Questions Answered Here
If you’ve got a question about fly fishing, gear I build, or something you saw on the channel — you’re in the right place.
Below are the questions I hear most often.
General Fly Fishing Questions
Q: Do you only fish for trout?
No. I primarily chase smallmouth bass. There aren’t many trout streams near me, and most are stocked. Smallmouth are wild, aggressive, and available. A fly rod is an incredibly effective tool for them.
Q: Will smallmouth really hit a fly?
Absolutely. And not just “tiny” flies. I regularly throw streamers 3–5 inches long. Most people are surprised when they see what I’m actually using.
Q: Is fly fishing practical for bass?
More than most people think. A fly rod allows for soft presentations, quick pick-ups, and controlled short-range shots at active fish. In many situations, it gives you an advantage.
Q: What rod weight do you recommend for smallmouth?
For most river situations, a 6- or 7-weight covers a wide range of flies and conditions. It’s about balance — fly size, leader, and rod working together.
Leaders & High-Tech Tapered Furled Leaders (HTTFL)
Q: What makes your High-Tech Tapered Furled Leaders different?
Most leaders rely on either stiffness alone or taper alone. HTTFL designs use structured geometry and material control to manage energy transfer more efficiently. The goal is smoother turnover and better control — not hype.
Q: Are furled leaders too soft for bass?
Not when designed correctly. Leader performance is about balance, not just stiffness. I build leaders to match rod weight and fly size so the system works as one unit.
Q: Can your leaders be used on Spey rods?
Yes — with the right design. Spey systems require adjustments in length and energy control, and I’m developing models specifically mapped to grain windows and head styles.
Gear I Make
Q: Why do you make so much of your own gear?
Two reasons: control and improvement. If I can build something that solves a problem better, I will. I enjoy figuring out what works — and why.
Q: What is the Vise Attached Brush Making Table (VABMT)?
It’s a fly-tying tool that mounts to your vise and allows you to build brushes without clearing your tying table. It retracts out of the way when not in use. Simple, practical, efficient.
Q: Where can I buy your products?
Currently through my store page, Etsy, and selected affiliate links. I focus on small-scale production and quality over mass output.
Access & Navigating Water
Q: How do you find places to fish?
Research. County maps. Public access points. And asking permission when necessary. Understanding navigable water laws is important — and often misunderstood.
Q: What do you do if someone approaches you about trespassing?
Be respectful. Ask questions. If they own the land, ask permission. If not, clarify the situation calmly. Most conflicts come from misunderstanding, not malice.
The Frugal Fly Rodder Philosophy
Q: Why “Frugal”?
Because fly fishing doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Skill and understanding matter more than price tags.
Q: Are you against high-end gear?
No. I’m against unnecessary spending. If something truly performs better, great. But it should earn its place.
Q: What’s the goal of this website?
To complement the YouTube channel. This is where I go deeper, organize information, and answer questions in a way that’s easier to reference.
If you don’t see your question here, use the form below. If it’s a good one, I may add it to this list and make a Blog out of it so others can benefit.