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What happens when a family helps shape the history of drift boats for nearly a century? In this episode, Jeff Helfrich joins us to share stories from the early days of McKenzie River drift boats, how his grandfather Prince Helfrich helped evolve whitewater boat design, and what it’s really like navigating technical rivers like the Middle Fork Salmon and Rogue River in wooden boats. We dig into the transition from plank boats to plywood, the origins of the McKenzie-style drift boat, and why certain whitewater rapids still give experienced guides butterflies. Jeff also shares incredible stories from the Frank Church Wilderness, including flash floods that created entirely new rapids overnight, how drift boats handle technical water, and why these wilderness river trips remain some of the most unique fly fishing experiences in the country.

Grant Wooldridge carries one of the most influential river-boating legacies in the West. As the great-grandson of Glen Wooldridge, who grew up on the Rogue River and helped pioneer early river boat innovation, Grant brings a family perspective shaped by generations of river travel and experimentation. While Grant was raised in Washington, the Rogue River stories and lessons passed down through his family remain central to the Wooldridge Boats legacy. We dig into early wooden boats, the evolution of jet technology, and why Wooldridge Boats continues to balance innovation with durability and safety. From historic Rogue River runs to modern materials testing and restoration work, this conversation is about respecting river history while building boats designed for the future.

Today, we're diving into the world of cool boat stuff with Rich Batcheller from Abstract Watercraft.

In this episode, we chat with Justin Waayenberg from Adipose Boatworks to delve into the groundbreaking world of resin infusion in drift boats, offering...

John's father always said that a river could teach you a lot about life – the patience of the current, the wisdom of the rocks, the joy of a successful cast. It's this ethos that resonates so deeply with John Stenersen, our guest today, who shares his journey from the idyllic streams of Idaho to the forefront of one of the most iconic drift boat manufacturers - ClackaCraft. We wade through tales of his formative years casting lines under his father's guidance, his tenure at Jimmy's Fly Shop, and the evolution of his role at ClackaCraft, which mirrors the company's ripple effect on the fishing world.

Picture an eager eight-year-old, fishing rod in hand, standing by a South Dakota pond. That was Sam, embarking on a journey that would lead to a lifelong passion for fly fishing. Now, we invite you to come along as my guest Sam shares fishing tales and tips, from the peaceful corners of Eastern Idaho to the sturdy boats of Miller Drift Boats.

It's boat talk today with Chris Callanan as we delve deep into Outcast Boats. We explore his tips on finding the perfect boat, including their unique tweaks to float tubes and the significance of internal bladders in all their boats. We also gain valuable insights into the boating industry. Let's jump into the realm of boats, float tubes, and of course, fly fishing from a whole new perspective.

Mike Batcke, owner of StealthCraft Boats, shares his family story of running a boat company with a focus on drift boats, power boats, and rafts. We discover the advantages of a boat with a headlight and power anchor.

Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/230 Phil Croff from Croff craft walks us through the step x step to catching brown trout at night on mice.  We find out why they have better success catching 24” brown trout in the evening and not in the day.

Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/196 Sponsor: Stonefly Nets: https://www.wetflyswing.com/turtlebox Jason Cajune shares the story of how he created one of the most unique drift boats in the world.  If you haven’t seen Cajune Boats you have to listen today.  We find out how Jason grew up in Glacier National Park working on boats with his family.