The Guide

For as long as most of us have been fishing, the knotless tapered mono leader has been the default connection between fly line and fly. It is cheap, it works, and it is everywhere. But the furled leader, an idea old enough to predate nylon, has been quietly winning anglers back over to the bench. More mass, softer landings, fewer break-offs, and a service life measured in seasons rather than outings. It sounds like a contradiction until you understand how it is built: a tapered rope of twisted fibers that hands the energy of the cast to the fly without losing any of it along the way.

GORE-TEX vs Toray is one of the most important decisions in fly fishing waders. This guide breaks down waterproofing, breathability, durability, and comfort to help anglers choose the right technology for their fishing style, conditions, and performance expectations on the water.

You track temperature. You watch the gauges. You check the hatch reports and adjust your box accordingly.

The moon is the variable most serious fly fishers ignore.

Not because it doesn't matter. Because it's quiet. It doesn't announce itself the way a cold front does. It shifts things gradually: feeding windows, fish position, the hour when a big brown decides to move. If you're not paying attention, you chalk it up to a bad day and move on.

At Feather Craft, we've been watching these patterns for decades. Here's what the moon is actually doing to your fishing.

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Value in fly fishing isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about focusing on what matters. TFO rods, Echo tapers, and Lamson reels deliver real performance where it counts, without the excess.

Since 1955, Feather Craft has defined fly fishing in St. Louis. What began as a small mail-order operation grew into a nationally respected fly shop built on technical expertise, relentless standards, and a commitment to educating anglers. From the creation of the iconic Crackleback to decades of trusted guidance, Feather Craft remains St. Louis’s fly shop rooted in craft, driven by performance, and dedicated to helping anglers fish better.

Discover the key differences between large arbor and mid-arbor fly reels. Learn how arbor size affects line retrieval, backing capacity, drag performance, and overall fly fishing performance. Find out which fly reel is best for your rod, fishing style, and target species

Learn how to stay warm and comfortable during cold weather fly fishing with expert layering tips. Discover the best base layers, mid-layers, waterproof shells, and gear for your hands, feet, and head. From nitrile gloves to merino wool socks, find out how to layer smart, stay dry, and enjoy winter and fall fly fishing like a pro.

Choosing the right fly line can completely change how your rod feels and performs. Learn how to match line weight, taper, and style to your fly rod, casting stroke, and fishing conditions—and why trying a few different lines might be the key to unlocking your rod’s true potential.