During our many years of fly fishing we have accumulated a number of random tips and techniques through trial and error. We want to pass some of them along to you with the hope that it makes your fly fishing more rewarding.

1.    Carry a set of different colured sharpie markers in your boat bag, sling pack or vest to help you modify the color of your flies to ‘match the hatch’.

2.    Use different colured threads to tie the heads on your flies to differentiate the different weights. (i.e. green thread heads for non-toxic weighted underbodies, black thread heads for lead weighted underbodies, red thread heads for tungsten weighted underbodies and purple thread heads for unweighted underbodies).

3.    Always stretch your fly line before stepping into the river or making your first cast from the skiff. Taking the time to do this simple task will allow you to cast further.

4.    Keep two rubber jar lid openers in your boat or gear bag. This will greatly help you when trying to get stuck rod sections apart.

5.    When bonefishing over a dark bottomed flat use a dark fly (olive, brown, burnt orange) and when fishing over a light bottomed flat, fish a light-coloured fly (tan, pink, pale yellow).

6.    Use a loop knot to improve the action of your fly and get more takes.

7.    To avoid the pain of line cuts, wrap your stripping finger with stretchy finger tape.

8.    Wearing a pair of light cotton socks when you step up onto the casting platform will not only protect your feet from sunburn but also allow you to ‘feel’ when you are stepping on your line.

9.    Keeping a small towel in your boat bag can come in very handy. You can wipe fish slime off your hands, dry your hands after rinsing off sunscreen or insect repellent, wipe your sweaty brow or clean the boat deck when you step aboard with dirty shoes on.

10.    Purchase a pair of lightweight waterproof two-way radios. Give one to your spouse/fishing partner and you will be free to fish ‘around the bend’. Communicating about lunch time, photographing a particularly nice fish or time to reel in and head home will no longer be a source of stress. Just keep the batteries charged and remember to turn both units on.