Join us in this fascinating episode as David Coggins, a celebrated author and seasoned angler, shares his global fishing adventures and the stories behind his latest book. Discover the allure of chasing elusive fish in exotic locations and how David merges his keen sense of style with the practical aspects of angling. Whether you’re curious about the nuances of fishing in Norwegian rivers or the challenges of catching permit in Belize, David’s experiences offer invaluable insights and inspire anglers to dream big and fish with style.

Show Notes with David Coggins on Global Fishing Adventures. Hit play below! 👇🏻

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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Episode Chapters with David Coggins on Global Fishing Adventures

1:32 – David discusses his recent activities and his new book, “The Believer: A Year in the Fly Fishing Life.” This book was inspired during the COVID-19 lockdowns as he aimed to maximize his fishing activities before potentially settling down with his girlfriend. However, many of his planned trips were canceled due to the pandemic. Despite these setbacks, he managed to continue fishing and incorporated these experiences into his book.

5:44 – He shares his passion for fly fishing and the personal joys it brings, particularly when introducing friends to the sport. He also talks about the challenging aspects of fishing, like learning new skills and overcoming difficulties, which make the experience rewarding.

11:41 – He highlights the joy of teaching and sharing experiences, particularly in locations like the Catskills. Coggins reflects on the variety of fishing styles among enthusiasts, from those strictly using dry flies to others who are more versatile.

19:26 – Coggins traveled to several dream destinations including Patagonia, Cuba, Belize, and Norway, where he pursued challenging fishing adventures.

23:13 -He talks about his fishing experiences in Belize, particularly the challenges of permit fishing, where he felt the intensity and unpredictability of trying to catch this elusive species.

29:57 – He shares his experiences fishing for steelhead. He mentions the challenges of blown-out rivers and the need to adapt plans, including an instance where they used a helicopter to access the Copper River.

31:22 – David expresses concern over the noticeable environmental changes observed by guides and the impacts on fish behavior, such as the timing shifts in the migration patterns of Stripe bass due to warmer waters. He highlights the work of conservation organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, stressing the necessity for those who love and utilize aquatic environments to contribute actively to conservation efforts.

33:57 – We dig into how he approaches writing for his audience, balancing the needs of both seasoned anglers and newcomers. He emphasizes his role not as a technical expert, but as someone who conveys the emotional and sensory experiences of fly fishing in different locales.

40:44 – He shares some insights from his experience with Tom Rosenbauer and discusses his approach to writing and journaling about fishing. David emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity necessary for capturing the essence of fishing experiences in writing.

46:51 – I ask about his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its implications for creative industries like writing. He acknowledges the fascinating and somewhat frightening aspects of AI technology, such as its potential to imitate human writing styles.

49:23 – We delve into his passion for traditional styles and tailored clothing, relating it to his interests in fishing and outdoor activities. He highlights his preference for durable, classic materials over overly technical, new fabrics, suggesting that style and practicality can coexist without constantly chasing the latest trends.

David also mentions his involvement in writing about men’s fashion, providing guidance on dressing through various platforms, including his newsletter and contributions to Esquire.

54:41 – He recounts a humorous and humbling incident in Patagonia, where he had to concede a better casting position to a friend due to being less skilled for the specific situation, highlighting the polite interactions with guides who play crucial roles in such experiences.

58:51 – David shares his early fly fishing experiences and the lessons he learned from older, seasoned fishermen. He stresses the importance of fishing with experienced anglers, like the two older men he knew in Wisconsin, who, despite their crusty exteriors, generously shared their knowledge and patience on the water.

In terms of gear, David mentions his appreciation for small-scale, quality craftsmanship, exemplified by a Colorado man who makes durable fly fishing bags under Emerger Fly Fishing.

1:02:52 – He discusses his experiences with Orvis, especially their Helios rods and Mirage reels, noting a preference for gear that may not be mainstream but performs well.

You can find David on Instagram @davidrcoggins.

Check out his books at SimonandSchuster.com.

Resources Noted in the Show

Related Podcast Episodes

WFS 254 – The Fly Fishing Life with David Coggins – Men’s Fashion, Travel, Writing

WFS 434 – John Gierach on Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers, McGuane and Hemingway

Conclusion with David Coggins on Global Fishing Adventures

Wrapping up our chat with David Coggins, it’s been nothing short of inspiring to hear about his globetrotting adventures and how he stylishly blends fashion with the rugged world of fly fishing. From the scenic stretches of Norwegian rivers to the vibrant waters of Belize, David’s stories capture the meaning of the fishing lifestyle with elegance and adventure.

If you’ve enjoyed these tales and are keen for more, don’t forget to check out his latest book, “The Believer,” where he dives even deeper into the captivating world of fly fishing. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves the thrill of the cast and the stories that come with each catch.

         

Are you interested to know how to target one of the craziest hatches that will make national headlines this year?

Today, Dave Zielinski is back on the podcast to give his best tips on fishing the cicada hatch. He will discuss how to predict when and where to find them and how to have success when you’re out on the water.

Time for some cicada madness with a sprinkle of boat building!

Show Notes with David Zielinski on Cicada Madness. Hit play below! 👇🏻

Find the show:  iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast

Subscribe on Android

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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Episode Chapters with David Zielinski on Cicada Madness

1:27 – It’s great to have David back on the show after our last episode where we delved into boat building. Today, though, we’re shifting gears to focus on cicadas.

5:24 – Dave Zielinski’s book, Cicada Madness,  explores the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns essential for understanding and enjoying epic cicada emergence. Periodical cicadas emerge in synchronized cycles, akin to mayfly hatches.

Cicada Madness: The Rare Cicada Emergence of 2024

10:31 – This year, a rare and significant event involving two distinct broods of periodical cicadas is set to occur. The emergence is expected to impact between 17 to 20 states, spanning from the bottom of Wisconsin to the coastal areas of Alabama and Louisiana.

The Cicada Lifecycle

15:48 – Cicadas have a 13- or 17-year lifecycle, spending most of their time underground as nymphs. The adult cicadas emerge to mate, lay eggs, and then die, continuing the cycle.

The trigger for emergence is when the ground soil reaches around 64 degrees Fahrenheit and is about eight inches deep. This happens rapidly over a few days in early summer, when days are longer and the soil warms up due to increased sunshine.

Success on the Water with Cicadas

24:48 – Success in cicada fishing hinges on understanding the bug’s lifecycle and emergence timing. Fish only start targeting cicadas when enough of them accidentally fall into the water, signaling to the fish that it’s a food source.

Dave emphasizes the importance of knowing where and when to be on the water. His book delves into detailed experiences and strategies for effectively targeting and fishing during cicada emergence.

Cicada Fishing Techniques and Patterns

27:19 – Dave’s book features 59 cicada patterns, including annual, periodical, and regional variations. Cicada fishing is often non-technical, favoring dry fly fishing techniques, although some fish prefer drag-free drifts while others go for actively moving cicadas.

Fishing near mature trees where cicadas congregate is effective, as they often get knocked down by wind or during mating flights. Target areas where cicadas are likely to fall into the water, such as under trees or along riverbanks, where the bugs lose elevation and hit the water.

33:41 – Trouts are avid cicada eaters and can consume them without getting full, making them a prime target during cicada emergences in trout waters. Carp are particularly enthusiastic about cicadas, despite being bottom feeders.

Other fish species, such as smallmouth bass, weird fish, and even catfish, can also be caught on cicada patterns, although their responses may vary based on factors like spawning cycles or food availability.

Cicada Madness: Key Tips for Cicada Fishing

36:34 – Cicadas are true bugs, belonging to a group of insects with beaks that extract nutrients from plants, similar to leaf hoppers.

Worldwide, there are over 3000 species of cicadas, each with a distinctive appearance characterized by stout bodies, bulging eyes, six legs, and two pairs of wings.

Here are a few key tips as you gear up for cicada fishing:

• Research and hunt for cicadas in areas where they’re expected to emerge.
• Be observant of your surroundings. Listen for the distinct sound of cicadas and watch for bird activity that may indicate their presence.
• Use large foam cicada patterns without popping or twitching them, as cicadas hitting the water tend to lay silently, mimicking a natural scenario for fish to strike.
• Understand the lifecycle and behavior of cicadas.

Dave highlights two favorite cicada fly patterns that you can check out online for inspiration:

• 17-Year Itch Cicada
• Chuck Kraft Excaliburs

Preparation Tips for Cicada Season

If you’re gearing up for cicada season, Dave suggests the following:

1. Buy the Book: Get Dave’s book for brood maps and scouting tips.
2. Online Resources: Utilize online resources to gather information about cicada sightings in your area.
3. Reach Out: Contact universities and entomology departments for expert insights and locations.
4. Talk to Locals: Connect with people who have experienced cicada emergence before for valuable knowledge.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on news articles and scientific reports to stay updated on cicada predictions and hotspots.

 

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A post shared by Dave Zielinski (@down_home_boatworks)

Down Home Boatworks

51:00 – While Dave hasn’t designed new boats recently, he continues to sell plans. Dave also offers free plans to schools and non-profits interested in boat-building projects.

Follow Dave on Instagram @down_home_boatworks

Check out Dave’s book:

Cicada Madness Videos Noted in the Show

https://youtu.be/ZPhVw17jDjc?si=KdGQsdXpSesAENZM

Related Podcast Episodes

WFS 260 – Down Home Boatworks with Dave Zielinski – The Cicada Chaser

Conclusion with Dave Zielinski on Cicada Madness

And there you have it, folks! Dive into the exciting world of cicada madness with Dave Zielinski’s expert tips. For detailed strategies and patterns, don’t forget to check out his book, Cicada Madness.