Episodios

  • Healing Waters with Beau Beasley - Memorial Day, Brian Mancini, Veterans' Stories

    Healing Waters with Beau Beasley - Memorial Day, Brian Mancini, Veterans' Stories
    May 27 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/610b

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Today, we're diving deep into what Memorial Day truly means and how we can honor the brave men and women who have served our country. We're joined by Beau Beasley, the author of "Healing Waters," a book that captures raw and heartfelt stories of veterans in their own words.

    Beau's here to share some profound insights from his interviews, including the moving story of Brian Mancini and the challenges he faced while writing about 35 wounded veterans. We'll explore the powerful emotions and sacrifices behind these stories and discover why readers are so captivated by his book.

    So, grab a comfy seat and get ready for an emotional roller coaster as we hear from Beau Beasley on this special day.


    Episode Chapters with Beau Beasley on Healing Waters

    2:10 - Beau tells us how the idea behind his book "Healing Waters" came to be. He had just finished writing his second book, "Fly Fishing Mid-Atlantic" when illustrator Alan Folger approached him with an idea for a new book about Project Healing Waters.

    7:08 - He shares about Brian Mancini, a staff sergeant who was his roommate during a project event. He maintained a friendship with Brian, who eventually started a nonprofit and appeared on Oprah Winfrey's show. However, Brian's suicide devastated Beau, leading him to dedicate his book to Brian.

    13:29 - Beau shares another story of a veteran named Walt Carey. He served in Korea as a forward observer and spent 29 years in the Navy. During the COVID pandemic, Walt became ill and was hospitalized, ultimately passing away in hospice. Beau recounts the emotional experience of being called to say his final goodbyes and later attending Walt's burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

    16:09 - Beau elaborates that his book not only honors service members but also aims to raise funds for Project Healing Waters and inform people about the broader sacrifices made by military families.

    19:10 - He explains why he believes Alan chose him to write the book. Beau is a retired firefighter who found solace in fly fishing, which helped him cope with the stresses of his job. He draws parallels between his experiences and those of veterans, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of the sport.

    25:01 - I ask him about the challenges in writing Healing Waters. One of these was conveying the veterans' stories accurately while making sure they had control over their narratives.

    41:15 - He tells us how he got the veterans to share their intense and emotional stories for his book. He explains that his background in the fire department helped build trust with the veterans, as they knew he had experienced traumatic events himself.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/610b

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    49 m
  • Traveled #18 | Jimmy's All Seasons Angler with Curtis Fry - Fly Fish Food, Fly Tying, Fly Shop Experience

    Traveled #18 | Jimmy's All Seasons Angler with Curtis Fry - Fly Fish Food, Fly Tying, Fly Shop Experience
    May 24 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/610 Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/teton Curtis Fry, co-owner of Fly Fish Food, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the acquisition of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler and shares what sets a great fly-tying shop apart from the rest. But that's not all. Curtis also delves into the everyday philosophy that drives their business, the importance of being prepared for your next fly shop visit, and how to navigate the choppy waters of online feedback. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this episode is packed with valuable advice to enhance your fly fishing journey. Episode Chapters with Curtis Fry on Jimmy's All Seasons Angler 7:29 - Curtis discusses the acquisition of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler, a renowned fly fishing shop for over 40 years. Jimmy's became well-known for its focus on fly tying, making it a staple in the community, especially during the winter Saturday demo sessions. The shop's reputation and Jimmy's desire to retire presented Curtis and his business partner, Cheech, with the opportunity to take over. The transition occurred in June 2023, with Jimmy truly stepping back to enjoy more fishing. Curtis and Cheech focused on retaining the shop's essence while implementing significant improvements. They revamped the interior, greatly expanded the fly and fly tying selections, and introduced more brands and products. 18:34 - Curtis talks about the importance of community and relationships in the fly fishing industry. He explains that their approach includes offering high-quality, free content, such as fly-tying tutorials, to engage with the community. 21:41 - Curtis highlights the importance of immediate feedback in today's consumer-driven world, noting that poor customer service quickly becomes known, especially with more options available for consumers. He emphasizes the need for businesses to excel in customer service and social media engagement. 26:41 - We dig into the unique qualities of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler, particularly its emphasis on fly tying compared to other shops. Curtis highlights the extensive planning and analysis in selecting their product mix and managing inventory. He points out the importance of understanding consumer behavior, especially with the shift towards online shopping. 32:33 - Curtis advises how fly fishing beginners can get started, particularly emphasizing the value of visiting local fly shops like Jimmy's. He said first understand where and how they plan to fish. He also recommends beginners familiarize themselves with the basics of the type of fishing they're interested in and then explore fly tying through resources like the fly tying tutorials on their website. Beyond basic tutorials, Curtis mentions their "Skill Builder" series on YouTube, which delves into more specific techniques. 36:37 - Curtis mentions that even beginners who have done some basic fly tying, like zebra midges or pheasant tails, can find suitable dry flies to use during specific hatches like the beta hatch, which has been very good recently. 38:16 - The conversation shifts to comparing fishing in the Provo area with other locations such as Henry's Fork and South Fork. Curtis points out that Provo's proximity to populated areas makes it busier, but notes its walk-and-wade accessibility. However, he suggests that areas like Henry's Fork offer a wider variety of water and fewer people, appealing more to destination anglers. 40:06 - Curtis advises that newcomers to fly shops should keep an open mind, as everyone can have a bad day, and emphasizes the importance of being ready to answer questions to help shop employees provide the best guidance. He also suggests that beginners should be willing to set aside any need to appear knowledgeable, as this attitude can hinder learning and the reception of valuable advice. 42:15 - Curtis outlines the selection process for their lineup of boats, ranging from entry-level float tubes to high-end drift boats. He mentions that float tubes despite their simplicity are still very useful, especially for accessing high mountain lakes. Curtis also shares his favorite float tube model, the slash float tube from Dave Scadden Paddlesports. This model is distinctive for using a standup paddleboard's rigid style to create a platform that sits between two pontoons, serving as the seat. 47:15 - Curtis reveals they have four "shop dogs", a 65-pound Sheepadoodle named Gwen, a jet-black Poodle named Zeppelin who is notably annoying, and an English Bulldog named Scotty. Additionally, there's Squatch, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, brought in by Curtis's colleague, Cheech. 48:60 - We talk about their Shop Talk Podcast. Curtis acknowledges that their podcasting efforts are the least consistent part of their projects, but they still maintain a dedicated space for it. Despite the irregular schedule, he enjoys producing it. 50:41 - Curtis advises beginners in fly ...
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 609 | Fly Shops Then and Now: Insights from a Veteran Fly Fishing Rep with Dick Sagara

    609 | Fly Shops Then and Now: Insights from a Veteran Fly Fishing Rep with Dick Sagara
    May 22 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/609

    Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Togiak River Lodge, Stonefly Nets

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Have you ever heard this before on a podcast that fly shops are the backbone of the fly fishing industry, this is one of the things that makes the fly fishing industry so unique and is one of the best resources you can utilize as an angler. Do you have a fly shop nearby? And have you seen some of these fly shops go out of business in recent years? And do you do more online shopping or more shopping at a fly shop when you need new fly fishing gear? Today we have a veteran fly fishing rep who's going to take us back in history and then back to the present day. So you have the insight and information you need to make more informed purchasing decisions.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • 608 | The Best Fly Lines for Atlantic Salmon Fishing with Topher Browne

    608 | The Best Fly Lines for Atlantic Salmon Fishing with Topher Browne
    May 20 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/608


    Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Waters West, Skwala

    Do you want to know the best fly lines for Atlantic salmon fishing? Have you ever wondered when to use a longer leader with a sinking line for that perfect fly presentation? Topher Browne is back on the show to break down spey lines, fish physiology, and all the good stuff in his Atlantic salmon books.

    Find out how to tell when your fly is in the fishing zone and why he uses an out-of-production Scandinavian line. Plus, get to know the guy who's caught more steelheads than anyone on the planet!

    Show Notes with Topher Browne on Atlantic Salmon Fishing.

    01:50 - We had Topher on Episode 464 about a year ago, and it was a hit! We're bringing him back for round two to dive deeper into his Atlantic salmon books and more. But before that, I asked Topher what he's been up to since we last talked.

    02:26 - Topher had his toughest June ever last year due to climate change. He spent 17 days on the Quebec and New Brunswick rivers without catching fish.

    06:04 - Topher is a field editor for Chasing Silver, an Atlantic salmon and steelhead-specific magazine. He mentions that the Norwegian and Icelandic salmon reports were bad.

    09:26 - Topher shares his fishing experiences with his friend Greg Pearson. He and Greg worked on a spey DVD for Scientific Anglers in 2005 called Spey to Z.


    16:09 - Topher uses a Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader for its durability. He typically starts with a 20-pound tippet for early-season fish.

    20:18 - Topher's advice: tweak your fishing techniques based on water flow, temperature, clarity, and fish behavior. Here are some key takeaways:

    Early-run fish are more aggressive and likely to move longer distances for a fly.
    Topher suggests using a floater in low, clear water to make it easier to speed up your fly.
    Use longer leaders in clear water to avoid spooking fish.
    Select fly colors more visible in dirty water, like black, orange, and red.
    Quicker movements in clear water prevent fish from losing interest in the fly.

    36:14 - Topher talks about the advantages of using Scandinavian lines for salmon fishing.

    46:06 - Topher did several experiments to compare depths using different techniques. He found that the angler's techniques matter more than the sinking rate of the fly line.

    Topher notes that while precision isn't necessary, knowing your fly's depth can greatly improve your fishing success.

    53:45 - Topher recalls fishing with Jim Adams. He said that Jim has probably caught more steelhead than anyone. Jim's strategy involved targeting the fish in shallow, quiet spots along the river's edges.

    57:00—For Topher, the Triple D line from Guideline is the best line for Atlantic salmon. These triple-density lines are customizable in length and weight but were later discontinued.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/608
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    1 h y 23 m
  • In The Bucket #5 | Expert Tips on Steelhead, Salmon, and Carp with Stu Fox, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason

    In The Bucket #5 | Expert Tips on Steelhead, Salmon, and Carp with Stu Fox, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason
    May 17 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/607

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    We have a fun show planned with an international crew of fly tyers, including Stuart Foxall, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason. These three characters have a wealth of angling experience to share with you. We're gonna be talking food source, fly design, new and effective mending strategies, productive fly presentation, and innovative topwater techniques for king salmon. And how do you best turn steelhead bites into hooked fish... so lots of stuff coming your way today.
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    1 h y 33 m
  • 606 | Musky Angling History with Larry Ramsell - Modern Muskie Records, IGFA

    606 | Musky Angling History with Larry Ramsell - Modern Muskie Records, IGFA
    May 15 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/606


    Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Jackson Hole Fly Company, FishHound Expeditions, Visit Helena, MT

    Have you ever wondered what gear to use to land a world-record musky? Today, we're hanging out with musky legend Larry Ramsell. Larry has been fishing for muskies for over 60 years and has some crazy stories.

    We chat about fake IGFA records, his mission to set things straight, and why some lures are worth $900! We'll also cover the significant issues facing the musky population and how to preserve these giants long-term.

    This is another epic episode with one of the old-school anglers who paved the way for all of us!

    Show Notes with Larry Ramsell on Musky Angling History. ed his first musky in 1957 and has spent 68 years chasing muskies all over North America and Canada.

    03:44 - Muskies are native to areas like the St. Lawrence River, Georgian Bay, the Ohio River drainage down into Kentucky, the Mississippi River, the Chippewa River, the Wisconsin River, and parts of Eastern Minnesota.

    Due to stocking and propagation efforts, muskies can now be found all over the northern half of the US and in Ontario and Quebec.

    World Record Musky

    4:31 - Some of the largest muskies ever caught have been found in the St. Lawrence River and Georgian Bay.

    Despite being a native of Hayward, Wisconsin, which claims to be "home of world record muskies," Larry says that the records of the '30s and the '40s were all bogus.

    6:19 - There are various record organizations for muskies:

    • International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Florida
    • Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward
    • Modern Muskie Records

    Larry helped build the record program for the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in the early '70s. He later resigned from the Hall of Fame and started Modern Muskie Records.

    07:00 - Their current record at MDMWRP is a 58-pound fish caught on Lake Bellaire, Michigan, in 2013.

    IGFA recognizes Cal Johnson's 67.5-pound musky, while the Hall of Fame recognizes Louis Spray's fish at 69 pounds, 11 ounces. Larry points out that both records have been proven to be questionable.

    13:26 - We discuss the challenges of verifying the legitimacy of musky records. Larry shares some instances of tampering, such as adding sand to increase the weight of the fish.


    The Rise of Musky Fishing

    20:42 - In the 1960s, Muskies Inc. was founded, and they heavily advocated catch and release for muskies. As more people practiced catch and release, the musky population flourished. This led to the increased popularity of musky fishing.

    23:00 - Larry points out the need for better handling practices when catching muskies. He says anglers should use the proper tools and techniques when handling and releasing the fish to ensure survival. Here are some of his tips:

    • Use a pair of bolt cutters to remove the hooks quickly.
    • Consider hand-holding the fish at the side of the boat instead of using a net, and keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
    • Avoid excessive photography.

    29:08: Muskies can live up to 20 to 25 years or older. Larry also mentions the difference in egg production between musky strains.

    Larry Ramsell's Musky Fishing Tips

    44:00 - Larry expresses frustration over some musky fishermen prioritizing expensive lures over proper gear, such as quality rods, reels, and lines.

    He says that while it may not be a poor man's sport, there are affordable options to enjoy musky fishing. Here are some of Larry's tips for beginners:

    Start with areas that have a higher population of musky.
    Learn the techniques for catching muskies and how to handle them properly.
    Remember that catching large muskies requires patience and skill.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/606
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    1 h y 7 m
  • 605 | Musky Fly Fishing with Dan Donovan of Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

    605 | Musky Fly Fishing with Dan Donovan of Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
    May 13 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605 Presented by: Guide Book, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Dan Donovan, the owner and passionate angler behind Musky Fool guides us through mastering musky fly fishing today. Discover the Musky School and how you can be part of this exciting adventure. Learn the ins and outs of choosing the right fly to hit muskies as large as 20 inches, and master the techniques to cast them like a pro. Discover the four essential presentations that will elevate your musky game today. Don't miss out on this chance to transform your approach to musky fishing with tips from the expert himself. Episode Chapters with Dan Donovan on Musky Fly Fishing 3:49 - Dan discusses his experience with tying a musky fly, which was initially intended to mimic conventional black and silver baits but was unsatisfactory. Despite its poor start, Dan mentions that his skill in fly tying improved over time. 4:51 - Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co., the only fly shop in the Madison area, is highlighted for its comprehensive coverage of various fishing needs, particularly known for musky but offers gear and guidance for all types of fly fishing, capitalizing on the rich fishing environment in and around Madison. 5:23 - Dan notes that Wisconsin winters can be tough, affecting the local environment and fishing seasons. The early arrival of spring has implications for the musky season, potentially advancing the schedule for fishing activities in the area. 6:22 - We talk about our upcoming musky fly fishing trip planned for mid-September in northern Wisconsin. Dan highlights this time of year as optimal for musky fishing due to their behavior and the environmental conditions. 16:32 - Dan discusses strategies to target muskies successfully. He emphasizes the importance of "hunting your fly," meaning anglers need to actively impart action into the fly to make it appealing to the fish. He mentions that simply casting and retrieving in a monotonous pattern is ineffective. Instead, anglers must vary their retrieval techniques, such as incorporating pauses, different speeds, and lengths of strips to mimic the diverse behaviors of prey. 21:05 - Dan explains the wide variation of musky flies, which range from six to 20 inches, designed to imitate bait fish. He mentions that in September, the focus isn't on the variety of flies but on placing them correctly, typically using flies between nine to 12 inches on 11 and 12 weights. 23:41 - He outlines four main presentations of flies, including topwater for noise attraction, glide style for sideways movement, jerk style or diving flies for a downward then wobbling upward motion, and weighted jig style for a hopping effect over structures. Each style is designed to mimic natural prey movements to entice muskies. 26:59 - Dan emphasizes the importance of the strip action to create movement in the fly, advocating for a strong pull followed by a pause, possibly with a twitch, before another vigorous rip. 33:15 - He mentions their efforts to provide resources for those unable to take guided trips, such as launching a video series on their website and social media, offering tutorials on fly tying, sharing fishing tips through their podcast named "Spot Burn", and planning to show real fishing techniques through videos. 40:53 - Dan describes muskie fishing as a "knife fight in a phone booth" rather than a long-distance battle, highlighting the aggressive nature of muskies and their tendency to try to escape rather than take long runs. He suggests giving the fish multiple hard strip sets to ensure the hook is properly set, noting that muskies are adept at freeing themselves from hooks. 48:36 - We dig into the ideal gear for a musky fishing trip. He recommends large nets, specifically the Solo Slimer Net from RS Nets USA for durability and the Stowmaster for its foldability, to accommodate different fishing boat sizes. For rods, he suggests a 2pc 10-weight from the Chippewa River Custom Rod, made in Wisconsin, for its lightweight and casting capability. He also emphasizes the importance of having the right line, recommending Cortland's Pike Muky Sink 4 and Intermediate lines for versatility in different fishing conditions. You can get a chance to win a spot in our upcoming Musky School and a bunch of gear specifically for musky fishing by signing up through this link: wetflyswing.com/giveaway. 56:36 - Dan explains the concept of the "figure eight" technique used in musky fishing, where the angler makes a figure eight motion with their rod tip next to the boat to entice muskies to bite. 1:08:07 - Dan tells us about Louis Spray, a notorious figure known for his pirate-like demeanor and significant achievements in fly fishing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605
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    1 h y 16 m
  • 604 | The Policy Behind Your Catch: The American Sportfishing Association with Connor Bevan

    604 | The Policy Behind Your Catch: The American Sportfishing Association with Connor Bevan
    May 10 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/604


    Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, TroutRoutes

    Today's episode focuses on an important organization helping to generate billions of dollars to protect our fish species. Join me as I chat with Connor Bevan, the Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association.

    Hear how partnerships on Capitol Hill shape the future of fish species preservation. Today you will also find out how you can lend your voice to this cause and ensure our fish populations will thrive for generations.

    Plus, we'll also take a thrilling ride to ICAST—the world's largest sportfishing event this July in Florida!

    Show Notes with Connor Bevan on American Sportfishing Association.

    2:00 - Connor's fishing adventures began in Northern California with his dad. Connor also enjoys fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary and the Delaware River on the East Coast.

    The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA)

    The ASA is the leading trade association for the recreational fishing industry. They advocate for healthy fisheries and science-based policies. Their efforts contribute to the US economy, with an annual impact of $148 billion.

    8:00 - ASA deals with a wide range of issues, but one of their major focuses is reauthorizing the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act).

    10:30 - ASA is a link between the sportfishing community and Capitol Hill. They leverage the community's voice to ensure they have a nationwide appeal.

    13:00 - Connor says that while there is a common understanding of the need for healthy fisheries, ASA acknowledges that Congress needs to balance various priorities.

    It is important to educate decision-makers on the impact of what they do on water quality, fishing, and overall environmental health.

    What You Can Do to Help

    15:27 - Connor suggests several ways:

    Get involved with Keep America Fishing. This is their advocacy platform for anglers to weigh in on different issues both on national and regional levels.
    Share any local issues or concerns with ASA. Connor says they are always interested in hearing what's going on at the local level.
    Become an active member of the community.

    What is the ICAST?

    17:00 - The ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing industry trade show. It's where you can see all the latest products, innovations, and trends in the industry. This year's ICAST 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida from July 16th to July 19th.

    19:13 - Connor says that fly fishing's presence at ICAST is growing. Last year they introduced a dedicated floor space for fly companies, and they saw a lot of interest.

    26:37 - One of the American Sportfishing Association's big focuses over the last several years has been taking a more preventative look at aquatic invasive species.

    The fishing and boating industry launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to improve preventive and management strategies for these invasive species.

    28:18 - The MAPLand Act requires federal agencies to standardize and digitize maps they hold within the agencies. ASA supports the MapWaters Act to similarly direct federal agencies to digitize and standardize that mapping information.

    A Day in the Life at Capitol Hill

    35:18 - Connor says that every day is different for him. He spends a lot of time in meetings with legislative staff.

    Travel is a big part of the job. Connor attends trade shows and conducts site visits. He also coordinates regularly with their members to discuss issues affecting their businesses.

    36:54 - Excise taxes are fees imposed on the sale of fishing gear like rods, reels, and even marine fuel. These funds are then distributed to state agencies based on a specific formula.


    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/604
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    54 m