Fly fishing guide and outdoor photographer Daniel Shepler shares his favorite classic rods and reels for Northern Michigan fly fishing. His recommendations were originally featured in “Fly Fishing: ...

In the beginning, I had a classic Zebco 202 spin-cast combo, and it was good. At least, good enough for 5-year-old me. But I've owned many types of fishing rods since I was a freckle-faced boy who ...

One thing I appreciate about the sport of fly fishing is its reverence for the past – for the anglers and gear that came before us. Fly anglers are big on quality and classics. If they find something ...

Fly reels used to play second fiddle to rods, at least in the fly-fishing world. Volumes have been written about the nuances of bamboo, fiberglass, and graphite fly rods. But the reel? “It’s just a ...

In fly fishing, the rod is the rock star. It gets all the attention when you’re bragging about the big one from your last trip. On the other hand, reels are the unsung heroes. They’re the studio ...

Graphite is the tool. Fiberglass is the vibe. Add a click-and-pawl reel, and you’ll understand the obsession.

When it comes to my own fly-fishing gear, I can have a hard time getting excited about reels. I’m constantly amazed by the advances in fly-rod technology. Same goes for the imagination and ingenuity ...

Sage is mostly known for their fly rods, deservedly so, but they have a history of building and collaborating with some great reel makers and turn out some exceptional reels. If you are in the market ...

Hardy reels have always been a mixed bag for me. Some models spark a deep appreciation, while others leave me thinking, "What the heck are they doing?" I get it, though; you have to be able to ...

There are a lot of numbers in fly fishing, and some of the numbering may not make sense to the uninitiated—or to the initiated, for that matter. A higher number means a smaller hook, yet the opposite ...