Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

The Mayfly Project, Bull Trout, and Alaska Guiding | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Summary

 The Mayfly Project is a national nonprofit organization that mentors foster children through fly fishing. They provide five sessions to teach the kids everything from casting to conservation and outfit them with all the necessary gear. The goal is to create sustainable projects and provide quality experiences that can potentially change a child's life. The organization is funded through private donations and grants, and they aim to connect kids to their local ecosystems. The Mayfly Project has mentored 450 kids a year and is looking to expand to other countries. The conversation concludes with Christian Bacasa discussing his own fishing experiences with his daughters and praising the Mayfly Project for their work. Jess Westbrook shares a childhood fishing memory of fishing on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. The conversation then transitions to a discussion about different fly fishing techniques, including tightline nymphing and streamer fishing. The hosts emphasize the importance of safety, success, and showing up when working with youth in fly fishing programs. They encourage listeners to get involved in similar programs and share their love of fly fishing with others.

Continue Reading

How to Buy Used Fly Rods | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Guidelines for Buying Sound Investments in Fly Fishing Rods

Buying used fly rods can become an undertaking that isn’t all that pleasant.  However, the cost associated with acquiring new rods tailored to various fishing conditions can become prohibitively expensive. This has led to the emergence of the used fly rod market as a cost-effective alternative for anglers. Acquisition requires a strategic approach to ensure value for money. Herein, I present a structured methodology for identifying and purchasing pre-owned fly rods that promise both quality and affordability.

Continue Reading

El Gallo Rooster Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Summary

Donnie Price, owner of a fishing lodge in Baja California, shares his passion for roosterfish and provides insights into fishing techniques and strategies. The conversation covers topics such as the distribution of the podcast, the location and history of the bay, fishing conditions and challenges, fishing schedules, rods and lines, leaders and hooks, poppers and bait and switch techniques, and conservation practices. Donnie emphasizes the importance of matching the hatch and adapting to the behavior of roosterfish. The conversation also touches on the enjoyment of consuming fresh fish and the overall experience of fishing in the area. In this conversation, Donnie shares his expertise on fly fishing for roosterfish in the Sea of Cortez. He discusses casting techniques, the beauty of the Sea of Cortez, the raw and untouched environment, the spectacular fishery of Saralbo Island, and the legend of Muertos Bay. Donnie also provides contact information for El Gallo Fly Fishing. He offers preparation tips for roosterfish, including practicing casting and presenting the fly quickly. He emphasizes the importance of using the right equipment, such as reels with good drag and capacity for backing. Donnie also shares tips for fighting roosterfish, including maintaining the right angle and using the butt of the rod for strength.

Continue Reading

Revolutionaries in American Fly Fishing: Tibor “Ted” Juracsik | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

In the world of fly fishing, certain names stand out as legends—individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Among these luminaries is Tibor “Ted” Juracsik, a Hungarian-born tool-and-die master with an unwavering passion for fly fishing and an innate gift for reel design. Here are several ways Ted Juracsik’s influence transformed American fly fishing.

Continue Reading

I Started Using Wet Flies and it Changed How I Fly Fish | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

This article covers everything you need to know regarding getting started with wet flies. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding wet flies can significantly enhance your fly fishing experience.

I started using wet flies and it changed how I fly fish. I can recall fishing with friends early on and being relatively successful. However, when Tom came to me and handed me a small box of wet flies and gently whispered, "I'm going to show you one of my secrets", it was really a game changer.  He then took me into bear trap canyon and showed be the art of swinging wet flies in seams. It was like a whole new world and a entirely new technique that was easy and effective. 

Continue Reading

Fly Fish and Travel | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Summary

In this conversation, Christian Bacasa interviews Stratton Hunter, an experienced fly fisherman, about his fishing adventures and travels. They discuss Stratton's expertise in musky fishing and his focus on small stream trout and wild trout fisheries in Western North Carolina. They also explore Stratton's two extensive tours around the world, where he fished in various countries and encountered unique fishing experiences. Stratton shares tips for successful DIY fishing, including using maps, talking to locals, and researching stream structures. The conversation provides insights into the lifestyle of a passionate angler and the joys of exploring new fishing destinations. In this conversation, Stratton Hunter and Christian Bacasa discuss DIY saltwater fly fishing. They talk about the importance of using apps like AllTrails and OnX to find fishable spots, as well as the role of tides and plant growth in saltwater fishing. They share stories of their experiences fishing in different locations, including Utila Honduras. Stratton also provides tips on gear setup, line control, and fly selection for saltwater fly fishing.
Keywordsfly fishing, musky fishing, small stream trout, wild trout, Western North Carolina, DIY fishing, travel, fishing destinations, DIY saltwater fly fishing, apps, AllTrails, OnX, tides, plant growth, Utila Honduras, gear setup, line control, fly selection

Continue Reading

Keeping Our Salmon Safe | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Summary

The conversation with Brian Muegge focused on the Salmon-Safe program and its efforts to promote watershed health. The discussion covered various topics, including fishing in Pennsylvania, applying best management practices to other areas, the Trout Safe program, getting involved in watershed health, supporting Salmon Safe, breweries and distilleries supporting Salmon Safe, whiskey and wine distilleries supporting Salmon Safe, and partnerships with other organizations. The main takeaway is the importance of individuals and communities taking action to protect and preserve our waters for future generations.

Continue Reading

How to Buy Used Fly Fishing Reels | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Optimizing Your Buying of Fly Fishing Reels through the Secondary Market

The acquisition of fly fishing reels from the secondary market presents an opportunity for anglers to enhance their gear without incurring the high costs associated with new equipment. Given the critical role of fly reels in the overall fishing setup, selecting a quality reel should be considered as an important purchase. Let’s outline a systematic approach for identifying, evaluating, and purchasing used fly fishing reels, drawing upon research and known entities.

Continue Reading

I Started Using Split Shot: How It Changed My Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

in Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

I've been fly fishing for years, and while it's always been an enjoyable pastime, I can remember discovering a game-changing technique that has made a huge difference in my success on the water. Split shot, a small piece of metal or metallic paste that adds weight to your tippet or leader, has completely transformed my fly fishing game. Not only does it allow me to get my fly pattern to the optimal feeding zones more quickly, but it also enables me to make more extended drops and paired with weighted flies.

The basics of split shot in fly fishing are relatively simple. Adding weight to your tippet or leader allows your fly to sink faster, which can be essential when fishing deeper waters or when targeting fish that are holding near the bottom. Split shot is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of fishing scenarios, from nymphing to streamer fishing. It's also easy to use and adjust as needed, making it an excellent option for anglers of all skill levels.

Selecting the right split shot and strategically placing it on your rig can make all the difference in your success on the water. In this article, I'll share my personal experience with split shot, including tips and tricks for using it effectively, as well as some common issues to troubleshoot. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, split shot is a technique that can take your fly fishing to the next level.

Key Takeaways

  • Split shot is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of fishing scenarios, from nymphing to streamer fishing.
  • Selecting the right split shot and strategically placing it on your rig can make all the difference in your success on the water.
  • Split shot is an excellent option for anglers of all skill levels and can take your fly fishing game to the next level.

Continue Reading