エピソード

  • 679 | iFishiBelong with Heather Hodson presented by TroutRoutes - Diversity, Inclusion, Ubuntu Fly Anglers

    679 | iFishiBelong with Heather Hodson presented by TroutRoutes - Diversity, Inclusion, Ubuntu Fly Anglers
    2024/11/13
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/679 This episode is presented by TroutRoutes, not only the best mapping app to find the best water but also a company supporting important groups who are pushing for diversity on species and anglers! Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/troutroutes Heather Hodson, an avid spey fishing enthusiast and the founder of United Women on the Fly, shares her exciting initiatives with iFishiBelong.org. We delve into the significance of diversity among anglers, just as vital as the variety of native fish in our cherished streams. We also learn insights from a survey highlighting the role of women in fly fishing. Join us as we discuss the need for swift changes in the industry and explore upcoming events designed to engage and empower the community. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with someone as passionate and busy as me. Episode Chapters with Heather Hodson on iFishiBelong 3:14 - Heather discusses the success and mission of United Women on the Fly, an initiative she has been involved with for eight years that aims to empower and connect women in the fishing community. She notes that while progress has been made, the push for broader industry change has been slow, which led to the creation of her new project, iFishiBelong. This initiative seeks to unite not just women but all people to foster collective change within the fishing industry and beyond, highlighting the need for inclusivity and collaboration to drive progress. 5:45 - We dig into how they started iFishiBelong which aims to create an inclusive environment within the fishing community by advocating for diversity and unity. Heather also explains that while gender discussions are often easier to address, deeper conversations around ethnicity and sexual orientation can be more challenging. The organization aims to bridge these gaps by starting with gender parity and expanding to other areas of diversity. 9:44 - We ask Heather about the evolution of inclusivity in fly fishing, particularly focusing on women's experiences in fly shops. She notes that there has been some progress in making fly shops more welcoming to women, but she emphasizes that change is slower than desired. A survey by United Women on the Fly revealed that while women feel more comfortable in these shops now compared to a decade ago, there's still significant room for improvement. Heather highlights practical steps fly shops can take to fix this. 17:03 - Heather shares that in the current year, their organization successfully hosted four major events focused on inclusivity, both in terms of participant diversity and geographic accessibility. The events took place in New York, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon. These efforts were supported by TroutRoutes, which sponsored scholarships to help attendees cover costs and hire guides. 20:50 - She talks about the success of their event called Trout Fest held in Oregon and confirms plans to hold it again next year. This is a significant event for the local community, providing support and extensive educational opportunities, particularly in fly fishing techniques and entomology. 24:34 - Heather discusses an initiative called "All Kids Fish" founded by Becca Sue Klein in Atlanta, Georgia. This program focuses on engaging young people, particularly girls initially, in the world of fishing and environmental conservation. A key aspect of the program is its diverse mentorship, ensuring that children see role models who reflect their own identities, whether they are queer, transgender, or come from various racial backgrounds. 31:19 - We get into spey fishing. 37:49 - Heather highlights the advantage of using the TroutRoutes app for camping and fishing. It helps her find campsites and navigate the complexities of public versus private land, particularly in regions with restrictive access laws like Colorado. She also mentions features such as gauge stations, which provide detailed water data, and the ability to mark private waypoints, safeguarding secret fishing spots. 41:28 - She discusses one of their programs called Ubuntu Fly Anglers, co-founded by Bob Bartlett and Carl Crawford. This initiative focuses on advocating and supporting black and brown anglers to foster inclusivity outdoors. They recently held an event in Spokane called "We Are Here," which was impactful and highlighted the importance of representation for black and brown anglers. 46:44 - We touched upon the challenges faced by DUN magazine due to COVID-19, which led to its partial dissolution and transition to online formats. Heather highlighted the impact of the pandemic on their community-focused activities, as in-person gatherings were halted. 49:16 - Heather shares her admiration for Rick Hafele, whom she first met at an event in Spokane about 10 to 12 years ago. A self-proclaimed "bug nerd," she took extensive notes during his presentation on entomology. She finds the study of insects, particularly their changing prevalence due to ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分
  • 678 | How to Become a Fly Casting Champion with Chris Korich - Golden Gate Casting Club, Maxine McCormick

    678 | How to Become a Fly Casting Champion with Chris Korich - Golden Gate Casting Club, Maxine McCormick
    2024/11/11

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/678

    Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Smitty's Fly Box, Jackson Hole Fly Company

    Curious how an 11-year-old girl managed to beat everyone and become the world fly casting champion? Chris Korich, legendary casting coach to top champions like Maxine McCormick, is here to reveal the secrets behind her success.

    You’ll hear Maxine’s full story, from winning her first titles at just 9, 10, and 11 years old to outcasting the best in the world.

    Chris also shares the number one thing every caster should know, along with tips on rod selection, essential gear, and the history of fly rods. Find out why some top pros still swear by 1970s graphite rods to dominate competitions today.

    Episode Chapters with Chris Korich on How to Become a Fly Casting Champion

    02:34 - Chris tells us about his childhood near the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco. He spent his youth at the Oakland Casting Club, which opened its casting pools in 1958, just blocks from his home. By age eight, he had his first job helping people catch fish.

    06:21 - Chris shares how he and his brother stumbled onto their first fishing rod—a discarded, rusty push-button reel they found by chance. They fixed it up and started casting at the trout ponds.

    The experienced anglers noticed and stepped in to teach them how to cast properly. One of them was Tony Perry, who became Chris’s first coach.

    Coaching Maxine McCormick

    09:51 - Chris shares how he became Maxine McCormick’s coach. It all began when he got a call from Donna O’Sullivan, who saw Maxine at the Golden Gate Club. Maxine was only 9 when she started, and within a couple of lessons, she was already scoring casts like a pro.

    15:56 - In 2013, Maxine started training with her dad, Glenn, just a few months after meeting Chris. They jumped into tournament casting, and five months later, Maxine competed in the National Casting Championship.

    She outscored every woman in a national competition. By 11, Maxine was making headlines, beating everyone except Chris and Steve. At 12, she became the youngest world champion in the sport.

    30:06 - Chris explains that starting with a full-flex rod, like the ones from the old days, helps you feel the line better. He also talks about the benefits of shorter rods, especially for beginners or those fishing in windy conditions.

    40:49 - We chat about the best fly rods for beginners, especially for kids. Chris discusses how shorter, softer rods, like fiberglass or combination graphite-glass ones, work great for new casters.

    He shares a cool story where 22 women tried different rods, and everyone picked a short fiberglass rod as their favorite. It helps them feel the line better and roll cast more easily.

    54:10 - Chris shares a fun exercise with a butter knife to help listeners understand the importance of "feel" when fly casting.

    1:00:59 - Chris explains that while many anglers still use long rods, the trend is starting to shift. He compares it to skiing, where shorter skis became popular to help beginners learn, and then they went back to longer skis—only to eventually return to shorter ones again.

    Chris believes that shorter rods make fly fishing easier, especially for beginners, and encourages anglers to try them out.

    1:10:51 - Chris says there's no doubt that Steve Ray Jeff is the greatest fly caster in history.

    1:13:11 - Chris shares the impressive story of Maxine, who broke records at the world fly casting championships in Norway. Despite limited training, she scored 80 points in accuracy and won multiple gold medals.

    Maxine is also focused on finishing her biology degree while still finding time to fly fish and work at a fly shop.
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/678
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 28 分
  • Traveled #21 | Fly Fish Food Jimmy's with Madison Losee presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory

    Traveled #21 | Fly Fish Food Jimmy's with Madison Losee presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory
    2024/11/08
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/677 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/teton Today, we explore Fly Fish Food Jimmy's, a top fly shop in the West, now under new management. Join us as we speak with Madison Losee, the new shop manager. She'll share tips for your next fly fishing trip, including ways to avoid crowds on the famous Henry's Fork and her preferred techniques over the dry dropper method in summer. Madison will also share stories, including a surprise visit from a celebrity. Whether you're heading to Idaho or looking to up your fishing game, this episode is filled with insights you won't want to miss! Episode Chapters with Madison Losee on Fly Fish Food Jimmy's 2:17 - Madison explains that after a changeover, the fly shop significantly increased its inventory, especially in fly selection, now offering four times as many flies as before. This expansion was aimed at accommodating the needs of both local fly tying enthusiasts and visitors preparing for fishing trips. The shop is positioned as a central hub for anglers heading to famous fishing destinations such as the Henry's Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River, benefiting from its strategic location near major highways. 4:01 - She discusses her background and experience leading up to her first managerial role at Fly Fish Food Jimmy's. She explains that while this is her first position as a manager, she has a strong retail background from high school and has grown up working for her family's drift boat company, giving her a long-standing connection to the fly fishing industry. 6:47 - Madison talks about the experience of running a fly shop in Idaho Falls, which attracts both locals and tourists. Common questions from visitors include where to fish and what equipment to use. She also highlights the shop's proximity to prime fishing locations like Henry's Fork and South Fork, which are about 30 to 45 minutes away from town. 10:45 - She describes the team at the fly shop. Madison has been with the shop since June of the previous year. She enjoys interacting with regular customers, learning from experienced fly fishers, and staying updated on new products and gear, which she finds both fun and educational. 21:41 - We talk about Jimmy Gabettas, who was the owner of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler before it was bought by Fly Fish Food. Madison shares that Jimmy is enjoying his retirement by taking bucket list trips, including a recent one to Mongolia, and continues to engage in fishing and hunting. Despite retiring, he still visits the shop regularly to stock up on tying materials and shares his fishing experiences with the staff. 15:04 - Madison mentions spending considerable time fishing in Wyoming and expresses particular enjoyment in fishing the Snake River through Jackson, indicating it's a favorite spot. 17:02 - We talk about fishing in the Snake River area in western Wyoming, specifically through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Madison explains that while having a boat allows for covering more water, it is not essential for fishing there, though caution is advised due to areas with strong whitewater currents. 19:13 - We get into the best times to fish the South Fork of the Snake River. She mentions that although fishing is possible year-round, her favorite times are May and June during runoff, and especially July during the salmon fly hatch. She explains that this hatch is influenced by water temperatures and can be followed through different sections of the river, typically lasting a couple of weeks from the end of June to early July. 20:24 - Madison shares her preference for using large dry flies rather than a dry dropper setup, highlighting her technique of casting close to overhanging trees and "twitching" the fly to attract fish. She emphasizes the importance of precision in casting, even at the risk of losing flies to tree branches, and describes the satisfaction of making a perfect cast. She also explains her method of twitching the fly by wiggling the rod tip to create movement, which she finds effective in attracting cutthroat trout on the South Fork. 25:37 - She mentions the products available at the shop. Madison also recommends some gear to bring when you a plan a fishing trip to their area. When it comes to casting instruction, she mentions that due to the shop's downtown location, they don't offer in-person coaching. 28:01 - I briefly share about my recent interview with Chris Korich, the coach of renowned fly caster Maxine McCormick. Chris shared insights on how Maxine began casting at the age of nine and quickly won championships, attributing part of her success to the type of rod used. Our episode with Chris will be released in November. 30:46 - Madison describes the experience of visiting their fly shop, highlighting their extensive fly-tying materials section. The shop maintains its original structure, with enhancements for more inventory. 35:48 - She ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分
  • 676 | The Missouri River with Shalon Hastings - Helena Montana, Last Chance Fly Gals, Women in Fly Fishing

    676 | The Missouri River with Shalon Hastings - Helena Montana, Last Chance Fly Gals, Women in Fly Fishing
    2024/11/06

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/676

    Presented By: Visit Helena, MT

    On a recent drive across the country, I swung into Helena, Montana. We stopped for a beer, some gear for the trip, and hung out at a local park. And I'll be back this year to fish the mighty Missouri, one of the great rivers out West. In this episode, you're going to hear about a person who sold her business to go all in on fly fishing and where she's focusing her efforts this year. If you're new to fly fishing, then this episode is going to give you some tools and resources to let you know where to start the right way.

    Shalon Hastings, fly fishing instructor guide, an all-around badass fly angler is gonna take us into the Big Mo. You're gonna hear about some of the first things she does with a new student and some things you can take away on this if you're just getting started. And she's gonna talk about why entomology is something you should be learning about. Plus, she's gonna clear the air about women fly fishing in bikinis, all this stuff. We're gonna talk about it and she might have a little different take than you were thinking. We're heading back to the Big Missouri, the Big Mo this year. Let's find out how to do it the right way.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/676
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • 675 | Celebrating the Life and Wisdom of John Gierach - (Ep 47 Re-released)

    675 | Celebrating the Life and Wisdom of John Gierach - (Ep 47 Re-released)
    2024/11/04

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/675

    Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, FishHound Expeditions

    Today, we’re honoring one of the greatest voices in fly fishing, John Gierach, who passed away in October.

    I first recorded this episode with John in 2018, right after starting the podcast. John was already a huge inspiration to many with his stories and deep love for mountain streams and fly fishing.

    In this episode, we'll hear about John's early life and how he started writing, why he loves fly fishing, especially the mountain streams of Colorado, and some of his biggest mentors who influenced him over the years. Some we've had on this podcast since this episode.

    I was so excited when we first had John on, and he said yes to doing an episode because it was early on in this podcast, and he was one of the biggest, maybe the biggest, I knew out there.

    There are so many great stories in this one. John also came back for a second episode, and it was a dream that I never told anybody about to have John on for a podcast series so we could dig into all or many of his books.

    We never quite got there, of course, but we do have his voice today that should inspire all of us in his words of writing and books for years to come.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/675
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 32 分
  • 674 | Alaska Grand Slam with George Krumm - Fish Alaska Magazine, Togiak River Lodge, Chinook Salmon

    674 | Alaska Grand Slam with George Krumm - Fish Alaska Magazine, Togiak River Lodge, Chinook Salmon
    2024/11/01
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/674 Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/togiak George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine and all-around fishy dude, is going to share his experience on Alaska grand slam catching all five salmon species in the same day on a recent trip to the Togiak River. You're going to find out which technique he used to make it happen; where some of the other great trips are around Alaska and things you should be thinking about; and what he thinks is the best thing to help turn around the Chinook decline for the Pacific rim. Plus you're gonna found out how you can plan your Alaska trip easily with a resource at Fish Alaska Magazine. Episode Chapters with George Krumm on Alaska Grand Slam 3:06 - George began his journey into fly fishing when he was about seven years old. His dad gave him a small vice and showed him how to tie flies. The very first fly he tied was a gray hackle peacock. George became truly passionate about fly fishing when he started catching fish with the flies he had tied himself. 5:08 - He shares a bit about how he began his career at Fish Alaska. Melissa Norris and his brother, Marcus, founded both Fish Alaska and Hunt Alaska magazines. For Fish Alaska, George primarily writes about fly fishing. Additionally, they have a "Fly of the Month" column, which is sponsored by Mossy's Fly Shop. 8:12 - George first connected with the Larsen brothers, who own the Togiak River Lodge, during his visit in 2022. His goal was to explore Chinook fishing and write a story about it. Unfortunately, the trip wasn't very successful due to poor water and weather conditions. Despite this, George believes that the Togiak River is a standout location for Chinook fly fishing, as it still boasts strong runs of fish in various sizes. 11:48 - George visited the lodge in mid-August this year, aiming to catch coho salmon on a fly. He successfully caught all five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon—in a single day on a fly rod. His cousin Tom achieved this feat twice in one week. 13:39 - He describes their success, noting that on an average day, he and Tom caught over 75 salmon of various species. Although their main goal was silvers, they caught multiple types of salmon, with the King salmon being the most challenging to catch at that time of year. Interestingly, they managed to achieve a "grand slam" of catching various salmon species by accident. 15:40 - We discuss sockeye salmon, which are less talked about in freshwater fishing. George mentions significant runs in areas like Naknek and Kenai. Sockeye are valued for their red meat and while they usually feed on plankton in the ocean, they can become territorial and bite more when in large groups. For Chum salmon George mentions that they are strong fighters, often leading to broken rods, though they might not look impressive. Pink salmon are smaller and change color quickly, causing them to be underrated, but fresh pinks are tasty, similar to trout. 20:31 - George enjoys the methodical aspect of spey casting, especially for winter steelhead, where catching even one fish is rewarding. He contrasts this with the excitement of fishing in the Togiak River, where large fish are caught more frequently. 26:47 - George highlights the Togiak River Lodge's multiple packages for anglers. He also notes an important change in their policy: during the first few weeks of the fishing season, the lodge will limit the number of anglers from 24 to 14. This adjustment is aimed at providing a better experience for those specifically interested in fishing for King salmon. 27:34 - We dig into the evolving perspectives on fishing practices in Alaska, emphasizing a shift away from the traditional "whack them and stack them" mentality towards more sustainable approaches. George highlights the importance of targeting abundant fish species such as sockeye, pink, and coho salmon, while questioning the necessity of taking large quantities of fish home. Our conversation highlights the need for anglers to adapt to changing times and prioritize sustainable practices. While Alaska has been perceived as having unlimited fish supplies, current trends suggest a need for caution and conservation. 33:36 -We discuss the current state of fly fishing and the associated challenges in different regions, including Alaska and the Skeena system. Fishing restrictions, such as closures on Chinook fishing, are not only happening in Alaska but in other areas as well. 38:50 - George recounts spending extensive time fishing on the Kenai River and now frequently visits the Naknek River for its excellent rainbow trout fishing opportunities. He also highlights the overlooked potential of stillwater fishing around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. He notes that many lakes in Alaska are stocked with fish and, unlike in the lower 48 states, they are not heavily fished. This means that these lakes often contain ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 4 分
  • 673 - Clean the Dream with Scott Robertson - South Platte River, Landon Mayer, Colarado

    673 - Clean the Dream with Scott Robertson - South Platte River, Landon Mayer, Colarado
    2024/10/30

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/673

    Presented By: Waters West, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Drifthook Fly Fishing

    Have you heard about Clean the Dream? It's one of Landon Mayer's favorite events, and today, Scott Robertson is here to tell us all about it.

    Scott shares the history of this inspiring cleanup at the Dream Stream, how it's evolved, and why it matters to anglers everywhere. Find out how saving your tippets can make a difference.

    Episode Chapters with Scott Robertson on Clean the Dream

    We're giving away a huge trip to hit the water with Landon Mayer and learn sight-fishing for massive trout!

    Enter now for your chance to win.

    02:16 - Scott met Landon Mayer 12 years ago through their mutual friend, Brandon Kramer, who co-founded Clean the Dream with Landon.

    05:22 - The Dream Stream is a five-mile stretch of the South Platte River between Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs. This area crosses three different state lands: Spinney Mountain State Park, Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area, and Eleven Mile State Park.

    Clean the Dream

    08:04 - Clean the Dream started about ten years ago with only 20 people, but it's grown significantly since then. Now, more sponsors give out prizes, which makes the event more exciting. Clean the Dream event usually happens the third weekend in August.

    Tips for Organizing a Successful Cleanup Event

    11:17 - If you want to host a cleanup event like Clean the Dream, there are a few key things to remember.

    Get the word out.
    Use Social Media - Promote your event on all platforms and get others with a following to share it.
    Find Sponsors - Reach out to brands for donations or prizes.
    Local Businesses -If you can’t get big brands, local stores can help, too!
    Flyers - Don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned flyers.
    Talk to your local jurisdiction.

    19:52 - You don't need to sign up to join the event. Head to the bridge lot around 8 a.m. on the third weekend in August. Scott says they prepare coffee, juice, and pastries to start the day. Once you're set, you'll get a bucket, trash grabber, bags, and gloves.

    The cleanup lasts about four hours, so you can pitch in for as long as possible. Afterward, a lunch with pulled pork, hot dogs, and chips wraps up the day.

    21:45 - This year’s cleanup had over 200 people—ten times more than when it started. Scott says they're planning something bigger for the 10th anniversary next year.

    23:41 - Scott's love for fishing started when he was 15 with his dad in Hawaii. He explained that while fly fishing wasn't common on the Big Island, he enjoyed saltwater fishing. Moving to Colorado sparked his interest in fly fishing, especially after working in the Bahamas, where he learned about bone fishing.

    IMG_6021

    Check out @clean_the_dream on Instagram for more updates.
    Don't miss your chance to join Landon Mayero for your shot at sight-fishing for massive trout! Visit https://wetflyswing.com/giveaway

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/673
    続きを読む 一部表示
    51 分
  • 672 | Sight Fishing Tips for Trout with Landon Mayer - South Platte River, Streamer Tactics, Staying Fit

    672 | Sight Fishing Tips for Trout with Landon Mayer - South Platte River, Streamer Tactics, Staying Fit
    2024/10/28

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/672

    Presented By: Waters West, Yellowstone Teton Territory, FishHound Expeditions, Heated Core

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    If you had the choice between sight fishing for big trout or nipping down deep, which one would you choose? And what about streamers versus Dries? Do you have an opinion there? And which of all these techniques do you need more help with right now? Today’s guest is an expert in all of these disciplines, And. today we’re going to help you build a foundation to better understand when and where to site fish effectively for big trout.

    Landon Mayer, South Platte guide, master show speaker, and our trout school professor will be walking us through the trip we’re heading out to this year. You’re gonna find out how to prepare for a trip if you’re focused on site fishing for big trout, what reactions from fish really mean and how to decide when to fish deep or go shallow and what you should do when you can’t see the fish. We’re gonna talk about it all today, plus you’re gonna get Landon’s best health tip on eating and staying fit.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/672
    続きを読む 一部表示
    56 分