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  • 655 | Phil Rowley's Top 8 Tips for Inducing a Strike - Solo Episode

    655 | Phil Rowley's Top 8 Tips for Inducing a Strike - Solo Episode
    2024/09/06

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/655

    Presented By: TroutRoutes, Togens Fly Shop

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    If you listen to today's episode, you will have a much better chance to hook more and larger fish on your next Stillwater trip. That's because I'm going to provide a Phil Rowley summary of his top tips for inducing a strike, and I'll have a little story to share at the end that's going to reinforce this message.

    In today's short snippet bonus episode, we're going to hear Phil Rowley's 8 tips on inducing a fish take. This podcast today comes from episode 640, where Phil was on his Littoral Zone podcast and he shared these exact tips and more. If you want to hear the full-length episode, check out 640. This is going to be a short snippet episode just so you have a punch just in case you missed that one or you want something a little bit shorter.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/655
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    12 分
  • 654 | Hunting Musky with a Fly with Rick Kustich — New York, Great Lakes

    654 | Hunting Musky with a Fly with Rick Kustich — New York, Great Lakes
    2024/09/04
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/654 Presented By: Visit Helena, MT, Togiak River Lodge, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Waters West You may have heard of today's guest from the books and content he's written about spey and steelhead fishing. But did you know that he also has an amazing book on another hard-to-master species? Today, we'll walk through the biggest tips from this book so that you might have a better shot at a giant musky this season. Rick Kustich, author of Hunting Musky with a Fly, is here to share his top tips on landing that elusive musky. You'll learn how to tease a strike, where most fish occur, and the three key tips to keep the big one on the line. Ready to profile a predator musky style? Show Notes with Rick Kustich on Hunting Musky with a Fly 01:31 - It's been over a year since we had Rick on the podcast, where we talked about spey fishing and steelhead. Rick had a pretty good year with lots of good steelhead and musky fishing. But he did shake things up with a trip to Patagonia in South America to target sea-run brown trout. Hunting Musky with a Fly 04:35 - Today, we will discuss Rick's book Hunting Musky with a Fly. It's a great resource for anyone interested in musky fishing. You can contact Rick through his website or Instagram for a signed, personalized copy of the book. The book can also be found at various fly shops, bookstores, and, of course, on Amazon. 07:06 - Rick pitched the idea of the book around 2013, but it was turned down because musky fly fishing wasn't popular yet. By 2017, with more people getting into musky fishing, Rick's book Hunting Musky with a Fly was finally released. Why Muskies Are So Hard to Catch 09:06 - Muskies are one of the hardest freshwater fish to catch consistently. They don't need to feed often and have specific feeding windows during the day. 12:19 - Rick explains that understanding Muskies as apex predators is key. They’re picky eaters, so anglers need to trigger them into striking. He suggests using the figure-eight technique, even when you don't see a fish following your fly. 18:05 - Rick also mentions that while figure eight is his go-to, you must also read the fish's behavior. For example, a slow, teasing retrieve can be as effective if the fish seems interested but isn't taking the bait immediately. Water clarity plays a big role too. 22:12—New York offers a diverse muskie fishery with different strains, including the Great Lakes strain found in the Niagara River. Muskies are native to this area and have various strains in various locations. While their original range was in the Northeast and Midwest, they’ve been stocked in many other places, including Nebraska and the western states. Tiger muskies, a hybrid between pike and musky, are also found out west. Keeping Your Head in the Game 25:57 - Stay focused during those long days when you might not catch any fish. It can be tough, especially if you're new and questioning everything. But experience teaches you that each cast brings you closer to a catch. Stay engaged, and keep your energy up. Even when it’s slow, every cast counts, and being ready could lead to the catch of a lifetime. How to Find the Best Spots for Muskies 28:45 - Muskies usually stick close to food sources, so look for areas with plenty of bait. In big waters like the Niagara River, focus on edges and structures like weed beds and drop-offs. Look for log jams, overhanging brush, and slower water spots for smaller rivers. Muskies often hang out in these areas to save energy and ambush prey. Casting for Muskies 41:52 - For big, open water, like deep rivers, you must make long casts to keep your fly down longer. Rick uses a two-handed rod, around 9.5 feet long, with a heavy line for distance and depth. Use the bottom hand to pull and the top hand to guide for speed. After retrieving the fly, sweep the rod to get some line out, then use one or two false casts to get it back in the water. A shorter rod and quick casts help reduce wear on your body and improve efficiency. 51:00 - Rick explains that most fish hit within the first few strips of the fly. For casting, Rick uses a heavy, short-headed line, about 22 to 23 feet long, which helps get the fly deep quickly. 55:12 - Rick says using a back-and-forth retrieve with your fly and making it look vulnerable can trigger strikes. He stresses the importance of strip setting to get a good hook set because muskies have tough mouths. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/654
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    1 時間 9 分
  • 653 | Fly Fishing New Zealand with Ronan Creane - Sight Fishing, Brown Trout, Ireland

    653 | Fly Fishing New Zealand with Ronan Creane - Sight Fishing, Brown Trout, Ireland
    2024/09/02
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/653 Presented By: Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Angler's Coffee, Visit Helena, MT Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, Ronan Creane, a renowned fly fishing guide with deep ties to Ireland, is here to talk all about fly fishing New Zealand. Ronan specializes in sight fishing for brown trout and has been a passionate fly angler for decades, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. If you've ever dreamt of casting your line in the pristine waters of New Zealand, this episode is a must-listen. Ronan takes us on an in-depth journey through the best fishing spots, the ideal times to visit, and expert tips on sight fishing for those elusive big browns. You'll also learn why a trip to New Zealand might be more attainable than you think, and how to make the most of your adventure without suffering from jet lag. Episode Chapters with Ronan Creane on Fly Fishing New Zealand 2:04 - Ronan shares his background, explaining he grew up in Ireland and moved to New Zealand at age 24. His earliest fishing memories involve catching tiny trout in a stream near his house using a jam jar and a net. Fly fishing runs in his family, with his father and grandfather being skilled fly fishermen. Although introduced to it gradually, he received his first fly rod at age 12 from his grandfather. 8:21 - He worked as a guide on two iconic salmon and sea trout fisheries in Ireland, starting at age 18. He continued guiding during visits home while exploring fly fishing globally. He highlights the decline of sea trout fishing in Ireland, which began in the late 1980s to early 1990s, coinciding with the rise of salmon farming. 12:28 - We start to dig into fly fishing in New Zealand, specifically in the small town of Alexandra on the South Island. Ronan describes his work as a guide, focusing mainly on brown trout, although rainbow trout are also present in the rivers and lakes he fishes. He emphasizes that his fishing is mostly river-based, but he also enjoys lake fishing due to his background. The average fish he targets weighs around three to four pounds. He aims for larger fish, typically five to six pounds, and mentions that he and his clients have caught around 20 double-figure fish. 15:11 - We talk about some sight fishing techniques, particularly in rivers. Ronan explains that the ideal scenario is finding a fish "on station," meaning it's feeding in one spot, which gives the angler time to plan their approach. He contrasts this with a fish that is cruising, which requires a different, more dynamic strategy. The key to success in New Zealand, according to Ronan, is making the first cast accurately. Multiple attempts can alert the fish, making it harder to catch. 18:30 - Ronan explains his preference for using a dry fly as an indicator since fish can take a dry fly at any time of the year. However, he notes that if a fish is swinging, it’s more likely to take a nymph. He also describes the importance of watching the dry fly for any movement indicating a strike, but he also stresses the value of directly observing the fish’s mouth if visible to catch subtle takes that the dry fly might not indicate. 20:39 - We talk about the fishing opportunities in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island. Ronan elaborates on various regions such as Mackenzie District (known for lakes and rivers), the West Coast (wild and remote), Southland (with numerous rivers), and Otago (where Ronan is based, offering a variety of fishing experiences). He mentions the availability of brown trout and sea trout, noting that sea trout, which migrate to the ocean and return, can grow significantly larger, sometimes up to 15 pounds. 23:00 - Ronan has been part of Sexyloops since around 2003, not long after its establishment in 1998. Their collaboration began when Ronan met Paul during the filming of an early fishing movie, leading to friendship and numerous fishing trips together, especially to New Zealand. 24:40 - I ask about the allure of New Zealand as a fishing destination. He highlights the country's exceptional freedom for anglers, where a single license allows fishing in various public waters. He emphasized the "queen chain" concept, which grants public access to 22 yards of either bank of a river, provided the access point is public. 28:04 - As a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA), Ronan mentions that there are about 140 guides spread across both islands of New Zealand, which he believes is sufficient to meet the demand. 29:07 - Our conversation shifts to his blog, which he has been writing for about 15 years as part of Sexyloops. The blog includes approximately 350 entries, focusing on his observations of fishing rather than instructional content. 30:21 - We talk about Ronan's involvement in a TV series called "Pure Fly NZ", produced by Nick Reygaert. Ronan and his friend Jeff Forsee participated in one episode, ...
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    1 時間 4 分
  • 652 | Fly Fishing Newfoundland with Ryan & Les Wentzell and Rod Brophy - Lee Wulff, Atlantic Salmon

    652 | Fly Fishing Newfoundland with Ryan & Les Wentzell and Rod Brophy - Lee Wulff, Atlantic Salmon
    2024/08/30

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/652

    Presented By: Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Angler's Coffee, Stonefly Nets

    What if I told you there's a place where you can fish the same waters as Lee Wulff and have a great chance at catching an Atlantic salmon on the fly?

    Today, we will dive into the rich history and present-day fly fishing Newfoundland with the head guides from Mountain Waters Resort, Ryan & Les Wentzell and Rod Brophy.

    You'll discover the secrets of fishing the riffle hitch, why you should stay put in the pools instead of stepping down, and even why 4-lb tippet is the go-to at certain times of the year. Plus, learn how to hook a giant Atlantic salmon like Lee Wulff did.

    Show Notes with Ryan, Les, and Rod on Fly Fishing Newfoundland.


    02:35 - Ryan grew up at the lodge, which his parents, Les and Paulette Wentzell, and two other couples purchased. The 170-acre property was originally owned by Lee Wulff.

    05:23 - The lodge is in Daniels Arbor, Newfoundland, a small town with a rich fishing history. After nearly 30 years of operation, Ryan took over the lodge in 2019 and has been upgrading it ever since.

    The Riffling Hitch

    10:05 - Rod uses surface fishing with dry flies, like bombers, all year long. The riffling hitch creates a wake on the water, which makes it easier to spot the fish. This method is better than just using a regular wet fly.

    Rod mentioned that even big fish, up to 40 pounds, have been caught using this technique, and it’s essential for consistent success.

    20:17 - Les shares that Lee Wulff flew his float plane from New York to Newfoundland in the 1940s. He explored the rivers and set up fishing operations, including at Portland Creek. When a road was built nearby in 1956, Lee moved on to other projects.

    28:11 - Rod shared how you can still fish in the spots where Lee Wulff used to catch fish. Many spots are still popular today. The area also offers amazing trout fishing, especially in nearby lakes.

    Fly Fishing Newfoundland

    30:02 - Ryan explained how people get to their fishing location. Most folks fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport, about two hours from the fishing area.

    Once they arrive, Ryan's team picks them up, and they can start fishing immediately. Some people drive all the way, but that takes longer with a 10-hour ferry ride from Nova Scotia.

    32:52 - Most guests focus on Atlantic salmon, but there’s also great brook trout fishing in the area. They can also visit spots like the River of Ponds and see salmon at Hawke's Bay. Plus, if you're interested in cod fishing, that’s an option too.

    35:04 - Rod says that catching Atlantic salmon is very likely, even for new anglers. He suggests using a 9 ft 9 wt rod and casting at a 45-degree angle across the river. The key is to adjust to the conditions and pay attention to the guide’s tips for a successful catch.

    40:46 - Rod advises staying in one spot for at least an hour when fishing for Atlantic salmon. He explained that fish often settle in large pools, and you might be fishing over 25 to 30 fish in one spot.

    Ryan shares a cool story about Henry Green, who fished at their place from 1957 to 2022. Henry was a big part of their history; loved salmon fishing and bird watching.

    Check out this video of Henry Green.

    1:00:13 - Ryan highlights all the cool stuff to do in Newfoundland besides fishing. Gros Morne National Park is close by with boat tours and hiking.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/652
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    1 時間 11 分
  • 651 | A Passion for Steelhead with Dec Hogan - Steelhead Flies, Snap T Cast, Skagit Lines

    651 | A Passion for Steelhead with Dec Hogan - Steelhead Flies, Snap T Cast, Skagit Lines
    2024/08/28

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/651

    Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Today's guest wrote the book referred to as the bible for steelhead fishing. He was the guy who created and perfected the Snap T cast, and he's one of the most respected anglers in the steelhead game. And today he's gonna break down the history and some of the best tips for steelhead and spey so you have a better shot at hooking these magical steelhead while on the river this season.

    Deck Hogan, Author of the book A Passion For Steelhead, guide, and expert spey casting instructor is here to take us back into history books of how Northwest Spey began and how steelhead fishing with the spey rod took off. We're gonna talk about how to slow down your fly for more success. Today, you understand where the fish are holding and how to present the fly to these fish. And you're gonna find out what happens if you get a pluck a touch, and you're gonna understand what the fish are actually doing under the water. You're always out there and you sometimes feel a little bit of feedback, but what is that fish actually doing? And how do you get that fish to come back to your fly? It's all on today.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/651
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    1 時間 19 分
  • 650 | Inside Fulling Mill with Nick Yardley - Stillwater Flies, Brook Trout, Great Lakes

    650 | Inside Fulling Mill with Nick Yardley - Stillwater Flies, Brook Trout, Great Lakes
    2024/08/26
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/650 Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes, Togens Fly Shop, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we'll chat with Nick Yardley, the president of Fulling Mill. We dive deep into the fascinating story of how Fulling Mill became a leader in the UK and US markets, sharing insights on their top fly patterns and the meticulous process that ensures only the best end up in your fly box. We also explore stillwater fishing, with Nick offering expert tips and his favorite flies for targeting brook trout in the Northeast. Additionally, you'll hear about his passion for the Great Lakes and why this region holds a special place in his heart for salmon and steelhead fishing. Join us as we uncover these topics and more, giving you the knowledge to enhance your fly fishing adventures this season. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Nick Yardley from Fulling Mill! Episode Chapters with Nick Yardley on Fulling Mill 1:38 - Nick shares his personal journey into fly fishing, starting from a young age with course fishing in Yorkshire, England. His interest shifted to fly fishing during a family visit to Dorset, where a gamekeeper introduced him to the sport. This experience led him to sell his match fishing gear and buy his first fly rod, albeit an unsuitable one. However, he later received a more appropriate and cherished split cane fly rod from a relative, which solidified his passion for fly fishing. 4:34 - We talk about his move from Britain to the United States in 1986. Nick explains that he didn't find the job market in Britain appealing due to high unemployment and general discontent at the time. Seeking adventure, he pursued a path in the US, leveraging his background in climbing. 8:22 - We explore the history of Fulling Mill. Its origins date back to the 1930s when Denis Whetham, a British schoolboy, took up fly tying after a rugby accident left him paralyzed. Upon returning to his family home in Kenya, he garnered local interest and even received commercial orders, leading him to pursue fly tying passionately. Fulling Mill's flies are now widely available across US fly shops, and in 2023, they introduced a new range of fly tying materials, further solidifying their market presence. 18:00 - Nick mentions that Fulling Mill aims to be a one-stop shop for fly fishing, catering to various needs across different regions, although trout fishing constitutes 80% of their business. He also highlights their innovative approach with Euro nymphing flies, offering different weights for the same fly size and enhancing the consumer experience. Furthermore, Fulling Mill is planning to introduce a new range of flies for warm water and specific regions by 2025, including patterns for strikers in the northeast and shrimp patterns for the Caribbean and Belize. 22:31 - Nick discusses the process of understanding market needs and providing appropriate products for fly fishing. He says that the strong feedback comes from retail stores and their servicing reps, as different territories have unique demands. He mentions Devin Olsen, a well-known figure in fly fishing who is both a signature fly tier and a shop owner, highlighting how his flies have broad national appeal. 24:18 - We dig into brook trout fishing, focusing on effective flies and ideal locations. Nick recommends using size 14, highly floatable dry flies with foam bodies, mentioning specific types like little chernobyls, ants, and beetles. He explains that when fishing for brook trout in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during the hot summer months, small black beetles work well due to the cold streams. 31:09 - Nick describes their operation in Kenya as well-established, employing about 215 people who are provided with healthcare and a retirement program, making it a desirable place to work. Most employees are around 40 years old and have been with the company for 15-20 years, showcasing their experience. 33:07 - Nick shares his experiences fishing in the Gaspe region, noting the high quality of public waters and the strong salmon stocks. He also mentions the ease of planning a fishing trip in Quebec using resources like the website saumongaspe.com. 40:00 - He finds the Great Lakes steelhead fishing to be remarkable, especially on the Salmon River. Nick says that in salmon fishing, traditionally, single-handed rods with streamers were used, but now many anglers are using two-handed rods for swinging. This method is becoming popular on the Salmon River, where it is effective for covering extensive water quickly and efficiently with big rods and classic West Coast salmon flies. 42:14 - For Atlantic salmon in rivers like the Dartmouth, York, and Saint John, Nick typically uses a 12.5ft 7wt rod, which suits most conditions. However, in narrower sections of the York River, he switches to an 11ft switch rod or a 10ft 7wt single-handed rod. For fishing in the Great ...
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    1 時間 4 分
  • 649 | The Five Essentials of Fly Casting with Bill Gammel - Texas, FFI, Casting Instructor

    649 | The Five Essentials of Fly Casting with Bill Gammel - Texas, FFI, Casting Instructor
    2024/08/23

    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
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    1 時間 8 分
  • In the Bucket #8 | Guiding, Adventures, and Fishing Success with Steve Morrow and Justin Miller

    In the Bucket #8 | Guiding, Adventures, and Fishing Success with Steve Morrow and Justin Miller
    2024/08/21

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/648

    https://inthebucketpodcast.com/

    In this episode of In the Bucket, join Brian Niska as he sits down with fly fishing legends Steve Morrow and Justin Miller. These two heavyweights dive deep into their decades-long experiences, sharing great stories from the wild rivers of the Pacific Northwest to the far reaches of Kamchatka. They talk about the art of guiding, the thrill of the catch, and the camaraderie among anglers. Whether you're an avid angler or just love a good story, you're in for a treat today. Okay, let's get in the bucket!

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/648
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    1 時間 15 分