By Mike Watts Has there ever been a fish that you have hooked and lost, which has haunted you? Maybe it’s a fish that still lays hidden beneath a dock, under a log, or tucked into some other invisible concealment. The thought of this lost fish just sits in the back of your mind, constantly …...

Have you ever had a severe case of the “fish itch?” When the itch to go fishing is so bad that the thought of fishing is all-consuming. And scratching body parts won’t be the cure. It begins with an occasional memory of past fish. Then it mushrooms into thinking about fish that you probably should …...

(note that all fly pics were tied by George Campbell, Pendleton SC) By Mike Watts Sasquatch, Big Foot, and the ubiquitous Woolly Bugger all have one thing in common, they are indeed legends in their own individual worlds. The stories about each meander throughout books, social media, and other avenues of the population. To my …...

The holidays are special times and should be a reminder of all things to be thankful for all year long. In most cases, they also offer a few days off for fishing trips, both pre-and post-Thanksgiving! This year was to be no different except for the fact that I had a new fly fishing partner, …...

Time passes at such an incredible speed. It’s been 20 years since I have ventured into the deer woods with a rifle in hand. I have always loved fall fishing, cooler temperatures, the beauty of the tree colors, and the water dimples as leaves landed in pools and eddies. I replaced tree stands, rutting bucks, …...

How did life get so complicated? How does one make the left turn to an exaggerated state of busyness? I have handwritten notes to remind me where the other handwritten notes are located so I won’t forget what the fourth note said if I can find where I put it! Seems as if the wheels …...

At the beginning of the flyfishing class each semester at Clemson University, I ask the students individually about their fishing adventures and experiences. Within each class are different levels of skills and backgrounds. All students have the same common denominator, they want to catch a fish. Sadly, there are always a few students...

Fly fishing is an obsession and a passion. For me to keep this affliction under control, I constantly must be participating in it. That means I fish a lot. I enjoy the sport and feel it connects me to the fish and its environment. I am constantly moving and gaining a better understanding of a …...