Double Dry Flies

March 1, 2018 Jillian Rash

Jillian Schuller Photography - Fly Fishing

The air is damp and cold and there's a thick fog settled over everything. I wondered to myself why I even bothered with blow drying my hair this morning, the mist has dampened it already. Despite a silent protest I've pulled on my waders. Wild water is not the place for waders, they're bulky and get in the way. But, spring has just arrived and the water is still cold. It's been a long, cold winter spent away from these waters and I've been waiting to get back to them. Little mountain streams, high up, filled with ambitious brook trout have been calling to me for months.

I always linger a bit behind on the hike to the river. I let the guys dash ahead. I know this trail and this stream, I don't need anyone to guide me. There's a mist coming off the wet, moss covered rocks, or maybe that's just the fog, I can't be sure. Everything is starting to turn green again, the death of winter is starting to fade away, strangled out by new life.

What's Up With Ferrule Plug Pockets?

February 27, 2018 Jillian Rash

Recently, I've had a lot of questions about ferrule plug pockets on my rod bags.

1)Where do they go?

2)What's the closure system?

3)Which styles of bags can have a pocket put on them?

So, I figured I'd take a bit of time and answer some of these questions on here, in hopes to clear up some of the confusion.

The Winter Crud

February 14, 2018 Jillian Rash

Steps to Overcoming the Crud:
1) Wake up and try to feel like a human. Get coffee, get clean, put on real clothes.
2) Replace real clothes with sweatpants and t-shirt. Who are you kidding? You're still a zombie.
3) Take your vitamins and fill up your water bottle.
4) Assume position on the couch, preferably with an electric blanket and a dog.
5) Drink water.

Plastic Bottles and Public Lands

February 12, 2018 Jillian Rash

There are two things about me that everyone knows. One, I've ALWAYS got a water bottle with me; a big 40 oz HydroFlask, covered in stickers from notable fishing and outdoors brands. Also, I will turn my nose up at you if you're drinking out of a plastic, disposable bottle.

Two, I'm outspoken and fiercely passionate about public lands.

Starting The Year Off Right

February 9, 2018 Jillian Rash

During the beginnings of this year, the rod shop at the Between Two Banks' household has been busy, partly from the inclement weather, but mostly due to work. A few of the projects include two C. Barclay fiberglass blanks, a few bamboo blanks in the process of being planed out, and most recently a commission build.

A few months ago, when the order for this rod was first placed, it was decided that this would be an original taper. There were many conversations, lot's of math, and a few sleepless nights, but in time a taper was born. Soon, demo blanks were being built and yard casting in 20 degrees began. Eventually, it all came together with a list of Between Two Banks signature tapers and finished 7'9" five weight.

Peace, Love, & Fishing

February 7, 2018 Jillian Rash

It's often said that days of cold, wet, and clouds can turn into some of the best fishing days. I always tell myself this before I leave the house on what I know is going to be a foreboding day.

"It's okay that you won't be able to feel your fingers, the fishing is going to be great!"

Let's just say this isn't always the case.