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TROUTSTRIKE.com

WHERE FLY ANGLERS CONTINUE LEARNING WHEN NOT ON THE WATER

  • Tactics
    • Tightline/Euro Nymphing
      • Mono Rig
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  • Euro Nymphs Tightline/Euro Nymphing

    3 Materials You Need to Tie Better Euro Nymphs

    3 min read Jeff Smecker
  • France Fly
    Euro Nymphs Tightline/Euro Nymphing

    Why I Always Tie the France Fly in Three Unique Weights

    6 min read Jeff Smecker
  • Tightline Contact
    Tightline/Euro Nymphing

    Tightline Contact: The Skill That Changes Everything

    11 min read Jeff Smecker
  • Tightline/Euro Nymphing

    Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Learning How to Euro Nymph

    11 min read Jeff Smecker
Dry Fly Fishing Stories

What Happened When I Finally Stopped Nymphing

6 min read Jeff Smecker
Euro Nymphs Tightline/Euro Nymphing

3 Materials You Need to Tie Better Euro Nymphs

3 min read Jeff Smecker
France Fly
Euro Nymphs Tightline/Euro Nymphing

Why I Always Tie the France Fly in Three Unique Weights

6 min read Jeff Smecker
frustrated angler
Commentary Tactics

Not Catching Fish? The Truth About Fly Fishing Versatility

10 min read Jeff Smecker

Featured Posts

What You’re Missing When You Skip the Local Fly Shop

frustrated angler

Not Catching Fish? The Truth About Fly Fishing Versatility

low river conditions

What Happened When I Returned to a Drought Stricken River

Low Water Fly Fishing: Meeting the River Where It Stands

Low River Conditions

When A River (No Longer) Runs Through It

How to Save Money on Fluorocarbon | What We Learned from the Conversation

Confidence Flies

Why Your Confidence Flies are Better than Mine

Limestone Streams Offer Outstanding Year Round Fishing Opportunities

Your Nymphs are Better than the Fly Shop’s Nymphs

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Welcome to TroutStrike.com: A Free Resource for the Everyday Angler.

Most of us do not get as much time on the water as we would like. My mission is to ensure that when you do get the chance to fish, you have the knowledge and the confidence to succeed.

From the Principal's Office to the Stream

Most of my time on the water is on Central Pennsylvania limestone streams.
Most of my time on the water is on Central Pennsylvania limestone streams.

I am Jeff Smecker. I have served in public education for over thirty years as both a teacher and a school principal. When I am not in my office or at my fly-tying vise, I am usually on the limestone streams of Central Pennsylvania.

I am not a professional guide or a member of a national team. I am a regular guy who believes in the power of education. My goal is to create a space where we can continue to study the sport we love.

Understanding Core Concepts

I believe that the best way to improve is to understand the core concepts behind what we do. When we understand the "why" behind a technique, we can adapt and transfer those skills to the many different challenges we face when chasing trout.

Every post here is designed to teach a specific lesson. Since I am not an authority on every topic I cover, I make sure to include the resources and experts that helped me deepen my own understanding. This is a place where we examine the details of the sport together.

Leading Learning

The best classrooms are places where students feel free to take risks. As the lead learner of this site, I want to create a community where we can all learn from one another. Aside from the proper handling and release of the trout we catch, there is almost never just one right way to do something in fly fishing.

When you are not on the water, I hope TroutStrike becomes a space for you to laugh and reflect. I want to help make your time on the stream more successful and enjoyable.

Thank you for your support of TroutStrike.

Spend more time on the water,

Jeff Smecker

TroutStrike Fly Fishing, LLC

  • Video Post-Tight Line Nymphing with a Mono Rig
  • The Dry Dropper Rig-My Favorite Way to Fly Fish
  • Why TroutStrike? It’s Why I Choose to Fish
  • 10 Powerful Tips to Begin Your Fly Tying Journey
  • Egan’s Thread Frenchie is the Ultimate Confidence Fly
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