Grip Studs are single point carbide tipped studs with an auger style bit. The result is sticky traction, incredible durability and studs that don't fall out. Simply put, they're the best studs I've ever used.

Here's more . . .

Continue reading 1000 Day Gear Review: Grip Studs — Unmatched Traction for Wading Boots at Troutbitten.

How can we keep our stuff with us, make it easily accessible and not be slowed down or fatigued by extra weight? Answer: Carry the heavy things on your hips.

Most anglers focus on whether to choose a chest pack, vest, sling pack, hip pack, lanyard or something else. We think of carrying fly boxes, tippet, leaders and other incidentals. But what about the net? What about water, a wading staff, a camera or anything else with extra weight? Carrying these items should not be a secondary consideration. As the heaviest things among your gear, how you carry them is of primary importance.

The heavy stuff is best carried on your hips, so the most critical part of your carrying system is probably the wading belt. And most wading belts are not up to the task.

Continue reading VIDEO: Wading Belt Carrying System at Troutbitten.

I've revamped the Troutbitten Recommended Gear Pages to reflect not only my current favorites, but the preferences of the guys whom you've also come to know through the podcast: Austin, Matt, Bill, Trevor and Josh.

So here are our favorite rods, reels, boots, waders, packs, vests, lines, leaders, tools, jackets, layers, vises, books and more . . .

Continue reading Recommended Gear Pages Updated! Also With Troutbitten Crew Favorites at Troutbitten.

Skwala takes the minimalist approach seriously. The Carbons are high-end waders, built from the ground-up with mobility, comfort and toughness at the forefront.

The Skwala Carbon waders are a workhorse for the die hard angler.

Here’s a closer look at the best (and worst) features of the Carbons, as I see them, from bottom to top . . .

Continue reading 100 Day Gear Review — Skwala Carbon Waders at Troutbitten.

Fly fishing gear breaks down. Waders leak, boots fall apart and pack zippers fail. The stitching at the seams of all this stuff takes a lot of abuse, so how long can it hold up? How well is it built?

The 100 Day Gear Review Series on Troutbitten takes a look at how gear is performing after the century benchmark. The Orvis Pro Wading Boots have outperformed my expectations. They are light but extra-solid. They are durable, comfortable and have excellent support in all the right ways. These are great boots . . .

Continue reading 100 Day Gear Review — Orvis Pro Wading Boots at Troutbitten.

Transporting a fly rod is not as straightforward as it may seem. But it can be. For many of us, our preference to keep the fly rod rigged and ready to fish presents some challenges.

For years now, the Smith Creek Rod Rack has been my perfect solution. The Rock Rack stores up to seven rods inside the vehicle, keeping them secure and away from passengers — from kids, dogs or mishaps. Attachment is easy, the design is smart and the Smith Creek build is solid.

Continue reading 100 Day Gear Review: Smith Creek Rod Rack (with VIDEO) at Troutbitten.

This wading staff system makes strong waders stronger and fast waders faster. It allows all waders to reach even more water.

If you rig a wading staff the wrong way, it slows you down. But if you rig it the right way, a wading staff opens new worlds and speeds you up.
It gives you access to places that you couldn't wade before.

But it has to be rigged the right way . . .

Continue reading VIDEO: The Only Way to Carry a Wading Staff at Troutbitten.

Honestly, getting a kid on the river is the important part. And the gear is incidental to the experience. But I’ve done this long enough to know that a few selected gear items can make all the difference. And I’ve seen my kids take amazing strides in their fishing and simple enjoyment with a better pair of boots, a more suitable rod, or a new pair of gloves . . .

Continue reading Choosing Fishing Gear for Kids — Waders, Boot, Rods and More at Troutbitten.

Did you know that breathable waders only effectively breath when they’re underwater? Fun fact, right? The permeable membranes can only pass water vapor while submersed. Not such a big deal when you aren’t producing much water vapor (evaporating sweat), but it’s a messy, clammy situation when the mercury climbs and the water drops. Amiright?

What to do, then? Wet wade. Good wet wading has nothing to do with a pair of old sneakers and cargo shorts. Don't do that. Instead, here are the elements of a good wet wading system . . .

Continue reading Wet Wading Gear and a System for Fly Fishers at Troutbitten.

Polarized lenses are essential gear for fly fishers. Not some of the time -- all the time. Because seeing just a fraction more of the riverbed is a huge advantage. And recognizing the color change of depth makes a big difference when fishing underneath. Even if the lenses help just a bit more, the overall result is a more complete picture of the water ahead . . .

Continue reading Polarized Sunglasses for Fly Fishers — Why, When and What Kind at Troutbitten.