Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/535 Presented By: Daiichi, Dette Flies Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We're thrilled to introduce Josh Schwartz, a culinary wizard and fly-fishing enthusiast whose fascinating journey has led him to merge his passions into an incredible career. With the lure of a fishing rod in one hand and a chef's knife in the other, Josh has crafted a unique lifestyle that brims with adventure, challenges, and mouthwatering meals by the river. Listen closely as he narrates his story of turning a childhood hobby of fishing into a life-altering profession, highlighting his exceptional company, Travel Creel, which weaves together his love for fishing, cooking, and exploring the world. Join us and be transported to remote locations where Josh, all equipped with his fishing gear and cooking utensils, prepares delectable meals while pursuing his love for fly fishing. He beautifully balances the roles of a seasoned chef and an experienced fishing guide, serving up warming grilled ch

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/534  Presented by: NR Adventures, Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        Welcome to our latest episode featuring Jake Villwock, author of the book Smallmouth Bass Flies. In this episode, we will take you on a journey to Pennsylvania for a typical bass fishing trip with Jake and his team. He will share his techniques and tips on how to catch smallmouth bass, and his gear set up when bass fishing. Jake also gives insight into the flies he uses when bass fishing, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, you won't want to miss this episode! Episode Chapters with Jake Villwock on Smallmouth Bass Flies 1:34 - Jake shares with us his first memory of fly fishing. His first fish on a fly was a blue gill and his second was a striper. Stripers and saltwater have always been one of his favorite things to target. 3:52 - He has been known for smallmouth bass fishing. He wrote a book titled Smallmouth Bass Flies - Top to Bottom. 5:

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/533 Presented By:  Northern Rockies Adventures, Smitty's Fly Box  Embark on an exhilarating angling odyssey with the legendary Trey Combs as he unveils his latest masterpiece, "Flies For Atlantic Salmon & Steelhead." In this episode, Trey reminisces about his groundbreaking earlier books like "Steelhead Trout" and "Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies," and reveals fascinating stories about his encounters with legends like Harry Lemire. Tune in for a captivating conversation that spans Trey's diverse experiences, from horse breeding to boat building, and his optimism about the future of steelhead conservation. Episode Chapters with Trey Combs on Flies For Atlantic Salmon & Steelhead 01:17 - Trey Combs was one of the first guests we had on the podcast. He is back on the show today to give us an update on what he's been up to and to talk about his latest book. 01:50 - For the past five years, Trey has been writing a book about major watersheds. However, the depressing to

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/532 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Chota Outdoor Gear, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Stonefly Nets Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Get ready to embark on a fishing adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Western Canada. Join us in this episode as we welcome Kelly Reaume, one of the Founders of Backcountry Skinz. Brothers, Mike and Kelly are two Ontario natives with an unquenchable passion for fly fishing, who have embraced the alpine lakes and rivers of Calgary and BC as their playground. Together, we explore the joy of reeling in bull trout, the thrill of being the only ones on the river, and the almost mythical allure of untouched wilderness. Prepare to be intrigued as we unravel the innovative concept of neoprene compression pants for fishermen. A brainchild birthed from their personal experiences, these pants are a game-changer for fly fishing outfits, offering extra warmth and portability. Hear their entrepreneurial journey, from funding the first protot

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/531  Presented by: Bearvault, Skwala Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, we delve into Montana Fly Company, exploring its rich journey, innovative products, and remarkable fly patterns, with a particular focus on their renowned boat box and the sparkle minnow. We also dig into their fly patterns, which are renowned for their effectiveness and attention to detail. He discussed the meticulous process of designing and producing these patterns, as well as their versatility and success in attracting various species of fish. Episode Chapters with Jake Chutz on Montana Fly Company 1:53 - Jake shares an interesting story of how he got into fly fishing and ultimately worked in the Montana Fly Company. 6:48 - We talk about the Henry's Lake area. We will fish in that area in 2024 with Phil Rowley and Darren Huntsman. Go to wetflyswing.com/stillwaterschool to get a slot. 8:40 - The Montana Fly Company was founded in 1998 by Adam Trina. Jake came to the c

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/530 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Picture an eager eight-year-old, fishing rod in hand, standing by a South Dakota pond. That was Sam, embarking on a journey that would lead to a lifelong passion for fly fishing. Now, we invite you to come along as my guest Sam shares fishing tales and tips, from the peaceful corners of Eastern Idaho to the sturdy boats of Miller Drift Boats. Our episode navigates the tranquil world of fly fishing, discussing the pursuit of quiet spots away from the crowds and the unique experiences Eastern Idaho offers. Our conversation flows into an exploration of drift boating, examining models like the Hyde Pro Series and the Montana Skiff, and discussing the durability of different materials and designs. We also share essential safety tips for drift boating, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and proper anchor use. Our chat takes a detour into the local scene of Henry's Fork and the

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/529 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Togens Fly Shop, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Dette Flies Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Join us for an engaging episode as we kick things off with the tale of how Carl was bitten by the backpacking bug and how it eventually led to them starting a podcast. His journey began with a burning desire to be part of the adventures his high school friends embarked on, and he has never looked back since. Their podcast, Backpacking and Blisters came to life from the back of a minivan during a return trip from Glacier National Park. Their goal was to create something entertaining, something more than what was already out there, and it's safe to say they've achieved that and much more. Listen in as we share invaluable tips on gear selection and trip planning for backpacking adventures. From discussing Carl's love for trail running to exploring the various gear options for backpacking, we leave no stone unturned. Get ready for some exciting s

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/528 Presented By: Bearvault, Smitty's Fly Box, Yellowstone Teton Territory  Jason Faerman and Justin Fuller of Yakoda Supply return today on the podcast to bring us up to speed on the exciting developments in their Colorado-based company. Delve into their commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and their strategic decision to keep all their products American-made. We'll also learn about some of their amazing products, including the Yakoda Gear Transport and Convertible Utility Pack. Let's join Jason and Justin for a conversation filled with insights into the world of fly fishing and the principles that drive Yakoda Supply's success. Episode Chapters with Jason Faerman and Justin Fuller on Yakoda Supply Products 02:00 - It's been two and a half years since our last catch-up with Jason and Justin, but today, they're back to fill us in on all the exciting developments at Yakoda Supply. 03:44 - Justin hails from Texas and has a background in graphic design. He initially c

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/527 Presented By: Togens Fly Shop  Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Growing up in a small town in Quebec, Gervais was introduced to the captivating sport of fly fishing by his father. The joy and serenity he found in the gentle art of angling led him to become deeply involved in the fly fishing community, even playing a key role in establishing Heroes Mending on the Fly in 2019. This episode takes you through his journey, from his first trout caught on a fly, to his work with Project Healing Waters Canada, and the formation of Heroes Mending on the Fly. Fly fishing, he found, has a remarkable ability to heal. We'll share the transformative story of an isolated veteran struggling with PTSD, who found solace and new purpose in the gentle sport of fly fishing. With Heroes Mending on the Fly, we've seen first-hand how fly fishing can reconnect individuals to the outdoors, often bringing their families along for the adventure. Gervais guides us through the process of g

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/526 Join the Giveaway: https://wetflyswing.com/giveaway Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors As we set off on our raft, the pristine waters of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River gurgled beneath us, marking the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. With Colin Hughes of Hughes River Expeditions and Nick Torres of Lamson Fly Fishing, our journey through an ecosystem teeming with West Slope Cutthroat was nothing short of a dream come true. Colin, an old hand at navigating this extraordinary river, paints us a vivid picture of the river's descent of 3000 feet over 100 miles, enriching us with tales of his experiences - from casting lines for bull trout to savoring the purest water drawn right from the riverbed. Securing a permit to float down this magnificent river poses a stiff challenge, but Hughes River Expeditions, a family-run business with a rich 50-year history, ensures smooth sailing. The company's all-inclusive trips are a game changer - they've mastered the a

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/525 Presented By: Stonefly Nets  Today, we chat with Chris Loh, the lucky winner of our Stonefly Custom Landing Net Build Out Giveaway. Chris walks us through the process of crafting his dream net with Ethan. We also delve into his journey from starting fly fishing with the guidance of Mel Krieger to his impressive 17-year tenure in jiu-jitsu. Episode Chapters with Chris Loh on Custom Landing Net Build Out 01:52 – Chris began fly fishing when his uncle hired his friend Mel Krieger to teach Chris and his twin brother how to cast on their 12th birthday. 3:00 – After college, Chris took a break from fishing to focus on being part of the workforce. It wasn’t until a few years ago, just before the pandemic began, that his friend rekindled his interest in fly fishing. 05:50 – We talked about Chris’s experience as the lucky winner of the Stonefly Nets giveaway event.            07:20 – Chris shares the process of building a net with Ethan. He said selecting the right wood was the

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/524 Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Angler's Coffee Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What a treat we have in store for you in our latest episode! Drawing from the deep pool of Southern hospitality, we welcome Chad Johnson from CJ's White River Outfitters, a team that has revolutionized fly fishing for big brown trout over the past decade. We hear first-hand about his thrilling journey to become a recognized figure in the fly fishing world, and the camaraderie that made it all possible. We follow the ripples of our conversation into the unique trout fishing culture of Chad's region, where the exhilarating bite of the brown trout is truly something to behold. We unpack the mysteries behind their bite intensity post-spawn, seasonal size variations, and even the best streamers for snagging larger fish. Chad also lifts the lid on some of the most effective fly designs, like Kelly Gallup's 'Big Johnson' and his own brainchildren. As we cast our nets even wider,

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/523  Presented by: Bearvault Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        Trent Denhof and Janelle Petzak of The Bum Diary Show are here to talk about their amazing DIY fly fishing trips, particularly in Argentina and New Zealand. They'll share their incredible experiences and offer valuable tips for listeners who aspire to plan their unforgettable fishing adventures. Episode Chapters with Trent and Janelle on The Bum Diary Podcast 1:38 - Janelle shares how The Bum Diary Podcast came to be. It all started in the back of an Explorer documenting their DIY travels. They are now transitioning from podcast to YouTube at The Bum Diary Show. 5:25 - Trent shares how they DIY their fly fishing trips overseas. He also tells us about their previous trips to Argentina and New Zealand. 10:30 - Trent had a heart attack in college. After that, he went back to Michigan where he was born and raised to take over their farm until he sold it. That's also the time when he met Janelle. 13:

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/522 Presented By: NR Adventures, Chota Outdoor Gear, Jackson Hole Fly Company Lucas Bissett joins us today to discuss the AFFTA Confluence 2023 event, providing an exciting insight into the changes it brings this year. Among the highlights is the introduction of real-time census data providing a more accurate snapshot of the industry’s growth. We also explore Lucas’s personal journey in fly fishing. Did we mention that he was an Orvis-Endorsed Guide in 2017? If you’re aspiring to be a fishing guide, get tips from the expert himself on what it takes to excel in the field. Episode Chapters with Lucas Bissett on AFFTA Confluence 2023 2:05 – Lucas discovered fly fishing later in life when his family relocated to Missouri around age 10. At the age of 12, he received a basic fly fishing kit from his grandmother and started catching panfish and bass with it. 02:55 – Following a break during his college years, Lucas reignited his love for fishing at the age of 24 when he success

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/521 Presented By: Angler's Coffee, Smitty's Fly Box, Yellowstone Teton Territory In today's episode, owner of Fly Fishers Shop and Scientific Angler Ambassador Pat Ehlers takes us to fly fishing largemouth bass. Pat's journey into the realm of fly fishing is a tale that began with childhood wonder and evolved into a lifelong passion. With a boatload of expertise and a trusty VEXUS, he takes us on a bass-fishing adventure that's as thrilling as it is educational. Plus, he introduces us to his custom-crafted patterns like the Vampire Leech and Grim Reaper. Don't miss out on this episode packed with bass-catching wisdom from a true master of the craft! Episode Chapters with Pat Ehlers on Fly Fishing Largemouth Bass 02:10 - Pat's journey into fly fishing began as a young kid watching the first American Sportsman show on ABC with Curt Gowdy and Jack Dennis. He later developed a special mentorship with Jack Dennis and opportunities to share his knowledge at national fly fishing

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/520  Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        Hey there, fellow anglers! We had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Sloan, the mastermind behind Skwala Fishing, and we can't wait to tell you all about it. In this episode, we delved into the technology and materials used in their amazing products, from their toasty thermo hoody to their cozy puff jackets and durable waders. Kevin had so much insight to share about his company and we know you'll love hearing all about it. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the amazing world of Skwala Fishing! Episode Chapters with Kevin Sloan on Skwala Fishing 1:41 - Kevin shares the story of how he got into fly fishing. His interest in the sport started when he was very young. Then his dad took him to a Trout Unlimited Barbecue when he was just 10 years old where a guy doing a casting demonstration spent an hour with him to teach him. 4:01 - Most of their customers in Skwala Fishing are advanced fly fishers. 4:30 - He

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/519 Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Mavrk Fly Fishing Today, it’s all about eyewear and fishing with none other than the genius behind Bajio Sunglasses, Al Perkinson. Ever wondered what “Bajio” means and how it’s connected to your fishing adventures? Buckle up as we journey through Al’s life story, from discovering fly fishing in his 40s to making waves in the industry. And stick around for some tales involving Yvon Chouinard, Oliver White, and Jimmy Kimmel. Plus, don’t miss out on the game-changing Bajio Trails app that’s set to revolutionize DIY fishing for anglers everywhere. Episode Chapters with Al Perkinson on Bajio Sunglasses 02:00 – Bajio refers to the shallow regions near land, whether it’s the saltwater marshes in Charleston, the bayous in New Orleans and Louisiana, or the saltwater flats of the Bahamas. 05:35 – Al mentioned that he didn’t come to fly fishing until later in life, possibly in his 40s, even though he had been fishing since

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/518 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Angler's Coffee, Waters West Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Growing up in Sydney, Nebraska, the home of Cabela's, Jeff’s passion for fly fishing was ignited at a young age. This episode takes you on an adventure with Jeff as he reminisces about his early fishing experiences, exploring the diverse fishing opportunities Nebraska offers, from trout streams to warm water fishing. As we journey through his early life, we also follow his career path through some of the most iconic brands in the outdoor industry, from his time with Cabela's, Winston Flyrods, and VF corp, to his current role as the President and CEO of Mayfly Outdoors, encompassing major players in the fly fishing industry. Our conversation doesn't stop at the surface level; we dive deep into the heart of the outdoor industry itself. We discuss the ever-important topic of sustainability in the fly fishing industry, the concept of B Corp, and the triple bottom line of

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/517 Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Waters West Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Discover the intricate connections between droughts, fishing, and the colors of fall as we journey through the captivating Shenandoah Valley with our guest, Mark Frondorf, the Shenandoah River Keeper. With fascinating anecdotes and insightful discussions, we promise to open your eyes to the impacts of climate change on natural habitats and recreational passions like fly fishing. As part of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, our conversation also illuminates the essential role of litigation and public engagement in safeguarding our precious waterways. We take a closer look at the rich culture and environment of the Shenandoah Valley, showcasing its north and south forks, and the importance of the Shenandoah River to the local communities. Witness the invaluable work of the Potomac River Keeper Network, acting as guardians of our water resources, and the potential of similar organizations

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/516  Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Daiichi, Angler's Coffee Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors       Matt Lewis of Redeye Bass Fly Fishing shares his insights on redeye bass and their vital conservation efforts in the Native Fish Coalition to preserve its native population. We will also uncover the unique characteristics of redeye bass, their habitat preferences, and the exciting pursuit of the Redeye Slam. Episode Chapters with Matt Lewis on Redeye Bass  1:40 - Matt tells us how he got into fly fishing. Initially, his focus was to become a medical doctor. He spent decades doing cancer research, but his outlet has always been fishing. 3:15 - One of his friends introduced him to redeye bass fly fishing. He grew up in Alabama where the species is abundant. When his interest grew, he got frustrated that there were limited resources for that species at that time. 6:00 - That led him to write and release a book in January 2018 entitled Fly Fishing for Redeye Bass: An Adv