(left) Lake Fork Taxidermy |
(left) Sage 690-4 XP Rod Price: $595 This graphite rod is perfect for the delicacy of freshwater fishing. The 9-foot gold standard weighs in at a mere 3 9/16 ounces and features a handmade handle of Flor-grade Portuguese cork. The graphite couples control and accuracy with a quick-loading line. Like most high-quality rods, it has a lifetime warranty. (Available at www.sageflyfish.com) photography courtesy of Sage Manufacturing (right) Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoots Price: $425 For the cost of a small boat, these third-generation Gore-Tex® waders are breathable and waterproof—and when you’re fishing for trout in 45-degree water, that can make all the difference. They have a hand-warmer pocket for chilly days or camera storage. With 20 sizes to choose from, there’s a perfect pair for every fly-fisher. (Available at www.simmsfishing.com) photography courtesy of Simms |
Classes
Learn how to swim a fly at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s. Both offer classes for beginners that cover equipment basics, casting techniques, and fly-tying. Complimentary classes at Bass Pro
Shop are every Wednesday night as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and Cabela’s offers free 3-hour classes every fewweeks. Learning how to cast a line from the pros: $0. Catching
your first big one: priceless. (Bass Pro Shop: 972-724-2018, www.basspro.com; Cabela’s: 817-337-2400, www.cabelas.com)