author - search results

Texas Hill Country is its own little ecosystem — limestone banks, spring-fed creeks, and a species list that reads like a road map of surprises. Chris Johnson of Living Waters Fly Fishing walks us through why central Texas fishes year-round: the state-endemic Guadalupe bass, the only U.S. native Rio Grande cichlid, water that fishes like trout one month and bass the next, and a shop-led conservation program (Fly Fish the Republic) that’s funding real science. We get practical rigging and fly choices (sink-tips and diving hair bugs for big bass, tiny jigs for picky cichlids), how to read fall windows for multi-species trips, and the backstory on a Texas-built fly line — the Texas Taper — developed with Scientific Anglers and sold through the shop.

Episode Show Notes In this episode, we sit down with legendary fly angler Craig Mathews to explore their new book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Craig shares...

Episode Show Notes Cuba has long carried a sense of mystery for travelers, and when you put a fly rod in your hand, that mystery...

In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson sits down with Colorado guide, fly designer, and author Landon Mayer to dig deep into the art of hunting trophy trout. Landon shares how leeches became the centerpiece of his fly box, recounting the day a broken Slumpbuster pattern forever changed the way he approached big fish. The two swap stories about fishing together, the lessons passed down from mentors like Dave Whitlock, and the subtle craft of teaching casting fundamentals that can make or break a day on the water.

Episode Show Notes If you’ve ever wondered about the rare trout swimming in North America’s wildest waters, this episode is for you. Today, we chat...

Episode Show Notes Ever find yourself standing on a river’s edge, the line in the water, and somehow everything makes sense, even when nothing should?...

Today's guest traded trout strains for silk thread vintage hooks, and the history-packed world of classic fly tying never looked back. From his first salmon fly at age 12 to becoming a leading voice in preserving old school craftsmanship, Tony Smith has spent decades chasing the perfect thread wrap. By the end of this episode, you'll know what really defines a classic salmon fly, why wax silk and antique hooks still matter, and how tying flies help Tony navigate OCD social anxiety and come out on the other side.

Episode Show Notes In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey into the life of one of steelhead fishing's most influential figures, Lani Waller. Through...

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with expert fly fishing guide Wesley Hodges to explore the art and science of chasing...

We’re reaching back into the archives for one of our all-time favorite conversations with none other than Henry Winkler. You know him as the Fonz,...