For the official RCS gift guides this year, we are going to be doing some traveling. We’ll be poking around in some choice destinations and taking advantage of the local fare. There are so many wonderful cities in our United States, and in the words of Anthony (the Great) Bourdain:
“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody.”
First up: Jackson, Wyoming. Largely known as a ski town, a summer visit yields some of the best fly fishing in the world. The resort is still open, which makes the trip much more palatable for the ladies. Mrs. RCS and I are working on our trip out to Jackson next July/August, so it seemed appropriate to kick things off here:
From Top Left:
1. Ball and Buck Active+ Anorak: My favorite tech fabric on the market. By a mile. It’s quiet and extremely plyable, and (most importantly), it’s quiet. And the price is just right.
2. Orvis Helios 3F 9′ 5wt Rod: The perfect rod for Jackson, WY. This is exactly what I’m planning on bringing out. Go big or go home, right?
3. Abel Grateful Dead Reel: I mean…yeah. As good as it gets.
4. Duck Camp Airflow Insulated Hoodie Jacket: Probably the best, and lightest, jacket on the market. I’ve fished in mine a few times and absolutely love it. And it’ll pack down to the size of a Coke can.
5. Orvis Pro Zipper Waders: I’ve got an older set of the Orvis waders, and hate that I missed the new front-zipper trend. How smart! Easy on/easy off, and it makes the front pockets a lot more usable.
6. Randolph USA Sportsman Sunglasses: There are plenty of ‘fishing’ sunglasses out there, but these Randolphs are the originals. You’ll be glad you are wearing these for those pictures with your hawgs.
7. Fishpond Nomad Emerger Net: DON’T FORGET THE NET.
8. Poncho Muleshoe Pearl Snap Shirt: When in Rome. The ideal fishing shirt that transitions from the creek to the bar. And there’s nothing cooler than pearl snaps.
9. Hemostats: Don’t think too hard on these. Go for stainless, and keep an extra set in your pack.
10. Orvis Ultralight Foam Fly Box: I love these – a lot. Great for the front pocket of your waders vs. wearing a pack up and down the creek. Easy access – all you have to do is pack accordingly.
11. Danner X Patagonia Wading Boots: My buddy Jeremy swears by these. He guides and fishes all over the world, and hasn’t found anything better. When in doubt, ask a pro.
12. Fishpond Waterdance Pro Waist Pack: Fishpond is so innovative when it comes to fly fishing gear. Their Pro Waist Pack is just the right size, with pockets and zippers in just the right places.
13. Colonel Littleton No. 2 Panama Hat: To top it all off, get a great hat, and the Panama from the Colonel is just right. A very ‘River Runs Through It’ vibe. Sweat in it. Beat it up. It’ll tell its own story.
What did I miss?
Jackson in summer is a great experience for all ages. Even teenagers. We saw 15+ Bald Eagles in a single afternoon on the Snake.
#13. Now THAT is a hat.
We’re regulars out in Jackson, both winter and summer. It’s a beautiful place, even if it’s gotten a little too glitzy in recent years. For fly fishing, my childhood neighbor launched his own guide outfit in JH…High Alpine Anglers. Great guy and guide. Check it out: https://highalpineanglers.com/ Don’t forget Hatch restaurant for Mexican food and Margaritas.