Skwala Lounge
Sep 4, 2025
When Nordic Precision Meets American Artistry
On Iceland’s Holkna River, flyfishing feels less like chaos and more like ceremony. Hosted by Eleven Angling, we discovered a system where every run is logged, every fish is tracked, and every cast carries intention. The result? Atlantic salmon, yes—but also a reminder that order can be just as beautiful as spontaneity.
Sep 4, 2025
Guilty Pleasure Flies
Some flies catch fish but still carry a stigma. From mop flies and squirmy worms to Frenchies and articulated streamers, this essay explores the unspoken rules and social judgments that define flyfishing culture—and what they reveal about us.
Aug 19, 2025
Marathon Sprinters of the Atlantic
False albacore, long overlooked and understudied, are finally getting attention from anglers, scientists, and conservation groups. Once dismissed as bycatch, these “marathon sprinters” of the Atlantic are gaining cultural and economic value, fueling new research through the ASGA’s Albie Project. From surprising migration data to the first-ever harvest rules, the story of albies highlights how grassroots conservation can protect a species before it’s in crisis.
Aug 6, 2025
The Life of Brian Vol 2: Wade Fishing Acklins Island
In Volume Two of The Life of Brian, Brian O’Keefe wades the remote flats of Acklins Island, Bahamas, chasing bonefish on foot. Sparse in amenities but rich in opportunity, Acklins delivers nonstop action and unforgettable moments—captured in Brian’s words and images.
Aug 6, 2025
The Life of Brian Vol 3: Chile's Evolving Fishery
In Volume Three of The Life of Brian, Brian O’Keefe explores the changing trout fishery in Chile—from jet boat access to escaped salmon and unexpected bass bug eats.
Aug 6, 2025
The Life of Brian Vol 1: DIY New Zealand Lake Fishing
In Volume One of The Life of Brian, fly fishing legend Brian O’Keefe shares stories and photos from a gritty, DIY adventure chasing lake-run rainbows in New Zealand.
Jul 24, 2025
Cast (Almost) Every Day
Veteran guide Mark Raisler shares a simple, effective fly casting routine: 2–10 minutes a day focused on precision, mechanics, and consistency. His method builds muscle memory and casting accuracy through short, daily practice—no lawn or pond required.
Jul 9, 2025
What makes a fishing trip great?
A return trip to Beaver Island serves as a reminder: great fishing trips aren’t always about the numbers. They’re about the struggle, the ritual, the companions—and the willingness to show up again, no matter the forecast.
Jun 23, 2025
Built-in Bug Defense, Powered by Flowers
This article explores how the Sol Defense Hoody offers dual protection from the sun and insect bites. The key is permethrin—a synthetic insecticide modeled after a natural compound found in chrysanthemum flowers. The piece explains the origins, science, and effectiveness of permethrin, including how it works by incapacitating insects on contact. It also details how long the treatment lasts and why the hoody is a smart choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for all-day protection and comfort.
May 22, 2025
Don't Mess with Flats Guides: The Belizean flats protection story you might have missed
When a beloved Belizean permit flat was quietly greenlit for resort development, local fishing guides didn’t just get mad—they got organized. What followed was a masterclass in grassroots conservation, culminating in the government seizing the land for public use. This is the story of Will Bauer Flat, a fight for fish that proves even a 2-acre flat can spark big change.
May 14, 2025
The Boat Is the Bar: Five Days Afloat in Southeast Alaska
What happens when five longtime friends chase wild steelhead across remote Alaskan rivers? You get a trip defined not just by the fish, but by the people, the effort, and the boat that held it all together. This wasn’t about luxury—it was about movement, mischief, camaraderie, and the kind of fishing that demands your full presence.
Apr 28, 2025
Spring: The Best Season for Trout Fishing
While everyone else is daydreaming about summer, the best trout fishing of the year is happening right now. Spring offers hungry fish, perfect water, and a fleeting window of magic—if you’re willing to brave the weather. Skwala’s Miles Nolte makes the case for dropping everything and getting on the river before it’s too late.