First Impressions - The New Fiberglass Superfine Fly Rod

August 19, 2022 Panfish On The Fly

The new Orvis Superfine Glass fly rods fish as good as they look.

Constructed using S-2 fiberglass, they are some of the smoothest casting rods I have ever handled. Behind that smoothness is a strength that adds a little punch to your cast and gives you the power to lay into a good fish. Many fiberglass fly rods cast like a wet noodle, not these new Superfines. Orvis rod designers snuck some design components of their popular Helios series into these new rods. As a result, they are sleek and modern yet retro looking at the same time. Fiberglass junkies will love these new rods!

Five Reasons To Start Fly Fishing

February 9, 2022 Panfish On The Fly

Panfish are the perfect target for the beginner fly fisher!

There are probably dozens of reasons to pick up fly fishing as a new hobby. I have narrowed down that list to my top five to keep things short and sweet. Have you been thinking about learning how to fly fish? Read on.

The Gartside Bass Bug

February 3, 2022 Panfish On The Fly

The Bass Bug may be one of jack’s lesser known flies but it is just as effective as his well known Gurgler pattern.

Jack Gartside is known for many iconic fly patterns like the Gurgler, The Sparrow, and the Soft Hackle Streamer, just to name a few. Jack was a prolific fly designer and produced hundreds of unique fly patterns. Over the last few seasons, I have been tying and fishing some of Jack's lesser-known flies. The subject of today's post is one of those flies, the Gartside Bass Bug.

The Mop Gurgler

January 26, 2022 Panfish On The Fly

Flies using dust mop material have been around for years now. Mop flies are embraced by some and scorned by others. The argument about them still rages, but the one thing that cannot be disputed is that the flies tied using mop material catch fish, a lot of fish!

The Perfect Panfish Fly Box - A Minimalist Approach to Fly Fishing

January 5, 2022 Panfish On The Fly

For me to be comfortable leaving a bulging vest behind, this single fly box that can slip into a shirt pocket must contain everything needed to guarantee success on the water.