CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT NOW
.. The essential tools for Montana fly fishers are similar in many respects to those used by fisher folks around the world.
.. Clippers are a must for tippets, fingernails, nose hairs, and other sundry small cutting chores.
.. The Orvis Zinger is mandatory for attaching implements of destruction that can put your eye out if released too suddenly. It now comes with a tape measure for accurate documentation of scale size on suspect species of fish.
.. The Multi-Tool is in fashion these days. The original multi tool is the Swiss Army Knife & it comes with a ruler and hook disgorger for those anglers asleep at the switch, it has a ring for your second zinger...Other available gadgets promise to confuse even the well initiated and will give genuine pleasure to the crowd at the pub as you divert the conversation away from your fishless day on the Firehole River. The one on the carabinier sports a titanium timepiece for timing chug-a-lug contests.
.. Hook Sharpeners are a staple and even come electrified for the progressive angler. Should you miss too many 'takes' you can always say that the batteries were dead.
.. Forceps are necessary and can be hung on your third zinger. Place them low on the side away from your casting hand, this aids in the necessary ambidextrous quality of an accomplished fly fisher... They now come with flesh grabbing pincers to remove copious quantities of flesh as you try to get the hook out out of your companions ear.
.. Unique to the Montana gadget cluster is the addition of Dikes and Fence Pliers. The Montana legislature is currently wrestling with our constitution which allows access to the peoples' water... Be sure to have both a good set of fence pliers for removing staples on offensive signs, and a good set of diagonal cutters for smartly clipping wire that may inhibit livestock from accessing water and dying of thirst. Both are now available with padded and cushioned grips.
.. Vise grip fence pliers are useful for holding together a broken strand of wire that you discover in your adventures. The quick release feature guarantees rapid egress in emergency situations.
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.. It's noon, bright overcast, and time for brunch and a replay of yesterday's glorious sport on the Madison River, the fish have awakened with a vengeance. Go to the bottom of the page and practice on the map.