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. π£
Hey Reader,
I've knocked more fish off the hook at the net than I'd like to admit. Usually, because I rushed it or went at them from the wrong angle.
This week's tip breaks down exactly what I learned about netting fish properly. It's one of those things that seems simple until you're standing there watching a good fish swim away.
Speaking of nets, I just finished building a complete gear guide. Put a lot of work into this one. It's what I'd actually buy today if I were starting from scratch, broken into three budget tiers.
If you're buying gear soon (or dropping hints to family π), check it out here.
Here's what actually helps. The most common problem is usually rushing. If a fish is still pulling drag and making runs, it's not ready yet. Wait until it rolls on its side or lets you guide it without much resistance. That's your signal.
When it's time, always try to go headfirst. Fish sprint forward when they panic. They can't swim backward well. So if you're coming at them from the side or tail, they'll bolt, and there's a good chance you'll miss the net. Instead, lead them headfirst into the net and they'll usually swim right in.
And once it's in the net, remember to keep it in the water while you get organized for that fishy photo. The more time they spend out of the water, the worse their survival rate gets. Let's do our best to #KeepFishWet.
I shared a video earlier this year where I botched netting a big brown. Multiple times. You'll see exactly what not to do, and then what it looks like when I finally slow down and do it right.
As fall rolls into early winter, sculpin become a key food source for bigger trout. The Muddler Minnow is a classic sculpin pattern that's been around for decades, and it still catches fish.
The oversized deer hair head creates a natural profile and pushes water when you strip it, which gets the attention of aggressive browns and rainbows. Fish it near the bottom in deeper runs or along rocky banks where sculpin hide.
Cast it out, let it sink, then strip it back in short, erratic bursts. Sometimes a long pause between strips triggers a strike from a fish that's been following.
This week's video is a little different from my usual teaching content. It's about why I started fly fishing in the first place and why I still come back when life feels overwhelming.
The season was resetting into fall, the river had reset after high summer flows, and I needed a reset too. Some days on the water aren't about cracking the code or catching a bunch of fish. They're about remembering what quiet feels like and letting the river remind you to slow down.
If you've been feeling heavy lately, this one's for you.
P.S. If thereβs one skill that keeps tripping you up β rigging, fly choice, reading water, whatever it is β book a Fix One Thing Session. In 60 minutes, weβll break it down and build a simple system you can use on your very next trip.
Note: Some links in this email may include affiliate links. I only recommend gear I use and trust. If you buy through these links, it helps support Confident Angler at no extra cost to you.