Do you know how to behave around others while fishing? Chances are the answer is "yes." Because even though common sense isn't all that common these days, I have come to expect better of those who spend a good amount of time outdoors. There are plenty of resources that articulate the formal, classic fly fishing etiquette codes. Those are great. But there are also some subjective elements that come into play depending on when and where you are fishing. In this episode I discuss how and why you ca...
Aug 19, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Last fall I fell down a rabbit hole. More accurately: I fell down into a duck's nest. After decades of watching guys wade into swamps, dressed like trees, carrying fake birds over their shoulders, I decided to do the same. And I loved it. But aside from some cobbled-together gear from my vast fly fishing arsenal and some random deer hunting items, I didn't have the right stuff. I was a little wet, a little cold, and a little convinced that I'd have to do some shopping before this fall. So I did....
Aug 12, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 196
Actually, it is one way to read water with four parts. But that is way too long for a podcast title. After sharing an anecdote about my failing to read water well, I go into my four-pronged approach to approaching rivers. While not remarkable or novel, I believe that this multi-tiered technique is a great paradigm to help new anglers grasp the concept. It is also a great reminder or teaching tool for those of us who have been at this fly fishing thing for a while. Instead of just getting out the...
Aug 05, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 195
It might have been last month, it might be today, or it might be next week: eventually you're going to experience dry, low-water conditions where you live and fish. Today on the podcast, I'm not going to delve into the science (or politics) of the conditions. What I do want to explore is how fish react and what we can do about it. Here's the long and the short of it: maybe you can fish and maybe you can't. What you can do is be observant and flexible. It will be good for the ecosystem, the trout...
Jul 29, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 194
We're living in a pretty sensitive day and age. So please know that I'm using the term "trash fish" in the most respectful and endearing way possible. (But fish can't read, so I shouldn't be too concerned about offending any of them.) Chances are, if you fish for some of the less desirable and non-traditional species, you're used to the sideways looks when you mention your excitement. I am with you. There are some great fish out there that transcend the bass and trout circles. They eat flies, th...
Jul 22, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 193
If you don't care about taking care of your stuff for the sake of your stuff, at least take a little bit of energy for the sake of the resources you have and your gear's performance. Today I share three more gear storage tips that are especially helpful in the middle of the season. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. When boots run upwards of $200 and rods can quickly near a grand, a few minutes spent making sure everything is where it is supposed to be can save you money, hea...
Jul 15, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 192
There are a lot of people out there that put their blood, sweat, and tears into fly fishing. Most of those folks are fly shop owners and employees. While I only put a few years into working fly fishing retail, I really accumulated some invaluable know-how, experiences, and gear. Lots and lots of gear... I also have some good stories. Again, my time selling rods, reels, and dog beds is only a drop in the bucket compared to most folks. But I think you'll appreciate some of what I have to share. Th...
Jul 08, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 191
In this Q&A episode, I share some of the best questions and comments I've ever received. Feedback (of any kind) is always exciting. Today, I talk about rod choices, guide recommendations, and favorite gear. These are things that I like discussing on my own. When you're the reason I get to elaborate and pontificate on these topics, it makes it even better. As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or... accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Jul 01, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 190
When is your next trip? Where are you going? ...and I don't mean the big, fancy fly-in fly fishing excursion that you do (or don't) have planned for next year. I mean when is the next time you're going somewhere. There is a good chance that there is fish in that somewhere. And you can certainly have a good time chasing those trout, bass, carp, or fallfish. This week I talk about how to plan for fitting even a little bit of fly fishing into your next business or family trip. I share some thoughts...
Jun 24, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 189
Today's podcast content takes a significant detour from our normal programming. That said, it represents what I truly think about more often than not. At the time of recording, the flooding in Yellowstone National Park is headline outdoors news. Why does that matter? How should anglers think about it? More importantly, how should we react to it? I ask a lot of questions, attempt to bring in some perspective, and give reason for optimism. Listen, think, and let me know your thoughts! Learn more a...
Jun 17, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 188
It sounds like a dad joke; I know. But think about it. Fish are used to water. It is us that are the problem. That being said, there are absolutely some things to consider when fly fishing in the rain. Fish, what fish eat, and what fish swim in all change a little bit based upon the precipitation and its effects. Still, you can have some stellar days on the water in a light drizzle or even a steady rain. Today, I talk about a few things to think about as you head out to catch fish (probably all ...
Jun 10, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 187
In this episode, I use words like impressive, remarkable, and excellent more than I usually do. But those adjectives are necessary when describing Maine and her fly fishing opportunities. Maine could (and does) have a whole podcast dedicated to exploring fly fishing from coast to mountains. Between the stripers, the landlocked salmon, and the brook trout, there are more rivers and fish than an angler could experience in a lifetime. Today I simply dip my toe into the waters of Maine. Hopefully th...
Jun 03, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 186
I know not everyone can move quickly. And I know not everyone wants to run. But if you can? And if you want to? Lace up your shoes, strap on your pack, and get out into the woods fast. In this episode I discuss why I like to engage in light hiking and trail running to get farther into the woods faster. Along with getting to fish that don't see most anglers or their flies, it is a way to combine two great outdoors pursuits into one. I talk about gear, approaches, and a few of my own experiences. ...
May 27, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 185
This week I found out that a man who was instrumental in my taking up fly fishing passed away. I can say that he played a big part in my appreciation for fishing even though he and I never were on the water together once. He mentored and helped along one of my best friends, and that relationship led my friend to introduce me to fishing. Today I briefly share that story, and talk a little bit about some of the ways that you can invest in the life of a young person through fly fishing. It isn't fo...
May 20, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 184
I know a few people who have flip phones. They're the bamboo rod enthusiasts of the tech world... or something like that. For the rest of us, the futuristic computer/camera in our pocket goes with us wherever we go. That often includes the rivers and woods which we enjoy. There are plenty of pros and cons that come with using a smartphone in particular, technology in general, for your fishing. Today, I talk about some of the things you might be missing out on if you turn to tapping your screen. ...
May 13, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 183
We've all had this experience: You're fishing in a stream that is loaded with trout. You've caught fish there. Others are catching fish there. But today, you're not getting any action. There are some very specific reasons why this might be the case. I've found that the issues aren't so much about my casting, my fly box, or the weather. I've come to terms with the problem being my approach. Specifically, my patience (or lack thereof) and speed (or the lack of that, too). Today I give some example...
May 06, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Anyone can catch a bluegill. But catching big, dinner plate-sized, rod bending bluegill? That takes a lot of luck, or better yet, a good amount of skill. On today's episode I walk through three things that will help you find, hook, and catch the biggest sunfish, pumpkinseed, and warmouth in the pond. There are some fly and gear considerations, but a lot of it comes down to locating where bigger fish like to hang out. Panfish were the first foray into angling for many of us. But that doesn't mean...
Apr 29, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 181
We've got four topics to cover this time on the audience Q&A podcast. And the Qs are good! Hopefully the As are as well. This week I'm talking about the hook barb debate, fly suggestions, John Gierach, and what to do with the silica packets that you get with a new pair of shoes. I'm confident that at least one of those items will pique your interest and potentially get you going down a fly fishing rabbit hole. As always, thanks for the emails and the comments. I appreciate them; so keep them...
Apr 22, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 180
If something is said enough times for enough time, it just becomes assumed. But that shouldn't be the case. On today's podcast episode, I break down my opinion on three fly fishing lies. Notice, I said my opinion. You might think that the angling mistruths I'm addressing are fine and good. I'm willing to admit that each of these sentiments is right for some people. What I am contesting is that they are right for most people. In the first of what I assume will be a recurring show topic, I talk ab...
Apr 15, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 179
Salmo trutta. It shouldn't be here. But it is. And last time I checked, not many of us are up in arms about it. Today I talk briefly about brown trout. Where they come from, why they're here, and why fly fishers are willing to give them the "non-native pass." There is so much to say about this fish species and how we pursue it with the fly. This episode might be an introduction to a well-loved quarry, or it might get you thinking a little bit more about the fish that we have swimming in our favo...
Apr 08, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 178
Admittedly, I get more excited about rods than I do reels. In fact, I think I geek out more over fly line than I do reels. But that doesn't mean I relegate reels to the category of nippers, knot tools, and wading boot shoelaces. Today I cover a handful of reel-centric topics. Whether you've got a wheelbarrow tire-sized saltwater reel or a tiny line-holding trout reel, it plays an important role in your fly fishing. I discuss reel care, spooling know-how, troubleshooting, and a little bit about s...
Apr 01, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 177
Every one of us has our favorite kind of spot to fish. Riffles, runs, pools; banks, boulders, ledges. There is a reason why you'll gravitate to such spots regardless of which river you're on. One of my favorites is creek mouths; where smaller rivers run into larger rivers. These are intersections for fish and bodies of water. There are enough dynamics going on here to keep things exciting in every season and set of conditions. Today I walk through some of the major reasons why I like to fish whe...
Mar 25, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 176
Do you have a crusty, old, fly rod sitting up in the attic? Or how about in Grandma's attic? Assuming that you have a decent relationship with said grandma, maybe you should take it out for a spin this season. There is a lot of fun and functional angling value in acquiring and using antique fly fishing gear. If you know where to look, what to use, and what you're using, it can actually add a whole other facet to your fly fishing. This episode is really only a primer, but hopefully it will get yo...
Mar 18, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 175
Your stuff shouldn't own you. But if you own stuff, at least take care of it. Fly fishing gear is meant to be outside, get wet, and pushed to the limits that wild animals and wild places require. That doesn't mean that it will be happy if it has to endure a difficult life in your trunk, closet, or garage. Today I walk through a few things that I've learned (sometimes the hard way) about storing fly fishing gear. An ounce of prevention is worth a leader that doesn't snap, a reel that doesn't seiz...
Mar 11, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 174
Streamer fishing. The ways in which people think about it are much more diverse in the 21st century, but at the core it is still all about imitating a baitfish to trigger a predatory response. Whether you want to throw a six-inch, weighted, articulated fly with a PG-13 name or a size 10 gray ghost, there are some gear choices that might make your fishing a little bit easier. As usual, gear is no substitute for experience, skill, and that "it" factor of fishiness. However, you can help yourself a...
Mar 04, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 173
Dry fly season is right around the corner. You probably have all you need to take advantage of this magical time of the angling year. But a $5 purchase could really help your cast and presentation. What might that be? Well, in this episode I walk through a few pieces of gear and techniques that should be universally applicable for anglers who want to chase trout with dry flies. Experience and skill are probably the most essential aspects of any fly fishing, but it doesn't hurt to get a little he...
Feb 25, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 172
Don't worry, I'm not talking masks or vaccination or anything like that. It just so happens that 100 episodes ago, I recorded "CoronaCast, Week 1." I am talking about how the last two years have impacted my fishing. And, chances are, the last two years have impacted your fishing. Although there have been plenty of things to be discouraged by since March of 2020, there have been good things as well. And life is all about counting your blessings in contrast to difficulties. After some quick autobi...
Feb 18, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 171
This interaction episode of the podcast is extra interactive. No, it isn't an interview. But one of the questions I engage with was a question I was asked in person at The Fly Fishing Show in New Jersey. Don't worry, I also answered him immediately in the moment. Today I talk about fly fishing in Vermont, old product reviews, and the most essential piece of gear for trail running with the aim of fly fishing. As I've mentioned before, I truly enjoy receiving questions, comments, and observations....
Feb 11, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 170
What have you been up to? In this episode, I talk about what I've been doing in and around fly fishing this winter. Perhaps you'll get some brand new ideas; perhaps you'll see how I do the same thing that you do, albeit slightly differently. There is so much potential in the wintertime. Even though fly fishing isn't the same when the thermometer is low and there's ice on the banks, there are plenty of fly fishing things you can do. Sitting in front of the television is fine, but there is stuff y...
Feb 04, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 169
I had plans. They had to change. Guess what? It happens. Weather, vehicles, and life in general will put a kink in your perfectly prepared fly fishing checklist. Thankfully, I've got a three point (and alliterated!) checklist that you can employ to turn ruined plans into a great day on the water. Today I share a few things you can do to get out in front of changing plans. We can't control much, but there are some steps to take that at least give you options. I also give some real world examples ...
Jan 28, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 168
