In this article, learn how to tie the Exasperator from the tying desk of the Exasperator's creator, Michael Bennett. Step by step directions with photos and tying tips. There is something about the Exasperator. It seems to turn fish when nothing else will. All steelhead fly junkies have their favorite flies and for me, for many years now, the Exasperator has been my go-to big fly.
Pacific Fly Fishers' Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Blog
How to Tie the Exasperator Steelhead Fly
Umpqua Power Taper Leaders
Umpqua Power Taper leaders are quickly becoming my favorite leader to fish. Whether you are fishing skinny water in Puget Sound or hopper fishing a big River, a little extra help goes along way. We as anglers tend to think of fly line tapers for assistance when casting large or heavy flies. This is true, there are tapers for every fishing situation out there, but the leader is often overlooked.
RIO InTouch Big Nasty Review
Since my last blog post on the RIO Coastal Quickshooter I have received many comments regarding a floating line option for Puget Sound sea run cutthroat fishing. No, there is not a floating version of the Quickshooter in the works at RIO that I know of. The floating line choice for many anglers who use neutrally buoyant or top water flies in Puget Sound has been a shooting head line such as an OutBound for its ease of casting and a forceful punch though the wind. However, as with all shooting heads, the lack of back taper decreases line control.
Tying the Pass Lake Minnow
Pacific Fly Fishers' Pass Lake Minnow has been a popular and productive fly for imitating Fathead Minnows in Washington's Pass Lake. In this article, learn how to tie the Pass Lake Minnow. Includes the photos, instruction and necessary materials.
Invention of the RIO Coastal QuickShooter
RIO's new Coastal Quickshooter fly line has been an instant hit with Puget Sound cutthroat anglers. Read about the ideas and process of developing the line from Pacific Fly Fishers' Capt. Ben Zander, who created the idea and helped RIO to make the line to his specifications. The RIO Coastal Quickshooter is an intermediate sinking line with a clear head and chartreuse running line. It shoots like a laser beam into stiff beach winds and keeps the fly in the fish's zone.
6mm Fly Tying Foam
In recent years, the use of thicker forms of foam have become much more prevalent in the world of fly tying. Saltwater poppers like the Tequilla Popper, the popular Morrish Mouse (pictured), numerous bass poppers, and even steelhead skaters are utilizing thicker foam to keep flies riding high and creating more surface disturbance.
Double Pupil Lead Eyes
New from Hareline, these Double Pupil Lead Eyes are a great substitute for tying Christmas Island Special bonefish flies.They look fantastic and the fluorescent colors (Fl. Pink, Fl. Orange, and Chartreuse) are super bright.
Float Tube vs. Pontoon Boat
Few things can impact the success and enjoyment of fly fishing more than having a way to get out on the water. Whether you are fishing rivers or lakes, having a way to float the river or get out on that lake will usually make your day more productive and fun. Often, anglers start with a float tube or pontoon boat since they are both fairly inexpensive and don’t require a lot of storage space like a drift boat does.
Simms Cold Weather Gloves
Fall has finally made its way into Western Washington. The temps are dropping and most anglers are starting to think about chum salmon and steelhead. As we get further into winter the need for warm comfortable clothing comes into mind. We have a saying here at Pacific Fly Fishers, happy hands equals happy fisherman. Here we break down the new line up of gloves from Simms. All have angler specific functions and all will keep your hands toasty throughout long cold days on the river.
New Dubbings
We've added some new kinds of dubbing here at Pacific Fly Fishers. And we also have a number of others on clearance sale for $0.99. Check them out. We have new dubbings for dry flies, nymphs, steelhead, and even a dubbing that makes very cool small baitfish streamers. Here is a list of the new dubbings: