Guide Picks

Hunting seasons are starting in earnest across the flyways and before we know it will be the holiday season! If you have a waterfowler on your list, here are some pointers to find the right gifts for them (and maybe for yourself too).

Buying waders is the bane of many duck hunters’ existence. To borrow from a book title by the great fly fishing author John Gierach, there are three certainties in life: “death, taxes, and leaky waders.” Gierach was writing about fishing waders, but duck hunting waders leak all the same. As beautiful as duck habitats may be, they are invariably hell on a duck hunter’s equipment. Between submerged stumps, sharp corn stalks, and rogue barbed wire, there’s no shortage of threats to the longevity of a duck hunter’s waders. That said, certain waders handle such a beating better than others. We polled our AnyCreek guide partners for their favorite duck hunting waders, and this is what they came back with. Read on to learn about the waders that will keep you in the blind all winter long.

If you’re someone who enjoys targeting bonefish, redfish, permit, snook, tarpon, striped bass and other inshore fish on salt marshes, a flats skiff is your best friend. These small, shallow-draft boats are designed to move quietly and comfortably through skinny water, allowing you to spot and stalk fish on the flats. When it comes to buying a skiff, there is no shortage of options to consider. In this article, we’ll do an overview of how to choose your next flats skiff and offer up a list of the best skiffs on the market today. We polled our expert guide partners that use flat skiffs every day, and this is what they came back with.

Choosing the right shotgun can make or break your hunting or sport shooting experience. Whether you're an experienced hunter or have never shouldered a shotgun, taking the time to pick out a shotgun that suits your needs will greatly impact your performance and comfort. Different hunting situations and shooting sports require specific features and capabilities – whether you're hunting waterfowl in marshes or pursuing upland game in thick forests, there’s a shotgun that’s right for you. This article will give you everything you need to know about purchasing and getting the most out of a new shotgun, as well as a list of our guide partners’ favorite shotguns on the market.

For many hunters and anglers, it can be difficult to describe what it is about hunting and fishing that brings such joy. There’s a contingent of people that organize their calendars around an Alaskan salmon run or an Argentina dove hunting trip, going to great lengths to rearrange work and familial obligations for time out of doors. Their rationale for this way of living: “I don’t know — I just like being outside.” Thankfully, there are a few outdoor authors that have put into words what the rest of us can’t. The best outdoor books do more than describe hunting or fishing trips — they start to get at the magic of outdoor adventures that inspire us to upend our lives in pursuit of wild fish and sporty birds. This article offers a list — by no means exhaustive — of the best sporting literature out there. Each of these books is well worth a read, even if you’ve never shouldered a shotgun or cast a fly rod.

When it comes to gearing up for a day of fishing followed by a night out, versatility in your wardrobe is key. Fishing shirts need to offer comfort, durability, and protection from the elements, while still looking sharp enough for casual outings. This list is for anglers who value both performance and appearance in their outdoor apparel – whether you're casting lines in the early morning sun or relaxing at your favorite bar come evening, these shirts combine functionality with style. We polled our guide partners for their favorite fishing shirts on the market, and this is what they came back with.

From withstanding harsh water conditions to battling large game fish species, we ask a lot of our saltwater fly rods. Not only do they have to be tough, the ideal fly rod should also improve your casting ability and help you make accurate fly presentations. Finding the right balance between durability and precision is not always easy – thankfully, there are some excellent saltwater fly rods on the market today. Choosing the right one can make or break your saltwater fishing experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best saltwater fly rods out there, as well as their key features and ideal uses. Whether you’re looking for a versatile, all-around fly rod or want a species-specific set-up, this list has you covered. We’ve polled our AnyCreek guide partners for the fly rods that serve them best on their boats, and this is what they came back with.

Selecting the right fly rod can be the difference between a memorable day on the water and one filled with frustration. Whether you're casting in serene mountain streams or battling the wind on large rivers, the right fly rod enhances your ability to present your flies with precision and control. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best fly rods on the market, highlighting their key features, advantages, and ideal uses. From versatile all-rounders to specialized tools for specific conditions, these are the rods that can elevate your fly fishing experience and help you make the most of every cast. We polled our AnyCreek Guide Partners, and this is what they came back with.

Saltwater fishing demands equipment that can withstand the corrosive elements of the salt, deliver smooth performance, and handle intense battles with larger game fish species. Investing in a high-quality saltwater spinning reel ensures reliability, durability, and a more enjoyable fishing adventure. Recent advancements in saltwater spinning reels have revolutionized the market. Manufacturers are incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their saltwater reels — such as improved drag systems, enhanced gear mechanisms, and corrosion-resistant materials. These innovations offer anglers better control, increased longevity, and superior performance during their fishing expeditions. Here, we’ll dive into some of our AnyCreek Guide Partners’ favorites saltwater spinning reels for 2024. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to elevate your game, this article will provide insights into top fishing reel brands, key features to look for, and innovative technologies shaping the latest saltwater spinning reel models.

Choosing the right flies when planning your next trip to fly fish for trout can be tricky given the breadth of patterns to select from. Expert fly tyers understand this better than almost anyone, so we wanted to hear from our community of experienced guides on their top sources for killer trout flies. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best flies for trout and show you our top 10 places for trout flies, sourced from the best fly tyers in the space.