Outdoor Academy

Since its advent over five thousand years ago, duck hunting practices have changed considerably. In the beginning, early humans used simple methods like traps and nets to catch these wily waterfowl birds. As societies and technologies have evolved, so have the methods and tactics of duck hunting — taking it from a basic food-gathering task to one of the most popular recreational pursuits among outdoor adventurers. Today, guided duck hunts provide enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in this practice accompanied by experts. From top-of-the-line gear to comfortable blinds and accommodations, guided trips may represent the pinnacle of progress since the humble beginnings of duck hunting. This article will take you through the developments that have brought us to duck hunting as we know it today.

A pastime that blends creativity with practicality, fly tying has hooked anglers across the globe for centuries. Tying your own flies has several advantages: it’s cheaper than buying them, it forces you to learn more about the forage species where you’re fishing, and it allows you to custom tailor your flies to specific fish and conditions. This guide to fly tying will give you the know-how to get started crafting your own flies and assembling a solid fly tying kit. From the basics to advanced tricks, this article is designed to introduce you to a unique facet of fly fishing that will only deepen your appreciation for this life-long pursuit.

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.

Country music has its rotation of cherished subjects –– trucks, cornfields, romances beginning in bars. For lovers of the outdoors, country songs also celebrate some of our favorite pursuits: afternoons on the river, early mornings in a deer stand or the duck blind. These 20 country songs are tributes to the great outdoors and the best ways to spend time in it — stellar candidates for your next pre-trip playlist. If you’re like us, you’re all for huntin’, fishin’, and lovin’ every day.

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.

Mouse fishing — colloquially dubbed “mousing” by modern fly anglers — is a specialized fly fishing technique that uses mouse imitation flies to target predatory fish. Traditionally, mousing has been used to target bass and trout, but steelhead, pike, and other aggressive game fish can also be caught on mouse patterns. Mouse fishing can be an incredibly exciting way to fish. These sizable, topwater, rodent-like flies often elicit explosive eats from large fish, especially during low-light conditions during dawn, dusk, overcast days, and the dead of night. Whether you're a seasoned mousing moonlighter or new to the rodent imitation game, here's what you need to know to get on a good mouse bite — courtesy of our expert Guide Partners.

Le Fario Lodge, situated in the middle of Los Alerces National Park, is home to some of the best fly fishing in Patagonia, Argentina. Los Alerces is a natural wonder, renowned for its majestic ancient alerce trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. With its crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and towering snow-capped mountains, the park offers a breathtaking backdrop for your next fly fishing adventure. Tucked along the shores of magnificent Laguna Larga, Le Fario Lodge is a gateway to the incredible trout waters that Patagonia has to offer. Your hosts, Laura and Gonzalo Martinez, have worked to combine their passions for fly fishing and culinary excellence in Patagonia for more than 20 years; along with their team of world-class fly fishing guides and staff, Laura and Gonzalo will welcome you to the lodge and help you feel at home from the moment you arrive on their doorstep.

Kendjam Lodge is a hidden gem nestled near the pristine headwaters of the Irirí River—one of the most protected waterways in the southern Brazilian Amazon. Stretching over 500 miles through indigenous lands and lush ecological reserves, this breathtaking destination is a paradise for anglers seeking adventure in some of the planet’s most remote waters. Located 550 miles southeast of Manaus, Kendjam Lodge offers unparalleled access to crystal-clear waters home to an impressive variety of game fish species. Guiding you through this spectacular fishery are not only highly skilled fly fishing guides but also local native experts who will immerse you in the rich tapestry of the region's history and culture. For those who dream of fishing in Earth’s most pristine corners, a journey to Kendjam Lodge is not just a trip; it's an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories as lasting as the landscape itself.

Cobia, known for their strong fight and delicious flavor, are one of the most desirable species in the sport fishing community. This ultimate guide will give you all the information you need to successfully target cobia and will introduce you to the best cobia fishing guides out there.

Tarpon are one of the most prized saltwater game fish, known for their large size, impressive power, and the challenge they present to anglers. Once hooked, tarpon display acrobatic leaps and prolonged runs, making them a favorite for experienced anglers. Tarpon thrive in environments with varying levels of salinity, and are among the most adaptable saltwater gamefish species. They possess a vestigial air lung which allows them to breathe air by gulping at the surface, a trait inherited from their prehistoric ancestors. This breathing, also known as “rolling,” helps watchful anglers to locate schools or individual tarpon. This article is designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to target these incredible fish, and to introduce you to the best guides in South Carolina who can help you on your next tarpon fishing adventure.