The term Blue Lining usually refers to fishing small, often remote, trout streams for native or wild fish. I had a craving for a little blue lining myself but at the height of "leaf season" here in New Jersey, fishing our small wild trout streams that flow through hardwood forests is an exercise in futility, at least until the leaves are off the trees. That being the case, a different kind of blue lining was in order. I headed to where trees have needles instead of leaves, the Pine Barrens.
Read moreDon't Hang Up That Fly Rod Just Yet!
Many warm-water anglers stop spending time on the water when cooler weather arrives. For some, it is time to transition to the field, and time is spent hunting instead of on the water. Others prefer to fish when the weather is warmer. If you are still craving some quality fishing, don't put away that fly rod just yet. Bluegills and other panfish are always up for a game of tug of war, but you may need to change your tactics a bit to get them to play.
Read moreTerrestrial Patterns for Panfish
The angler who chases panfish with a fly has a mind-numbing variety of flies to choose from. Traditional dry flies, hair bugs, foam bugs, and poppers will all work if the fish are looking up. As we move into the spring and summer, terrestrial insects become an essential food source on the ponds and small lakes that I fish near home. The shorelines of these bodies of water are buzzing with flying and crawling terrestrial insects and many of them find their way into the water.
Read moreThe Tick - A Panfish Fly From The Briny Deep
This fly has an extraordinary origin. Believe it or not, this pattern was initially tied for Striped Bass in the salt. That’s right you read correctly saltwater striped bass! This fly, which will comfortably fit into the mouth of any bluegill, is tied to “match the hatch” when striped bass are feeding on isopods, small bug like crustaceans.
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