COVID-19 has led to some uncertain times in our Country, but one thing is certain: we need to limit our exposure to others and practice social distancing. While I have been hanging around the house, I compiled a list of ways you can do just that! I hope these allow you to stay busy and get you excited for when fishing is back in full swing.
1. Tie flies or learn how to!
Right now is the perfect time to hone your fly tying skills and get your fly box ready for the Spring! The internet is filled with great fly tying tutorials and several companies are going "live" to teach different patterns.
If you are new to tying and need a setup, call (or email) your local fly shop and see if they are still doing online orders or curbside pickup. I believe Orvis is still shipping, but try to support local first.
2. Organize your fly tying materials/station
I had to convert my fly tying desk into a temporary work station. I was bummed at first, but it ended up working out for the better. I cleaned out an old set of plastic drawers and nicely organized all my materials. The drawers are on wheels so now my materials are mobile and I can setup shop on my kitchen table (which has better lighting anyway)!
3. Read a good book on fly fishing
I am getting stoked for Spring and smallmouth fishing so I read a book on just that. The book is called Smallmouth: Modern Fly-Fishing Methods, Tactics, and Techniques by Dave Karczynski and Tim Landwehr. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about smallmouth fishing. I am about to read it again and take more notes. It is filled with great information and is a good read.
If you have good book suggestions leave them in the comments below!
4. Watch fly fishing videos on YouTube
Hands down the easiest way to kill time and get excited for fishing. Below are a few channels I enjoy.
5. Listen to a podcast
The two main fly fishing podcasts I listen to are the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast and Anchored Outdoors. Both provide great information for the new and experienced angler.
6. Participate in the #GroovyGrayling coloring contest.
FisheWear is holding a coloring contest! More info can be found here.
7. Support local
If you have the means to support local during this time, please do! Small businesses and guides could really use our help right now. Below are a few small businesses in Ohio.
One80Out - They made our hats!
Local Fly Shops - This link will take you to our resource page. It was has a list of fly shops in Ohio.
Hammock Gear - Columbus based hammock camping outfitter.
Local restaurants - You can Google local restaurants that are open in your area. Most big cities in Ohio have compiled this information.
8. Get outside and fish when you can while practicing social distancing
For the sake of our mental state, it is important to stay active, get outside, and fish. If you fish, please practice social distancing and stay local. Make sure you aren't fishing in an area that could be severely hurt if the virus were to spread.
Confluence Collective recently shared some great guidelines on fishing during this time. You can view them here.
If you have ideas on other ways to stay busy, drop them in the comments below!
Written by Katie Johnstone