Learn the Skills. Get the Right Gear.
Honest, hands-on fly fishing reviews and field-tested guides for the modern angler. We test the gear so you don’t waste your money
Ready for your first fly fishing outing? Check out our top-rated recommendations for 2026.
Essential Equipment
Starter Kits
Stop guessing. From the backyard to the river, these beginner-friendly kits are the gold standard for quality and ease of use.
Rods
The right rod is the difference between a perfect presentation and a tangled mess. Whether you’re chasing mountain brookies or big water steelhead, find our top-rated and specialty rods for every budget.
Reels & Line
A great reel balances your rod, but he right line catches the fish. We break down the best drag systems and weight-forward lines to help you cast further and land more lunkers.
Fly Box
Don’t guess what’s hatching. From elk-hair caddis to heavy streamers, we’ve curated the essential patterns every angler needs in their box to find success on any water.
Waders & Boots
Stay dry, stay warm, and stay upright. We’ve put the top breathable waders and felt-soled boots to the test in freezing currents so you can fish in comfort all day long.
The Angler’s Library
Shorten our learning curve with the best guides in the business. From knot tying manuals to advanced river tactics, these are the books that deserve a spot on your nightstand.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Walking into a fly shop can be intimidating. Between the massive walls for rods, reels, and flies, it’s hard to know where to actually start. We’ve stripped awas the fluff and jargon, giving you the basic gear and knowledge you need to hit the water with confidence.
“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing.”
Norman Mclean – A River Runs Through It
I’m Steve, and I believe that the best days aren’t spent in the office – they’re spent knee-deep in a cold mountain stream.
Based in the heart fo Missoula, Montana, I’ve spent years testing gear against the unpredictable waters of the Rockies so you don’t have to.
My mission is simple: to strip away the elitism of fly fishing and provide honest, field tested reviews for real anglers. Whether you are buying your first starter kit or looking for the perfect 5-weight for a hatch heavy afternoon, I’m here to make sure you have the right tools for the job.
