I know a lot of listeners are relatively new to the fly-fishing game, and so I asked Phil Monahan [30:31], editor of Midcurrent.com (who also helps people through this sometimes-steep learning curve) to share with us ten pitfalls you may want to avoid when learning the game. And I am willing to bet that even you experts out there make some of these mistakes every time you go out. I know I do.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some basic and not-so-basic questions, including:
What fly line can I use in the Bahamas and for fly fishing in the Northeast?
Is the 'chuck and duck" method an ethical way to fish for Great Lakes salmon?
Should I replace my old Power Matrix 905 with a newer model or should I invest in a 904 to have a more diverse quiver?
I tie all of my juvenile tarpon flies on a size 2/0 hook. Should I invest in some smaller hooks?
How long should I leave my dry fly in the water before pulling it out?
How much tippet should I be going through?
You say that fish can always see my tippet. So why is it necessary to go to a smaller tippet size?
The tube in my New Zealand Strike Indicator always splits when I add yarn. I am using 5X tippet. What am I doing wrong?
When fishing with trout Spey, should I concentrate more on my casting or what fly pattern I am using? And what is your favorite fly for trout Spey?
Are red and green lights any less impactful when night fishing?
Are weighted streamers recommended for night fishing?

My guest this week is Scott Barmby [35:56], director of the Orvis Chesapeake Fly Fishing Schools, who educates us on threats to the Bay's population of striped bass, and also the many fly-fishing opportunities in the Bay. It's a vast ecosystem that I didn't know much about, so it was interesting to me and I am sure it will be to you. I think you'll learn some surprising things about this national treasure.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of comments and tips from listeners as well as questions, including:
A listener reminds people of the importance of making your presence known on the river
A listener gives some other tips for night fishing for trout and smallmouth bass.
A listener reminds us that catch-and-release is a valuable tool in certain fisheries, for both management and economic reasons.
Do you have any tips on keeping track of what leader you have on your line?
Do you think trout that are close to a hiking path avoid that side of the river because they are constantly spooked?
A listener wants to know which vintage Orvis reel he should put on a small stream rod.
Can you give me some tips on keeping the deer hair on top of the hook shank when tying Sparkle Duns?
After making a cast with tight line nymphing, how do I tell when my point fly is on the bottom?
Is a 6-weight rod strong enough for Labrador brook trout?
Do you know of any way to remove rust from a hook eye to prevent abrasion of the knot?

My guest this week is Joe Cermele [40:00], who you may know from his podcast "Cut and Retie", or from his work over the years at Field & Stream as a writer and videographer. Joe loves hunting big trout, and one of his favorite ways of fishing for them is night fishing with mouse flies. Joe is always fun and informative and I know you'll enjoy this one.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some especially interesting questions, including:

If I get a 10-foot 5-weight rod for nymph fishing and tight line fishing, will I sacrifice anything when I want to fish with dry flies or streamers?
I keep breaking off large carp when they head for structure. Should I use something different than a surgeon's knot?
Where do I find past live fly-tying videos and your tie-offs with Tim Flagler and Cheech?
A listener who is also an aquatic toxicologist explains why smoke from fires may be deleterious to our rivers and lakes.
What can I do to keep googly eyes from falling off my streamers? And do streamers even need eyes to be effective?
Hiking the Appalachian Trail, should I take my 7 ½ foot 3-weight or 9-foot 5-weight?
Why did a hybrid rainbow/cutthroat I played quickly turn belly-up?
Do you think the fly-fishing culture should reflect more deeply on the morality of catch-and-release fishing?
Do you have any suggestions for fishing hatches after dark? I typically high-stick with a dry fly and listen for the rise.
When water warms up, do trout go into faster water to take advantage of the higher oxygen content?