fly fishing, conservation and politics.
In 2014 my very clever wife made this very special Christmas gift.
The two small horns are Lily’s puppy teeth.
It graces our home as a reminder of the magic that is Christmas.
The simple things really are the best!
Here’s hoping this finds you safe, happy and in the company of those you love.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson and I join forces for our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West.
This time we have a discussion with Ryan Busse of Montana, author of Gunfight My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America, a new book about guns and America. The book is raising eyebrows, opening eyes and changing the discussion about firearms and politics in this country.
Few topics are more “triggering” today in America, especially within red states, than discussions about guns. Perhaps no one, at this moment, understands this better than Busse, a self-described former “gunrunner” who has called out the firearm industry and the powerful National Rifle Association in his new book.
Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America is an insider’s account. Already called one of the most important books about guns in America ever written, it has placed Busse on a metaphorical firing line and is stirring up conversation nationally. No matter where one comes down on right to bear arms issues, Gunfight ought to be a part of your reading list.
Gunfight is not a tell all, it’s a mea culpa. And kudos to Busse for the courage to do it. Having witnessed first hand some of the episodes in Busse’s book, I know the truth when I read it.
More importantly, Busse sounds a graphic warning about the future facing our country. As if the increasing body count of innocent lives lost is not enough, he gives us a behind the scenes look at politics of authoritarianism in the gun industry and how that has become the playbook for the radical right and much of the Republican party. His revelations and observations will send chills down the spines of those of us who cherish our democracy.
Read Wilkinson’s and my conversation with Busse > ‘Gunfight’ Is One Of The Most Important Books You May Ever Read About Guns In America. I don’t think it will be our last.
You can order a copy of Gunfight My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America, here.
I’m a big fan of Pete Kutzer, I think he is one of the finest casting instructors I’ve ever known. He’s put together an exceptional video of the five most common casting mistakes. He talks you through what the mistake is and then gives you pointers on how to fix it.
This is a video you need to bookmark so you can quickly refer back to it when you casting needs a bit of a tune up.
Check it out at Fly Fishing Video Lessons – The Basics of Fly Fishing – Chapter Eight: Reading The Water – Correcting Common Casting Mistakes.
Below are the knots that most fly anglers use and are the ones I show people how to tie in our fly fishing classes. I’ve broken it down into two categories, basic and good to know.
In the basic section I’ll list knots that get used in order I most frequently tie them. In the good to know section I’ll list knots that I routinely use just now as often.
Fun fact, everyone one has favorites and opinions. I’ll leave those discussions to keyboard anglers and bar top debaters.
I’m a big fan of the Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center. I’ve pulled the links for these knots from there. There is a ton of good information on the site so be sure to check it out.
BASIC
Loop Knot – This is my “go to” fly to tippet knot. I use it because it lets the fly swing freely from the tippet. Tip: the smaller the tippet the more wraps. I use 4-6 wraps for 3x-6x tippet. 3-4 wraps for 0x-2x.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Non-Slip Mono Loop Animation
Non-Slip Mono Loop Video
Clinch Knot – this knot is fast and simple to tie. I use this to tie dropper tippet to the bend of the hook on a dry dropper rig.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Clinch Knot Animation
Clinch Knot Video
Surgeon’s Knot – After tying flies to tippet, this is the knot I wind up tying most often. The blood knot is neater, but the surgeon’s is faster and easier for many people, myself included.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Surgeon’s Knot Animation
Surgeon’s Knot Video
Loop to Loop Connection – not a knot per se, but how to connect two loops to each other. Used most often to attach leader to fly line. If your leader doesn’t have a loop at the butt end you can use a perfection loop (see below in the good to know section) to create one. Tip: upgrade your selection of leaders, all good one have loops in the butt end. If your fly line doesn’t have a loop in it things are a bit more complicated. You can cut the loop off the leader and attach it to the fly line with with a nail knot. Tip you don’t want to be doing this stream side.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Loop-Loop Connection Animation
Loop-Loop Connection Video
GOOD TO KNOW
Blood Knot – Sometimes called the barrel knot, it’s the classic tippet to leader knot. Learning to tie it is a right of passage for many guides. If I have time, the light is good and my hands don’t shake to much I’ll use it, but most of the time the ravages of old age and hard living have me retreating to the Surgeon’s knot.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Blood Knot Animation
Blood Knot Video
Perfection Loop – When you need to put a loop in the end of your leader or tippet this is knot for that. This is an inline loop meaning the center of loop stays centered with the line. You can use a figure eight or surgeon’s loop but they are not as neat.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Perfection Loop Animation
Perfection Loop Video
Nail Knot – I mentioned this above to tie leader to the line if you can’t make a loop to loop connection. Tip: If I’m going to the trouble to Nail Knot a leader to the line, I’ll go ahead and make a loop connector on the fly line with a short (6-8″) section of 15-20 pound mono. I’ll Nail Knot that to the line and fashion a Perfection loop to the other end. This makes changing leaders that much quicker and easier. I have been known to do this with a new leader, by Nail knotting it to the line cutting it at 6″ at the butt end and adding two Perfection Loops. Next time I change leaders the work has been done.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Note: they use a tool for this knot, you can also use a small diameter straw, toothpick or finish nail in place of the tool.
Nail Knot Animation
Nail Knot Video
Here is a video from Grog Animated Knots showing how to do it with a tube.
Albright Knot – When you replace your fly line you will need to attach it to the backing. This is a good knot for that.
Tip: I add a little UV Knot Sense to the knot for added security. If you are going after big game fish then use a Bimini twist.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Albright Knot Animation
Albright Knot Video
Arbor Knot – This is the final knot (pun intended.) This is what you use to attach backing to the reel.
Here are the links to the Orvis animation and video of how to tie the knot.
Arbor Knot Animation
Arbor Knot Video
Peacefully smoking a cigar is one of life’s great pleasure. Here are three articles from Cigar Aficionado that I’ve clipped and saved to improve the experience.
10 Things Every Cigar Smoker Should Know | Cigar Aficionado
From seed to shelf, from filler to binder to wrapper, these are the 10 things every cigar aficionado needs to know when cutting, lighting and smoking his favorite cigar. | Cigar Aficionado
Source: 10 Things Every Cigar Smoker Should Know | Cigar Aficionado
How To Cut A Cigar | Cigar Aficionado
An improper cut can ruin a good smoke. Follow along with this primer to learn the best method to cut your cigar. | Cigar Aficionado
Source: How To Cut A Cigar | Cigar Aficionado
How To Light A Cigar With A Cedar Spill | Cigar Aficionado
A timeless, and elegant, method to light a cigar is to use a cedar spill. While it may appear difficult, the steps to lighting a cigar with a cedar spill are actually easy to learn. | Cigar Aficionado
Source: How To Light A Cigar With A Cedar Spill | Cigar Aficionado
It’s the little things that make a great product.
Take for instance a small piece of leather on the 4-Season Give’r Gloves I recently purchased. As you will see in the photo below the leather tab is sewn into the glove on the knit cuff.
Why is that a big deal? Think about it. The knit cuff is there to keep dirt, snow and cold air from getting to your hands. Repeatedly pulling on the knit fabric leads to stretching and out of shape, less effective cuffs. That simple little tab keeps that from happening. Grab the tab when you pull on the gloves and you save the knit fabric, keeping the cuffs snug like they are supposed to.
The tab is not just sewn to the knit fabric either, It’s sewn to the leather cuff of the glove so it is sturdy and secure.
These are the simple kind of features that make for a quality product. Good for Give’r for doing it.
In case you are curious, I have the waxed version. I also used the recommended Oven Method for breaking the new gloves in. I heartily recommend it.
There are a number of helpful videos on the Give’r website. Check them out if you’re interested in learning more about their gloves and mitts.
As I write this I’ve had them for less than a week, worn them for a few chores and very happy with the way they are breaking in. As the weather here in the Valley keeps getting colder I know these gloves will be getting a work out.
UPDATE: NOV 29.: The gloves have broken in nicely. They are molding to my hands and continue to be warm and comfortable.