Podcast appearances and mentions of mel krieger

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with legendary caster and rod designer Steve Rajeff about world-class casting, rod design, and the performance details that separate good rods from elite-level tools.Steve shares how he got started fishing as a kid in San Francisco, learned fly casting at the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club, and was mentored by names like Mel Krieger before becoming a world champion caster as a teenager.Bill and Steve discuss Steve's early work with graphite and boron rods, his time at Sage, and his long career at G. Loomis, where he helped design thousands of rods across fly, bass, spinning, casting, saltwater, and specialty categories.The conversation also covers Team USA casting, the American Casting Association, the upcoming World Fly Casting Championships in Italy, and how elite casters think about rod weight, guide spacing, line speed, blank design, and components like Fuji titanium Torzite single-foot guides.Steve explains the differences between fishing rods and competition casting rods, including why lighter blanks, smaller guides, moderate actions, shooting heads, monofilament running lines, and precise guide placement all matter when chasing maximum distance and accuracy.The episode also includes details on the 2026 Mastering Rod Building Seminar, happening August 14–16 at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. The weekend will feature hands-on rod building education, seminars, meals, a Saturday crawfish and shrimp boil, discounted lodging nearby, and fellowship with the rod building community. For more information, email Jack Barron at jbarron@anglersresource.net or call 251-943-4491.Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/649 Presented By:  Stonefly Nets,  Visit Helena, MT,  Waters West, Togiak River Lodge Today's episode is special because we've got Bill Gammell, the creator of the Five Essentials of Fly Casting, a framework many experts swear by. Find out how dropping your right foot can improve your timing, discover the most important variable in fly casting, and get the top drill to boost your casting skills. Let's get you back on track with better line speed and loop control! Show Notes with Bill Gammel on The Five Essentials of Fly Casting.  02:08 - Bill started fly fishing at just six or seven years old, catching Bluegill with his older brother and father. His passion for fly fishing continued until college, and he recalls a time he had to switch to conventional tackle for his master's degree research. 04:40 - Bill still lives in Baytown, the same area where he grew up and where his dad greatly influenced his love for fishing. Though the area isn't ideal for fly fishing because of the murky water from the Trinity River, Bill and his family found ways to catch fish. The Five Essentials of Fly Casting 07:18 - Bill talks about how he and his dad learned fly casting together. His dad was a natural athlete with great hand-eye coordination. They used a home video camera to record expert casters like Lefty Kreh and Mel Krieger. Over time, they noticed common patterns and eventually put together what we now know as the "Five Essentials of Fly Casting." Bill said they didn't invent anything new but identified key principles that all great fly casters share. 11:02 - Bill started teaching fly casting lessons as a teenager, but it wasn't until they were asked to write a booklet for the Federation of Fly Fishers that they fully laid out the essentials. They spent two years carefully analyzing videos and got input from top tournament casters. Their work was published in the late '80s and became the foundation for the FFF's instructor program. Check out the The Five Essentials of Fly Casting. Tips for Increasing Casting Distance 20:03 - One of the most important lessons he learned was to focus on trajectory and to keep your cast more level, not too high. He also emphasizes that line speed and loop control are the foundations of distance casting. Bill said if you master those two, you'll be able to cast a full fly line without much trouble. If you want to improve your casting, Bill recommends checking out Paul Arden's Sexyloops website. It's a solid resource with articles, videos, and step-by-step methods to help you learn to cast better. Listen to the Episode 638 with Paul Arden Here. 25:48 - Bill breaks down the Five Essentials of fly casting and explains how they work together. He said he now teaches them in a new order to make more sense. The most important essential is the straight line path of the rod tip, which helps create a clean cast. 31:00 - The arc changes based on how much the rod bends, which can be affected by the length of the line and the amount of power used. A narrow arc is for short casts, and a wider arc is needed for longer casts. Check out this article by Bill Gammel on Making adjustments on the fly. 35:04 - Timing and power application are important in fly casting. Bill explains that to get the best cast, your timing needs to be spot on—starting your forward cast just as the line straightens out behind you. 37:32 - He also shares his secret to power: a smooth acceleration to a stop. This means starting slow, adding power in the middle, and then stopping quickly. The stop is key because it lets the rod transfer energy to the line. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/649  

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/525 Presented By: Stonefly Nets  Today, we chat with Chris Loh, the lucky winner of our Stonefly Custom Landing Net Build Out Giveaway. Chris walks us through the process of crafting his dream net with Ethan. We also delve into his journey from starting fly fishing with the guidance of Mel Krieger to his impressive 17-year tenure in jiu-jitsu. Episode Chapters with Chris Loh on Custom Landing Net Build Out 01:52 – Chris began fly fishing when his uncle hired his friend Mel Krieger to teach Chris and his twin brother how to cast on their 12th birthday. 3:00 – After college, Chris took a break from fishing to focus on being part of the workforce. It wasn't until a few years ago, just before the pandemic began, that his friend rekindled his interest in fly fishing. 05:50 – We talked about Chris's experience as the lucky winner of the Stonefly Nets giveaway event.            07:20 – Chris shares the process of building a net with Ethan. He said selecting the right wood was the most challenging aspect. They opted for a madrone burl for the handle, accentuated with a strip of wenge to symbolize a black belt. 11:51 – Chris has been practicing jiu-jitsu for almost 17 years now. 22:36 – Chris listens to The Strenuous Life Podcast, Fight Life, and Joe Rogan. He also shared that one of the first episodes he listened to on the Wet Fly Swing podcast featured Steve Potter. 34:50 – Chris owns California's oldest saloon, the Iron Door Saloon. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/525  

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/316 Presented By: Reyr Gear, Jackson Hole Fly Company, LakeLady Custom Rods, Trxstle Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Victor Babbitt takes us into the Tahoe area and then over his new gig in Missouri. We talk about Carson Lake, Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, and Tahoe Lake - how they're all connected to each other and the ocean. Find out how Tahoe fly fishing used to be back in the day and how it is different now with the people and tourism. Victor tells us why he sold the fly shop, Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, and why he bought 14 acres of land by the river in Missouri. Victor also tells us about his fly fishing hero, Mel Krieger, and what it was like to sit at the same table with Lefty Kreh. Tahoe Fly Fishing Show Notes with Victor Babbitt 05:10 - In 1984, Victor moved to Tahoe 07:20 - Victor and his brother opened up Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters in 1994 - after 28 years, they sold the business to Brendan Burnside and John Brassfield 13:00 - After passing the fly shop, Victor had started fishing in the Missouri rivers, Craig and Cascade 15:30 - Victor tells the story of how they bought that 14 acres of land with lodge on the riverside of Missouri 21:00 - Victor's last couple of years in Tahoe, California, he felt different about the people and tourism there 26:20 - Victor talks about how you can get away from the crowd when fishing Tahoe waters 29:50 - The Truckee River was got dewatered by an extreme drought about 7 years ago but came back to how it used to be - Victor fishes them January 32:45 - He's got a PAC 1300 Outcast Boat 36:00 - Rick Hafeley was on the podcast at WFS 037 where we talked about Entomology and fly fishing 37:30 - Fishing is usually not great 2nd half of November, December, and going to January on the Truckee river - fishing gets good mid-January. We talk about the hatches in different seasons 44:45 - Victor talks about the Carson Lake, Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, and Tahoe Lake - how they're all connected to each other and the ocean 47:14 - Victor talks about the Heenan Lake back in the days when they caught 30-inch fish 54:50 - He mentions some fly shops in Missouri - Headhunters Fly Shop, The Trout Shop, Trout Montana 58:14 - Victor was a chef when he was younger - he studied culinary and restaurant management 1:02:18 - Parachute Adams, Purple Creys, Purple Wolf are his go-to flies 1:06:24 - Mel Krieger was Victor's fly fishing hero - he did some casting lessons and shows with Mel over the years - scroll below to watch one of his casting videos 1:08:07 - Victor talks about his experience with Lefty Kreh when they used to sit at the same table and listened to his jokes Tahoe Fly Fishing Conclusion with Victor Babbitt Victor Babbitt took us into the Tahoe area. We talked about Carson Lake, Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, and Tahoe Lake. We found out how Tahoe fly fishing used to be back in the days and how different is it there now. Victor told us why he sold the fly shop, Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, and his plans for the river side land in Missouri that he just bought. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/316  

A few years back I had the pleasure of watching Chris make elegant casts across a casting pool while doing a fishing demo.I knew a little about his background in fishing but was keen to learn more.This podcast is a fascinating look at the modesty, drive and determination of a talented angler and instructor who is as passionate about fishing and casting as he was when he first picked up a fly rod.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/ffi Show Sponsor: TheGreyDrake.com Show Sponsor: DeliFreshDesign.com Len Zickler, the CEO of Fly Fishers International is on the podcast to tell their story and how you can connect with an amazing resource.  Whether it's fly tying, casting or conservation, FFI is all in on helping you become a better angler and conservationist. Find out about the Fly Tying Skills Award Program and other activities that are helping to engage people in fly fishing.  Len talks about his grandfather and the fly rod that planted the seed.   Show Sponsors The Grey Drake at:  TheGreyDrake.com (use coupon wfs20 for 20% off) Deli Fresh Design at:  DeliFreshDesign.com (use coupon wfs20 for 20% off)   Show Notes with Len Zickler The Clearwater Orvis fly rod outfit was the first solid intro outfit that Len picked up when he got started. The "movie" comes up here.  Here's another random link. Dec Hogan was hosting a trip to a private lake and helped Len get started.  Dec was on the podcast in episode 20. Mel Krieger was one of Len's mentors.  Len talks about how Mel came up with the casting certification.  Here's a video with Mel providing some casting tips. I noted that Joan Wulff is going to be on the show soon.  Here's a placeholder to note the Joan Wulff podcast. Len talks about the difference between Trout Unlimited and FFI.  FFI is set apart because they cover all species around the world. Jeff Courier was on the podcast and talked about his 400 fly caught species.  Indonesia for example, is a strong part of the FFI community. Project Healing Waters is a partner of FFI and is all about helping veterans get healthy through fly fishing.  I interviewed PHWFF back in this episode. The Fly Tying Skills Award Program and now the Fly Casting Skills Award Program are very popular processes that help people to stay active and take it to the next level. The FFI magazine can be found at the Fly Fishing Show or any of the regional events around the country, including the Expo in Bozeman. Len notes the issue with paper and was noted in a past episode here. The Anthem video was produced out of Bozeman.  This video explains who FFI is and where they want to go. Pat Flynn says to be everywhere these days which isn't always easy todo. The Learning Center is a great resource for anglers and are not as well known.  Here's a link to the Learning Center.  Share it if it's helpful for you. TFO and Echo have done a good job finding a mid range and affordable fly rod.  Sage has now created a wider range package as well. We talk about Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.  Here is a great VHI Documentary series on youtube. Mike Mercer created the Missing Link fly pattern.  Here's the episode with Mike Mercer and I tell my Missing Link story. Patrick Barry is the new CEO of FFI and has the ability to bring some new tools for FFI and all of us.  Say hi to Patrick here. You can reach Len at FlyFishersInternational.com Resources Noted in the Show Orvis Clearwater Outfit The Learning Center   Videos Noted in the Show Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Here's the VHI Video Documentary Dire Straits Sultans of Swing   Conclusion with Len Zickler Len Zickler does a great job providing some tips on how to take advantage of the Fly Fishers International and talks about how they are trying to change makeup of the orginization.  Getting away from the "old white guy" syndrome. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/ffi Show Sponsor: TheGreyDrake.com Show Sponsor: DeliFreshDesign.com

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/45 I had the great pleasure to chat with Gary Borger about Nymph Fishing and his contribution to fly fishing in many respects over a career of writing and video. Gary talks about how he produced the first fly fishing instructional video, how he was part of the first FFF Casting Certification, and goes into detail on his tactics for nymph fishing and using indicators. Show Notes with Gary Borger The leadwing coachman was the fly Gary used to catch his first fish. GEM Skues was the Father of Nymph Fishing. Gary's groundbreaking book was Nymphing in 1979 and his accompanying video on Nymphing. Gary's book, Naturals, was another contribution to fly fishing evolution. Mel Krieger and others were part of the original Fenwick Fly Fishing School. The FFF Fly Fishing Certification Process. Pete Humphries was on the podcast in episode 7. George Harvey was the man who showed Gary that he had some work todo with his cast. Lee Wulff and his quote "Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once" had a big impact on conservation at the time. The Steve Duda episode with the FlyFish Journal. Here's a link to the history of the 1989 Gold medal taken by the Polish team Frank Sawyer and grayling Here's a video of the tuck cast. Here's a link to Jason and the shadow cast The SC20 fly rod that celebrated the 20 year anniversary You can find Jason Borger here. You can reach Gary at GaryBorger.com. Conclusion with Gary Borger I wanted to give Gary a big thank you for coming on the show to share his wisdom.  His discussion on how he gets down to the fish nymphing is worth the listen just for that.  The history that he covers was an awesome bonus for me.  Hope you enjoy! All of the links to for the show notes are below: http://wetflyswing.com/45  

Fanny Krieger is an extraordinary woman. On a trip to California, I met with Fanny at her San Fransisco home to see if I could learn more about her. I knew she was the widow of famed fly-fisherman Mel Krieger, but I had no idea just how heart-wrenching the rest of her story is.  This episode is brought to you by CanvasPop Buy Fanny's Books: Tomorrow's Fly Fishers

OK, get ready for this—it’s a long one! I figured since I had not done a podcast in a couple weeks I would give you your money’s worth, and this podcast includes a long interview with Will Benson, noted permit guide and film maker. As you’ll hear, Will has strong passions for many things—permit, guiding, people, and the environment—and I had trouble cutting this one off. But it was a fun and educational interview, and very inspiring for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And furthermore, it’s a longer Fly Box than usual, with questions on finding a guide school, big fish getting off the hook, Clouser Minnows riding sideways, catching big stripers form shore, remembering Mel Krieger, catching carp in North Dakota, a recommended outfit for Atlantic salmon on the Gaspe peninsula, fishing caddis egg-laying events, and where and how to go fly fishing in the Greek Islands (spoiler—I have no idea).