Fishing with lighter gear provides several advantages, and it’s also a fun challenge that can help you become a better angler. My exploration of ultralight tackle started with ice fishing.

Jeffrey Williams earns Fish o the Week honors for catching his first lake trout at Navy Pier . . . on an ultralight.

The five best packable waders that cut bulk and weight so you can go farther into the backcountry for more solitude and less fished-out areas. Most fly-fishermen aren't known for being minimalists.