TROUTSTRIKE WEEKLY

Issue 3 · September 20, 2026

Dear Readers,

This week, I had the opportunity to hear George Daniel speak at a local Trout Unlimited chapter meeting. I only found out about the presentation the day before, and honestly, I went in expecting to hear something very different from what he actually talked about.

It got me thinking about my own fishing, so I decided to write about the experience this week. I hope you enjoy it, and maybe it gets you thinking about your own fishing too.

Thanks for reading,

Jeff

This Week's Tip

Don't Skimp on Tippet Rings

This is one piece of gear where I think spending a little more is worth it. An off-brand set of tippet rings from Amazon sliced right through 6X fluorocarbon, and I tossed them straight in the trash. Quality rings from Rio, Cortland, or Umpqua run about a dollar each, but they are worth it. Stick with 1mm or 2mm for trout. They will not affect your drift, and they save you a ton of time on the water.

Learn More About Tippet Rings

Learning from the Best: An Evening With George Daniel

I’ve followed George Daniel’s work for years, so when I found out he was speaking at my local Trout Unlimited meeting this week, I was pretty excited.

I went in with a pretty good idea of what I expected to hear.

I was wrong.

George took the conversation in a direction I never expected. My first reaction was honestly a little disappointing. This wasn’t what I came to hear.

But the longer he talked, the more I found myself paying attention. What started as a presentation about something I’d largely ignored turned into a lesson that made me think about my own fishing, how I approach learning, and some of the limits I may have put on myself.

Read What I Learned

Gear I Rely On

I never planned on buying a rod holder.

I actually found one.

One day, I was fishing and came across this strange little piece of gear along the stream. I had no idea what it was. I picked it up, brought it home, and did what most of us would do. I Googled it.

It turned out to be an O’Pros Rod Holder.

I'll admit, I was skeptical. It looked like one of those pieces of fishing gear that seemed useful in theory but would probably end up sitting in a drawer.

So I tried it.

It hasn't left my wading belt since.

The idea is pretty simple. It attaches to a belt or strap between 1 and 2 inches wide and rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to position it wherever it works best for you. An elastic retention cord keeps the rod secure while still letting you pull it out quickly.

It's incredibly convenient.

When I need both hands to change a fly, handle a fish, or adjust a leader, I can put my rod in the holder instead of wedging it in my armpit. It's one less thing to worry about.

Shop O'Pros Rod Holder