05/07/2026
A moment for our beloved Shootouts… 🕯️
Since their inception, nearly 20 years ago, our pioneering Shootouts have been the talk of, (if not also the benchmark), for comprehensive, in-depth fly-gear reviews. And, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the multiple and proliferating side by side rod and reel comparisons we have spawned among fly shops online attest to the popularity and usefulness of our Shootout format.
In more than two decades of experience writing about fly fishing rods, reels, waders, and even tippet material, we have learned what is necessary to test and compile solid data to create meaningful gear reviews.
For years now, however, the effort to create the Shootouts has strained our shop of 5 to 7 staff members. And with the ever-expanding number of fly-fishing rod and reel offerings annually, it has become increasingly difficult to dedicate the time required to produce our Shootouts with the comprehensiveness and detail we desire.
Accordingly, we have decided to move to smaller, more manageable gear reviews. We will still take a deep dive into the products we review and always give you our honest opinions.
In these gear reviews, we will be highlighting new, classic, or trending gear that we have had a chance to test or use in fresh or salt water.
So, the answer to the question is, yes – we are moving on from our Shootouts, but the spirit and essence of the Shootouts lives on in their progeny - the Shoutouts.
Check out our first Shoutout at the link in bio.
