Gear
Sometimes I get in a slump and get tier's block trying to produce subjects for this column. Picking the fly to write about is the most difficult part, as it must be something that ideally shows some new or unusual technique, is innovative and, most importantly, compelling to me. As usual, I search far and wide, perusing new patterns from all the fly manufacturers, going through my own fly boxes, and asking around in the shop, so it makes me feel particularly dumb to have overlooked Max Beauchene's new Mess Maker pattern, which he came up with a couple of summers ago. Max's Mess Maker is a caddis/attractor with a reverse-ribbed body and forward-facing wing.
