Winter Steelhead Prep List - Are You Ready?

A Quick Gear Check Before Winter Steelhead Season

In some years, the transition from summer to winter steelhead can be almost seamless. This season, a series of Atmospheric Rivers across the PNW has hit the pause button—but it looks like we’re only a week or so away from rivers dropping back into shape.

That makes this the perfect window to go through your gear and make sure everything is dialed for the months ahead. A little preparation now pays off when conditions finally line up.

Here’s a simple checklist to jog your memory.

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Clothing

You fish longer when you’re warm. Take a hard look at the basics: blown-out heels in your favorite socks, gloves full of holes, or rain jackets that have seen better days. Check the status of jacket number one and the backup. It may not cool off next week, but winter is coming—get your layers and rain-gear sorted now.

• Socks and gloves: no holes, good grip

• Rain jacket: primary plus backup

• Wading layers: clean, dry, warm

• Bag extras: hat, neck gaiter, spare layer

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Tippet

This is one area where being proactive really matters. If your heavier spools of Maxima have been through countless wet/dry cycles and plenty of sun exposure, it’s time to start fresh. Tippet is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a critical link to the fish—and one you don’t want to gamble on.

• Replace old, sun-baked, or cycled tippet

• Check for nicks and stiffness

• Restock your core sizes

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Hooks

Like tippet, this isn’t a category to skimp on. Carry plenty of new hooks and check them after every snag. If it won’t stick in your thumbnail, swap it out. When swinging for winter steelhead, opportunities are limited even on good days. Fishing sharp, fresh hooks simply leads to more solid hook-ups and landed fish.

• Carry fresh hooks you actually use

• Check after snags

• If it will not stick to your thumbnail, swap it

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Backing

You may not see your backing often, but when you do, it matters—a lot. If you’re running Dacron and it’s been on the reel for years, consider replacing it. Dacron holds water and eventually degrades after repeated wet/dry cycles. Even with newer backing, it’s smart to peel some off and check for binding or damage from your last big battle.

Another solid upgrade is switching to gel-spun backing. It absorbs less water, offers far better abrasion resistance, and while it costs a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it.

• Old Dacron: replace if aged

• Pull some off and check for fray or binds

• Check backing knots and connections

• Consider gel-spun for durability

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Sink Tips

Step one: find them all. Some of those heavy winter sink tips may not have seen daylight in a while. Inspect each one for cracks, damaged loops, or wear. And if you’re missing a few you “loaned out” last season, now’s the time to replace them.

• Confirm lengths and grains

• Check loops and coating for damage

• Replace missing tips

• Pack one spare of your primary, go-to tip

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Running Line

Yet another critical link in the system. If you’re fishing a coated running line, check for cracks, worn loops, and loss of slickness. Mono shooting lines should be inspected for kinks or nicks—the kind of small issues that turn into big frustrations on the water.

• Inspect coated running lines for cracks, worn loops, and reduced slickness.

• Check mono shooting lines for kinks, nicks, or other damage.

• Replace or repair any issues now to avoid frustration on the water.

If you’re unsure about the condition of any of your gear, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you take a quick look and get things dialed before the rivers come back into shape.

Before you call it ready, give the small stuff a quick once-over. Replace any leader sections that are nicked or curly, and check swivels, rings, clips, and loop-to-loop connections for wear. Top off your winter fly box with sharp, rust-free hooks, and make sure your boxes still latch tight.

Quick “Do This Tonight” Mini List

1. Replace tippet and hooks
2. Inspect running line and sink tips
3. Check drag and backing connections
4. Restock one winter fly box 
5. Charge phone - set alarm(s) 

For safety and comfort, inspect boots and studs, gravel guards, and wading staff essentials. Finally, test your reel drag for smooth start-up, tighten anything loose, and rinse and dry your gear so it is ready when the rivers drop.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - December 16, 2025

Winter Steelhead

Well, this pretty much sums up the current situation!  The die-hards are super itchy to hunt for the first winter fish of the season, but aside from a few very brief windows, rivers have been out.  Locally, we're predicted to see another 1-2" of rain tonight and more on the way later in the week.  It's going to be pretty difficult to find any fishable water from the coast out to the eastern edge of the range of winter fish.  All the high water will definitely move some fish around and it should be good when things finally drop.....but it may be a bit!  It's going to be a good week to prep gear for the season ahead.  Check your backing, sink tips, hooks, etc.  Patch up your leaky waders.  Replace your warm socks with the heels blown out.   It's hard for steeheaders to sit on their hands at this time of year, but the prep work is never regretted when it's go time.    

Deschutes Trout

Wish I could say there was a sunnier outlook on the Deschutes for this coming week, but if the predictions hold, it's going to get pretty big.  Sometimes these giant systems coming in off the ocean lose most of their moisture before getting to the east side of the Cascades, but this one is giant.  It's going to rain quite a bit out east, too.  It takes a lot of water to make the Deschutes go up 5k+ in a short period of time, and it looks like we're going to get it.  Look for the river to drop back down toward average flows before you give it a try again.  

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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Friday's Featured Fly

Big Bonefish in certain destinations love big Flies! These are a few of our favorites for the Bahamas and beyond. Saltwater gear sales have picked up recently.  Weather changes increase the desire to find warm tropical water.  Searching for the big fish that call it home.  If you have not hunted for Bonefish before, you should put this on your bucket list.  Check out Sage's Limited Edition Grand Slam Salt R8 rod paired with a Sage Enforcer limited edition reel.  Our crew has a ton of Saltwater experience.  If you have questions, give us a call. 

No doubt about it.  Some of the best trout spey flies come in natural color schemes.  Aqua Flies' Trout Spey Intruder is a scaled-down, unweighted pattern tied in an intruder-style.  Buggy and wiggly.  This one gets it done!

Cooler fall weather has our minds wandering to the Caribbean. Salt season is upon us! Here’s one of Andros Island’s unofficial official bonefish flies.  The beefy RIO's Gotcha Clouser in size 2.  Simple and deadly!

It's getting deeper into fall, and many of the rivers in the northwest are filling up with coho.  If you're looking for a fly to strip on a single-hander or jig throughout the swing, check out the Starlight Leech Pink.  Heavy eyes to get down and work the twitch that love.

Callum's Gift Guide: 5 Picks I Actually Fish (2025/2026)

No catalog fluff here—I’ve put this gear through real days on the water. If you're hunting for the right gift for someone who swings flies, hikes the banks, or chases steelhead after work, this is your best starting point.—Callum

1) Sage R8 Spey

"Intuitive power, effortless distance."

"This is one of the best recent spey series Sage has launched. They realized that there isn't one specific action that is perfect for every fishery or scenario. Breaking the series into 4 distinct categories: switch, lightweight line speed, max versatility, and most powerful, allowed them to refine the taper to better suit particular fisheries. I've had the pleasure of fishing the 6130-4 in the lightweight line speed and the 8130-4 in the max versatility. The 6130-4 is a summer steelhead killer. I have loved fishing this rod with a Scientific Anglers Scandi on the Deschutes this summer. It has no problem throwing your smallest hair wings to the bushiest skaters into the lovely "W" that always seems to be around on the D. The 8130-4, while being the max versatile category, has been a winter workhorse for me. Paired with a shorter Skagit head, this rod will throw T-"Whatever" and a beefy intruder with ease. 

Notes: "The granite colorway of the Spey II reel is a perfect match for this series."

 Why is this gift worthy:

• Beautiful classic aesthetic  
• Usable power and feel
• Thin fore and ergonomic rear grip are my favorite in the industry 

Who's it for: "The spey angler that likes to have their cake and eat it too. Perfect mix of feel and performance."

 

2) Galvan Swing Reel

"When a fish of a lifetime is on the line, this is the reel you want to answer the call."

"Galvan is a fly reel manufacturer that is synonymous with durability and reliability. The Swing Series Spey Reel is no exception. Hands down, one of the best-made, purpose-built, dedicated spey reels available. The reel checks all the boxes: USA-made, Full Cage, fantastic backing capacity, bomber drag system, and no frills aesthetic. From the trout spey 2-3 to the 10+, there is a size swing reel that will be perfect for any spey rod setup."

Notes: "The 8-9 size is great on any rod 13ft and longer, regardless of the weight of the rod."

Why is this gift worthy: 

• Build quality that will last multiple lifetimes
• Great sound 
• Maintenance-free drag 

3) Echo Glass Spey

"Glass rods just want to have fun."

"I initially thought the Echo Glass Spey would be fun to fish for the novelty factor of fishing with a glass spey rod. I was blown away because not only are they fun to cast, but they also performed extremely well. The 6wt crushed it this summer season on the Deschutes. Paired with a 420-gr Scientific Anglers Scandi Lite, I never felt like I was missing out on casting distance. This rod also performed extremely well when fighting fish. The S2 glass blank allows you to maintain constant pressure without worrying about pulling a hook on a hot fish. Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish.

Notes: "One thing to keep in mind for the six and seven-weight rods is that they need to be paired with a heavy reel(16oz+) to balance out these rods."  

Why is this gift worthy: 

• Rod action that puts a smile on your face
• Surprisingly high line speed     
• Unique 

Whose this for: "Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish."

4) Thunderhead backpack

"Perfect size for all your essential gear."

"Regardless of season or conditions, the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is one piece of gear that I don't leave without. When luck favors the prepared, this pack allows me to cover all my bases. It has plenty of room for all my terminal tackle, water, snacks, "Uisge Beatha" and spare jacket/clothes for the unexpected swim or weather change. Being fully waterproof gives me the peace of mind that my gear will stay dry on those grey, damp days or running through rapids... as long as I remember to close the zipper. Being a Fishpond product, Fishpond accessories like Quickshot 2.0 or Net Holster integrate seamlessly with the pack, allowing the wearer to tailor their pack to their fishery's needs. 

Notes: "NewStream fabric that is made from 100% recycled single-use water bottles"  

Why is this gift worthy: 

• Integrates with Fishpond chest packs
• Submersible 
• Will work as a dry bag for rafting 

Whose this for: "Anyone who spends time out in the elements who likes keeping their gear dry."

5) Predator Puck

"Perfect way to store a handful of intruders, streamers or larger saltwater patterns."

"The beauty in swinging for Steelhead is that you don't need a lot of gear with you. A handful of flies, a couple of tips, and an optimistic attitude are all you need for a successful outing. When standing in a run, this puck is a perfect way to store your intruders. Holds more than enough flies for a given outing while being able to store them in a wide range of pockets. While I use this for Winter steel, any angler who throws big, meatier flies will enjoy this puck for storing and organizing their flies. 

Fishpond Predator Pucks and fly kits
Notes: "Pucks stack and snap together for greater organization."

Why is this gift worthy: 

• A gift that won't break the bank.
• Great stocking stuffer
• Keep other small items organized, like indicators, split shot, and swivels. 

Who's it for: "Great for spey anglers, who are impossible to shop for because they have everything already."

Whether you're gearing up for winter swings, stuffing stockings, or looking for a gift that will actually get used on the water, these picks won’t steer you wrong. Every item here has been fished hard, trusted, and proven worthy. If you need help dialing in the perfect choice, our team is always here to talk gear, rigs, and rivers.

— The Gorge Fly Shop Team

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Contact our Team

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - December 1, 2025

Deschutes Steelhead

Call it about a wrap on a great season.  You can certainly still find a fish or two out there, but the majority will have been around for a while....or a long while!  Can't say that the water temp has taken a huge nose dive yet, but that could happen any time soon.  If you try it again, focus on getting the fly down a bit and slowing your swing speed.  Unless we see an unlikely rise in water temp, call it a sink tip game.  

Deschutes Trout

Ideal conditions for trout fishing with a great extended forecast.  Lots of cloudy days = good BWO hatches and awesome streamer fishing!  Conditions couldn't be much better.  The water just hasn't gotten that cold yet.  Not nearly as cold as it could be, anyway.  You could catch fish on just about any preferred technique at some point during the day.  It would be wise to take advantage of the awesome fishing weather while it's still here.  It can be great in the wind and snow, too, but the travel is easy for the time being.    

Winter Steelhead

How quickly the steelheader's mind shifts gears!  We've already heard whispers of a couple winter fish on the coast.  That tends to be a fun factoid about a lot of the winter rivers with decent wild returns.  Their arrival times are highly varied.  This allows different batches of fish to successfully make a go of it throughout the extreme variation of water levels we see in the nest few months.  The begining of the season is a great time to get one on the swing.  The number of fish present isn't typically very high, but the water is on the warmer side for winter.  That always increases the odds.

This is an annual statement on our blog, but it's definitely "make your own report" season with regards to winters.  At this point, it's safe to say that every flow spike on the coast (and some other places) from now on will draw some fish.  Just like summer season, the first fish to hand is always one of the best!  If nothing else, it gets your head in the game.    

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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Charlie's Review: Rio Skagit Pickpocket Dredger

RIO Skagit Pickpocket Dredger Review – Charlie’s Take

Winter Steelhead on the Brain!

After a lengthy and excellent summer season, my brain is already wandering west. I might be jumping the gun a little, but the reality is that we are just a few storms away from the first winter fish showing up.  It's hard not to be at least a little excited! With this in mind, it's time to find all the winter gear including all the right heads that make things happen.  One particular niche head that immediately came to mind is the extra-heavy Rio Pickpocket in the "Dredger" S3/S5/S7 density.  

Pros

* It's Super Heavy - There are plenty of winter situations where getting the fly down fast is critical.  This is particularly true on smaller rivers with substantial flow.  Sometimes you don't have a lot of time to get the fly in the zone in a smaller spot.  If it's taking too long to sink the bug, you're above the fish, and most of them are not particularly prone to move way up in the column to grab a fly.  This head combined with a heavy tip and fly gets you in the zone immediately.  Perhaps more importantly, it's heavy enough to hold the fly at depth through the course of the swing.  This can be really hard to do with lighter heads in certain situations.  In heavy current, sometimes it doesn't matter if you buried your head 5' down before putting the fly under tension.  As soon as you do, you can see it raising up in the water through the swing.  Not ideal when you're trying to keep the fly at the level of the fish.  The Dredger is heavy enough to get down and stay down in most spots.

* Slow Swings - Considering how deep this one fishes, you're way below the faster surface current.  It helps you swing the fly about as slowly as you can maximizing the time a fish has to pursue it.

* Casts Shockingly Well - The Dredger is so heavy it probably scares people from buying it!  In spite of its weight, it's short enough that it's not difficult to pull out of the water when setting your anchor.  You can't let your anchor settle very long as the entire system is plummeting, but it casts incredibly well with a little adjustment to your timing.  Because of the 20' length, it's rather punchy for a head that's so heavy.  

* Great for a Second Pass - So you made it through the run with a floating Skagit or a lighter multi-density sinker and nothing happened.  If you're confident in that run, making a second much deeper pass with the Dredger is definitely worth a shot.  I had some success last winter hooking fish on a second pass with this head......and the same fly!  It can truly be a game of inches with cold winter fish.  Sometimes getting the fly just a little closer to them changes their mind entirely.  

“Of course, no specialty tool is perfect…”

Cons

* It's Really Short - This is more of a Pro/Con.  At 20', this one works best on rods 13' and under.  You can get away with it on slightly longer rods by leaving extra overhang, but it's intended use is with shorter sticks.  If an 8134 or 8136 is your go-to winter rod, this line is not the right one.

* Limited Offering of Grain Weights - You've got a 525 grain and a 600 grain to chose from.  Though this covers most shorter 7's and 8's, it would be nice if there were a few other sizes to chose from to accommodate a broader range of rods.    

“When winter fish are glued to the couch, this is the head that knocks on the door.”

In Summary

This head has become a great tool in the arsenal for winter fishing.  When the water is up but in and you need to get way down there, this is the head for the job.  Winter steelhead are moody and options are good!  Mixing this head into your program when the conditions call for it will certainly open the door to a few extra grabs this season.    

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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To Call or not to Call. That is the Question!

When a five-minute phone call saves you hours of research and the wrong gear.

3-4 minute read...

Shopping has changed.  And that's not always a good thing

The way we all make purchases has changed a lot in the last handful of years.  No two ways about it.  Online shopping was on a steady increase for years starting in the early 2000's.  And then Covid happened.  Many people began buying everything from groceries to their recreational equipment exclusively online.  Truth be told, a lot of those same folks never turned back.  The convenience is too hard to pass up.  With regard to fly fishing equipment, this works extremely well when you know exactly what you need.  That said, when you don't know all the specifics, this can lead to lots of unnecessary purchases or getting gear that ends up being the wrong stuff for what you're doing.

The hidden cost of all this convenience is that it’s easier than ever to buy the wrong thing:

• A reel that doesn’t balance your rod

• A line that doesn’t match your fishing style

• Waders that don’t fit how and where you wade

Individually, these might seem like small mistakes, but together they add up to real money, a waste of time and a lot of frustration.

A few quick questions with the right person up front can often prevent a whole pile of “almost right” gear from piling up in the garage.

 

The fly fishing world online is full of information....and plenty of misinformation

This is where it gets tricky for a lot of anglers.  There is an incredible amount of information on the web related to every sliver of fly fishing.  As of late, this has been augmented by the huge uptick in various A.I.-driven content.  The huge problem with this is that, with total information overload, it can be rather difficult to determine what information is accurate, what is one person's opinion, and in the case of A.I., what content is some combination of the two.   Not to say that there isn't plenty of great intel on the web.  There certainly is, but if you are new to fly fishing in general or trying a new technique or destination, it can be tough to determine fact from fiction.  

None of this means you should ignore the internet. Trip reports, basic how-to articles, and honest gear reviews can all be incredibly helpful. The key is using online information as a starting point, not the final word. Treat it as a way to get familiar with terms and options, then use that baseline to have a more focused, productive conversation with someone who has real on-water experience.

Trust live humans (and dogs) that actually fish!

When buying fly fishing tackle, there is absolutely no substitute for the insight of anglers that have a ton of on-water experience.  You can save yourself a lot of time, and often money, by picking up the phone and talking to the right person as opposed to sifting through countless websites, social media posts and A.I. blurbs.  When trying a new technique or destination, the internet can't replace the knowledge gained from real experience.

Nowhere does this ring more true than in the world of Spey fishing.  The majority of anglers that dive into Spey have some single-hand fly fishing experience, but getting into Spey can be like learning a foreign language.  At its core, Spey fishing is actually a very simple method compared to other techniques, but the lingo is unique and the similarities to single-hand fly fishing are few.  Throw in the added complications of different line systems, leaders and sink tips and it can be enough to make your head spin.  Needless to say, a new Spey angler trying to figure it all out on the web alone can get so twisted up they don't know where to begin.  

This is where a good fly shop shines. A knowledgeable crew can ask the right questions about your home water, casting style, travel plans, budget, and experience level, then narrow things down quickly. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of rods, lines, or flies, you get a short list of options that actually make sense for you. Over time, that relationship saves you money, cuts down on guesswork, and gets you on the river with gear that feels like it belongs in your hands.

 

Good help is hard to find. 

In Summary

There's a ton of great information on the web related to fly fishing gear, but don't rely on the internet as your singular source of intel. If you find yourself staring at a screen full of options and not sure what’s right, call the shop. We’re happy to talk Spey setups, trout rigs, or hand selected fly kits and get you pointed in the right direction.

Developing relationships with trusted fly fishing retailers is the fastest way to get the appropriate equipment for your chosen pursuit.  In the long run, that's the quickest and best way to be set up for success.  Keep in mind the fact that, in spite of it's tremendous advances, the internet and A.I. will never actually fish. At least we hope not!    

"In a world of algorithms and A.I.,
real fishing advice still comes from real people."

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team

541-386-6977

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John's Gift Guide: 5 Picks I Actually Fish (2025/2026)

It’s easy to talk about the things you love, and every item in this lineup has earned a permanent spot in my own kit. From high-octane saltwater rods to smooth, reliable reels, minimalist packs, bomber flats boots, and purpose-built fly lines, these are the pieces of gear I actually fish, trust, and recommend, no fluff, just honest truth.

1) Winston Air 2 Max 

"Fast Action, Easy Casting, Super High Performance"

"The new standard of what a saltwater rod should feel like. The best of both worlds, flex and feel with quick tip recovery equaling high line speed and accuracy. Easily place your fly accurately on shorter cast and yet, have the power to pick up for a quick re-cast with distance if necessary. Casting for distance is no problem, the Air 2 Max performs cast of 70 - 80' with nearly no effort. Has plenty of reserve power for greater distances and casting in windy conditions where high line speed is a must. Whether you're blind casting trying to cover as much water as possible or if you are tactfully sight fishing and only cast a dozen time in a day, the Air 2 Max will keep you fresh and ready to fish the next day."

NOTE: the Air 2 Max 6wt is an OUTSTANDING streamer rod!

Why It's Gift Worthy:

• Winston Flex & Feel in a true Saltwater taper.
• Rods range from 6wt (streamer, light saltwater) to 12 (big guns).
• Light in hand and an absolute pleasure to cast.

Who's it for: Any Streamer Junkie (6 or 7wt) to the tournament Silver Kings (Tarpon) fisherman and anything in between. There's an appropriate rod for what you love to fish for.

Purchase Now

2) Galvan Grip G-8

"Exceptionally Made, Fully Sealed Drag, Little Maintenance, Great Price."

"Not a "New" reel, but a great reel. Value for the money is refreshing. When it comes to saltwater reels specifically, quality and prices can vary. You could lose your mind buying a saltwater reel. They can be as expensive as your rod. The Galvan Grip combines very high quality with very nice price point for what you get. For me, my reel is a tool and it needs to do its job. The Galvan Grip has never let me down. The silky smooth sealed drag is powerful to boot. Big fish, whether on the flats or your favorite steelhead or salmon stream, require a smooth drag system. I also love the XL Drag knob for additional torque when needed and it just makes it easier to find the handle in the heat of the battle."

Why It's Gift Worthy:

• Made in the U.S.A. - Galvan's long track record of producing proven products.
• Powerful, Smooth Sealed Drag System.
• Large Arbor Spool Design Allows for greater line pickup.
• XL Handle for ease of finding and additional torque when needed.

Who's it for: BIG DREAMS shouldn't necessarily come with BIG PRICE TAGS. Anyone in need of a quality reel that won't empty their savings account is a prime candidate for a Galvan Grip reel. A lot to love here!

Purchase Now

3) Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar - Small

"Ultimate Waterproof Hip Pack, Light & Compact, Built for Comfort."

"If you're like me, the bigger the pack the more I tend to carry, even if I don't need it. I bought a smaller hip pack for "Force" me to downsize and carry on the essential items for the moment. The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Small pack has been "Perfect" for me. I added the Fishpond Water Bottle holder to the belt to keep me hydrated, which is important and absolutely necessary! I can fit several fly boxes, an assortment of leaders and tippet material, small tube of sunscreen, lip balm, sun glasses cleaner, fly line cleaner, my cell phone, and more in this little gem. By thinking and condensing and only taking the absolute essentials with me I have been able to cut the weight of my pack considerably. This is a great thing when you are on the flats all day."

Why It's Gift Worthy:

• 100% Waterproof with its self-healing TRU-Zip Zipper. You can't squeeze the air out of the pack when it's fully zipped!
• Accessory attachment points allowing you to "Add On".  Think, Water Bottle Holder, Pliers, Tippet Holders...
• Light padded shoulder strap with tool attachment points.

Who's it for: Anyone fishing the flats anywhere in the world. It's for the minimalist fisherman who only wants to carry the essentials.

Purchase Now

4) Korkers Salt Sneaker Wading Boot

"Ultimate Comfort, Quick Drying, Durable."

The Korkers Salt Sneaker has been a very popular flats boot since it was introduced late 2024 early 2025 and in it's short history has proven itself. A very comfortable boot that you can easily spend all day in. It's grippy traction is also a plus. Made of  Abrasion Resistant and Hydrophobic materials that are durable and quick to dry. Probably the most comfortable flats boot on the market today.

Why It's Gift Worthy:

• Amazing Comfort
• Quick Drying to help prevent spread of invasive species
• Durable

Who's it for: The flats aficionado that travels the world or the first time flats fisher. Although I have not yet tried them while carp fishing, my expectations are that they would work well unless your in thick mud.

Purchase Now

5) Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus

"Extended Head Length, Half Size Heavy, Cast Long Leaders With Ease."

Fishing the flats for Bonefish is challenging. You're almost always dealing with some kind of wind or any number of other variants. Having a line half sized heavier allows you to cast better in those windy conditions. It's very important to present your fly well, especially over spooky fish. Imagine if you will, you're on a flat, you see some Bones working your way, the wind is howling and you have one shot to cast well in front of them so as not to spook them. The wind is coming right at you off your strong hand side, your cast will most likely be a cack handed one. To keep your fly on target, you'll need a line that loads your rod quickly and cast better in the wind.  You'll need to have tight loops to help penetrate that wind. A good double haul is helpful and comes into play as well to help with your line speed. Success, you got the job done and the Bonefish ate. Fish on! Anyone who has ever fished a flat for Bones in windy conditions understands the value of a intentionally designed fly line to help the angler seize the moment. That combined with a good cast, mission accomplished.

Why It's Gift Worthy:

• Intentionally designed with a long head for use with longer leaders, yet delivers the fly delicately.
• Features AST Plus Slickness Additive which increases shooting ability and makes the line more durable.
• Designed specifically for tropical situations with a stiff core for castability.

Who's it for: Anyone heading to flats where Bonefish like to feed. Cast with confidence. Although specifically designed for tropical Bonefish, I believe that it would work well in warmer climates for species like carp.

Purchase Now

"It's easy to talk about the things you love. Every product listed below is in my personal arsenal. I use them and I love them. No fluff, just honest truth." - John

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Closeout Gear |  Contact Us

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