The Atlantic Salmon Fly Passion

When water temperatures are just right, my first flies out the box will be dry flies. Dry flyfishing has got to be the most exciting way to fish for Atlantic salmon!   "But two-handed rods are too cumbersome and not fit for casting and dead drifting dry flies...." Most salmon anglers I've spoken with would agree with that statement. I believed the same in the beginning, but with practice, I've come to realize that it can be done. A lot easier than most think too! In some situations a 2 hander can be limiting. Smaller rivers, for example, are better suited to single hand rods whether it be for dry fly or wet fly fishing, but for larger rivers, 2 hands are better than one!   In this blog, I'll break down my preferred tools; rods, lines, leaders, and fishing methods that work for me. Hopefully this can be a starting point for those who would like to attempt to fish dry flies for Atlantic salmon using a two-handed rod. Two-handed Fly rods  In today's golden age of...

  I have cast many two-handed rods and reels in hopes of finding what equipment best suits my style of casting and fishing. My two-handed journey seemed to edge towards the rod tapers and reels made or designed in the United Kingdom.  The Brits have always had a knack for producing long lasting, practical fishing gear that gets the job done. Gaelforce is no exception: their rods and lines are of superior quality and will exceed the expectations of the beginner or seasoned professionals. I am a fishing caster, which is to say that I will adapt my casting style to the fishing conditions presented in real time (competition casting isn’t really on my radar, but I do look to these professional casters for inspiration and to see what are the latest trends in equipment and techniques that are pushing the boundaries). Gaelforce two-handed fly rods and lines have garnered a lot of attention among the two-handed competition casting and fishing communities the last few years - some of th...

If someone were to open my backpack during a days fishing, they'd find as many fly boxes as can fit! I love to tie, fish, or just look at flies. I'll probably use only a dozen flies or so during a day, but I like to have the choice of which, close at hand for when the right fly for the right moment is needed.  If you dig past the boxes, you'll find another essential item...an espresso maker! Nothing like the smell of brewing espresso when on a wild river! Those who fish with me, will know there'll be a break or two for a shot. Lavazza Cremosa is the Italian espresso of choice and some homemade biscotti to dunk of course!  Greg dropped the canoe 50 feet from our last drop. Close to the spot where he had landed a nice spring salmon the evening prior. It took a large tube fly we call "the Pork Shoulder Sangwich".  More about that fly in a future blog.....   I asked what fly he had on as he stripped line out to start his drop. "PORK SHOULDER SANGWICH...TABLE ...