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Profiles

Devin Olsen

Angler
American·b. ~1980s
Known for:
Member of the USA Fly Fishing Team. Author of "Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers." Leading authority on Euro-nymphing and competition fly fishing techniques in North America.
Sponsored by: Hardy, Airflo, Fulling Mill, Smith Optics

Devin Olsen has competed on the USA Fly Fishing Team in international championships and brought the tight-line nymphing methods used in European competition circuits to a broader American audience. His 2019 book "Tactical Fly Fishing" breaks down the specific rigging, fly selection, and water-reading techniques that competition anglers use to consistently catch fish under tournament pressure, and it has become the standard reference for anglers looking to learn Euro-nymphing. Olsen runs the Tactical Fly Fisher website and YouTube channel, producing detailed instructional content on leader construction, fly weighting, and contact nymphing drifts. His approach is technical and systematic, appealing to anglers who want to understand the mechanics behind why certain methods work.

Devin Olsen's Gear List(4)

Tactical Taper Superflo 2.0

Airflo

Product description

Weight-forward floating line built for nymphing and small fly presentations, with an extended head, long front taper, and reduced tip diameter for delicate turnover. 100% PVC-free polyurethane coating over a low-stretch Power Core rated at roughly 6% stretch. Ridge 2.0 micro-ridges reduce guide friction. Available in sizes 3 through 6.

Connection note

Euro-nymphing fly line
Source: Website ↗
Ultralite LL 9'9" 4wt

Hardy

Product description

Four-piece, medium-fast action rod built on a SINTRIX blank with ceramic-lined titanium recoil guides, made in Alnwick, England. At 9'9", it is designed for long-leader dry fly fishing and tight-line nymphing on technical water, where extended reach aids mending and strike detection. Designer Howard Croston used this rod to win the 2020 FIPS World Fly Fishing Championship.

Connection note

Current primary nymphing rod
Source: Website ↗

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Landon Mayer

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Last updated March 12, 2026

Peux Fulgor

Peux

Product description

Semi-automatic fly reel designed and manufactured in Switzerland, built entirely from machined aluminum with no cast or plastic parts. Available in two sizes: Fulgor 1 for 0-3wt lines (4.9 oz) and Fulgor 2 for 4-6wt lines (5.4 oz), each with a smooth multi-disc drag and ability to retrieve up to 3 meters of line per lever pull. Rotatable body accommodates right- or left-hand retrieve.

Connection note

Current competition reel
Source: Website ↗
Smith Optics Sunglasses

Smith Optics

Product description

Smith Optics outdoor sunglasses built around ChromaPop lens technology, which filters two specific wavelengths at the blue-green and green-red crossover points to sharpen color definition and contrast. Lenses are available in polycarbonate and glass, both with 100% polarization and UV protection. Fishing-focused frames like the Guide's Choice and Spinner are available with ChromaPop Glass Polarized in tints suited for varying water and light conditions.

Connection note

Polarized for sight-fishing
Source: Website ↗