, struggles, and triumphs of some of the most respected names in the saltwater fly fishing world. Andy's background as an elite athlete also brings a unique perspective on the mental and physical aspects of the sport. So Fly Podcast Bringing a fun and relaxed vibe to the fly fishing podcast space, So Fly  is hosted by Mitch and Aldo who share their love for the sport in an engaging and entertaining way. Their conversations with guides, conservationists, authors, and fellow anglers make this podcast a great listen for anyone who enjoys a mix of humor, storytelling, and education. What makes So Fly  special is their ability to make every episode feel like you’re hanging out with friends at the lodge after a day on the water—lots of laughs, engaging stories, and fly fishing insights sprinkled throughout. They release shows on the 1st and 15th of every month on YouTube and wherever you find your podcasts. Mitch Duesling, Co-Owner/Host "Back in 2016 Mitch was writing a blog called "Drift" and wanted to see how to keep creating in the fly fishing space. they hatched the idea of So Fly as a way to learn more about the sport they loved." Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli, Co Owner/Host "For me, getting to work on So Fly changed my life. Although it started as a way to fish more, it quickly grew into a way to connect & celebrate the Ontario fly fishing community—its people, places, and fish. It made us all appreciate our home waters more and got us exploring our own backyards in a meaningful way. It's also brought us around the globe fishing for species we only dreamt of seeing as kids growing up and fly fishing in Ottawa, Ontario. We've explored, we've kept saying yes to opportunities, and although it's a lot of work, it's a lot of fun too. I think what keeps us podcasting is what keeps anyone fishing: that drive to discover the unknown and learn more about what's around the next bend."   - Aldo, So Fly Wrap Up No matter what kind of fly fishing content you’re looking for, these podcasts have something for everyone. They’re well-produced, feature engaging hosts, and, most importantly, they post consistently. Whether you’re looking for technical advice, travel inspiration, or just an entertaining listen while tying flies, these podcasts deliver. So next time you’re heading to the water or sitting at the vise, throw on an episode from one of these podcasts and get inspired! Happy listening and tight lines. This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our free newsletter, which drops every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at noon —but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox , Subscribe Here !

Introduction