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Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


SMALLMOUTH BASS: ONE GUIDE’S ADDICTION

Smallies, smallmouth, bronzebacks, or blackbass, whatever you want to call them,
smallmouth bass are just plain awesome. There’s a reason they’re one of the most
popular game fish here in the Midwest.

By: Matt Martin, Smooth River Guiding Co.

Smallies, smallmouth, bronzebacks, or blackbass, whatever you want to call them,
smallmouth bass are just plain awesome. There’s a reason they’re one of the most
popular game fish here in the Midwest.

As a fly fishing guide who’s based in the Great Lakes region, they make up a
major portion of my business every year. However, every Spring I get a bunch of
questions from trout anglers asking why I spend so much time chasing them. My
response is always the same: they pull hard, jump high, sip off the surface and
crush flies in the deep…doesn’t that sound like the perfect fly-rod fish? Ha. I
think it does at least.



These fish live everywhere and are accessible to everyone. They live in tiny
rivers, urban ponds, all the way up to the Great Lakes; they live a really long
time, much longer than any trout, and those that live the longest? They’re
really hard to catch. So, do yourself a favor this year. Get down to the local
fly shop, find a staff member, and ask them about bass. I bet you’ll see them
start to glow; it’s got to get boring speaking about trout all the time. They’ll
probably get you set up with a nice 7 weight, a handful of flies, and send you
on your way.

Give them the shot they deserve this year, I bet you’ll rediscover what made you
fall in love with fly fishing to begin with. I’m Matt Martin and I’m a
smallmouth addict!


Read More
Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


START PLANNING YOUR DREAM TRIP: A NEW APPROACH

Fly fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it's a passion that draws
enthusiasts to pristine locations. However, planning the perfect fly fishing
trip can be a daunting task. Skip over spending hours on your computer putting
together a fishing plan, and let Guide Book do the work.

by: Jake Connell

Guide Alex Tucciarone with a nice Cutty

Fly fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it's a passion that draws
enthusiasts to pristine locations. However, planning the perfect fly fishing
trip can be a daunting task. Many articles offer advice such as consulting
friends, reading reviews, avoiding crowded spots, or even booking through travel
agents. While these suggestions have their merits, they often come with
significant time and effort investment. In this article, we explore the
challenges associated with these methods and introduce two options that
streamline the process of finding the perfect guide and fishing spot.

 

Common Suggestions and Their Drawbacks

While seeking recommendations from friends, reading reviews, and using travel
agents are common approaches, they can be time-consuming. Establishing trust in
your sources and sifting through numerous reviews or travel packages demands
patience and research. Each of these options has their place, but the whole
point is to save time without sacrificing quality.

 

Freelance Guides and Reviews

Reading reviews can be beneficial, but the freelance nature of many guides makes
it challenging to determine the best fit for your group. The lack of consistency
in quality and experience among guides makes it hard to make an informed
decision solely based on reviews. Also, it is easy to get reviews on Google
about a fly shop itself, for example, but finding the right guide for your needs
can be nearly impossible to find through reviews.

 

Brook Trout on the fly

Online Search for Fishing Spots

Looking for fishing spots online may seem convenient, but popular destinations
tend to be overfished and pressured. First-page Google results are often loaded
with information seen by millions, making it difficult to find untouched and
productive fishing spots.

 

Respect for Others' Fishing Spots

Crowding or stealing another fisherman’s spot is discouraged, but predicting
when a location will be vacant is challenging. Accompanying a local guide to
less-explored areas can be a solution, but this requires knowledge of
trustworthy guides. Many articles will also advise you not to crowd or steal
other fisherman’s spots. It is nearly impossible to guess when someone might be
fishing a spot you have your eye on. Your best bet is to learn from a guide or
seasoned local about what kind of spots are both good for fishing and likely to
be vacant and go from there, exploring on your own.

 

Option 1: Building Relationships and Local Insight

While this is still a time consuming approach, building relationships with
locals or knowledgeable individuals is a rewarding way to find the right guide
and fishing spot. I have personal experience with this from the times I have
been able to fish out west. After a very negative experience with a guide in
southeast Montana, it was hard to feel confident in the next guide we chose to
fish with. Luckily, we met a guide named Tim who took my brother and I fishing
on the Madison River. He was the old-timer who had fished this river for 25+
years, and was as relaxed and easy going as you would want a guide to be. We
caught a lot of big rainbows that day and started a great relationship. Since
then, Tim and I keep in touch about how the fishing is every few months and how
we are each doing. I have no doubt that I could reach out to Tim for an expert
local opinion on a fishing spot or even another guide he would recommend, if he
were busy. While it takes time to build a relationship like this one, it is
almost always worthwhile

However, not everyone has the luxury of time to foster such relationships. For
those seeking a quicker solution without compromising on quality, a more
efficient option is needed.

 

Sweet release on the Green River

Guide Book: Streamlining the Process

Introducing Guide Book, a platform designed to simplify the process of finding
the right guide and fishing trip with minimal legwork. Guide Book offers a
curated selection of experienced guides who have access to lesser-known but
productive fishing spots. The platform provides comprehensive profiles of
guides, including their expertise, experience, and client reviews, allowing
users to make informed decisions quickly.

GuideB ook's extensive network ensures that users gain access to exclusive
fishing locations scouted by seasoned guides. The platform's user-friendly
interface allows for easy booking, ensuring that your fly fishing adventure is
tailored to your preferences without the hassle of extensive research.

Skip over spending hours on your computer putting together a fishing plan, and
let Guide Book do the work. Get excited knowing your fishing needs and
preferences will be catered to by the guide you find the best on our platform.
Click here to check out the website and start planning your dream trip!

Read More
Ben Roberson 2/19/24 Ben Roberson 2/19/24


FLY FISHING WITH KIDS

Introducing a child to fly fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience,
but it can also be a nightmare, full of tangled gear, tears, and rocks thrown at
your fishing spot. Here are five tips to make the trip a success: keep it
simple, choose the right location, use attractive flies, teach patience and
observation, and make it fun!

Introducing a child to fly fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience,
but it can also be a nightmare, full of tangled gear, tears, and rocks thrown at
your fishing spot. Here are five tips to make the trip a success:



 1. Keep it Simple: Start with the basics. Use easy-to-handle equipment and
    choose a location with calm waters. A small, simple fly rod with a
    weight-forward floating line is ideal for beginners. Focus on basic casting
    techniques to make the experience enjoyable and less overwhelming. This is
    no time for you to be a purist, and double-hauling is not likely to happen,
    bear your students’ size and abilities in mind!

 2. Choose the Right Location: Pick a location that is suitable for beginners.
    Look for waters with slow currents, minimal obstacles, and easy access. A
    pond or a calm section of a river can be ideal for kids. Ensure that the
    area is safe and that there are minimal chances of hooking the line in trees
    or bushes. Ponds, flats, and wide open creeks full of hungry fish are ideal!

 3. Use Attractive Flies: Kids may get bored easily, so make the experience
    exciting by using flies that are visually appealing. Brightly colored and
    easy-to-see flies can capture a child's interest. Dry flies that float on
    the water's surface can also add an extra element of excitement when they
    see a fish rise to take the fly. Sight fishing, of whatever kind, is by the
    far the most engaging!

 4. Teach Patience and Observation: Fishing requires patience, and it's an
    excellent opportunity to teach this valuable skill. Encourage your child to
    observe the surroundings, look for fish movement, and enjoy the nature
    around them. Explain that fishing is not just about catching fish but also
    about appreciating the outdoors. Make it a mysterious treasure hunt…because
    that’s what it is; the underside of rocks, or a flock of birds over the
    water can be exciting clues!

 5. Make it Fun: Keep the experience enjoyable by incorporating games or
    challenges. Set goals for the day, such as spotting a certain number of
    different birds or identifying various insects. Bring snacks, have a picnic,
    and make the day an adventure. The more fun and engaging the experience, the
    more likely the child will want to return for another fishing trip.

Remember to be patient, offer guidance without overwhelming, and celebrate small
successes. Creating positive memories will increase the likelihood that the
child will develop a lifelong love for fly fishing.

Most importantly, whether you’re the parent or the guide, the time you spend
with a child on the water, especially if they don’t have much experience, will
be time they remember, so try to make those memories positive!


Read More
Ben Roberson 2/19/24 Ben Roberson 2/19/24


SCIENCE BEHIND THE BEND: A FLY ROD ANALYSIS

The bending of a fly rod involves a complex interplay of material properties,
force application, taper design, and recovery characteristics. Understanding
these factors is essential for anglers to choose a rod that suits their casting
style and fishing preferences.

 1. Material Properties:
    
    * Rod Material: Fly rods are typically made from materials like graphite,
      fiberglass, or a combination of both. These materials have specific
      mechanical properties, including modulus of elasticity and tensile
      strength, which influence how the rod bends.

 2. Force Application:
    
    * Casting Force: When casting, the angler applies force to the rod by
      accelerating it through the air. This force is transferred to the rod,
      causing it to flex or bend.
    
    * Line Weight: The weight of the fly line also plays a role. Heavier lines
      exert more force on the rod during casting, influencing the rod's bending
      characteristics.

 3. Rod Action:
    
    * Fast vs. Slow Action: Rods are often classified as fast, medium, or slow
      action. Fast-action rods bend more near the tip, while slow-action rods
      bend more throughout their length. This is determined by the taper and
      stiffness of the rod.

 4. Taper Design:
    
    * Tip Flex and Butt Flex: The design of the rod's taper influences how it
      bends. Rods may have a progressive taper, with more flexibility in the tip
      or a regressive taper, with more flexibility in the butt section.

 5. Load and Unload:
    
    * Loading the Rod: As force is applied during casting, the rod undergoes a
      loading phase where it bends under the applied force.
    
    * Unloading the Rod: When the casting stroke is complete, the rod unloads,
      transferring stored energy to propel the fly line forward.

 6. Recovery:
    
    * Recovery Speed: After bending, the rod needs to recover to its original
      position. The speed at which a rod recovers affects its casting
      performance and accuracy.

 7. Damping:
    
    * Vibration Damping: The ability of the rod to dampen vibrations is crucial
      for casting accuracy. Excessive vibration can lead to decreased control
      and accuracy.

 8. Sensitivity:
    
    * Sensitivity of the Rod: The sensitivity of the rod, or its ability to
      transmit feedback to the angler, is influenced by how it bends. This can
      affect the angler's ability to detect subtle bites.



The bending of a fly rod involves a complex interplay of material properties,
force application, taper design, and recovery characteristics. Understanding
these factors is essential for anglers to choose a rod that suits their casting
style and fishing preferences. Additionally, rod design and technology continue
to evolve, leading to the development of rods with specific actions optimized
for various fishing scenarios. Whether you’re casting into the wind at a tailing
permit, or hung in a tree because of a tailing loop, fly rods are powered by
science!


Read More
Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


CARPAHOLIC: A FISHING CONFESSION BY DAGUR GUDMUNDSSON

Being from Iceland, guiding in Iceland for Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout over
the summers, people are always very confused, amused, and mostly just curious as
to why I’m in California for the rest of the year chasing carp. It’s actually
quite simple…carp are a fisherman’s fish.

Being from Iceland, guiding in Iceland for Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout over
the summers, people are always very confused, amused, and mostly just curious as
to why I’m in California for the rest of the year chasing carp. It’s actually
quite simple…carp are a fisherman’s fish.

They challenge you every time you’re out there. Every time. Every day I’m out
there I’m changing my tactics for them, shifting slightly where we are, looking
for the fish, reading their body language to see what they’re doing. You can
find them tailing on the flats, you can find them eating dry flies off the
top—like we’re in the middle of right now—you can find them in rivers, creeks,
and big-ass lakes.

Carp will drive you nuts, carp will bring you the greatest joy you’ve known,
carp will kick your ass. They get big, they fight hard, they live in some pretty
cool places, and I rarely see anybody else when I’m out there and I’ll have
miles and miles and miles and miles of nothingness when I’m chasing these fish.

They are really cool, really under-appreciated, still (even though the narrative
is changing around them) but I think people should be opening their minds even
more to carp. They will make you a better angler and they’re also just fun as
hell to chase.

Don’t be afraid to become a carp bum. My name is Dagur and I’m a carpaholic. No
shame.

Read More
Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


PLANNING THE PERFECT FLY FISHING TRIP

Planning the perfect fly fishing vacation requires a blend of passion and
precision. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice adventurer, careful
consideration of destination, guide, and essential information is key. To make
this process seamless, we created Guide Book.

The Perfect combination of Leisure and Passion

There's something amazing about combining the joy of a vacation with the pursuit
of a hobby. For avid fly fisherman, the prospect of planning the perfect fly
fishing vacation is very enticing. Picture yourself casting your line into
crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—the epitome of a
dream getaway. However, to turn this dream into reality, meticulous planning is
paramount.



 

Importance of Meticulous Planning

While the spontaneity of travel has its charm, a successful fly fishing vacation
requires careful planning. From choosing the right destination to selecting the
perfect guide, each detail contributes to the overall experience. Meticulous
planning not only ensures a smooth journey but also enhances the likelihood of
creating unforgettable memories. While pre-trip planning adds excitement before
the trip even starts, it can be stressful especially when you don’t know where
to look. There are a few articles out there that help with the planning part;
however, nothing I have seen can guarantee a great vacation and fly fishing
experience. Talking to a friend, calling a fly shop, and reading online reviews
are all helpful but take a lot of time.

 

Choosing the Perfect Destination

Selecting the ideal destination is the cornerstone of a successful fly fishing
adventure. Consider factors such as the type of fish you want to target, the
time of year, and the overall ambiance of the location. Whether it's the serene
rivers of Montana, the rugged beauty of Alaska, or the exotic allure of New
Zealand, your choice of destination sets the stage for the entire trip. With so
many options and exciting options for a fly fishing trip, it can be stressful
weeding through all the websites and opinions on where to fish, who to fish
with, and where to stay.



 

Selecting the Right Guide: How To and Its Importance

A knowledgeable and experienced guide can make or break your fly fishing
vacation. Research guides thoroughly, considering their expertise in local
waters, knowledge of fish behavior, and client reviews. A skilled guide not only
enhances your chances of a successful catch but also provides valuable insights
into the surrounding ecosystem. Just as a great guide can make your trip, a bad
guide can break it.

My first experience with a fly fishing guide happened to be a negative one.
Despite being on a blue river trout stream in Montana with my brother and my
dad, our guide left us wanting to end the trip early. He was impatient, unkind,
and was the only one to hook a fish the entire 6 hour wade trip. Luckily, it was
not bad enough to make me want to put the fly rod down for good, but I lost
interest for a few months. I was only 11 and my brother was 9, but 10s year
later my family still jokes about how awful our first guided-experience was. For
such novice anglers a guide can be the perfect bridge to a new hobby. Don’t make
the mistake of choosing the wrong guide.

  

Necessary Information for Booking: Making the Most of Your Trip

Before booking your fly fishing vacation, gather essential information such as
permit requirements, fishing regulations, and local tips. Research the best
times to visit, preferred flies, and any gear recommendations. Armed with this
knowledge, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your time on the water.
The best way I have found to gather this information is by calling a local fly
shop. Whether you plan on fishing with them or not, it can be a good way to get
in touch with the regulations and conditions.



 

Conclusion and Call to Action: Guide Book for Seamless Planning

 Planning the perfect fly fishing vacation requires a blend of passion and
precision. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice adventurer, careful
consideration of destination, guide, and essential information is key. To make
this process seamless, we created Guide Book. Guide Book was built by guides and
outdoorsmen as a solution to the problems our team faced in the wild. A place
where you can go to get easy access to the right guide, in the right place, and
for the right fish. With real-time pricing and availability on our website and
hundreds of reviews on guides all across the country, you can be sure your money
is going to be spent on the right fishing trip!

 

Embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that every detail has been
thoughtfully considered. Your perfect fly fishing vacation awaits, promising not
only remarkable catches but a lifetime of cherished memories.

By Jake Connell (@jakeconnell_)

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Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


MASTERING SPRING SMALLMOUTH BASS FLY FISHING: THE TOP 5 FLIES AND ESSENTIAL
TECHNIQUES FOR SUCCESS

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 5 flies for spring smallmouth
bass, along with essential techniques, recommended sizes, and knots to help you
hook into these spirited pre-spawn fish.



As spring unfolds and the waters warm, smallmouth bass become increasingly
active, presenting an exciting opportunity for fly anglers. To make the most of
your spring smallmouth bass fly fishing adventures, it's essential to have the
right flies in your arsenal and employ effective techniques. In this
comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 5 fly patterns for pre-spawn
smallmouth bass, along with essential techniques, recommended sizes, and knots
to help you hook into a hot bronzeback.

CLOUSER MINNOW

 * Type: Streamer

 * Description: The Clouser Minnow is a versatile baitfish imitation that works
   exceptionally well for smallmouth bass. Its weighted design allows it to sink
   quickly, making it effective in various depths.

 * Recommended Size: #4 to #8

 * Recommended Knot: Non-Slip Loop Knot

 * Technique: Strip the fly with short, erratic movements to mimic a wounded
   baitfish.

WOOLY BUGGER

 * Type: Streamer

 * Description: The Woolly Bugger is a classic fly that imitates leeches or
   larger nymphs. Its lifelike movement in the water can trigger aggressive
   strikes from smallmouth bass.

 * Recommended Size: #6 to #10

 * Recommended Knot: Improved Clinch Knot

 * Technique: Use a varied retrieve, incorporating pauses and quick strips to
   entice strikes.

CRAYFISH PATTERNS

 * Type: Streamer

 * Description: Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass. Crayfish
   patterns, such as the Clouser Crayfish or Crayfish Claws, imitate these
   crustaceans effectively.

 * Recommended Size: #4 to #8

 * Recommended Knot: Improved Clinch Knot

 * Technique: Fish near the bottom with short, jerky retrieves to imitate the
   natural movement of crayfish.

GAME CHANGER

 * Type: Streamer

 * Description: The Game Changer is a multi-jointed streamer that produces a
   realistic swimming action. It's excellent for enticing larger smallmouth
   bass.

 * Recommended Size: #4 to #8

 * Recommended Knot: Non-Slip Loop Knot

 * Technique: Use a varied retrieve, incorporating pauses and changes in speed
   to mimic injured or fleeing prey.

POPPER PATTERNS

 * Type: Dry Fly (Surface)

 * Description: Poppers with rubber legs add extra movement and attraction. The
   combination of popping action and leg movement can trigger strikes.

 * Recommended Size: #6 to #10

 * Recommended Knot: Improved Clinch Knot

 * Technique: Pop the fly with short, quick strips, allowing the rubber legs to
   flutter enticingly.

Pay attention to local conditions, water temperature, and the specific behavior
of the smallmouth bass in your favorite fishing spots. With the right flies and
effective presentation, you'll be well-prepared for an exciting spring season
targeting pre-spawn smallmouth bass on the fly. Tight lines!


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Guide Book 2/19/24 Guide Book 2/19/24


WHAT A GUIDE IS…

Guides wear so many hats, and approach the job from so many different angles,
that it would be impossible to fully describe “what a guide is.” The role is
different for every Guide, and can change from client to client. We all know the
stereotypes: bearded, Toyota Tacoma with a rod vault of some kind, raccoon eyes,
Chacos indefinitely; and some of them are even usually true, but guides are more
complicated than that. 

 

The service that they provide can end with the most memorable moments in their
clients lives, their expertise can be so textbook accurate that in any other
context, you would mistake them for a scientist of some kind. And the way that
guides interact with clients—from the football coach to the therapist— is so
varied and plays so many different roles in clients’ lives, that it’s worth
looking at, laughing at, and appreciating. 

 



 


MEMORY-MAKER

 

One quick swipe of the thumb on Instagram will reveal that people really care
about the memories they make on the water, and guides are the facilitators of
those memories for their clients. That is an easy thing to say and a very hard
thing to do. Every guide out there has had the gut-wrenching moment when it
feels as if things won’t work out, and sometimes they don’t. We’ve all had trips
get rained out, winded out, hurricaned out, or ruined by a kayak hatch. But good
guides get it done, more often than not, and that comes with a lot of pressure
sometimes.

Clients depend on the days they book with guides to be THE chance to get a
tarpon, or their ONE opportunity to get away from their screaming toddlers this
year. They stake their whole vacation to Tulum on a permit, or want the perfect
angle with the perfect fish for their social profiles. Great guides handle the
pressure with grace and give their clients sweet memories, or at least a solid
day outside, regardless of fish-catching success and that is no easy task. Thank
a guide for one of your best fishing memories when you get a chance.

 



 


SCIENTIST

 

This week someone asked me “fishing guides are mostly pretty blue-collar,
right?” and I hesitated because the answer is more nuanced than it may seem.
Most guides would agree that working outside all day and using your back and
shoulders to pole a skiff or row a boat for a good portion of that day is
similar in some ways to many blue-collar jobs, but I’ve met guides with Ph.Ds,
we have guides on Guide Book with the kind of scientific understanding about
tides or bugs or the way a fly-rod bends that they could write an article for
Scientific American about it. 

 

There is nothing like hearing a big dude in a faded Winston hat talk about
Ephemera Guttulata as the first Green Drakes of the season start hatching, being
introduced to all the birds in the eagle stretch as if they are the guide’s
oldest friends, or beginning to understand just how academic reading water
actually is because your guide starts waxing about ph levels and oxygen content.

 

I didn’t really answer the guy who asked me about what color guides’ collars
are…I guess I should have just said, “they wear buffs at work.”

 



 


COACH

 

The first time I caught a permit, it was because my guide scared me into
performing at the level it required. I made a short cast, he made a disapproving
sound, I made a cast too far left, he said “no good,” slightly louder, I made a
third cast that I would argue got caught by the wind and he screamed “cast
better or don’t catch fish.” Then I did and the permit ate. I’m incredibly
thankful that guide wasn’t sweet about it, and although I do appreciate
encouraging words and a laid back demeanor, sometimes somehting else is
required. If you ever played organized sports, or watched a sports movie, you
know that coaches are special…they encourage, they protect, they discipline,
they intimidate, but at the end of the season, if you’ve improved, you’re
grateful.

We’ve all heard crazy stories about guides screaming at clients for missing
fish, maybe you’ve even been screamed at, and there are certainly guides who
need to reign that in, but its worth saying that guides spend their precious
time with us. They share their precious resource with us. We pay them to make us
better anglers and coach us as we fish. All that to say, sometimes I need a kick
in the pants so that I can make the most of the opportunity and its probably
true that most anglers could use one now and then. Next time a guide yells at
you for trout setting a bull redfish, try saying “thank you” and see what
happens…its usually because they want you to catch the fish.

 




BOAT CHAUFFEUR

 

As a day-in-day-out guide, you’ll eventually fish a client who brings their own
rod, their own flies, their own lunch, and their own goals for the day. I call
this downgrade “the boat chauffeur” and it can cause the best of times and the
worst of times.

 

On one hand, the poling platform can start to feel like the front of the
limousine with the middle window closed which is a lonely seat indeed, but there
is a freedom to it as well. After all, if it’s not your rods, your advice, or
your experience a client is relying upon because today you’re just the driver,
then it also isn’t your fault if they wrap a fly line around their ankle, lose
the tarpon, and fall in the water. But the best guides take pride in ALL of
their work whether that’s the flies they tied specifically for this part of the
Marsh or even this specific moon phase, or in my case, their chicken Caesar
salad lunch. It can be a bummer not to get the opportunity to work a client
through the whole program, because guides know what works.

 

If you’re the client who only needs a guide to pole you around or backrow you
into that specific eddy so you can focus on the fishing, at least tell them what
it is that motivates you to be that way and give them a stellar tip. If you’re
the guide dealing with a client who sees you as a boat chauffeur, enjoy the
respite it will give your nerves and your fly rods and don’t take it
personally…the fish will escape your particular ninja skills today.

 



 


THERAPIST

 

If you’re a guide, repeat after me:

 

Fishing is fun.

 

Put it on a sticker in your boat, tattoo it on your forearm, stamp it at the
bottom of your business cards, and yell it out every 30 minutes or so, because
invariably some of your clients need to hear it.

 

Clients will have marital spats on your boat, they’ll take devastating calls
from someone at work on your boat, they’ll get fired up about a mistake or a
hope that goes unfulfilled on your boat, they might tell you things they won’t
tell anyone else because a 16 foot boat is an intimate place, and they might
become your friends. More often than not, a listening ear and some time on the
water is exactly what most people need, and it’s exactly what a good guide has
to provide, so it’s no wonder these moments happen to them so often.

 

If you’re a client who has ever appreciated the advice, the distraction, the
empowerment, or the counseling you’ve gotten from your time with a guide,
recommend them to a friend and send them a thank you note because they did it
for a lot less than the going rate for 8 hours with a therapist. Plus, the
fishing was probably fun.

 



 


PIONEER

 

We live in a culture of instant gratification, cushy couches, air conditioning,
and Amazon. A lot of us have lost the drive to go find what we’re looking for,
forget about introducing it to others. To face danger and weather and hard work
to achieve a goal is a thing of the past for most of us, but it’s an everyday
reality for good guides.  There’s this misconception that guides become guides
just because they want to be fishing every day or just because fishing is all
their good at, but that’s so narrow that it should be disregarded.

 

Of course guides love fishing and being on the water everyday, but they guide
because they know that there are special moments that can be had in the pursuit
of fish that cannot be had anywhere else.

 

They guide because they have the courage to put their bodies, equipment, and
reputations on the line to give other people the gift they were given. They
guide because working hard in pursuit of a goal as valuable as a big Tarpon or a
beautiful brook trout, is a goal worth trying to achieve. Guides are pioneers,
as innovative as the leaders of any field their clients may be working in, and
that’s exactly how we think of them at Guide Book. If you’re a guide and this
resonates, reach out, we’d love to help you along whatever path you’re on. If
you’re a client and this is how you feel too, show the guides some love.

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Guide Book 12/10/23 Guide Book 12/10/23


MASTERING SPRING TROUT FISHING: THE TOP 10 FLIES FOR SUCCESS

Trout are on the horizon for your next big adventure.

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HAVE YOU STARTED PLANNING YET?

As winter gives way to the vibrant renewal of spring, trout enthusiasts eagerly
anticipate the return to their favorite waters. Springtime brings not only
warmer temperatures but also a resurgence of insect activity, making it an ideal
season for fly fishing in spring. To maximize your success on the water, it's
crucial to have the right flies in your arsenal and know the best knots for
securing them.

In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 flies for Spring trout fishing and
highlight the best sizes and knots to use for each.



LET’S START WITH THE DRY FLIES

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Parachute Adams:

Type: Dry Fly

Sizes: #12 to #18

Knot: Improved Clinch Knot

The Parachute Adams, a versatile dry fly for spring trout, presents a silhouette
that mimics a variety of mayflies with its high visibility and realistic
profile, making it irresistible to rising fish. Our recommended knot is the
Improved Clinch - a reliable and easy-to-tie knot that maintains good strength.

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Elk Hair Caddis:

Type: Dry Fly

Sizes: #12 to #18

Knot: Clinch Knot

The Elk Hair Caddis, a buoyant dry fly for imitating caddisflies in spring,
mimics the appearance on the water's surface, making it an enticing target for
trout that key in on emerging insects. Our recommended knot is the Clinch, which
offers a solid connection without compromising the natural movement of the fly.

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March Brown Dun:

Type: Dry Fly

Sizes: #10 to #15

Knot: Loop Knot

The March Brown Dun, a large mayfly pattern, becomes prevalent in many streams
during the spring, presenting an enticing option for targeting larger trout that
key in on substantial meals. The Loop Knot works well here, which is Ideal for
larger dry flies, allowing for better movement and a realistic presentation.

ON TO OUR NYMPHS, EMERGERS AND MIDGES

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Pheasant Tail Nymph:

Type: Nymph

Sizes: #14 to #20

Knot: Improved Clinch Knot

The Pheasant Tail Nymph, a classic and highly effective nymph pattern, imitates
the slender profile of mayfly and stonefly nymphs prevalent in spring streams,
making it an ideal choice for subsurface fishing. We like the improved Clinch
Knot for this fly, as it’s ideal for maintaining strength and easy to tie.

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Hare’s Ear Nymph:

Type: Nymph

Sizes: #12 to #18

Knot: Improved Clinch

The Hare's Ear Nymph, a timeless pattern, imitates a variety of aquatic insects
with its buggy appearance and natural coloration, making it a reliable choice
for spring nymphing and fooling trout into striking during their feeding
frenzies. The Improved Clinch knot will be a reliable choice for securing this
fly during your presentation.

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Blue Winged Olive (BWO):

Type: Emerger

Sizes: #16 to #22

Knot: Loop Knot

The Blue Winged Olive Emerger, imitating one of the most prevalent hatches in
spring, is a delicate fly designed to mimic the vulnerable stage of the insect
as it rises to the surface, offering a tempting morsel for discerning trout. Try
the Loop Knot with these flies, as it provides flexibility in allowing the fly
to move around naturally.

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Stonefly:

Type: Nymph

Sizes: #6 to #12

Knot: Improved Clinch

Stonefly patterns, active in spring, are a staple for your fly box. Their larger
and often more buoyant profile attracts trout looking for substantial meals,
making them an excellent option for enticing strikes. Keep on the Improved
Clinch knot for this one due to the flies larger profile. Bigger flies = bigger
strikes!

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Zebra Midge:

Type: Midge

Sizes: #18 to #24

Knot: Palomar Knot

Zebra Midge patterns, used during the spring midge activity, are small but
effective flies that can entice selective trout. There are many different midge
patterns out there, but basic is always best. Very little material goes a long
way! The Palomar Knot provides strength and reliability, crucial when targeting
trout with these small and effective patterns.

LASTLY, HERE ARE OUR STREAMERS

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Wooly Bugger:

Type: Streamer

Sizes: #6 to #12

Knots: Non-Slip Loop Knot

The Woolly Bugger, a staple in any fly angler's box, is a versatile streamer
that imitates baitfish and leeches, providing an enticing option for enticing
aggressive strikes from predatory trout during their spring feeding frenzy. We
love the Non-Slip Loop Knot for the woolies, as it provides increased movement,
enhancing the flies swimming motion in the water.

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Clouser Minnow:

Type: Streamer

Sizes: #6 to #10

Knot: Loop Knot

The Clouser is a highly effective pattern for many different species in fresh
and salt water. It mimics small baitfish, with weighted eyes to ensure depth
charge and movement. Choose the Loop Knot for extreme swimming posture and
natural motions.

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THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Equipping yourself with a diverse selection of these top 10 flies, knowing the
recommended sizes, types, and knots for each, will significantly increase your
chances of success when targeting trout in the spring. As always, pay attention
to local hatches, water conditions, and the specific behavior of the trout in
your favorite fishing spots. With the right flies, proper knot knowledge, and
matching sizes, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable spring
trout fishing season.



Tight lines!


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