Tag: gear

The Simms Guide Classic Wader and Jacket

I’m a bit of a gear junkie. I love good gear and I love good technology. I can also tend to be a brand snob. When I got into fly fishing back in the day, I wore Simms boy’s waders, casted a Sage 9’ 5-wt Light Line and had a Ross Gunnison reel. Everything about the setup was classic and beautiful, and it worked like a charm to get me literally hooked on this sport, except the waders. While the Simms waders were well-made and never leaked even though I put them through the ringer, I have to say th

2/25/2021Jen Ripple2 min read

Survival of the Fittest - Or Most Prepared

This is the current view from my office window…in Tennessee. I moved here from Chicago four years ago because I wanted to be somewhere warm, without that white stuff, and without the single-digit temperatures. To say I feel like I was sold a bill of goods this morning when I woke up to 3 degree temperatures is an understatement. I currently heat my house with a wood burning stove, and while I live in the middle of a forest and am surrounded by "fuel" for said stove, currently that "fuel" resemb

2/16/2021Jen Ripple9 min read

The Fly Fishing Holiday Guide 2020

Ho-Ho-Ho Happy Holidays! Now that the turkey has been consumed, you've done all the shopping you care to (or should) in person, it's time to finish up that shopping list. Look no further! The ultimat fly fishing holiday gift guide has arrived! No doubt if you have a fly angler on your list you've thought about what the perfect gift would be to feed their obsession. We've taken away the guesswork in this year's guide and have provided you with a lot of options regardless of your budget. These

11/30/2020Jen Ripple8 min read

Just When We Thought the Flats Pro Series Was Perfect

When I first laid eyes on RIO’s DirectCore Flats Pro fly lines the first thing I noticed was how beautiful they were. The color is what sets this line apart to begin with. But, what good is color if it doesn’t work? Then, I tried the Flats Pro and it has been my hands-down favorite saltwater line since. It is, in fact, the line I use when I’m fishing for saltwater species and (shhhhh) for big bass here in the dead heat of summer. These lines became so popular with anglers that RIO has expanded

5/8/2020Jen Ripple3 min read

5 Things I Learned Fishing With a Toddler

Fishing is a lifelong passion for so many of us. From childhood to adulthood, we progress through chapters along the way. For me, when I became pregnant with my son, I was beyond excited to instill an appreciation (ok, addiction) for fishing at an early age. If only I knew what that really meant. Here are five things I have learned from fishing with my toddler. Always bring snacks ... Always. We stock up before hitting the water - whether it's for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Water bottles, healthy

5/8/2020Ryan Michelle Scavo2 min read

Three Reasons to Rent a Rod Instead of Buy

Years ago, during the process of a divorce, I rented a brand new and very expensive home intending to purchase it in the aftermath. It was five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and had all the top of the line bells and whistles you would expect with a higher market home. By all outward appearances, it was perfect. And then I lived in it. The first time the large jacuzzi tub in the master suite was used, my son, who was doing his homework at the dining room table below, announced there was water d

11/26/2019Jen Ripple4 min read

The 7 Coolest (Non-Fishing) Things I Saw at IFTD

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the 2019 International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show at the Denver Convention Center with DUN Magazine for the first time. The sheer volume of people to talk to and things to see was overwhelming, but I had the chance to speak with a lot of fantastic people and observe the scenery, so to speak. Here are some of the things I enjoyed most from my one-day journey. #Kickplastic These signs adorned the entrance to the exhibition hall, announcing that IF

11/10/2019Erica Hickey7 min read

Jen's Spring Must-Haves

There are so many great products out this spring. Here are some that I absolutely love, and you will too. — Jen 12oz Coffee Mug By Hydro Flask MSRP - $29.95 photo courtesy of - Hydroflask River Warm Up The Hydro Flask 12 oz Coffee Mug makes the perfect travel mug for those cool spring days boatside. Hot water, tea, sweetened dried lemons, and splash of Basil Hayden's Bourbon Whiskey makes our driftboat toddy. By Now Jono Hat By Deso Supply co MSRP - $36.00 photo courtesy of - Deso

5/13/2019Jen Ripple2 min read

Trout Fishing in Casper, Wyoming

Grey Reef is considered one of the best trout fisheries in the country and rumor has it you can catch fish in the 8-20 pound range.

12/2/2018Jen Ripple2 min read

Twenty Gifts $20 and Under

Sticker By Ugly Bug Fly Shop MSRP - $5.99 photo courtesy of - Ugly Bug Fly Shop Stick to It You need this. By Now X-Brew Coffee Dripper By Sea To Summit MSRP - $17.95 photo courtesy of - Sea To Summit Good To the Last Drop A good day on the water starts with a cup of coffee. By Now DA Perch By REEL NORTH FLIES MSRP - $10.50 photo by - Nome Buckman Fly Away Nobody ties predator flies like Nome By Now Atlas & Gazetteer By DELORME MSRP - $19.95 photo courtesy of - Amazon Ma

12/2/2018Dun Magazine4 min read

Whitewater Smallmouth in Asheville, North Carolina

Some of the most fun you can have in a freshwater destination is not far from downtown Asheville. Couple this amazing bass fishery with a stay at the Biltmore and some of the best food on the planet and you have a trip you’ll be booking every year. Hire: Galen Kipar from Asheville Fly Fishing Co Stay: The Cottage on Biltmore Estate Eat: Migas con verduras at Cúrate Drink: Liquid Truffle at French Broad Chocolate Lounge Boron III Plus By R.L. Winston MSRP - $895.00 photo courtesy of -

12/2/2018Jen Ripple2 min read

Picks for the Munchkins

Olive the Wooly Bugger By Kirk Warner MSRP - $12.95 per book photo courtesy of - Kirk Warner Book Worm Kids and adults alike love the tale of Olive the Woolly Bugger By Now Fly Fishing Teen Expedition By LILLARD starting at - $3,895.00 photo courtesy of - Orvis Let Someone Else Teach This great summer camp offers fly fishing adventures for teens all over the US. Learn More Bug Launcher By TFO MSRP - $89.95 photo courtesy of - TFO A Rod of Their Own Perfect for anglers of any ag

12/2/2018Dun Magazine2 min read