WRITING ON THE FLY
By GEORGE LISET
Growing up, if you wanted to find some fly fishing information, you either bought a copy of Field and Stream or you watched Gadabout Gaddis on television. Gadabout would travel to some iconic fly fishing spots with friends, and famous people.
I always enjoyed the episodes when he would fish with Red Sox legend Ted Williams. These shows and magazines had wonderful entertainment value, but there was not much specific information. For example what type of line and size you should use and what flies worked best for which fish.
I wanted to know the secrets. With the advent of the internet, those answers are available. Online forums, such as the one sponsored by Trout Unlimited, can be a great help with any fly fishing question. The issue sometimes becomes getting too much information, and having to sort it all out. The questions range from suggestions, information and/ or advice. Many questions, especially this time of year, are entertaining. For instance, “If you won the lottery, where would you like to fish?” So, I would like to share some of the questions and my answers.
What is your favorite fly rod?
I have an Orvis 3 weight 8’6” Superfine fly rod that I try to fish with as often as I can. It makes even the little fish seem like monsters, and since I only catch little fish it works out great.
What color polarized glasses do you use?
I have a nice pair of dark green glasses that I have used for years. Then after reading the forum, I learned that many fly fishers prefer an amber color. I went online and bought an inexpensive pair and they have become my go-to glasses.
Someone famous you would like to fly fish with?
Henry Winkler a.k.a. “The Fonz.” Henry wrote the book “I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River,” so there would be a good chance I might not be the first.
What is your favorite fly?
Without hesitation, the Wooly Bugger is olive with a small beadhead. Although the Hornburg is a close second, it’s the Wooly, because the fish like it as much as I do.
What book would you suggest for a flybrary (Fly fishing library)?
This is a difficult question for someone who has never met a fly fishing book he never liked, evidenced by a couple hundred volumes stacked in my office. “The Nick Adams Stories” by Ernest Hemingway is a classic favorite. Another by local author David Van Wie is “Storied Waters.”
Where would you like to fish in the U.S.?
The Driftless Area in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa for a couple of reasons. The Driftless is an area that most fly fishers fly over to get to Montana and West Yellowstone. This area is about half the price to visit and there is not much fishing pressure. Plus my friend Mike Stracco sends me pictures of all the fish he catches there, so there is a chance I won’t get shut out.
Forums like the Trout Unlimited can be very helpful when looking for suggestions such as what type of wading boots, waders or fly rods and reels one should purchase.
The site is also helpful when one is looking for contact information, such as what fly shop to visit and names of guides, when fishing in Jackson Hole or the Catskills.
Having contact information when fishing a new destination can save you money and time, and leave more time for fishing. Also, it will leave you more time to upgrade your Valentines gift, because apparently a couple of handcrafted chicken sandwiches from Chic-Fi-LA isn’t going to do it this year.
George Liset of Dover is an award-winning outdoor writer and avid fly fisherman who shares insights of his time on the water exploring New Hampshire streams and rivers as well of those around New England. George is a graduate of Wheaton College, Illinois, and the University of New Hampshire. His column Writing on the Fly has been honored by the New England Press Association and the New Hampshire Press Association.
