The Backstage Pass

The 6-Weight Fly Rod: A Must Have Rod for Freshwater It is a tough debate about the best "all around" trout rod between a 5-weight and a 6-weight, and while there is no definitive answer, the best approach is to simply ask yourself where are you going to be using it. A 5-weight...

During early February 2025, I was able to pull off a last-minute trip to the Ascension Bay region of Mexico. Ascension Bay is a beautiful and quant area of Mexico know for it’s world class fishing and small local communities. Although we recommend anglers book far in advance, this location also offers a...

Why You Need a 10-Weight Fly Rod When you’re stepping up to a 10-weight fly rod, you’re playing in the big leagues. This isn’t your everyday trout setup—this is the tool for battling heavy-hitting fish, slinging big flies, and punching through gusty winds. Whether chasing tarpon in the Caribbean, bull redfish in Louisiana,...

Is there a more dynamic "heavy" fly rod than the 9-weight? Whether you're targeting aggressive saltwater species, powerful freshwater predators, or fishing in challenging conditions, a 9-weight rod often proves indispensable. In this article, we’ll explore the general uses of a 9-weight rod, when to choose one over other rod sizes, and the...

If the 5-weight fly rod is the all-around rod that can serve you across many freshwater fishing scenarios, the 8-weight is its heavier counterpart. It can by no means "do it all," but it serves anglers well in a multitude of environments and scenarios. The 8WT hits that sweet spot of power and...

The 5-Weight Fly Rod: A Versatile Tool for Every Angler In freshwater fly fishing, the 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is the most popular and versatile option in an angler’s arsenal. A 5WT is often considered the “jack-of-all-trades” for trout fishing, and if you're just getting into the sport, is the first rod an...