COMMUNITY

Vision Quest: Fly-Rodding Phenom Maxine McCormick Wins Big

Fly

She collects rubber-band bracelets, likes sporty, checkered tennis shoes and the thrill of a springy trampoline. One more thing: She just happens to be the best female fly caster in the world. Her name is Maxine McCormick. And she is 15. That’s right, f-i-f-t-e-e-n. She’s not old enough to drive,...

Two-handed Techniques for Fall Salmon, Steelhead

Fly

While swinging flies with two-handed rods the typical approach is a consistent, level swing through a long run. Repetitively sweeping the fly across the nose of a salmon or steelhead and pushing them farther back into the tail-out of the pool is usually the best chance to elicit an anger...

A Few Tips for the Hearty Smallmouth Bass Angler

Conventional

Editor’s Note: This week, we turn to TFO Ambassador Burnie Haney for a few tips on fishing for late-fall smallmouth bass. Enjoy. When the water drops below 50 degrees, it’s the best time to down-size your presentation for consistent rod action throughout the day. In central and northern New York, our...

Casting Carolinas Gives Cancer Survivors Hope

Fly

Cancer. It's everywhere. And it affects everyone. In 2018, 1.7 million Americans will contract some form of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 600,000 will die from it. “Cancer is evil,” TFO advisor Wanda Taylor said. “We detest it.” Science can help prevent cancer. Compassion can help...

Lessons Learned While Learning to Row

Fly

Nearly 25 years ago, I had visions of being a fly-fishing guide. I went to the Western Rivers Guide School and did well. I could cast. I could read the water. I knew the bugs. I thought I had the curriculum wired. Until I tried to row a drift boat....

Things to Know Before Your Guided Fishing Trip

Fly

I’ve taken dozens of guided fishing trips – from as far west as Montana to as far south as the Virgin Islands. Most of the trips have been good. A few, have not. I have guided and been guided, so I’ve been on both sides of the skiff. I’ve worked...

TFO Ambassador Tucker Smith Basking in the Glow of a Championship Run

Conventional

TFO Ambassador Tucker Smith helped Briarwood Christian win the 2018 Mossy Oak Bassmaster High School National Championship this past summer. The Birmingham, Ala. resident joined with Briarwood Christian teammate Grayson Morris to prevail in the prestigious Paris, Tenn. event. Smith chatted with TFO blog editor Mike Hodge about his championship...

Five Tips to Catch Flood Tide Redfish

Fly

The sun came up early. After a long drive from the North Carolina mountains to the beaches of north Florida, I was dog tired. But I got up to go fishing anyway. The allure of tailing redfish on the marsh is intoxicating. Sleep would have to wait. I arrived at...

Rod Repair 101: The Basics of TFO’s Warranty Program

Fly

TFO has offered the same warranty on all its fishing rods since being founded in 1995. Today, Parts & Service program is a core part of our business and an area that we’re constantly working to improve, so that it represents another value-based reason to be a TFO angler. When...

The Trials and Tribulations of Trailer Ownership

Conventional / Fly

I plugged in the last wire into the trailer hitch as darkness descended. Moments from cranking the ignition on my Jeep, I realized the moment of truth had arrived. Either the lights were going to work, or they weren't. It was a zero-sum game I played for several weeks while...

The Basics of Bonefish: What You Need to Know

Fly

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the beauty and grace of the tarpon. This week we turn to another pillar of saltwater’s Big Three --- the bonefish. And there’s no better authority on the grey ghost than Bjorn Stromsness, who has spent more than his fair share of time on...

Tactics for Stubborn Summer Trout

Fly

Summer traditionally is a time to enjoy the outdoors. Anglers enjoy the longer days. Trout? Not so much. Of course, this scenario depends on geography. Western trout thrive; southeastern and mid-atlantic trout struggle with summer’s swelter. But this is not to say that non-western fishermen should hang up their waders...