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

2/25/2021•Jen Ripple

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

2/16/2021•Jen Ripple

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

11/30/2020•Jen Ripple

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

5/8/2020•Jen Ripple

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

5/8/2020•Ryan Michelle Scavo

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

11/26/2019•Jen Ripple

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

11/10/2019•Erica Hickey

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

5/13/2019•Jen Ripple

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 -

12/2/2018•Jen Ripple

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

12/2/2018•Dun Magazine

Stripers on Martha's Vineyard

Those who have fished for striper know how addictive this species can be. This 90 square mile island off the coast of Massachusetts is known to be one of the best places to catch striped bass in the country. Martha's Vineyard combines great fishing with amazing food, shopping, and night life. What more do you need? Hire:  Abbie Schuster with Kismet Outfitters Stay:  Edgartown Inn Eat:  Lobster Rolls at Larsen's Fish Market Drink:  Cappuccino at Rosewater Vintage Town Beanie By Patagonia

12/2/2018•Dun Magazine

Red Fishing in Rockport, Texas

Redfish are all the rage and one of the best places to catch them is the Texas coast. In Rockport, you sight fish over grass, sand, mud, and oyster shell flats. These redfish are here year round, so if you need a break from the cold head on down. Hire:  Kacee Bones Stay:  Casa Pequeña Lodge Eat:  Mom's Shrimp at GLOW Drink:  Lone Star - The National Beer of Texas at Pop's Thunderhead Duffel By Fishpond USA MSRP - $299.95 photo courtesy of - Fishpond USA Keep Everything Safe Every day o

12/2/2018•Dun Magazine