Skill Builders

GORP Expert Angler Mark D. Williams shares his fishing expertise with you twice a month in his skill builders. Whether you're new to the world of fly-fishing or a seasoned veteran, Mark can help put more fish on the end of your line. Learn new casts, angling tactics, hatch matching and more.

Flyrod Purchase Paranoia
Shopping for rods nowadays is a whole new world. Go in armed with this.

Fishing Streamers
Want to catch the biggest fish in the river? Put away your dries and nymphs and tie on a streamer.

Mark's Top Ten Dry Flies
Admit it, wouldn't you rather always fish dries? Mark shares his all-time favorite dry flies.

Fishing Beaver Ponds
Learn the secrets to hooking the hyper-wary trout that inhabit beaver ponds.

Finding Secret Spots
Your favorite fishing spot getting too crowded? Here's how to find solitude and untouched trout.

Fishing Terrestrials
When the hatches slow down and the water warms up, it's time to get buggy.

Knots Know-How
You can't fish without knots, but there's a lot more to tying a knot than threading the line through the right loop.

Pocket Water Angling
Pocket-water trout grow big and fit. But hooking them calls for some unorthodox techniques.

The Steeple Cast
What do you do when you're in a tight spot and haven't got a prayer with a traditional cast? Time to unfurl a steeple cast.

High-Stick Nymphing
If the water's fast and the fish are down deep, it's time for some high-stick nymphing.

Matching the Hatch
Having trouble getting a rising trout interested in your fly? Here's advice on how to change his mind.

Reading the Water
You may be able to cast like a dream, but it won't help you catch fish if you can't read the water.

The Bow & Arrow Cast
Need pinpoint accuracy to drop a fly on a rising trout in a tightspot? Time to reach into your quiver for the bow & arrow cast.

Fishing Multiple Flies
Two heads are better than one, and so are two flies. If you want to catch trout when nothing's hatching, try prospecting with multiple flies.

Hiring a Guide
Want to hire a fishing guide but unsure how to choose one and what to expect? Read on and ease your anxiety.

Fishing Trip Checklist
If you're getting ready to go fishing, here are 10 things to pack besides your rod, reel and waders.

Articles © Mark D. Willliams, 2000