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Minturn: (970) 827-9500

Denver: (720) 851-4665

Opinions, Observations & Rants

Knotty Clients | SUBTITLE Fly Fishing Vail Colorado

Billy: 300 (ish) words, two pics, two links (if possible–try a link to a specific Google Map spot or whatever) Then set a keyword (or two), and include it in the intro paragraph, Meta Description, and in the Alt Text of each picture.  I can fill in any details you need–just email me pics if …

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Give me Another Ball, Bob! | Challenge and Growth Fly Fishing in Your Own Backyard

The point of this short rant & blog is to say, “challenge yourself to  step outside the box of what’s comfortable & what feels safe.” The last time I competed in the GoPro Mountain games, I was coming off a win the year prior & can vividly remember asking one of our senior guides Bob Streb what I should …

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What Makes a Good Fly Fishing Shot | Photography Tips for the Best Fish Pic

One of the harder things to teach beginner fly fishers is not only how to play a fish, but how to hold a fish for a picture after it’s been netted.  And, of course, when taking fishing pictures, the presentation of the fish is the most important thing.  People’s tendency is to feel how slimy a …

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15212-Tom Rushlow-Vail Valley

Why I Despise Fly Fishing…

Okay, allow me to explain the title for this bit.  The basis for my title comes from something an old friend told me a long time ago when I was quite young.  We had been talking about relationships, and he said to me, “Tom, love and hate are the same thing. They come from the …

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Truth in booking fly fishing trips

Honestly Booking a Fly Fishing Trip

Honestly, fishing and lying about fishing have gone hand in hand since the beginning of time, so it never surprises a guide when the fibbing starts. WHAT a fisherman lies about is much less important than when. WHEN you lie  can be a huge factor in whether you enjoy the day.  Most lies are just good …

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What to Wear for Fly Fishing Trips in Colorado

Dress for Success | What to wear for Fly Fishing Folks who come into the shop or call to book their first fly fishing trip often ask questions they describe as “stupid”.  Let me tell you that there IS a such thing as a stupid question (such as, “Do you think the moose will mind if …

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De-barb your flies, Early and Often!

De-barbing hooks has always been a debate in the Fly Fishing industry. To de-barb, to leave the barb, to fish barbless flies, everyone has their opinion. I have always de-barbed my clients’ hooks. This is done for the safety of both anglers and fish. I have recently gained a better appreciation for the de-barbed hook. …

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Living on the Side of Colorado Rivers | A Guide’s Lunch/Hatch on the Eagle,Gore,Arkansas,Roaring Fork,Colorado

As a fisherman that has grown up on the banks of the waters of the Vail Valley, with some good old- fashioned, car camping trips to the Arkansas river as well as the Roaring Fork, a good, quick meal on the banks is as important as your fly and tippet selection.  It does not matter …

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Fly Fishing with Moose

Fly Fishing with Moose | Big Wildlife in the Vail Area

Fly Fishing with Moose Bullwinkle: the largest member of the deer family, and certainly the most dangerous.  With their poor eyesight, moose are easily startled and willing to put all 1,500 pounds behind a good trampling.  Now, before you run out to find ‘moose spray’ or buy the magnum rounds, understand that moose are rarely …

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Fly Fishing Expectations for Beginners

Fly fishing is a lifelong learning process.  The more you do it, the better you get and the more addicting it becomes! Proceed with Caution….    Don’t Expect to be Great the First Time You Fly Fish Did you shoot par the first time you played golf…or ever? In the Beginning You Can Expect…. Line …

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