Fly fishing's basically a simple sport - it's the fishermen who often clutter it with gadgets and "techniques" that lead not to more fish, but heightened frustration.

Still, the ability to use tools is what separates us from the lesser vertebrates (like politicians), and every fly fisher has his favorites. I want to hear about yours. And here's a hint: don't limit yourself to the shiny things jangling on your vest.

To get the ball rolling, I'll start with the three fly fishing tools I can't live without...

Aerial Mends

Without a reach cast or pile cast, I'd get crummy drifts – and catch a fraction of the fish. I use these two aerial mends so much they've become second nature, and I won't leave home without them. Fortunately – given my tendency to leave critical gear at home – I never will...

My Slower Fly Rods

Much is made of high line speeds and fast tapers (and in some cases they're extremely useful), but slower rods are my choice; they seem better suited to slack line casts and aerial mends at normal trout ranges. While most of my rods are bamboo and fiberglass, it's not my intention to exclude graphite; there are some very nice, Tom-friendly rods out there (the Scott G Series leap to mind).

My Fishing Buddies

Fishing alone is great stuff – you get all the water to yourself, and don't have to explain why you're not catching fish while dozens of them happily rise two rod lengths away. Sharing an evening of fishing is always fun (as is sharing a post-fishing beer), but most importantly, I learn something new from my friends every time I hit the water.

Weigh in, Undergrounders. It's Tool-User Thursday....