Fishy Fridays by Confident Angler: One fly fishing tip, one fly to try, and one inspirational post to get you fired up to fish this weekend. 🎣
Hey Reader,
This is not a political newsletter, and I am not going to start talking about politics. But I feel compelled to say something about last week. To be honest, I am afraid I may upset someone, especially close friends who read this, but I cannot ignore what happened. I have to say something.
Just last week, a video of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee, was leaked showing her brutal murder in graphic detail. Two days later, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. That very same day, a student at Evergreen High School in Colorado shot two students and ended his own life. And I am sure there are more tragedies that I am not even aware of.
Each of these events was beyond tragic, horribly graphic, and pure evil. Period.
What has shaken me the most are the conversations playing out in society. I have seen videos, some with millions of views and thousands of likes, of people gleefully celebrating Charlie’s murder. And I have seen completely toxic arguments about Iryna and Evergreen.
My heart has been heavy all week watching this unfold. But it has also become obvious what is really happening. This is not just nasty politics. This is something much deeper, a spiritual battle on full display. It is not left versus right. That is a distraction.
In the middle of all this, I know our only hope is Jesus. He gave His life and rose again to bring forgiveness and peace. That is what I am holding onto, and I hope you will too.
I used to think that was such a silly, fantastical idea, but this year has completely changed my perspective. I can see him actively working in my life and the world now.
We truly are at a turning point, where things can either get much worse or where God can bring something good out of all this pain. So my prayer for you and our nation is that God will bring peace and return soon. I pray He brings protection. I pray He brings calm and a deeper understanding that only He can. I am praying for the good. I am praying for you.
Tippet is the thin, replaceable line that connects your leader to your fly. It protects your heavier leader, helps your fly drift naturally, and it’s the part you tie your flies to, so you can change them without cutting into your leader.
There are two main types. Nylon is cheaper, floats a little better, and ties knots easily, but it can weaken over time from sunlight and water. Fluorocarbon is stronger and more invisible in the water. It sinks a bit faster and costs more, but it lasts longer and resists abrasion.
Tippet sizes run from 0X (thick and strong) down to 7X (very thin). A simple guide looks like this:
0X–2X: Big streamers or strong fish
3X–4X: Main sizes for most nymphs or medium dries
5X: Good for smaller dries or lighter nymphs
6X–7X: Tiny dries or very picky fish in clear water
My go-to system is simple. I run 3X or 4X to my heavier point fly, then tie on 5X for the tag-end dropper above it. When I am fishing dries, I usually stick with 4X or 5X, only dropping to 6X for very small patterns. Carrying those core sizes and replacing them each season has kept me confident and helped me land more fish.
The Woolly Bugger might be the most versatile fly ever tied. It can imitate leeches, minnows, stoneflies, or simply serve as an attractor pattern that triggers fish to eat. Think of it like the “Snickers bar theory.” Trout may not be hunting for it, but it is such a big, tempting meal they often grab it anyway.
Fish it on 2X–4X tippet to handle aggressive takes. Cast across and let it swing, strip it back with short pulls, or dead-drift it like a nymph. Early fall is a great time to tie one on, especially in olive or black. If you want a confidence fly that just plain works, this is it.
My friend Tyson over at Leave No Trvce built a Pokémon-themed fly rod and reel. Yes, you read that right. It is creative, playful, and my kids thought it was the coolest thing they had ever seen. I love projects like this. They remind me that fly fishing does not always have to be serious. It can be art, play, and joy too.