The one and only Rick Kustich is ready to blow our minds today with all things modern spey fishing and some exciting updates, including his latest book. We’re diving deep into the spey game, uncovering the early players, and getting all the juicy details on how Rick works his magic with flies on the Lake Erie tributaries.
Rick and his crew will be our guides for the upcoming Steelhead Alley, so we’ll also get an exclusive sneak peek of what awaits us on this thrilling adventure.
Modern Spey Fishing with Rick Kustich. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Modern Spey Fishing Show Notes with Rick Kustich
03:00 – It’s hard to believe it’s only been a short while since our last episode with Rick in January 2022. Today he brings us up to speed on his latest adventures and a brand new book on steelhead.
03:45 – Rick shares his insights on the unique steelhead experience in New York and what sets it apart from other Great Lakes locations.
05:38 – Rick Kustich aims to demystify spey fishing through his new book, Modern Spey Fishing. It covers everything from steelhead to trout and even smallmouth fishing. This book is valuable resource no matter your skill level.
08:39 – Rick paints a picture of what awaits us on our December trip to New York. According to Rick, New York’s unique advantage over Ohio is its access to tributaries on both Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
11:10 – Rick also provided a comprehensive rundown of the fishing techniques we’ll use at that time of year.
12:36 – Rick and his crew, along with Nick Pionessa, will be our guides for the upcoming Steelhead Alley. Additionally, Rick mentioned the potential participation of his good friend Vince Tobia from Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters as a third guide on the trip.
Q & A with Rick
13:06 – Our Instagram followers join the conversation with their questions for Rick, and he eagerly takes on the challenge.
What is the ideal water temperature for swinging for steelhead?
13:50 – The ideal water temperature for swinging for steelhead is between 42 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Rick says this temperature range is when the fish are most active.
Rick adds that it’s not solely about the absolute temperature but instead having more stable temperatures, where sudden overnight drops are avoided, which helps keep the fish more active.
What is the Spey Nation Event?
18:44 – The Spey Nation event was originally a one-day spey clave started by Geoff Schaake, which had to be put on hold due to COVID-19.
This time, Swing the Fly is bringing it back as a three-day event, scheduled from August 11 to August 13.
This year, they plan to integrate those classes with the traditional format of the Spey Nation event.
How do you catch a fish on the fly in low clear water?
24:00 – When it comes to catching fish on the fly in low, clear water, Rick suggests employing a stealthier approach.
One effective strategy is to use a long monofilament or fluorocarbon leader and a weighted fly and cast the fly further away from the fly line.
What’s Rick Kustich’s gear choice?
39:14 – Rick Kustich prefers using rods 11 to 12 1/2 feet long, recommending brands like Scott Fly Rods, R.B. Meiser, and Echo. Rick has also collaborated with Simon Gawesworth and RIO for several years, and he mentions that Simon wrote the forward for his new book. Rick uses RIO’s Elite Skagit Max Launch.
What’s next for Rick?
47:13 – After putting in much effort to write Modern Spey Fishing, Rick looks forward to taking a break from books. However, he has big plans and hopes to write a book about trout someday.
How do you detect the strike and ensure you don’t miss a fish?
57:24 – Rick adopts a more passive approach when setting the hook, particularly for steelhead. In his book, he extensively discusses hook setting, recognizing it as a challenge many anglers face.
1:03:00 – We wrap up the conversation with Rick with his “desperate salmon story.” This tale is also featured in his book, Reflections on the Water.
What an amazing episode with the legendary Rick Kustich! We’ve delved deep into modern spey fishing with Rick, and I hope you’re as ready as I am to try everything we discussed today.
Ralph Scherder is here to take us fishing Pennsylvania and break down traveling and fishing in the north part of PA. We’ll learn more about Route 6 and why you might be interested in taking a tour up there. We learn about Dark Skies Fly Fishing as well as a breakdown of some of the most well-known trout streams along this path.
Fishing Pennsylvania with Ralph Scherder. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Fishing Pennsylvania Show Notes with Ralph Scherder
2:57 – Ralph began fly fishing when he was about 14 years old. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a writer, so for the past six or seven years, he has been selling articles to fly fishing magazines such as American Fly Fishing.
4:12 – He grew up in Butler County. He spent so much time camping and fishing in Prouty, Pennsylvania, until he and his wife eventually decided to move to Coudersport, PA.
11:10 – His fishing technique in the Sinnemahoning Creek is constantly changing. He uses whatever works that day.
12:00 – His place is somewhat isolated, therefore there aren’t many fly shops there. Although he doesn’t have a physical store, he is the main fly seller in the area.
13:43 – We dig into PA Route 6. It’s a transcontinental highway that begins on the east coast near Boston and goes west to the California Coast. He names several of the well-known rivers and streams that may be found along Route 6, including Bowman Creek, Lackawaxen, and Lackawanna.
Photo via: https://paroute6.com
22:00 – The PA Route 6 Alliance preserves, enhances, and promotes the transportation heritage of the said transcontinental highway.
37:54 – We had Joe Humphreys on the podcast in episode 073.
39:45 – I ask him about another one of his pieces about the Oil Creek Region which he says is probably NorthWestern Pennsylvania’s best trout stream. It became the first fully functioning operating oil well in the world.
41:14 – He suggests his blog as a resource for individuals organizing a fishing vacation to Pennsylvania. It has a lot of details about the streams in the different areas. He suggests PA Route 6 and the Visitors Bureau for basic travel information.
45:34 – The spring creeks in Pennsylvania are the major hubs for fly fishing. However, he says that the streams can get pretty crowded year-round. He notes that there are also good fishing opportunities outside those areas.
47:21 – I ask him about the top places I pulled up when I search for fly fishing in Pennsylvania. Among these waters are the Youghiogheny, Susquehanna, and Little Juniata.
Fishing Pennsylvania Conclusion with Ralph Scherder
Our conversation with Ralph was a true delight for all fishing enthusiasts out there! We learned so much about the popular streams and rivers for fishing in Pennsylvania, as well as the hidden gems along Route 6. Ralph’s interview with fly fishing legend Joe Humphreys was truly inspiring, and we loved hearing about his experiences and adventures in the world of fly fishing. And let’s not forget about his fantastic blog, DarkSkiesFlyFishing.com, where he shares his passion and knowledge with fellow anglers.
We hope this episode has inspired you to grab your gear and hit the water, and we look forward to sharing more exciting stories with you soon!
04:00 – Most of the males in Monte’s family fly-fished – his grandfather, his uncle, and his dad. Monte caught his first Atlantic salmon with his uncle on Margaree River in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
08:30 – Monte tells the story of when he wrote his first fly fishing story about Ed Shenk from LeTort Spring Run that he sent to different magazine companies. He then got a letter from the Editor of Sporting Classics, Chuck Wexler offering to buy his story for $200. That was his turning point from going to business school to being a fly fishing writer.
12:00 – Monte also did a story about Andy Mill who’s like a Tigerwoods of Tarpon fly fishing tournament. Andy was on the podcast in episode 330. Andy gave him Tom Evan’s number so he could write a story about him. He also noted names of the world’s best fly anglers in the 70s and 80s.
19:20 – We talk about how Florida is being ruined nowadays and gets worst each year.
24:30 – Monte talks about the rockstars of the Homosassa club who were obsessed with tarpon fishing and made it possible for future generations to catch tarpon.
30:23 – The biggest tarpon ever caught was over 200 pounds on a 20-pound test which was caught by a non-regular guy who was just fishing with his dad. Tom Evans holds the record for the 16-pound test which was 190-pound tarpon. He also holds the record for the 12-pound which was 194-pound tarpon.
Photo Courtesy of IGFA.org
44:30 – We talk about Nick Saban who’s arguably the best college football of all time.
Wade Payne/AP Photo via Sport Illustrated
46:30 – Monte tells the story of when he got a phone call from Nick Saban agreeing to write a story about him. The story was then published in Forbes Magazine (2008) which also became the highest single issue of the magazine ever. Read that story here.
49:20 – Monte talks about his process of writing.
54:25 – We dig into his book, The Making of a Coach which was a story about Nick Saban’s life and incredible coaching career.
55:50 – We also noted his book, 4th & Goal: One Man’s Quest to Recapture His Dream which was about Joe Moglia’s legendary career transition from head football coach at Coastal Carolina University to the CEO of TD Ameritrade
56:55 – Monte is writing a new book about the water crisis in South West looking through the lens of Lake Mead.
58:30 – We talk about what makes John Gierach a great writer. Monte says “he’s a great lyricist” and explains why.
59:45 – We also noted Thomas McGuane. Monte tells us what makes McGuane’s writing special.
Photo courtesy of Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum
1:03:30 – Monte tells the story of when he went to Labrador with Yvon Chouinard and other anglers.
1:07:30 – I asked Monte the question “Are you a writer or a fly fisherman first?”.
Dan Pribanic is here today to take us to Chagrin River Outfitters, the Steelhead Alley area, and some fishing tips and tricks. We discover which strains of steelhead they are hitting up there in that part of Lake Eerie. We also get his take on single-hand versus two-handed rods and spey. We also dig into which other species he’s focusing on this year in his area.
Dan and his team are the big reason why our last trip to Ohio was so successful, so let’s find out exactly how they work the magic.
Chagrin River Outfitters with Dan Pribanic. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Chagrin River Outfitters Show Notes with Dan Pribanic
2:25 – Dan tells how he got into fly fishing. He came from a big family with 10 siblings. His older brothers were involved in outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting, so they were the ones who influenced him to fish. His first fly-fishing experience was in central Pennsylvania.
3:54 – He grew up in Pittsburgh. There are a lot of great trout fishing and warm-water opportunities there.
5:01 – He shares the story of how he started Chagrin River Outfitters. Around 1999, he thought of going to law school. He worked in a law firm for a year with his brothers, who are attorneys, and that was when he realized that that was not the path he wanted to go down. He and his wife eventually opened the shop in 2006.
7:34 – Their shop is right on the Chagrin River, which is a great fishery. They cover the northeast Ohio area at a little bit of Pennsylvania at times.
8:20 – He takes us into their fishing program if somebody visits their shop around the summer. Steelhead is their number one species. They also have pretty good smallmouth and pike fishing in their local rivers.
12:03 – I ask his thoughts on the steelhead versus not steelhead thing that some people talk about.
14:29 – He talks about how they fish throughout the seasons, particularly the fly patterns and lines. A lot of fishing in their area involves floating Skagit heads and changing up the sink tips they’re running. He also describes his go-to rod for his home waters.
19:22 – We dig into smallmouth bass, which is native to their area. These species start coming in by the end of April.
22:48 – He also mentions some other species that they target throughout the year, such as carp, quillback, and gar.
26:44 – There are not a lot of other fly shops in their area, but he mentions the Backpackers shop, which is about an hour and 10 minutes drive from their shop.
27:18 – We dig into Steelhead Alley. They’re right in the middle of it. That area has been called the Steelhead Alley for a long time.
29:16 – He walks us through what their shop looks like throughout the year. He mentions some staff members who usually man the shop and provide guiding services.
31:24 – They focus on single-hand and two-handed rod fishing for steelhead. They also host six trips to the Bahamas and Belize yearly for bonefish and permit fishing. They tie steelhead flies and also sell some shop merchandise.
33:27 – He tells the story of the first time he met Jeff Liskay. He has known him since he opened his shop.
34:30 – They also offer single-hand casting classes in their shop.
35:21 – We dig into single-hand versus two-handed casting for steelhead.
36:15 – He mentions some fly patterns that work well for hitting steelhead. He also gives some fishing tips and tricks for catching steelhead, such as speeding up his fly.
42:31 – Most anglers start to fish for steelhead in September when it starts to rain a little bit and the temperature cools down. They also get a lot of guys in their shop who prepare for salmon fishing in Michigan and New York at that time of year.
45:35 – If you want to avoid the crowd, he recommends fishing at Steelhead Alley in December. He also likes fishing from late February to March. For those who are interested in our Steelhead School with Jeff Liskay, visit wetflyswing.com/SteelheadSchool.
47:58 – We throw him a question from one of our Instagram followers about tying droppers. For steelhead fishing, he ties up a bunch of droppers and rigs in advance and puts them in a little bag, which he says is a time saver.
51:24 – He never listens to a podcast, but he loves listening to music and reading books. He’s a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot.
52:03 – He tells us a bit about his busy daily schedule.
53:06 – He talks about Cleveland, Ohio. It has a great food scene and nice fishing.
Chagrin River Outfitters Conclusion with Dan Pribanic
Chatting with Dan was an absolute blast! It’s so inspiring to hear from someone who’s truly passionate about their craft, and Dan’s knowledge and enthusiasm for fly fishing are contagious.
If you’re looking for an awesome fishing experience in Ohio, Chagrin River Outfitters is the place to be. And with so many exciting species to target this year, there’s never been a better time to cast a line in the beautiful waters of steelhead alley. Thanks for tuning in, and happy fishing!
Sara Jo Royalty is here to give some fly tying techniques and take us into her story around sailing and music. We find out whether being a professional golf caddy or a professional fly fishing guide is harder, what’s new with her new FFI fly fishing event she got coming up this year, and then she knocks it out of the park with a live guitar solo at the end of the episode.
Fly Tying Techniques with Sara Jo Royalty. Hit play below!
And we’re back! 🙌🏽 NW Expo is in full swing and we’re tying swing flies 💙💙 (Photo via: https://www.instagram.com/sarajoflies/)
5:32 – Sara shares how she got into fly fishing and fly tying. She started on the east coast as a commercial long liner.
8:21 – I ask her about how she got sponsored in fly tying and how that works. She sells flies and also ties ones for Daiichi Fly Fishing. She also tells her goals regarding her widely sold patterns.
12:14 – She talks about her process of tying flies or her fly tying zone.
13:42 – Her most common patterns are perdigons, salmon flies, simulators, and chubbies. Her most popular pattern is the pinfish which costs $45 for a 6-inch fly. You can use it for any and every species. If she can only have one fly in the box, that would be her fly.
Color variation on the effective pinfish, originally in olive. (Photo via: https://www.instagram.com/sarajoflies/)
16:42 – She pretty much ties all year. She also has a guiding license, but she doesn’t guide that much.
18:20 – For her, it’s harder to guide than to caddy.
19:40 – We dig into how she got sponsored by Daiichi.
27:35 – She describes their first fishing camp on the Upper Rogue last year. She invited a number of conservation groups in Oregon. Sara is the vice president of Fly Fishers International in the state of Oregon.
32:21 – For this year, the camp will be open to the public. They’ll have passes for one night and two-day camping. They’ll also have night passes for the music. Free Creatures will be their main band.
Photo via: https://www.freecreaturesmusic.com
34:12 – We dig into her music. She started as a classical pianist when she was three. Now she writes songs and plays the bass and the guitar. She loves classic rock like The White Stripes.
39:36 – Right now, she has been working full-time at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort as a caddy for 10 years.
42:02 – She explains what she does as a caddy, the difficulty of playing golf, and how it’s an excellent place to get to know somebody, especially in business.
47:41 – We talk about Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods, who also plays golf.
1:06:08 – She promotes their event from August 18th to 20th called Hook, Wine & Thinker – Conservation Campout by Oregon Council of Fly Fishers International at Rogue River Ranch.
1:07:45 – She asks the listeners for stage name suggestions for her. Send your suggestions to her Instagram @SaraJoFlies.
Our conversation with Sara Jo Royalty was nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for fly tying, caddying, sailing, and music was infectious, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have spoken with her.
The upcoming Hook, Wine & Thinker – Conservation Camp Out is an event not to be missed, as it promises to be an excellent opportunity to learn about conservation efforts while enjoying great music and company. We hope you’ll join us in supporting this fantastic event and continue to follow our blog for more exciting stories and interviews.
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Tips to Stay Healthy
Top Tips to Stay Healthy Show Notes with Cody Wood
2:48 – Cody shared his introduction to fly fishing with a co-worker in the restaurant industry in Oklahoma City, and it all started with a fly rod and fishing in small lakes and private areas.
3:43 – Cody worked for 6 years as a therapist, and what he has learned about it through his own understanding and others he has met is the influence it has on a positive livelihood.
4:42 – Cody has a 12-foot kayak named Jackson Kilroy, and he thinks Stillwater fishing’s quickly becoming more of his favorite thing to do.
5:41 – We talked about how he loves Stillwater compared to the fresh water in the streams. He can get into some areas that others can’t. You know, you can throw a bunch of gear in his boat that he wouldn’t be able to take with him when he was hiking. So he kind of has his own little space, and that’s what’s most appealing to him as he gets older just having all the belongings.
7:08 – Cody grew up in Southwest Oklahoma. Lake Reka. And his mom was actually the one who taught him to fish.
11:26 – Cody is now actually in Utah. His in Spanish Fork. He moved down there in August. He moved away from Montana in April. He went to Arizona to pursue business and then he ended up in Utah in August.
12:35 – Cody shared that, being in Oklahoma, Yellowstone Park is to the north, and that has been his magnetic north all his life. When he moves there, he struggles with the fact that, where he is, he instinctively thinks that his north is south, like towards the park.
13:44 – Cody is in Utah County, and he’s excited to explore some of these places this summer. He looked at it, and there were some lakes and some things that he was excited to get on the boat.
14:50 – We talked about his corporate stuff Pain-Free Outdoors, which started for him as a way to serve active individuals. People like him. People who don’t want to go to a clinic or spend time in a gym just have to do it at home or on the road if they live an active lifestyle. So being pain-free on the outside is just the physical side of it, although I touch on the basics of nutrition for people who need it. But for most, it’s decompression work.
Pain-Free Outdoors
16:27 – Cody shares why he created Pain-Free Outdoors because if we look at our modern lifestyle, it all goes to the pain-free outdoors, which is what we were made for. We were made to run barefoot, catch things, hunt, Fish, and be alone. Farming and longevity are the biggest pieces of the puzzle that many people have lost because of their lifestyle and because of things that have become cultural norms. So connecting those two dots is why he created Pain-Free Outdoors.
17:45 – We talked about some things that a person can do today or this week to be more active. The Big piece of the puzzle for Cody is body shape recognition.
20:15 – Cody mentioned that a lot of people are going to see it as yoga, but my approach is based on resting patterns and activity patterns and then learning to flow between those two and understanding that you’re just ingraining that innate pattern. So you’re looking at creating a habit versus creating a movement flow.
22:11 – Cody shared that if you’re putting your body in that position, there’s a word called somatics, which is your mind’s control of movement, health, and feeling. And that somatic position, those postures of sitting in a chair, wear on you, and the brain wears down, the body wears down, according to people that have to sit throughout a day by occupation. It’s very important. They understand how to actively decompress that spine, which is a big piece of his protocol in decompression routines.
23:35 – Cody is a Coach, he provide benefit to individuals. A Mentor to world-class trainers and athletes, he has instructed over 250 Student and Veteran Coaches. His expertise allows him to serve a wide range of clients. Here’s more about Cody and Pain-Free Outdoors
Tips to Stay Healthy
26:22 – Cody shares his 5 and 10-minute flows. That 10-minute flow taught a mother and two boys. So he’s teaching an audience that’s new to it, and in that 10-minute flow, it’s a lot of ground, but that’s the 10 minutes he does before the activity. Those flows are different. There’s a five-minute flow; you’ll see it’s kind of an accelerated version of that process. And then there are individual videos that go through each exercise. Each of those is specific to an ailment, and the flow is useful to obtain circulating body fluid, synovial fluid, and blood flow.
32:38 – 3 Things about how to be more active
Awareness, being aware of your shape
Resting Patterns, being aware of your resting patterns
Decompression, being aware of your active decompression
34:56 – Cody mentioneda big reason he stopped practicing under the medical model was because of some of the restrictions that he has to follow with a therapy license. As an occupational therapist, you’re not allowed to treat the ankles in the hips.
38:04 – Cody shared about Corporate stuff: they have Presentations and full-blown wellness services. Like they’re fitting a wellness provider, they’re putting them on site, educating them, and training them.
39:30 – We discussed age groups and how Cody convinced his 20-year-old self to seek help before falling on his back and playing pickup basketball. And an athlete understands that he can optimize your movement and make you perform at a higher level. He also mentioned Simone Biles: She moves; her body moves the way she shows. She is one of the models he uses because she keeps the pattern of the way she steps and leaves her foot off the ground. Watch this Floor Exercise by Simone Biles.
41:29 – We talked about nutrition. Cody shared that their approach to that is to huddle and find a way to drink water. Get a pure hydrating fluid. There are several products they recommend for removing fluoride because it improves hydration.
43:34 – Cody discussed that the proper way to be hydrated is to drink water. The easy way is with a water bottle; just have a water bottle right next to you.
44:20 – Cody shared that now fasting is a good thing. If you gonna intentionally pursue that for your health, it allows the body to reset. He also mentioned the great book out there by, Michael Easter called The Comfort Crisis and he kind of dives into this, that feeling of hunger.
47:21 – Cody believes that drinking one glass of wine a day is healthy, but he believes it should be in small amounts; everybody knows there’s a fine line in moderation.If you’re doing it socially, if you’re having a glass of wine for your health, and it allows you to have a good evening with your significant other, then he’s all for it. That’s the kind of coach he is. Cody worked at a wine bar for a long time, and he really enjoyed it.
48:42 – Soul food and mindfulness are essential aspects of personal growth and spiritual development. Like gratitude and prayer, spirituality is different in different cultures. Understanding a client’s belief system is crucial for effective coaching. Instead of changing their belief system, it is important to work with them and help them set goals. Mindfulness involves practicing gratitude and prayer, while mindfulness involves tracking progress and starting a journal. Being grateful for the simple things in life.
Tips to Stay Healthy
51:00 – Cody emphasizes the benefits of outdoor activities, such as hiking and fly fishing, as they provide a spiritual component. Fishing provides a connection and a zen experience, and the opportunity to catch a fish is a personal spiritual pillar. Many people view fishing as a spiritual activity, even if they don’t identify with a religion. However, it’s important to recognize that fishing is not just about spirituality; it can also be a religious practice.
51:41 – Cody shared that Religion is not just about reconnecting with thoughts and feelings, but also about connecting with people from the past. Research suggests that we can speak to people who are no longer present and that people don’t die until they stop being spoken about. This spiritual belief allows people to live for generations and is a powerful tool for healing and connection.
53:55 – Cody also shared learning about other cultures and their mental pillars through Jocko’s approach, which strengthens individuals mentally and physically. Listening to Jocko can help you overcome obstacles and become a mentally stronger person.
55:01 – We talked about Jocko’s podcast, Episode 375, which features an interview with an ex-marine, highlighting the power of discipline. The interviewee, a Marine, shares their experiences with a former Navy member, highlighting the importance of discipline in their lives. The power of this experience is evident in the interviewee’s discipline, which is a powerful aspect of their life. Discipline is often a struggle for many people, but it is essential for maintaining a strong and disciplined lifestyle.
55:50 – Cody shared that his dad was an Air Force vet. He grew up in a home with discipline. He had a checklist on the wall. He had to do those things every day, or there was no fun to be had. As he gets older, he thinks that was a great tool. They understood that because both parents are also occupational therapists, that is a skill that he learns. Tracking sheets, giving someone visual feedback. It feels good to check that box.
57:53 – Cody shared his Top 5 Tips for staying healthy.
Hydrate
Modify your environment
Decompress
Daily Routine
Track It
59:40 – Cody ensures a successful day by scheduling and preparing things the day before. This will prevent confusion and ensure that you have a clear plan in place. It is important to write down your plans and plan accordingly.
1:02:27 – Cody is open to consulting and guiding others toward their goals. However, if they are unsure of their intentions, he may not be the best coach for them. Instead, he aims to guide them and help them stay on the path. Jocko can be a valuable resource for those who need to be yelled at or hailed. Cody has experience yelling at athletes and group classes, but he prefers to be a more supportive and encouraging coach.
1:03:49 – Cody recommends reading Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, an old book on subconscious and mental pillars, as a valuable resource.
1:04:07 – Cody discussed understanding the mind and self-talk, emphasizing that one’s self-presentation is a reflection of their self-view. This defensive mechanism can lead to situations where one is put in a certain situation. He praised Frosty Hesson’s book Making Mavericks, which inspired him to become a therapist and a coach. The book serves as a valuable guide for understanding the brain’s defensive mechanisms.
1:04:50 – Cody shares his routine, which involves writing about his clients and learning from them. He also includes mantras and sticky notes on his door, which he uses as a reminder when he leaves. These helpful habits have been the most influential part of Cody’s life, as they have helped him navigate his life and maintain a positive outlook.
Today’s guest is someone I’ve been eagerly trying to get on the podcast for a while, and now it’s finally happening! Kate Crump is here to talk about fishing Bristol Bay and what it’s like to run an Alaskan lodge.
We’ll also learn about the art of swinging flies for King Salmon and discover what makes this place a haven for crazy-sized fish, including rainbows. Did I mention we’ll even get a sneak peek into their steelhead operation in the lower 48? This is going to be one wild ride!
Fishing Bristol Bay with Kate Crump. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Fishing Bristol Bay Show Notes with Kate Crump
03:20 – Kate and Justin have been in Alaska since April to prepare for this season. We hear about the different projects they’re working on with the help of their friends and family before they open on June 17 with their first group of guests.
08:12 – Kate and Justin worked as guides for a number of years before they decided to have their own lodge. The Lodge at 58 North operated as a DIY property before, so the Crumps rallied their families and friends to assist them with the major remodeling of the place.
13:04 – Kate also dreams of flying their float plane. This reminds me of an episode featuring Tim Rawlins of LineSpeedJedi, who shared his experience flying a float plane in Alaska.
Different Species at Bristol Bay
15:41 – According to Kate, Bristol Bay is the greatest swung fly fishery for rainbows in the world. But they also have people coming up in June specifically for King salmon because the Nushagak is home to the largest runs of King Salmon.
19:41 – Kate tells us what makes Bristol Bay so special compared to other fishing locations in Alaska. We also hear about the management practices for sockeye salmon in their area.
25:47 – Kate describes the diverse fishing experiences available at their lodge. They are a small operation that accommodates a single group of eight guests or two groups of four. This setup allows for a personalized and intimate experience for each fishing trip.
34:00 – Kate walks us through the different seasons up there. Additionally, we delve into whether they have plans to make Alaska their permanent home in the future.
42:23 – We talk about fishing for King Salmon and the important regulations in place to protect them.
49:58 – Kate shares insights about the rainbows in their area and discusses the perfect rod for targeting them. We also delve into the incredible abundance of sockeye salmon up there.
The Crumps in Oregon’s North Coast
58:22 – Kate shares a glimpse into their steelhead operation in the lower 48 and how it differs from their guiding experiences in Alaska.
1:00:54 – Kate says she is the only female fishing guide on the north coast. She opens up about the barriers she encountered and her mentor, Nancy Morris Lyon, the first female fishing guide in Bristol Bay.
1:13:32 – Kate loves hiking into small streams and fishing for rainbow trout in June and July. Her go-to mouse pattern is RIO’s Pip Squeak.
1:16:00 – Kate enjoys listening to music while flying around on their float plane or when she’s out on a boat.
1:18:13 – Kate always makes sure to have her sunglasses and rain jacket with her when venturing into the backcountry, and she recalls a time when she forgot her rain jacket and vowed never to make that mistake again. As a Patagonia ambassador, she highly recommends their Swiftcurrent rain jacket.
Today we’re kicking off with Part 1 of an exciting two-part series focusing on stillwater fly lines.
We’ll understand why you need multiple lines to be consistently successful on lakes, and we’ll be taking a close look at different types of floating lines to help you make informed choices and get the most bang for your buck.
Throughout this two-part series, we’ll explore Phil’s impressive collection of 20 stillwater fly lines and uncover the secrets behind each line’s purpose and functionality.
Phil will also help us select the three fly lines you should consider having with you at all times.
Stillwater Fly Lines with Phil Rowley. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Stillwater Fly Lines Show Notes with Phil Rowley
04:12 – When it comes to river and stream fishing, an excellent floating line will last you a long time and allow you to present your fly using various techniques.
However, the multitude of available fly lines can be overwhelming and intimidating when it comes to lakes.
07:25 – Phil carries over 20 fly lines in his kit bag because he likes to be prepared for different fishing situations.
09:07 – Some people think the only way stillwater fly fishermen fish lakes is with a strike indicator and a floating line.
Phil says it is a deadly presentation technique he uses all the time, but it is NOT the only way to catch fish when fishing lakes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fly Line
10:19 – Wind is an essential factor, and a weight-forward line helps manage the wind and achieve longer casts to cover more water and increase the chances of catching fish.
11:13 – When Phil first started, double taper lines were popular. It provided a more delicate presentation when fishing to surface-feeding fish, particularly in rivers and streams, but you also had to cast a lot to get that line speed built up to cover any distance.
A weight forward line has the weight concentrated in the first 30 to 40 feet. This allows for efficient casting and generates line speed.
12:41 – Another thing to consider is the depth of the water. We need lines to sink at different rates to present our flies at different depths.
13:00 – The retrieve speed is also crucial. You need a line that will sink slowly so the sink rate of the line doesn’t overpower the horizontal retrieve speed you’re using to imitate what you’re trying to imitate.
13:36 – Fish activity is also closely correlated with retrieve speed. When fish are active and aggressive, faster-sinking lines can be used.
14:31 – Phil also stresses the importance of being versatile, as relying on a single presentation technique can limit success.
The best time to try out a new line is when fishing conditions are favorable.
How Fly Lines Are Made
17:08 – Different line requirements and fishing environments influence fly line manufacturers’ design. The outer coating determines its weight, buoyancy, color, and slickness, while the core of the fly line is where its strength lies.
The different types are:
Multifilament cores
Braided monofilament cores
Monofilament cores
Low-stretch cores
Photo via https://www.airflofishing.com/products/fly-fishing-lines.html
18:40 – Stiffer cores, like monofilament cores, help provide tight loops and good line speed. Manufacturers offer a variety of lines tailored to specific fishing disciplines to ensure better enjoyment and meet the needs of anglers on the water.
22:57 – Different presentation challenges require different line profiles and tapers to be successful. For example, casting indicators and long leaders need a different line profile and taper than fishing dries, emerges, or lightly weighted nymphs.
24:22 – Besides indicators, Phil loves to fish with long leaders, known as the naked technique.
25:06 – Phil uses the RIO Elite Technical Trout line. This line has a long taper line that provides excellent turnover and delicate presentation.
Photo via https://farbank.com/products/rio-elite-technical-trout
24:45 – Low-stretch fly lines are less elastic than regular multifilament core lines. Low-stretch lines offer benefits during fish fights by efficiently transferring rod actions to the fish, allowing anglers to tire the fish more quickly in catch-and-release scenarios.
Phil Rowley’s Guide to 20 Essential Stillwater Fly Lines
30:15 – Phil Rowley discusses the use of floating lines in Stillwater fly fishing. We focus on their application for indicator presentations, the naked technique, and floating lines for dries, emergers, and unweighted or lightly weighted nymphs in shallow water situations.
Floating Lines for Indicators and the Naked Technique
30:53 – When looking for a line to cast an indicator or the naked technique, it is essential to have a line designed for that purpose. These lines have oversized heads and maybe one-and-a-half to two-line weights heavier to provide the necessary mass for turning over indicators and long leaders.
35:14 – Phil is a big proponent of using the roll cast when fishing with indicators. Roll casting keeps the indicator, leader, flies, and accessories close to the water. It also minimizes the risk of tangles until the final push and presentation of the fly.
36:10 – Color changes on fly lines help identify the head section, running line, and overall casting distance, which is crucial for indicator fishing and gauging depths.
Dries and Emergers
39:04 – When fishing dries, emerges, and lightly weighted nymphs in shallow water scenarios, a specific line is desired that allows for delicate presentations. Phil recommends the RIO Elite Technical Trout line.
Midge Tip and Emerger Tip Fly Lines
44:15 – These are floating lines with an integrated tip section. These lines can have a clear tip section that sinks at 1.5 inches per second. Phil says these are excellent lines for fishing using the naked technique and for windy conditions.
47:30—Phil also uses these fly lines to fish dry flies and mergers. They can also be used for a technique called the washing line.
Phil says this is perhaps one of the most underrated Stillwater lines out there but one of the most valuable ones.
Stillwater Fly Line Count
A floating line for indicators
A floating line for the naked technique
A floating line for dries and emerges
Three-foot midge tip sinking at an inch and a half per second
Six-foot clear midge tip sinking at an inch and a half per second
Three-foot hover tip sinking at one inch per second
There you have it. That’s quite a collection Phil has built so far, and we still have thirteen more fly lines to explore! I can’t wait to see what other gems Phil has in store for us in the next episode.
Geri Meyer is here to talk about all things driftless fly fishing. We will discover what the crane fly hatch is all about, we will get the top caddis flies and how to fish them, and then walk through her patterns and tips for fishing the driftless area. We will also find out what the Driftless Angler and the Women’s Fly Shop are all about.
Sit back, relax, and let’s talk about driftless fly fishing with Geri Meyer, co-owner of Driftless Angler and Women’s Fly Shop.
Driftless Fly Fishing with Geri Meyer. Hit play below!
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Driftless Fly Fishing Show Notes with Geri Meyer
3:07 – Geri takes us back quickly to when she first got into fly fishing. She wasn’t attracted to fishing when she was young, but her interest was piqued when she and her family had a casting lesson in Oregon.
4:12 – She and her husband Mat Wagner, also a proficient angler, visited the driftless area in Wisconsin, immediately fell in love with it, and decided to move there.
7:17 – She tells what she loves about living and fishing in New Mexico versus Wisconsin.
8:04 – She tells more about the streams in the driftless area in Wisconsin which is her favorite place to fish. Brook trout and brown trout are the usual species you can catch in this area.
10:14 – There is also a big chunk of driftless in Iowa, but not as big in Wisconsin. Their fishing season stays open year-round.
11:22 – We talk a bit about fishing in Mississippi which she says is an absolute blast during the summer.
12:33 – We dig into their shop which is the Driftless Angler. They hand out maps to clients that give rough information on the streams and watersheds in their area.
14:20 – May is their prime month for fishing in the area. She mentions some of the hatches in the summer such as colored mayflies, crane flies, and caddis.
15:33 – We talk about what the peak season looks like in their streams. For those who are planning to visit their area, they can check the seasons and hatches on their website.
19:23 – We talk about crane flies which she says are difficult to tie. Their go-to cranefly is the Coulee Cranefly which they also sell in their shop.
21:52 – Their caddis time lasts until the end of the summer. Some of the hatches they also get are olives, mayflies, sulphurs, and cahills. More of the bugs and hatches can be found on their website.
23:06 – She mentions some of the popular dries they use for caddis such as elk hair and missing link.
28:54 – We go into the detail on how she fishes her favorite flies that she mentioned. For the scud, she dead drifts it and puts a little bounce to it.
34:08 – The biggest she has caught in their streams is a 15-inch brookie. She also shares a bit of her perspective on the brook trout population.
50:48 – I ask her perspective on the population and involvement of women in fly fishing. She also suggests some efforts that the fishing community can do to encourage more women to join the sport.
58:00 – We dig into gear. She loves the kits from Echo and Orvis. They carry those in their shop.
Our chat with Geri was an eye-opener for anyone who loves fishing or is interested in starting the sport. Her passion for fly fishing, dedication to welcoming more women in the sport, and her role in establishing the Driftless Angler and Women’s Fly Shop are truly inspiring.
We hope that her story motivates more women to try their hand at fly fishing and take advantage of the fantastic fishing opportunities that the Driftless area in Wisconsin has to offer. With the right gear, the right flies, and the right attitude, anyone can become a skilled angler and enjoy the beauty of the sport. Thank you, Geri, for sharing your wisdom and helping us appreciate the joys of fly fishing even more!
13:20 – George states that “80% of the problems people have with euro nymphing is lack of line control”. He explains why.
17:05 – We talk about how he fishes pools with a euro nymph setup.
21:00 – George talks about how an ultra-thin monofilament system takes a lot of the guessing work out when hooking a fish.
22:30 – George describes how euro nymphing rods eliminated the need for tapered leaders.
27:20 – We talk about Joe Humphreys, who was already Czech nymphing before the Czech Republic was a country. He also noted Frank Sawyer, the guy who created Pheasant Tail Nymph and was fishing 12-foot cane poles back in the day.
29:55 – George doesn’t teach Euro nymphing with his basic class because his students lose interest in dry fly and streamer fishing.
![](https://www.wetflyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Duckworth-Logo-300x300.png"){kind=logo}
![](https://www.wetflyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sullivan-Fly-Rods-Logo-300x300.png"){kind=logo}
![](https://www.wetflyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Logo-AVC-Rig-300x300.png"){kind=logo}
