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Achtung, eine Durchsage! Unser Podcast hat heute ein schottisches Upgrade bekommen! Weil unser wunderbarer Gast kein Wort Deutsch versteht (und unser Gälisch etwas eingerostet ist), schmeißen wir unsere Prinzipien über Bord und senden diese Folge komplett auf Englisch. Um Spey gebührend zu feiern, wechseln wir also einmalig die Sprache. Kleiner Pro-Tipp: Wenn ihr beim schottischen Akzent nur noch Bahnhof versteht – einfach nicken, lächeln und den englischen Folgentext unten lesen. Viel Spaß! Welcome to a very special milestone here at Whis-Cast! In this episode, we are stepping into uncharted territory: this is our very first episode recorded entirely in English.To celebrate this premiere, we are diving deep into the fascinating world of SPEY—often referred to as the "youngest closed distillery in the world."Joining us for this insightful session are two true industry legends: Andrew Ferguson (Speyside Distillers Commercial Manager) Sebastian „Pütti“ Püttmann (Ambassador at Kammer-Kirsch)Together, we explore a spectacular lineup of seven distinct expressions from the Speyside Distillery. We break down the craftsmanship, the unique history, and the tasting profiles that make these bottlings so special.In this episode, we pour and discuss:SPEY Chairman's Choice – Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask finish.SPEY 12 Years Old – The classic core range expression.SPEY Trutinā – Aged in Bourbon Casks.SPEY Tenné – Finished in Tawny Port Casks.SPEY Fūmāre – A beautifully smoky expression.SPEY Trilogia – A harmonious blend of tradition.SPEY Chairman's Choice (14 Years Old) – A special Single Cask release.Whether you are a long-time fan of the Speyside Distillery or new to the brand, this deep dive offers a comprehensive look at what makes SPEY one of the most intriguing names in the whisky world today.Enjoy the episode! Don't forget to subscribe and let us know which of these seven expressions you'd love to try most.Sláinte!
Teddy Cosco is joining me for this week's episode and we had a great chat. We discuss his start to fishing and working his way to steelhead, academia life, shooting clays at Cambridge, the experience of learning, camp cooking and the secret ingredient to good food, questionable sleep to fishing ratios, and so much more.
#934 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/934 Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear, Togiak River Lodge, Gallatin River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe. We dig into Todd's early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also explains why steelhead may be the hardest species to film, how music shapes his editing process, and what most people never realize about the amount of work required to capture a single unforgettable fish on camera. #934 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/934
#932B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932B Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, Tom Petry and Jorden Susewitz of Film The Hunt share their experience at Togiak River Lodge, where a filmmaking project turned into a deep dive into spey fishing, Alaska wilderness, and the people who make the lodge special. What started as a content trip documenting the Larsen family's journey quickly became something more as both Tom and Jorden picked up spey rods for the first time and discovered the addictive pull of swinging flies. We dig into filmmaking in remote locations, learning to cast a two-handed rod, the challenges of capturing outdoor adventures on camera, and why Alaska has a way of changing your perspective. Whether you're interested in spey fishing, storytelling, photography, or simply experiencing wild places, this episode offers a unique look behind the scenes. #932B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932B
In this episode of the DSC's Campfires podcast, recorded on location at a battlefield in Scotland, Larry interviews Stefan Bengtson, who has co-owned and operated Scandinavian Pro Hunters with his wife, Sophia, since 2002. Stefan and his wife run an outfitting business that specializes in big game hunting and wing shooting worldwide, with a primary focus on short-travel European destinations. Big Game Hunting Destinations Scandinavian Pro Hunters offers a wide variety of big game species across several European countries: Sweden: Hunters can pursue European bison (wisent), large roebucks, European red stag, fallow stag, mouflon sheep, wild boar, and European moose. Norway: The outfitter provides scenic walk-and-stalk hunts for European reindeer in pure wilderness environments. Finland: The country offers unique opportunities for free-range whitetail and forest reindeer. Greenland: Available species include muskox and Greenland caribou. Scotland: Hunters can target roe deer, sika, and Scottish red stag. England: Available game includes Chinese water deer, muntjac, English red stag, Manchurian sika, Japanese sika, and roe deer. Eastern Europe: Hunts in Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania are primarily focused on roe deer and red stag. Multi-Species Trips: Dedicated hunters have the unique opportunity to target multiple red stag species across different countries during a single trip. Wing Shooting and Waterfowl The outfitter provides highly social and challenging bird hunting experiences: VIP Upland Hunts: Hosted in Sweden, these hunts operate without strict bag limits, allowing hunters to take 10 to 30 birds each. Mixed Bags: Shooters can expect a mixture of pheasants, Hungarian partridges, hare, mallards, and teal, hunted alongside pointing dogs and spaniels. High-Volume Duck Hunts: Groups of 10 to 12 guns can shoot between 400 and 700 birds in a single day across various ponds. Driven Woodcock: A highly challenging late-season hunt is offered in the Scottish Highlands from late November through January. Driven Hunts: Traditional driven bird hunts are also available in Spain, Italy, and France. Guest Logistics and Amenities The company focuses heavily on the overall client experience, catering to both hunters and their companions: Firearms: While clients can navigate the paperwork to bring their own equipment, the outfitter highly recommends utilizing the quality local firearms provided by their gamekeepers. Fishing Combinations: Clients hunting in Scotland can easily combine their trips with salmon fishing or lake fishing for large trout using a Spey rod. Non-Hunter Activities: The company offers "hosted hunts" which include renting large manor houses equipped with private chefs, along with organized sightseeing tours for spouses and non-hunting companions. Expert Local Guides: Stefan notes that their success and high rate of repeat clientele are largely due to their relationships with expert local guides. Conservation and Contact Information Conservation Support: The host explicitly thanks Stefan and Sophia for their ongoing support of conservation efforts and for consistently donating hunts to the DSC and the DSC Foundation. Website: scandinavianprohunters.com. Email: stefan@prohunters.se and sophia@prohunters.se Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm talking with Jonny King this week. We dig into his start to fishing and how much Lunkers love nightcrawlers, fishing in the northeast, catadromous eels, his music journey, meeting and fishing with his wife, striper fishing, the evolution of fly tying, the joys of exploration, and so much more.
This week I'm joined by Patrick Cook. We discuss his time growing up in Michigan, his brotherly introduction to fly fishing, learning spey, Dette Flies' history and it's upcoming spey event, his own fly tying, Tacoma Tips, and so much more.
Before you rule out this podcast because you don't live in southern California, you may want to listen to my interview with master saltwater fly fisher Al Quattrocchi [24:46] because he gives lots of great advice on fishing in the surf in general. You'll get tips on lines, leaders, approach, and how to find fish in the surf. So, whether you chase striped bass or redfish in the surf, I think you'll get some great tips here. In the fly box this week, we have some great tips as well as interesting questions, including: How can I keep my dropper tag from tangling around the standing part of the tippet? How can I find out about etiquette on local rivers? A tip from a listener on fishing streamers with a Euro rig in low, clear water I am confused by fly casting instructions. Lefty Kreh recommended that we pretend our arm is on a shelf and then flick the wrist. Should I try casting this way? My local river is high but there are some ephemeral side channels. Do you think these are worth fishing? Is it true that tungsten beads will become expensive and hard to obtain? A tip from a listener on using a Magic Eraser for cleaning cork grips. I fish some tight, brushy rivers. Would it be better to get a trout Spey rod or a 10-foot 4-weight for fishing these streams?
This week, fly guide Miles Marquez teaches us to fold T-shirts and cast only one direction on an English chalk stream, we explain how catching one rainbow trout can almost get you court martialed, throw our skateboards in a rented car we shouldn't have and drive to Trout Town U.S.A., and strong arm innocent tourists on a street corner into fishing with us by pretending to be their best friends.
On this week's episode I'm talking with Chris Edington of Montana Trout Unlimited. We get to talking about is start to fishing and moving to Montana, drought and climate change, river renewal and dam removal, plans for the Shaw Dam and Alder Creek, finding common ground and cooperation amongst different organizations and political sides, public lands and access, and so much more.
917B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/917B Presented by: Togiak River Lodge Losing fish after a solid grab happens more than people talk about. You feel the eat, the rod loads up, maybe even a head shake, and then it's just gone. Floyd Carter is back to break down what he's been seeing all season, from the Olympic Peninsula to Togiak. They get into what an actual take feels like, when to stay patient, and when it's time to hit it. They also dig into the loop vs drag debate, how small changes might keep fish pinned, and why even experienced anglers are still figuring this out in real time. If you've been losing fish and can't quite figure out why, this one will hit close to home. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/917B
The NHS is the number one concern for voters at the upcoming Holyrood election. Dr Chris Williams, based in Grantown-on-Spey, talks about the strain on GPs at the moment. What does he think the next government can do to help after May 7, and will walk-in clinics help ease pressure?
On This week's episode I'm speaking with Aaron and Leah Helfrich of A. Helfrich Outfitters. We talk about there family river history, starting out as swampers, sweep boats, Leah's spey journey and her first time wading, busy rivers and permits, more boats, family fishing, fly tying adventures, gremlin maintenance, and so much more.
High in the mist-shrouded Cairngorms, where the winter wind bites like a vice, lies the domain of a long-spoken, unsettling presence. For over a hundred years, the climbers of Ben Macdui have told stories of a towering figure pacing just beyond sight and of booming footsteps lost in the fog. Known as the Big Grey Man, few have seen it, several have heard it and even more sensed it, but just about none have ever agreed on what “it” actually is. SOURCES Gray, Affleck (1970) The Big Grey Man of Ben MacDhui. Impulse Books, Edinburgh, Scotland. Baker, Ernest A. (1973) The British Highlands: With Rope & Rucksack. EP Publishing Ltd, UK. Wood, Wendy (1930) Secret of Spey. Rob Grant & Son, Edinburgh, Scotland. Alexander, Henry (1926) The Ben MacDhui Giant Spectre. The Cairngorm Club Journal, Vol XI, No.64, July 1926. The Cairngorm Club, Scotland. Aberdeen Press & Journal (1925) Cairngorm Club. Aberdeen Press & Journal, Mon 30 Nov 1925, p5. Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen Press & Journal (1925) Letters To Editor. Aberdeen Press & Journal, Tues 1 Dec 1925, p5. Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen Press & Journal (1925) Mountain Climbers & The Ghost of Ben MacDhui. Aberdeen Press & Journal, Thurs 3 Dec 1925, p6. Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen Press & Journal (1925) Dr Kellas & His Spectre. Aberdeen Press & Journal, Sat 5 Dec 1925, p4. Aberdeen, Scotland. The Scotsman (1941) The Grey Man Of Ben MacDhui. The Scotsman, Tues 14 Oct 1941, p7. Scotland. The Scotsman (1941) Mountain Spectres. The Scotsman, Mon 20 Oct 1941, p4. Scotland. The Scotsman (1941) Mountain Spectres. The Scotsman, Thurs 23 Oct 1941, p4. Scotland. ------ For almost anything, head over to the podcasts hub at darkhistories.com Support the show by visiting our Patreon for bonus episodes and Early Access: https://www.patreon.com/darkhistories The Dark Histories books are available to buy here: http://author.to/darkhistories Dark Histories merch is available here: https://bit.ly/3GChjk9 Connect with us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/darkhistoriespodcast Or find us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/darkhistories & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dark_histories/ Or you can contact us directly via email at contact@darkhistories.com or join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/cmGcBFf The Dark Histories Butterfly was drawn by Courtney, who you can find on Instagram @bewildereye Music was recorded by me © Ben Cutmore 2017 Other Outro music was Paul Whiteman & his orchestra with Mildred Bailey - All of me (1931). It's out of copyright now, but if you're interested, that was that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arian Stevens is joining me for this week's episode. We talk about how his mom introduced him to fishing, photography and shooting on film, the shared darkroom experience, Bend, the joys of working for yourself, fly shops, Belize, and if you can imagine it, liking something more than fishing.
The FloWrestling team announces the winner of the 2026 Anthony-Maroulis Trophy live on air, then discusses all the craziness of the transfer portal. Send in user submissions and questions to FRLsubmissions@flosports.tv. (0:00) Audrey Jimenez joins to accept the 2026 Anthony-Maroulis Trophy (14:15) transfer portal day one craziness (34:45) Spey's Japan trip recap (41:20) questions from friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The FloWrestling Radio Live crew talks all things wrestling news and rumours. Send in user submissions and questions to FRLsubmissions@flosports.tv. (0:00) putting a bow on NCAAs, Penn State & Oklahoma State lineups next year, and more (58:15) Gable signs with RAF + RAF card preview (1:09:40) Spey is in Japan (1:14:00) questions from friends + we have a Lineup Legends winner! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week Michael Bray is joining me. We talk about his start to fishing with his dad and in the Boy Scouts, his switch to spey, our favorite trees, being, SBDs, rivers and rafting, the eternal puzzle of casting, the spey community, and so much more.
Malinda Barna has been the proprietor of her own fly shop along the banks of the Salmon River in New York for a longer time than Rob has been wetting his line there. This distinctive shop is filled with vibrant fly tying materials. Her fly shop attracts anglers from around the globe. Situated on the banks of a world-renowned river, this episode reveals how Malinda acquired the shop and managed it for many years alongside her partner Bobby. Malinda shares anecdotes about her fishing spots during the off-season, explains her decision to stop selling bobbers for fly fishing, and discusses how to navigate the unique microclimate near Lake Ontario. A regular customer named Morris stops by while shopping and provides us with a wealth of valuable insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm joined by Jason Renfro this week. We discuss his start to fishing whilst looking for cheaper hobbies, fishing with his kids, working in a fly shop, the desire to teach and instructing, the benefits of smaller scale communities, friendship, getting more out of the fly fishing journey, not being left handed, and so much more.
Join the Bootcamp at: https://wetflyswing.com/bootcamp In this episode, we break down the full lineup of the Fly Fishing Bootcamp, a 12-session, multi-day event designed to cover the complete range of modern fly fishing skills. From fly casting mechanics with Kalyn Hoggard and Marty McVey, to steelhead strategy with Jeff Liskay, dry fly precision with Bob Lindquist, modern nymphing with Norman Maktima, trout fly tying with Mike O'Brien, two-handed casting with Jeff Putnam, bass tactics with Brian DeLoach, entomology with The Salmonfly Project, streamer strategy with James Garrettson, stillwater systems with Phil Rowley, fly tying mastery with Davie McPhail, and panfish tactics with Bart Lombardo. This episode walks through what each instructor brings to the table, why these skills matter together as a complete system, and how you can join live to be part of the conversation. If you're looking for structure, clarity, and a full-spectrum approach to the season ahead, this is where it starts.
890 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/890 Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly Shop, On DeMark Lodge, Toyota Pacific If you've ever swung a fly for steelhead and wondered where that pattern really came from, this one goes deep. In this episode, we dig into the history and evolution of Spey flies with John Shewey. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/890
This week I'm talking with Jesse Lance Robbins about his new book "The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere," which comes out today. We also discuss growing up in Maine, where his interest in writing started, studying abroad in Scotland and fishing in New Zealand, creative minds, tarpon, and so much more. Yo, Joe!
#886 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/886 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/ Some people fall into fly fishing. Others get pulled in hard and never really come back out. Tim Arsenault fits squarely in that second camp. From skipping school to chase salmon, to designing some of the most thoughtfully tuned Spey lines on the water, Tim's journey is all about curiosity, obsession, and learning how things really work. In this episode, we dig deep into Spey casting techniques, steelhead rivers, line design, and what happens when you stop accepting off-the-shelf answers. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/886
Ed Smith is an athlete turned award winning photographer based in Scotland. I was introduced to Ed through a mutual friend and we got together to discuss the ways he's documenting life on and around the river Spey in the Highlands. This is the project of a lifetime and hearing Ed speak so passionately about it was a real treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you'll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I'm interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.
Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/865 Sponsors: Togiak River Lodge, Smitty's Fly Box, and Jackson Hole Fly Company. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Last month on the Madison, I watched a perfect example of why Trout Spey exists. Wind ripping. Skinny water. A high bank behind us. Indicator rigs are getting ripped out of the drift the second they touch down. One angler finally stepped out of the rut, grabbed an 11-foot two-hander, and swung flies through water that had shut everyone else down. He wasn't being heroic. He was listening to what the river was asking for. That moment frames this episode with Nick Conklin. We dig into Trout Spey setup, casting fundamentals, and why indicator fishing, high sticking, and swinging are all equal tools. The difference is knowing when to use each and being willing to adapt when conditions get ugly.
Despite winter weather and power outages the River Rambler is back and I'm joined by Nate Devol for the first episode of the year. We discuss is his life on the 45th parallel, the fun of rear wheel drive trucks, winter skis and summer boats, movie influences and the start to his fishing journey, learning spey, community outreach, coffee and leather craft, Kimsquit Bay, and so much more.
Tim Arsenault returns! In episode 8, Tim and Dave sit down at the EWA fly shop after weather permitted an on-water spey day, to catch up and discuss the latest at Bridge Outfitting and what's coming in 2026. This ones full of industry happening's, nuggets eluding to new product releases and a lot of insight into the world of Spey casting and what makes Bridge Lines such a hot commodity... and also, the real life struggles and triumphs that brings them to life. This is a fun one! About | Tim Arsenault: I have spent a good portion of my life fishing for Steelhead and Salmon all around the Pacific Northwest region,and over a decade in fly fishing retail. During this time I was exposed to a great many talented people, fly lines, rods, and just about everything else involving fly fishing. As I continued working in the industry I developed ideas about where fly lines and tackle could go in terms of design and intended uses, as well as what I wanted and expected out of the tackle I used day in and day out. About | Dave McCoy: Raised in Eugene, Oregon, my stomping grounds were of legendary namesake; the Deschutes, McKenzie and North Umpqua Rivers among others. I quickly discovered the thrill of having a fish on but was always in awe of my surroundings. My early exposure to water in all forms led me away from fly fishing to pursue a career as a ski race coach but was always mindful of what fly fishing brought to my life. I have a habit of relentlessly pursuing the effort to exceed expectations and create a more inclusive narrative for this sport.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/859 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Tellis Katsogiannos has spent decades at the highest level of fly casting, earning world champion titles while helping shape how modern anglers think about efficiency, control, and simplicity. In this episode, Tellis shares how competitive casting sharpened his understanding of techniques, and how those lessons translate directly to real fishing situations. We also head to Sweden and Atlantic salmon water, where Scandi systems and Spey-style thinking demand precision over power. From line design at Guideline to teaching anglers how to improve without overthinking, this conversation connects elite casting, salmon culture, and innovation into one clear framework for better fly fishing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/859
This week I'm joined by Wayne Vierhout. We discuss is early IT and software days, his fishing progression from worm to flys, his love for tube flys, his very first rod, Atlantic salmon, how he got into bamboo building and designing tapers, retirement, and even some rod building secrets.
#855 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855 Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, On DeMark Lodge, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors If you've ever stood knee-deep in a Western river wondering whether a trout spey rod might change your whole approach, this conversation with Howard Cole will get your wheels turning. Howard's spent a lifetime shaping flies, shaping cast loops, and shaping anglers at JD High Country Outfitters — and he brings a river-smart perspective on everything from trout spey dry flies to yellow sally emergers. Trout spey tips show up often in this episode, and they sneak into almost every story he tells from the Snake to the South Fork. By the end of this episode, you'll probably be digging through your fly box looking for your own emerger patterns — or maybe even picking up a short spey rod for the next drift. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855
This week I'm talking with Sam Rocha. We talk about his family full of fishers and the Rio Grande, his spectacular college experience and his first teaching job, how that led to steelhead, a brief story about how he got into spey, learing with guides, bamboo, cooking, and the philosophy of sufffering and chocolate milk.
This week I'm joined by Colby Richards. We discuss growing up in Hood River, snowboarding, his entrance to cooking, the importance of practice, planes and learning to fly, gardening, surfing, FOMO adventures, being alone in the wilderness, great food and wine, and so much more.
After all of these episodes featuring the most interesting people in the world of hunting and fish, the guys at Fin and Fire asked me to pull together a mash-up of my favorite spey centric/steelhead interviews. So here it is. Ed Ward, Scott O'Donnell, Dec Hogan and Rich Zellman share stories from a life committed to fishing for steelhead with a two handed rod.
#833 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/833 Presented by: Smitty's Fly Box, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fresh off hosting our Steelhead School at the Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, Jeff walks us through what makes the Skeena River such a magnetic place for traveling anglers. We dig into the small details that make the biggest difference, like how shorter sink tips can unlock big water, why swing speed and fly angle matter more than you think, and how Great Lakes techniques translate perfectly to the wild rivers of BC. Whether you're new to two-handed casting or have been chasing chrome for years, you'll find plenty of tips and stories to level up your next swing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/833
Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/830 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Few fishing experiences compare to the thrill of pursuing Atlantic salmon on a fly rod. In this episode, Calvin Tull shares his passion for Atlantic salmon fly fishing and the art of Spey casting, offering a glimpse into the patience, precision, and technique that define this timeless pursuit. From scenic rivers to unforgettable encounters on the water, Calvin reflects on the lessons learned through years of fishing adventures and the subtle details that turn a good cast into a great one. Whether you're an experienced angler or just beginning your fly fishing journey, you'll find inspiration and practical insights in this conversation. 02:47 – He talks about how he transitioned from conventional gear to using fly rods and why that change completely reshaped his fishing journey. 05:28 – He recalls the moment he realized the power of the swing while learning to chase shad, describing how it sparked his obsession with fly fishing. Fly fishing Photo Provided by - Calvin Tull 07:54 – He shares memories of his early mentors and how their patience and instruction helped him refine his casting and reading-the-water skills. Watch How to Read The Water here. 10:36 – He discusses the excitement of planning his first major salmon trip and the nerves that came with trying something entirely new. 13:12 – He explains how preparation—fly selection, line setup, and practice—can make or break a trip before you ever step into the river. Rifle Hitch Atlantic Salmon Tubes Photo Provided by Calvin Tull 15:47 – He tells a story about catching his first Atlantic salmon and the pure adrenaline that came with landing that unforgettable fish. Atlantic Salmon photo Provided by Calvin Tull 18:34 – He laughs about the challenges of learning Spey casting and how it took dozens of tangled lines before things finally started to click. Watch a 7-minute Spey Fishing Lesson for you! Click it here 21:05 – He opens up about the mistakes most new anglers make and how trial and error taught him lessons no book could ever explain. 24:02 – He shares his favorite types of flies, explaining why he prefers simple, durable patterns that hold up against powerful fish. An assortment of expertly tied streamer flies, perfect for targeting Atlantic salmon in fly fishing 26:48 – He reflects on fishing local Pennsylvania waters, explaining how each season brings new species and fresh challenges to chase. 29:37 – He talks about how patience and rhythm matter more than technique when you're learning to feel the water's flow. 32:10 – He recalls one of his toughest fishing days when nothing went right—and how those experiences often teach more than perfect ones. Fly fishing in a pristine river surrounded by scenic wilderness — an unforgettable outdoor experience. 38:09 – He opens up about the community aspect of fishing and the importance of sharing stories, tips, and time on the water with others. 41:03 – He explains the subtle connection between casting and mindfulness, saying both require focus, timing, and presence. Tips on How to Focus and See More Fish - Click here! 43:57 – He shares his love for exploring new rivers and the excitement of not knowing what each cast might bring. 46:44 – He gives practical advice to beginners—keep your gear simple, watch the water, and don't rush the process. 49:22 – He tells a story about mentoring a young angler and how seeing others grow reignited his own passion for teaching. 52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way. stunning Coho salmon freshly landed during a fly fishing adventure 52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way. 55:03 – He wraps up by sharing what keeps him returning to the water year after year: the peace, the challenge, and the endless lessons the river offers. 57:36 – He ends on an inspiring note, encouraging listeners to find their own rhythm, stay curious, and never stop learning from the water.
#829 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/829 Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, TroutRoutes, Visit Idaho, FishHound Expeditions Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, host Jeff Liskay and Dave Whitey Evans takes us into Bulkley River Fly Fishing. They dive into stories from the Bulkley River system, talk about what makes this water so special for steelhead, and share what life is like running a world-class fishing lodge in British Columbia. With Dave's humor and deep experience, this episode is a mix of laughs, wisdom, and a genuine love for fishing and community. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/829
The FRL crew previews this year's 157 lb weight class, another NCAA team, Super 32, and more! Send in user submissions and questions to FRLsubmissions@flosports.tv. (0:00) 157 lb tiers (17:40) what Spey learned at Iowa State (23:55) NC State team preview (45:45) Super 32 talk (57:40) why to stay locked in on FloWrestling (1:03:15) questions from friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode I'm joined by Sean Burke. We discuss him fishing as a kid with his dad and brother, his experiences brewing beer and more beer talk, music, the environment, the effort that goes into guiding, starting YouTube and his desire to tell people's stories, and more.
This episode was originally published on October 11th, 2019. In today's podcast my guest is Shawn Combs, head of Orvis Rod & Tackle product development and Orvis rod and reel designer. The topic is "16 Things I Wish I Knew About Trout Spey Before I Started". If you have been thinking about trying to swing wet flies or small streamers for trout with a two-handed rod, also known as "Micro Spey", this will be a valuable lesson for you. These are light two-handed rods, in line sizes 3 and 4, designed for covering larger waters. It's especially effective in the fall, when trout are getting aggressive as the move into winter and brown and brook trout are migrating to their spawning grounds. It's a fun and for many of us a new way to fish for trout. In the Fly Box this week, here are some of the questions and suggestions from listeners: -I know there are large trout in my river. What kind of water do I look for and what else should I keep in mind when targeting these larger fish? -I have been setting the hook on smallmouth bass by sweeping my rod parallel to the water. Can you take a moment or two to discuss the pros and cons of various rod angles when setting the hook? -How can I tell if my waders are leaking or if I am just sweating inside them? -My wife and I had over 40 fish rise to our dry flies and only hooked a couple. Any idea what was going on or how to land these fish? -What, to you, is the essence of Atlantic salmon fishing? -A tip from a listener on how to target flathead catfish on a fly -If I take my nine weight switch rod to Florida, what line size should I use on it for fishing from the surf? -A suggestion from a listener on another thing to be careful of regarding river etiquette. -What is the best way to get unstuck when you hook your fly on an object? -Do you have any recommendations on fishing crayfish patterns for smallmouth bass? -When there is thick aquatic weed on a river, what do you suggest for nymphing techniques? -Why am I suddenly beginning to hit my rod on my back cast? -A suggestion from a listener on the benefits of multi-focal contact lenses.
This week, I'm joined by Jake Christensen and we have a great chat about fishing being a constant in his life, ebay shenaningans, his start to building bamboo and it's draw, tapers, realizing the reason for guides, baseball, and so much more.
#814 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814 Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode, we're heading to one of the most iconic steelhead destinations in the world—the Skeena River. Brian Niska, owner of Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, talks all about Skeena steelhead fishing. Brian shares what makes the Skeena so unique, how the steelhead season is shaping up this year, and why having John McMillan and Jeff Liskay at the lodge is such a big deal. We also get into tips for adjusting your approach based on river conditions and how to get the most out of your steelhead trip. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814
On this week's episode I'm joined by Howard Cole. We discuss how we met and how he get me into spey casting, his start to fishing, his time in California and initial fly tying instruction, Andy Puyans' school, High Country Flies, wading and falling, and the age old question of "How many rods is too many rods?"
806 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806 Presented by: On DeMark Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia In this episode, we dive into Jeff Putnam's straightforward approach to spey casting, built on feel, timing, and simplicity. Jeff walks us through the four steps to better spey casting, common mistakes he sees on the water (and how to fix them), and what to do when your confidence takes a hit mid-swing. (We've all been there!) We also get into the evolution of spey lines and rods, the Rogue River, Northern California, and tips for everything from trout with a three-weight to winter steelhead on big rivers. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806
Todd Rudaitis of Bell Reel Company joins me on this weeks episode. We discuss his start to fishing at his grandparents' lodge, restoring his Grandfather's old rod, his first steelhead experience, a very excited James Sampsel, learning two handers, getting into reel making, vintage machining and CNC, the draw of the clicker, and so much more.
I know a lot of listeners are relatively new to the fly-fishing game, and so I asked Phil Monahan [30:31], editor of Midcurrent.com (who also helps people through this sometimes-steep learning curve) to share with us ten pitfalls you may want to avoid when learning the game. And I am willing to bet that even you experts out there make some of these mistakes every time you go out. I know I do. In the Fly Box this week, we have some basic and not-so-basic questions, including: What fly line can I use in the Bahamas and for fly fishing in the Northeast? Is the 'chuck and duck" method an ethical way to fish for Great Lakes salmon? Should I replace my old Power Matrix 905 with a newer model or should I invest in a 904 to have a more diverse quiver? I tie all of my juvenile tarpon flies on a size 2/0 hook. Should I invest in some smaller hooks? How long should I leave my dry fly in the water before pulling it out? How much tippet should I be going through? You say that fish can always see my tippet. So why is it necessary to go to a smaller tippet size? The tube in my New Zealand Strike Indicator always splits when I add yarn. I am using 5X tippet. What am I doing wrong? When fishing with trout Spey, should I concentrate more on my casting or what fly pattern I am using? And what is your favorite fly for trout Spey? Are red and green lights any less impactful when night fishing? Are weighted streamers recommended for night fishing?
On this week's episode I'm talking with George Sylvestre. We get to talking about his start to fishing shadowing his grandfather, questionable college priorities, his time in the army, his entry to two handed casting, spey and saltwater, boats, some guy called Coop, guiding, and the Cape Cod School of Satlwater Fly Fishing.
#785B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Jordan Larsen didn't grow up with a fly rod in hand. In fact, he used to avoid fly shops entirely. But one summer filming anglers in Alaska changed everything. In this episode, we hear how Jordan went from lodge videographer to lodge owner, how spey casting rekindled his passion for fishing, and what it's really like building a fly fishing program from the ground up—in one of the most remote places on earth. You'll learn about the challenges of launching a lodge during COVID, lessons from running a multi-style guiding operation, and what it takes to bring a new spey season to life in Alaska's Togiak River. Expect stories of bear fights, massive king salmon, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep love for the fish and the people. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B
#778 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778 Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Visit Idaho, Intrepid Camp Gear In today's episode of In the Bucket podcast, we're joined by George Cook, Dec Hogan, Scott O'Donnell, and Joseph Rossano—four deeply respected voices in spey fishing, fly culture, and steelhead conservation. With decades of experience guiding, designing flies, telling stories, and fighting for fish, this crew brings insight and emotion to every swing of the conversation. We dig into the heavy realities facing steelhead today—closures, declining returns, and tough conversations around catch and release. George and Dec reflect on the evolution of gear and ethics from the early days of two-handers, while Scott shares hard-earned wisdom from guiding Alaska and beyond. Joseph brings an artist's lens to the discussion, weaving together fish, people, and talks about The Salmon School - one of his recent projects. We also hear about legendary waters, once-booming runs, the responsibility of the angler, and how mentorship and storytelling can keep the heart of fly fishing alive—even as the rivers change. If you're here for history, honest talk, or a deeper connection to fish and community, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778
Victoria Anthony joins the show, and the FRL team discusses all the latest wrestling news and results. Send in user submissions and questions to FRLsubmissions@flosports.tv! (0:00) Dake vs Valencia (10:20) Carr vs Mesenbrink (16:40) Woods vs McKenna (24:12) Lee vs Lilledahl (27:15) Haines vs Wick (29:22) Amit Elor OUT of Final X (33:49) Spey's pick em game (36:45) 133-pound Quarter-Century Team (51:24) 2 Final X questions (54:10) Victoria Anthony previews the women's freestyle matches at Final X (1:05:40) questions from friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices