Logan the Lab and His Laser Pointer

Logan oven
Logan Loves the Oven
Eric Weissleder

I would really like to blame my mother-in-law for this one. After all it was she who gave me the laser pointer as a gift. But it was I, unfortunately, who decided to see if Logan, my adopted Labrador, appreciated it.

When Logan first came into our home, we noticed that he had a mild obsession with lights and shadows. This is not uncommon; many dogs chase shadows, or stare at reflections. It can only become a serious problem if not addressed. In Logan’s case, he would often affix his gaze upon a wall or ceiling, mesmerized by the reflections caused by a wristwatch, a sunbeam, or in some cases, a glass of water. There were times when I’d walk into the kitchen to find him staring astutely at the ceiling as if there was a leak that needed repairing. In most cases, all I needed to do was remove or eliminate the light source and he’d be back to his old self. There were, however, times when it became necessary to ask everyone in Logan’s immediate vicinity to remove anything on their person that lit up, shimmered, or reflected in order to prevent him from thrusting his nose repeatedly into a wall in pursuit of the elusive reflection.

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The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast – Top Five Casting Mistakes Revisited

In this episode, Tom is joined by Peter Kutzer of the Orvis Fly Fishing School to revisit a subject that we have covered in the past, but is still requested: common casting mistakes. We’ve all made them, in this podcast learn how to identify and fix them.
Tom and Pete also discuss what soft hackle is and when to use it, whether or not the color of your bead-head matters on bead-head flie, and when you should replace your leader.

Did they miss anything? Was this helpful? What would you like to hear in the future? Let us know in the comments by clicking the READ MORE link, below.

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Sacramento River Basin Project Update

For one of our 2010 Conservation Efforts, Orvis teamed with American Rivers to help restore trout-spawning habitat in California’s Sacramento River Basin. Outdated flood and water-management systems have resulted in the loss of important meadow wetlands that purify and store water and the watershed. . .

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How to Buy a Fly reel

Reels IMG_6456
Choosing from among all the available reel models and sizes can be intimidating.
Photo Tim Bronson

A fly reel is a thing of beauty. Put one on a table in front of an angler and they will invariably pick it up, feel it, turn it, listen to the click, adjust the drag, and in essence fondle it. The longer they handle it, the better they like it. You can literally test the perceived quality of reels by the length of time anglers hold them. Reels are the jewels of the sport, and a great fly reel is something. . .

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The UV Ice Dub Baetis Nymph

Here’s a good video from the guys at the Oregon Fly Fishing Blog that demonstrates how to tie a simple yet enticing Baetis nymph. This should be a good pattern for winter fishing in small sizes.

What patterns are you tying this winter?

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The End of Fall

Nate battles a steelhead against a backdrop of fall leaves
Battling a Great Lakes steelhead against a backdrop of autumn leaves.
photo by Jim Lampros

Now that the snow is flying here in Vermont, as well as in many other parts of the country, even the chilly days of fall seem like the Good Ol’ Days. Jim Lampros, the fishing manager of the Orvis Cleveland store, sent us this musing on the first frost of the year: . . .

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Orvis Puppy Monday- Chocolates!

Orvis Cover Dog Contest - The Nethermead Puppies of Brooklyn
The Nethermead Puppies of Brooklyn
Stephen, Brooklyn
Enter the Orvis Cover Dog Photo contest for your chance to put your dog on a future cover of the The Orvis Dog Book catalog, win a $500 gift card from Orvis and help us beat canine cancer! Enter online at www.orvis.com/coverdog.
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