The Itinerant Angler Podcast: Recent Episodes
Zach Matthews
Alex Avila is a major league baseball catcher, currently with the Minnesota Twins. When he's not behind the dish, you'll find him offshore on his bluewater dream boat, The Offseason.
Marcelo Perez is the founder and CEO of Untamed Angling–one of South America’s largest fly-fishing lodge collectives, and also one of the only organizations that splits its profits with the native tribes with whom it works.
Susan Thrasher is the author of Thrasher's Fly Fishing Guide and the owner of the Southern Brookies Fly Fishing school, as well as a disciple of the great Joan Wulff.
Brazilian Rodrigo Salles is based in Manaus, the biggest city in the Amazon, and is also the Brazilian ops director for South American lodge giant Untamed Angling. His insight into peacock bass, payara, and the massive arapaima is unmatched--and fascinating.
Longtime angling writer and sage John Gierach muses on long-term change, his generation's contribution to fly-fishing, and the future.
Drake editor Tom Bie takes us into a world of synthetic marijuana, federal criminal trials, and DEA seizures of... Alaskan float planes? This is truly a story not to be missed.
Will Flack is the owner of the Belize Permit Club, as well as the Tres Pescados fly shop - don't miss his free-ranging discussion of Caribbean versus Indo-Pacific bonefish, steelhead, Spey fishing for tarpon, John McAfee, and of course the best permit fishery on the planet.
Aaron Reed is the author of the new guidebook, Fly Fishing Austin and Central Texas. Much like the city itself, the Austin fly fishing scene is eclectic, offering clearwater striped bass, local Guadalupe bass, and even South American cichlids!
Mark Kurlansky is the internationally-bestselling author of "Cod," "Salt," "1968" and now "Salmon," published in partnership with Patagonia Books. Don't miss his expert take on what is arguably our most important gamefish.
Toner is the New Mexico Water and Habitat Coordinator for Trout Unlimited and one of the minds behind TU's new film, Querencia.
Todd Gregory is the founder of Towee Boats and the organizer of the Hardly Strictly Muskie tournament in Southeast Tennessee. Don't miss his discussion of this unusual fly fishing hotbed.
Miles Nolte is Meateater's new Director of Fishing, the man behind Das Boat, a former writing professor, Alaskan guide, and all around good dude. Don't miss his impressively erudite thoughts on fishing media, the best fly fishing book, and keeping the old communication channels open.
Adam Weymouth is the author of Kings of the Yukon, the story of his epic journey from the headwaters to the sea--all by canoe--in search of the true story of king salmon.
Daniel Roberts is a fly-fishing industry rep and expert striper fisherman. He discusses deepwater lake tactics in Arkansas and the mid-South region.
Brandon Tourigny discusses carp fishing at premium locations in the Southeast versus the Northeast, and also what it's like to be jump straight from college to his dream job at Orvis.
Austin Peterson is the founder and owner of custom Land Cruiser shop Black Dog Traders. Listen to his informative take on modern overlanding, custom 4X4 builds, and the best off road tracks in the world.
Russ Lumpkin has filled almost every role in magazines there is to fill. Over a twenty-plus year career, he worked his way into the editor's chair of the longest-lasting and arguably most prestigious outdoor journal, Gray's Sporting Journal. Don't miss his insights into the inner workings of a high-end outdoor magazine.
Tom Morgan founded Tom Morgan Rodsmiths after leaving the R.L. Winston company. Despite a terminal diagnosis, he built a thriving company with his wife, Geri, who passed the torch to Joel Doub and Matt Barber after Tom's death. Tom Morgan Rodsmiths is unique in the fly-fishing world, focusing on ultra-high end craftsmanship and a direct connection with the end user.
Tim Overbaugh is an acknowledged master in the world of replica fish art. From his earliest days as a taxidermist, he has studied the anatomy and makeup of fish, allowing him to create exquisite facsimiles of the real thing. Most fly fishermen are catch-and-release anglers, and most of us don't really have a plan for that one big fish of a lifetime. Tim explains what to do, how to do it, and how to maximize your chances of a fish replica you can be proud of.
Renowned Yellowstone expert, author, fly shop owner, and co-founder of 1% for the Planet, Craig Mathews discusses all the changes he's seen since he hung up his badge as the police chief of West Yellowstone and became a full time fly fishing guru.
Colin McKeown is the producer of the long-running fly fishing television program The New Fly Fisher. Tune in as he discusses the tricks of the TV trade!
Arkansas guide Chad Johnson is a guru on two world-class fisheries; the mighty White River and the elegant, and practically untouched, Buffalo National River. Listen as he outlines the secrets to finding huge brown trout and untouched pockets of wilderness.
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard is the co-author of the book Simple Fly Fishing. Listen as he outlines a lifetime of experience in trimming the fat and getting to the core of things. His philosophy, at odds with many aspects of our society, is as enlightening as it is unusual.
Scott Fly Rods President Jim Bartschi skips the marketing mumbo jumbo for some real talk on what makes a great fly rod.
Robert Ramsay is President of the Georgia Conservancy and past President of AFFTA. Listen to his unique insights on conservation around the world.
Kirk Wallace Johnson tracked down the Feather Thief, Edwin Rist--a trained American flautist who stole a million dollars worth of rare birds to sell to fly tyers desperate to evade international restrictions on the sale of threatened and endangered species.
Jeff Wright is the manager of Alpharetta Outfitters in the Atlanta, Georgia area, which is possibly the only fly shop on earth that donates its profits to charity. Listen to him describe the surprising success of a shop that gives it all away.
Jen Ripple is the founder and editor of Dun Magazine, fly fishing's only female-focused magazine, with 99 percent of its written content submitted by female anglers. Ripple discusses starting a brand new magazine in a bad economy and having success.
Kristjan Pall Rafnsson is one of the owners of Fish Partner, one of Iceland's most-connected fishing travel agencies. He breaks down the char fishing in the epic Kaldakvisl as well as the legendary Ice Age brown trout of Lake Thingvallavatn.
Phil Monahan, editor of the Orvis News, discusses the art of the fly fishing blog, catching pike on duck flies, and the risks of posting to YouTube.
Chrissy Atkins and Jackie Kutzer discuss Orvis's 50/50 On the Water program and how things are changing for the modern female angler.
Craig Baker of Mayfly Outdoors talks about the revitalization of fly-fishing legends Ross Reels and Abel Automatics, sharing never-before-revealed details on the inner workings of successful--and unsuccessful--fly fishing companies.
Alaska expert Kate Taylor Crump, co-owner of Frigate Adventure Travel, discusses the Alaska float plane fishery and what makes it so special.
Swedish ace fly tier Andreas Andersson lets us in on some secrets of the international tying and fishing game.
Hank Shaw is the author of outdoor cookbooks Duck, Duck, Goose as well as Buck, Buck, Moose, and the host of the Hunt, Gather, Cook podcast.
Chris Morejohn was one of the original founders of Hells Bay Boatworks. A flats-boat building legend, he shares his incredibly deep knowledge of skiff design and construction.
Photographer, author and guide Derek Olthuis shares the secrets of the mighty bull trout of his native Canadian Rockies.
Actor Steve Zahn (Sahara, Saving Silverman) reveals himself to be an avid fly angler, and discusses why Hollywood always gets it wrong.
Matt Calderaro of Soca Cowboy discusses the Eastern European marble trout--a unique relative of brown trout--as well as the angling culture behind the former Iron Curtain.
Etowah River, Georgia guide Garner Reid delivers a thoughtful and fascinating discussion of big stripers on the fly in the midst of an ancient and little-known culture.
Dan Vermillion is one of the founders of Sweetwater Guides, which was the first American organization to go into Mongolia after the Soviet withdrawal. Don't miss his astonishing discussion of Mongolian taken fishing, as well as hunting.
Mike Sprague runs Trout Headwaters, Inc., a riparian restoration company. He shares his insights into what really makes for a good trout stream.
Go Pro's Ryan Chuckel discusses camera technology, gimbal mounts, waterproofing challenges, the ethics of fair chase and their new Karma drone, all in one podcast!
Justin Witt is the founder and owner of Hemispheres Unlimited and one of the only Americans to ever pass the rigorous Patagonia fly fishing guide exam. A native of Trevelin, Patagonia, he shares his unique insights into what may be the best fly fishing in the world.
Kicking off our second decade of podcasts (!) Chris Newton, author of "The Trout's Tale," discusses how the brown trout got to America, to Oz, and where the biggest trout in the world swim unmolested by angler's flies.
Fish or Die (Animal Planet) hosts Jay Johnson and Chris Owens discuss world travel, drug runners, disease, and some of the planet's meanest fish.
Arkansas Troutfitters guide Brock Dixon discusses the streamer tactics which helped him guide an angler into a brown trout three feet long and two feet thick!
Voormi founder Dan English discusses the technical side of wool/synthetic fabric design.
Capt. Mike Holiday of Southeast Florida breaks down today's modern boat electronics in a really educational discussion.
Filmmaker RC Cone, known for "Yow! Icelandic for Yes" as well as "Tributaries" discusses the process and the thought which goes into modern fly fishing films
Dr. Al Simpson is the author of "Ramblings of an Aging Angler" and a world traveler, with many insightful observations about the differences between places like Kamchatka, New Zealand, and Montana
Commercial and magazine photographer Adam Barker is known for his epic landscape photography, which has taken him around the world.
Robert Hawkins is the owner of the Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop near St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as the brand-new world record for muskie on the fly!
Naturalist, world-traveler, photographer and philosopher Dusan Smetana on the things that make life worth living.
Tim Angeli discusses New Zealand's huge trout, as well as burgeoning fisheries in the South Pacific.
Photographer and commercial fly tier Dave Skok discusses Boston striped bass fishing, high-dollar permit flies, and the ideal type of fish.
Master fly tyer and shop owner Charlie Craven discusses the little differences that separate commercial fly tyers from hobbyists.
Cortland Line President John Wilson discusses the skunkworks, business realities, and the future of one of fly fishing's oldest and most venerated companies.
Steve Dally of Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher discusses the explosion of big fly tactics on Arkansas's epic White River system.
Orvis chief designer Shawn Combs details how the venerable fly-fishing company stays on its game.
Peter McLeod is the chief trip runner at Aardvark Mcleod. Don't miss his exciting discussion of flats fishing Sudan, catching Russian and Icelandic salmon, and how to avoid the sharks of the Indian Ocean!
In our 150th podcast to date, Flyfish Journal editor Steve Duda gives us some straight talk about the skill of editing.
Rich Hohne discusses what Simms has in store for 2015 in advance of ICAST/IFTD, as well as the state of the industry
Ben Romans is the new editor of American Angler. He reminisces on his path to the editorial desk.
Jay Zimmerman, author of The Best Carp Flies: How to Tie and Fish Them speaks not only about carp fishing, but also about the thought behind a well-tied fly. Don't miss t
Josh Prestin, Brand Manager for Redington, discusses the 'Find Your Water' film series, product design, and the mysterious Serry Jiem.
The owner of McLellan's Fly Shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Michael McLellan is also the man who popularized using two-handed fly rods for white bass in the Mid South.
Howler Bros. co-founder and Wrinkle Neck Mules guitarist Andy Stepanian addresses how a brand-new company so quickly became iconic.
Kory Van Tassel, Matthew Austin and John Hendrickson of The Fly Stop in San Diego break down their local waters, primo bass fishing... and the Carp Throwdown Tournament.
World traveler and lodge host Justin Witt describes floating un-charted waters in Kamchatka as well as fishing for the elusive mahseer in India.
Writer Erin Block discusses her new book, what it's like to work for a magazine, and her time in the Conservancy
Oliver White is the owner and operator of two lodges in the Bahamas as well as one of the hosts of Buccaneers and Bones on the Outdoor Channel. He's also a former financier and philosopher. Don't miss his story.
George Revel is the owner of Lost Coast Outfitters, likely the nation's newest fly shop, and also the current President of the venerable Golden Gate Casting Club, despite presently being under 30 years old. Listen to his remarkable story.
Scott Hunter literally built a fly fishing company out of his garage. Check out his awesome story.
Snaevarr Georgsson is an Icelandic angler whose family owns a trout stream in the northeast corner of the island. Don't miss his amazing personal journey as he set about tagging and tracking his family fish!
Andrea Larko is the badass artist behind the "Mandala" or "Zentangle" art style you see above. A real fly fisher and cool lady, she's clearly passionate about the sport.
Rhett Schober is the owner of the Akumal Villas near Boca Paila, Mexico. Don't miss his exciting discussion of stand up paddle board fishing for permit, jacks, and bones!
Jason Jagger guides for salmon on Iceland's Midfjordara River, and also in Colorado and Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. Don't miss his amazing insights into some of the planet's best fishing.
Diana Rudolph is a casting instructor and guide who has fished extensively in the Florida Keys, on the Yellowstone, and in the Olympic Peninsula. Her experience ranges from flats fishing for tarpon to Spey fishing for steelhead, and she has a special insight into the process of building rods.
Forbes magazine writer Monte Burke discusses striper fishing in New York Harbor, urban perceptions of hunting culture, and college football.
Journalist Rick Wallace of "The Australian" newspaper and FlyLife, one of the best Aussie fishing magazines, shares his adventures on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, including catching the Japanese taimen.
Dan "Rooster" Leavens is a Montana, Washington, and Alaskan-based guide and outfitter, as well as one of the stars of the recent film "Waypoints."
Montana guide turned serious pro photographer Brian Grossenbacher talks about pre-runoff fishing in Montana, his favorite cameras, and what to do when you're locked in a bar by three Argentine gauchos looking for trouble.
Paul Kabalin is the CEO of Engel, the patent holder on the increasingly popular rotomolded cooler design. Listen to his breakdown of the differences between these and other cooler models, as well as his tips and tricks for getting the most out of yours.
Ned Hutchinson is the chief product designer at Mountain Khakis, and he also has an extensive background designing other outdoor products, most notably at Cloudveil. Don't miss his insight into how and why your outdoor clothes get made.
Dr. Dave Neely is the Indiana Jones of fish. A research scientist with the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Dave has traveled the world capturing almost every species of fish imaginable--including most of the members of the taimen family.
Eric Knowlton of reeltrout.com describes his intricate and beautiful fish carving process and how it is informed by his native heritage.
Carter Andrews is a long-time professional angler and the host of the new Outdoor Channel show The Obsession of Carter Andrews.
Scott Hed of Sportsmans' Alliance for Alaska talks about facing off against the Pebble Mine project -- and how close we are to success.
Simms Fishing Products' Rich Hohne describes Simms's newest lineup of high-test outdoor gear for both fly and now conventional anglers.
Artist Bob White discusses his thought process in capturing lifelike sporting animals and scenes, and also tells about the changes he's seen in three decades of Alaskan guiding.
John St. John is the founder and an owner of Hog Island Boatworks. He provides a masterclass in plastic driftboat 101.
Geoff Mueller describes his research for his excellent new book “What a Trout Sees,” and also educates us on the state of the magazine business… and the coyote network from Canada.
Dave Chouinard is the Simms and Lamson rep for the Southeast, as well as a former shop owner and flats guide.
Capt. David Edens is an expert in Atlantic coast redfishing on the beautiful--and difficult--Georgia coast.
Brad Yeomans is the in-house guy for Gore-Tex at Simms Fishing Products, and Tim Dennis is one of W.L. Gore's national sales managers. Dont miss their fascinating break-down of the science and marketing of breathable fabrics.
Costa Sunglass VP of Produce Development Ed Moody explains polarization, the difference between glass and plastic, and color choice.
Calvin Harris is a former professional guide and current resident of Vienna, Austria. Don't miss his unique break-down of the best places to go fishing in Europe, and how to pull it off.
Steve Hemkens is the head of product development for both Orvis's fishing and hunting lines. He has a lot to say about perceptions, how gear gets made, and where it gets made...
Brad Bohen is the owner and head guide at Musky County Outfitters and the filmmaker behind "Zero to Hero" (2010).
Paul Sonnen is a Gulf Shores, Alabama-based guide and the builder of "La Flaca"--a wildly original, exquisitely crafted garage skiff.
Cameron Mortenson runs the only blog in fly fishing exclusively dedicated to fiberglass fly rods... and it's great. Don't miss this peek into one of the sport's best niches.
Robert Eddins of Ro Drift Boats describes how to start a drift boat company with a bale of hay and some stucco.
Tom Mitzlaff once built a skiff in his garage... and turned it into a major boat company. Today he's the owner of SoloSkiff--one of the most innovative new craft to hit the water in years.
Prolific fly tyer and author Scott Sanchez, author of "River of Dreams," on the famous Jackson Hole One-Fly Contest and how to tie a fly... that will never die.
Dr. Anders Halverson is the author of the new book, "An Entirely Synthetic Fish," which is a killer read about the rise and mass promulgation of the rainbow trout worldwide. How did a fish we put so much value on come to be so widespread, and does it really deserve the credit we give it?
Kirk Deeter is the new editor of "Trout" magazine, the magazine of Trout Unlimited, as well as the co-owner, publisher and editor of "Angling Trade," the fly-fishing industry's magazine, AND an editor-at-large for "Field & Stream," where he also runs the FlyTalk blog. Don't miss his insights on a wide range of fly fishing topics.
Tom Dyll is the founder and host of Microskiff.com, one of the most unique sites on the internet for lovers of flats fishing and watercraft. Don't miss his intriguing insights into the boat building culture and the growing microskiff movement.
Macauley Lord was the Head Instructor of the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing School for two decades, and is the author of the "L.L. Bean Fly Casting Handbook" among many other titles. Over his years of teaching, he's learned to dispense almost completely with verbal instruction, preferring a kind of Zen-master approach to fly casting instruction.
Georgia Pellegrini is the author of the new book, "Girl Hunter." A former banker turned professional chef, Pellegrini threw herself full-bore into the world of outdoor sports, applying her passion for cooking and her "locavore" instincts in an entirely new way. Now an accomplished outdoorswoman, Pellegrini trains women and girls to appreciate the outdoors--and her cooking tips will blow you away.
Jim Klug is the owner of Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Outfitters and an excellent angler. His stories of world travel are some of the best, and you absolutely can't miss learning who wins the tug of war between a school of piranhas and a Brazilian guide. (Hint, head on over to the site and click the link for a clue).
Miles Nolte is the editor of "The Alaska Chronicles" and the Fishing Editor for Gray's Sporting Journal. His descriptions on the behind-the-scenes activities at an Alaskan lodge are as hilarious as they are intriguing, and don't miss his story of how he wrote himself onto the staff of the most prestigious outdoor publication.
April Vokey has gone from relative obscurity to near-ubiquity in less than five years, but her passion for steelhead and fly fishing remains undiminished. Check in and listen to her self-reflections, her passions, and her dreams.
Rick Pope is the owner of Temple Fork Outfitters and one of the most knowledgeable people anywhere about the business of fly fishing. His company has not only succeeded in hard times, it's reshaped the entire industry. As he explains, TFO is going about it the right way, with care for its workers and a commitment to value that few other manufacturers can match.
Brian Carson is the man behind Clear Cure Goo, the innovative UV-curing resin product which has revolutionized fly tying. This is the last episode of Season Six and it's a good one; come for the science, stay for the tying tips and some practical know-how.
Justin Witt is the owner of Patagonia Unlimited, one of the only outfitters in the region to offer a low-cost "guide special." He's also a successful businessman stateside, but he left that all behind to live the dream, starting with a pan-Patagonian trek that almost cost him his life--and wound up introducing him to his wife. Don't miss his awesome stories, seriously.
Lori-Ann Murphy is a popular and well-known guide from Montana, who recently took over as fishing coordinator at El Pescador Lodge in Belize. Don't miss her comments on the way saltwater fly fishing has changed, and her exciting analysis of the most elusive fish in salt water: the permit.
Henry Cowen is the inventor of the Cowen's Baitfish and one of Georgia's top striper guides. Listen in for his detailed and informative interview on catching linesides with the fly rod.
Dr. Aaron Adams is the Director of Operations for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (formerly Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited). Tune in for his fascinating explanation of the new science of satellite tagging and the remarkable behaviors of bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Thanks to this new science, we may be able to protect these important species from the cradle for the first time, thus improving sportfishing for everyone.
Bill Oyster's a well-known cane rodmaker who does beautiful work, but probably his greatest skill is as a teacher. He's building a new shop in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, and that shop is going to be one of a kind. Part factory, part school, part inn; it's likely to become one of the great fly-fishing meccas of the northern hemisphere. Tune in to catch this unique individual and his exciting plan for the future of cane rods.
Steve Dally's journey to Arkansas from Tasmania has been long and full of unique experiences. Now he finds himself the owner of a brand new fly shop, right on the banks of Arkansas's famous White River. Don't miss his insight into what it takes to a get a fly shop off the ground!
Dr. Way Yin has had a hand in designing a good chunk of the Spey tackle on the market, (including designing for Scott Fly Rods and Scientific Anglers) and his reflections on the extreme growth of Spey casting--and how lucky we are to have our modern tackle--are well worth the listen.
Mark Richens just bought legendary rodmaker Thomas & Thomas, rescuing it from what has been a fairly public decline. But with a background in successfully managing start-ups, an appreciation for the importance of keeping the racks full, and a hearty sense of the company's history, the future is obviously bright.
Capt. Paul Rose has perfected flats fishing for carp--and he uses the technique to hone his anglers' skills for more prestigious targets. Don't miss this intriguing look at a flats-fishing practice so engaging, you might just forget it's "practice."
Flip Pallot, long-time host of ESPN's "The Walker's Cay Chronicles," discusses the best and worst of fishing television, why we were lucky to have a show like his in the first place, and his most memorable travel stories.
Tim Pommer is the chief product developer and head lab rat at Scientific Anglers. He's also a musky expert and the guy who did all the testing on SA's popular Sharkskin fly line. Ever wondered just how "scientific" the fly fishing companies really are? Tune in to find out.
Kristen Mustad of Nautilus Reels describes how the Norwegian scion of a powerful family wound up owning a reel company in Florida... and sounding like Antonio Banderas. Tune in for the last episode of 2010's Season Five, and mark your calendars for the upcoming Season Six!
Professional outdoor photographer Tosh Brown has been featured in dozens of publications. Once upon a time, he was a travel agent. Tune in to hear his fascinating thoughts on one of the best jobs ever invented... and what happened to it.
Ever since founder Ross Hauck created the first machined, black Ross Reel, his company has led the pack (and inspired many imitators). Now, that company has been purchased by 3M: will it be a success story like 3M's ownership of Scientific Anglers, or a slow burn to obscurity as has happened to some of 3M's less fortunate purchases? Tune in to find out.
Joe Healy is the editor in chief and publisher of Fly Rod & Reel magazine. Don't miss his intriguing ground-level insights into both the history of fly fishing's publishing world, and its future.
Missourian Randy Hanner is a Fly Fishing Team USA member who's seen it all; don't miss his informative break-down of the secrets of European anglers.
Trout Unlimited CEO Chris Wood addresses the "Holy War" over access, as well as the ongoing fight in Washington to preserve clean water for trout--and our future.
Graham Owen has carved out the coolest career in fly fishing: tying super-realistic flies as film props for Hollywood! Don't miss this intriguing interview.
L.L. Bean is one of the largest outdoor companies in the world, but when it comes to fly-fishing, they try to act like a small start up. And with abundant hunting and fishing opportunities right out the back door of their Freeport, Maine, headquarters, it's amazing these guys get anything done at all. Sometimes being a large catalog company can create head-scratching conundrums (like wondering whether you're asking enough for your products). At the end of the day, though, there's a reason for the company's 100 years of success: old-fashioned quality.
Kyle Kosovich is the owner and head guide at Longboat Outfitters. He built a unique modern version of the historical White River jon boat (also known as the "jack boat"), which he currently uses to guide the Missouri Ozarks. From 1940s-style multi-day floats, complete with gourmet campfire baking, to modern tailwaters such as the Norfork, this is a boat--and a style of fishing--that can do it all.
Seth Vernon is a well known guide in the Carolinas, as well as a fly tackle rep. Don't miss his step by step guide to getting up to speed on redfishing, from tackle and tactics to the differences between the Carolina and Louisiana fisheries.
Chris Schrantz is one of the owners and production managers for Boulder Boatworks, one of the most innovative driftboat companies working today. Don't miss his detailed and knowledgeable explanation of drift boats--an entirely new topic for the Podcast.
Tom Rosenbauer is the host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast and the author/editor of many of Orvis' well-known Guides. Don't miss his unique perspective on the state of the modern media industry, and his intriguing look into the Google-like culture on the Orvis campus (arguably the best place to work in all of fly-fishing).
Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle inherited his company unexpectedly while still in college; within a year he and his mother (also new to her job) had cut the company revenues in half. Today Columbia is the world's largest outdoor clothes company. Don't miss Tim's incredible story, touching on everything from hats to the world's first fishing vest to escaping from Adolf Hitler.
Fly fishing has many celebrities, but none are more talented than Dave and Emily Whitlock. Whether it's crafting fine art, stocking world-record brown trout (literally!), or teaching an entire generation not only how to cast, but how to enjoy fly fishing to the fullest, you don't get any closer to fly fishing royalty than the Whitlocks. Tune in for this special episode, (our seventieth!)
In 2005, outdoor writer Steve Rinella won a tag lottery, and began one of the last true wilderness adventures possible in the United States. Don't miss his thrilling and informative tale of a bison hunt at the foot of Alaska's Wrangell Mountains almost gone badly wrong. Big bears, bigger rivers, hypothermia, and above all the will of Man--both Rinella's, and the many who came before and who quite literally shaped the animal we call buffalo. If you like the podcast, you'll love his book: American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon.
If fly fishing has an iconoclast, it's Tom Bie. As the publisher, editor, and owner of The Drake, arguably fly-fishing's most high-concept national magazine and certainly one of its best, Bie has made a conscious effort to cater to "the guides, instead of the guys who hire the guides." Don't miss this unique interview.
Phil Monahan is one of the most experience hands in the business when it comes to picking cover shots. After several years at the helm of American Angler magazine (and stints at Outdoor Life), he's been kind enough to share his extensive knowledge in this special slideshow-based podcast.
To get the slideshow you'll need to watch this episode, GO TO ITINERANTANGLER.COM/PODCASTS. Once the slideshow is loaded, be sure to push pause so you can keep pace with the commentary.
Gary Loomis is best known today as the founder of G.Loomis, one of the world's largest fishing brands. But did you know he used to be a self-characterized steelhead junkie? From the birth of graphite rods to what happens when you piss off one of baseball's greatest legends, Gary Loomis has been at ground zero for practically every major fishing innovation in the last fifty years. Tune in to hear his incredible tale.
Illustrator Joe Tomelleri discusses drawing photo-realistic trout and finding new species in Mexico!
Whiting Farms has the world market on genetically-engineered hackle cornered. Tune in to hear Dr. Tom Whiting's explanation of the history of his company, how he breeds for certain traits, and what happens to all those chickens after their pelts are "harvested."
Jerry Siem is the chief rod designer at Sage, arguably the biggest domestic manufacturer of high-end fly rods. Jerry's encyclopedic knowledge of rodbuilding dates from the early days of Fenwick, through his own personal time at R.L. Winston, and up to today, with Sage reliably producing some of the most popular fly rod models in the industry. Enjoy this thoroughly educational interview.
Jim Bartschi, President and chief rod designer at Scott Fly Rods, explains why fly rods have grown increasingly expensive, along with a great many other things about fly rod pricing.
Patricia Edel is the owner of the Blue Fly Guide Service in King Salmon, Alaska. Listen to her highly entertaining interview about the quirks of life in King Salmon; from $10 milk, to bears with pink paws, to the huge runs of salmon and enormous native rainbows.
Gar, shoal bass and striper, with Kent Edmonds. As one of Georgia's best known guides, Kent Edmonds and his methods of fishing are frequent topics of conversation in southeastern chat rooms and fly shops. Listen in as he describes Georgia and Florida's unique shoal bass (perfect for fly fishing) as well as tactics for more extravagant species like longnose gar!
Paul Puckett is a well-known face among southeastern anglers and patrons of the Fish Hawk fly shop in Atlanta. Soon he'll be even better known nation-wide for his artwork, which range from near photorealistic depictions of angler catches to unique etching designs more commonly seen in 19th century texts. In his many travels, he's picked up quite a few interesting stories, too -- like the time he sold Dick Cheney a fishing license. Don't miss this exciting new podcast.
Derek DeYoung is arguably the hottest young painter working in the outdoor world right now. Tune in to understand his philosophy, his market, and why he just loves to paint trout.
Few people of any stripe start their own businesses in their mid-twenties, but next to none go about it quite like April Vokey. Unconventional in the extreme, the rare woman in a man's world, April has overcome everything from institutional prejudice to a car accident which nearly ended her fishing career - by taking her foot. Through it all, April not only maintained an upbeat attitude; she took it to a whole different plane.
"Damn right you can wear mascara," April tells her fellow female anglers. "You wear it to the grocery store; why can't you wear it to the river? Why would you have to look like a boy to fish like one?" Why indeed? Don't miss this extremely unique voice - for her insights into angling, into steelhead, and into perseverance.
Head guide, champion caster, woman in a man's world: any of these could describe Rachel Finn and yet none would be sufficient. Only one term encompasses Rachel as she sees herself: fisherman. Listen to Rachel's insightful and unique perspective on guiding and teaching both men and women as one of the only (and the best) female guides in the country.
James Prosek: national bestselling author at 19, publisher of more than ten acclaimed works of art and fiction, on success, working in the publishing industry, and the passions of a unique mind.
Nick Lyons is the founder of the Lyons Press, a longtime columnist in Fly Fisherman magazine, and a true literary luminary of the sport of fly fishing. Listen to his intelligent and insightful commentary on the nature of publishing fly fishing books, the lasting impact of Norman Maclean's great work, and the search for his successor.
Tom Pero, Editor of Fish & Fly Magazine, and Richard Hewitt, owner of FishandFly.com, discuss the breaking news of the merger between their companies, what this means for subscribers, and the editorial direction of the new venture. Season Four kicks off with this breaking news story (and what breaking news story would be complete without red, purple, even yellow bikinis). Intrigued? Stay tuned.
Cortland Line Company, Sage, Ross Reels, Redington, Orvis, Costa Del Mar and G. Loomis share their upcoming products for 2009, LIVE from the Fly Tackle Retailer Show!
Patagonia, Cloudveil, Rio Products, TFO and Fishpond share their upcoming products for 2009, LIVE from the Fly Tackle Retailer Show!
Today, LIVE from the Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver, Colorado, learn about the new products for 2009 from Simms, Scientific Anglers, Scott Fly Rods, Dr. Slick, and Tibor! Don't miss tomorrow's show featuring more manufacturers and more great new products, live at 12:00PM Eastern!
Outdoor monolith Patagonia is world-renowned for its environmental ethic, its engineering drive... and its high prices. Listen to Bill Klyn, head product designer for Patagonia's fly fishing division, explain exactly what your dollars go to when you buy a Patagonia product - from innovative recycling efforts to the leave-no-trace ethos that defined the company from its very humble beginnings and continues to shape its products today.
Ian Crabtree is, in many ways, a coldwater version of previous guest Capt. Will Benson. Listen to his astute observations on the culture of guiding in Alaska, what it's like behind the scenes at a remote salmon lodge, and what impact anglers' take has on the fishery. Don't miss this rare opportunity to get inside the head of a top Alaskan fishing guide - you may find yourself behaving differently on your next guided trip as a result.
Tim Rajeff has truly lived a life of flyfishing. From his childhood tagging along to San Francisco's Golden Gate Angling Club with his big brother, world champion Steve Rajeff, to his work distributing Airflo's unique fly lines, to the creation of Rajeff Sports and Echo Fly Rods, Tim Rajeff never seems to slow down. Tune in for a look inside the international competitive casting circuit of the 1980s and for a primer on the complexities of fly line manufacture. Then learn what makes a world champion tick; and how much fun it is to beat him at his own game.
Johnny Le Coq has been a successful businessman (and photographer) all his life. Still, who could expect a small accessories company--you know, the ones which crop up each year like daffodils, only to wither as fast as they came--to not only survive the turmoils of fly fishing's small market, but to become what one rep called "the company I'd give my left [censored] to land?" Listen in as Johnny's design genius peeks through the cracks of his modesty while he unveils one of fly-fishing's hottest brands.
Greg Lilly is the founder and (again) owner of Healing Waters Lodge. He also runs the "Think Like a Guide" series of on-the-water schools out of his location in Twin Bridges, Montana. Come along as Greg discusses guide etiquette, tipping, and how to fish like the guides.
Jim Murphy founded Redington and Albright Tackle, and today is President of Hardy North America. Listen to his insightful and uncommonly candid commentary on foreign manufacture, outsourcing, and fly-fishing product design and distribution. Don't miss the unveiling of a timeless classic coming back to Hardy's lineup for 2009.
Kelly Galloup is the inventor--or at least the compiler--of modern trophy trout streamer fishing. Listen in as he gives what amounts to a masterclass in his unique sinking line/articulated streamer techniques for "mature" trout; you know, the ones over twenty-five inches!
One of the hottest young guys in the Florida Keys right now is Captain Will Benson, also known for his submissions to The Drake's annual fly fishing video contest. Listen as Will gives an inside look at guide culture in the most competitive saltwater fly fishery on the planet; how to book a guide (early--in life!), when to go for permit, tarpon, or bones, and what is really going on inside your guide's head while you're flailing away on the deck.
Best known for his appearance in Felt Soul Media's hit fly-fishing movie Running Down the Man, Frank Smethurst is one of the few anglers qualified to represent the up-and-coming sector of fly fishing in any environment. Whether he's on the scorching beaches of Baja or in an Ohio river that once quite literally caught fire, Frank conveys the sense that he's just one of your fishing buddies. (Even if he would probably be the most-talented, widest-traveled, and best-groomed of your buddies). Frank's next project is hosting Trout Unlimited's upcoming television series, On the Rise on the Outdoor Channel, starting April 10. (Don't miss the excellent trailer for the show!)
Tibor Nemeth is the commercial photographer responsible for the award-winning Simms Catalog. Come along for this unique look at our sport through the lens of a really talented outsider.
Charles Jardine is one of the world's great experts; his breadth of knowledge ranges from the chalk streams of England to the four corners of the United States. Don't miss his insightful and well-informed commentary on the rise of angling tradition, the 'rules' Americans inherited from the UK, and modern-day uses for some pretty old fly fishing technology.
Davy Wotton's road from his homeland of Wales to the rugged shores of Arkansas' White River has been long and winding. Along the way, he's fished with some of the best anglers in the world, in some of the best places in the world. He is unquestionably one of the most innovative anglers of his generation and a sage when it comes to the intricacies of the South's finest tailwater.
Barry and Cathy Beck are synonymous with excellence in fly fishing photography. As some of the most successful trip hosts in the industry, they've experienced their fair share of exciting travel experiences, too. Listen in as they reveal a few of their secrets, tell a few hair-raising tales, and display so clearly why they're frequently called 'the nicest people in fly fishing.'
Peter Morse is Australia's Fly-Fishing Superman; as the former host of one of the only primetime fly fishing TV shows to ever run worldwide and an expert on most of the fishing opportunities in the Indo-Pacific, Peter's built up a cache of stories unequalled by any. Don't miss his entertaining and elucidating discussions about the four species of bonefish, the jaw-dropping power of the New Guinea Bass, and the amazing temperate species of the Australian mainland!
Ed Engle is one of Colorado's most famous (and expert) anglers and guides. As a frequent contributor to American Angler magazine and the author of "Splitting Cane," Ed is in a rare position to enjoy unfettered access to some of the most exclusive locations. Nevertheless, he calls the South Platte his home water. Don't miss his comments on dealing with crowds, searching for big trout on little flies, and getting away from it all in the high mountain streams.
Ted Leeson is an instructor of writing at Oregon State University and a magazine writer for Field and Stream and Fly Rod and Reel. Come along as he explains the nuances of fly-fishing writing, how it has changed, and how it could be improved.
Jason Borger has lived fly-fishing's version of the star-crossed life. As the son of Gary Borger, Jason grew up fishing around the world in some of the most appealing places imaginable. Though he could have taken it all for granted, he never lost his love of fishing and, especially, fly-casting; a fact which paid off handsomely when Robert Redford came calling with a little job for Jason: stunt-doubling for Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It.
The Angling Exploration Group is many things, but timid isn't one of them. From Patagonia to New Zealand, Iceland to (now) Mongolia, these young fishermen, world-travelers, and even (in fly-fishing circles, anyway) revolutionaries, are perfectly prepared to drop a snowboard-and-skater-culture-inspired bomb on the staid angling public. But never let it be said that theirs is also the slacker culture: few anglers are willing to roll square into the mouth of the unknown, and none of them do it in such an entertaining fashion. Join the AEG crew live this week from the Mongolian steppes, where they are targeting lenok trout and elusive, massive taimen.
Join Simms President and Owner K.C. Walsh as he sits down for a thorough explanation of the difference between Gore-Tex and other breathable fabrics, the balancing act involved in designing the world's most expensive waders, and the fight to cut costs whereever possible.
Come along with your host Zach Matthews as he fishes for bonefish on Grand Bahama Island!
In James Babb's time as the editor of Gray's Sporting Journal he's learned many things about writing and outdoorsmanship. Don't miss his insightful reflections on sport, literature, and the dumbing-down of our outdoor reading culture.
Scott Fly Rods may well be the last all-American fly rod company. Listen close as President Jim Bartschi lifts the curtain on outsourcing in this even-handed and fair, but uncommonly candid interview. Hang on through the end of the show, when Jim reveals Scott's newest lineup of rods for 2008, including updates to the Classic series as well as a whole new line of highest-performance rods!
When Jim Klug left Scientific Anglers to found his own fly fishing travel company, he knew that "fly fishing needed another travel company about as bad as it needed another reel manufacturer." So he took his operation, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, in a new direction, hiring unknown guides rather than celebrities and booking the world at all its various levels of comfort. Listen in as Jim describes international bank robberies, deaths on flights, and the best fishing on the planet.
Simon Chu is the man-on-the-scene, the local contact for Britain-based FlyOdyssey (www.flyodyssey.co.uk), a fly-fishing travel company, in the Kiwi land (even further) Down Under. Listen in as Simon gives us the skinny on New Zealand trout and "saltfly" fishing, and don't miss his ideas for a personal tour of the country.
Also, don't miss our new partnership with MidCurrent FlyFishing (www.midcurrent.com), fly fishing's number one online news and information resource. We're very happy to have this partnership.
Buzz Bryson has (frequently) been titled "the nicest man in fly-fishing," and you'll know why after hearing this interview. As the author of Fly Rod and Reel magazine's long-running (but tragically discontinued) "Ask Professor Buzz" column and a frequent contributor to that magazine, Buzz has had the opportunity to fish with some of fly-fishing's greats, and in some of fly-fishing's great places. This week he takes us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with stories of one of the sport's most notorious tackle-busters: the false albacore.
Dave Klausmeyer, editor of Fly Tyer magazine, picks his favorites, analyzes the looming threat of bird flu, and tells some great fishing stories along the way.
Dr. Robert Behnke is one of the (and maybe just the) world's foremost authorities on trout and salmon species. Listen to his down-to-earth explanations of the creation of cutthroat trout, the salvation of the Greenback and Lahontan cutthroat subspecies, and a little fish called onchonychus clarki behnkeii.
Brian O'Keefe has been many things in his life--professional ski instructor, professional photographer, fly fisherman, and world traveler--but above all, he's been excellent. Few anglers have achieved the level of skill Brian takes for granted, whether in fishing or photography. Listen carefully, because in this uncommonly generous interview, Brian gives a lot of advice to the budding professional photographer, and it's the kind of advice money can't buy. Along the way he'll take us from New Zealand to the India/Pakistan border, where an armed confrontation ends as all should: with someone buying a beer!
Dan Blanton, California striped bass and saltwater expert, discusses rigging for record striper in detail, what it takes to succeed in the California fishery, and some of his experiences in Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria.
Ted Juracsik of Tibor Reels on fleeing the Communists, fly reel design, and everything in between.
Lefty Kreh on everything from Flip Pallott's backyard BB count to pullin' stumps deep in the jungles of New Guinea!
Few anglers in the history of the sport have achieved mastery over their chosen specialty on the level of Simon Gawesworth. Listen as he takes you through the burgeoning world of spey fishing; new spey casters may want to write this down: S-K-A-G-I-T.
Bill Butts is a white bass and striper expert who lives in the Ozarks, but is willing to travel around Mid-America chasing his favorite quarry. In one of our most practical (dare I say blue collar) podcasts yet, Bill gives detailed advice on how to target these plentiful and exciting fish on flies.
Bernard Ramanauskas is the 36-year-old bamboo guru who recently revitalized Scott Fly Rods' cane shop. Enjoy his cerebral and engaging explanations of bamboo rodmaking at the highest level.
Larry Kenney describes 1960s San Francisco, when he had a bird's eye view of the founding of the Scott Fly Rod Company and the early development of graphite rods. Don't miss the Streamside Essay 'River X' following the interview!
The members of the Angling Exploration Group have made it their mission to provide fly fishing's stodgier establishment with a much-needed shot in the rear. Whether they're pummeling rented Jeeps in Patagonia or trout bumming their way across Reykjavik, these young documentarians and explorers make desk-bound anglers everywhere jealous, though as you'll hear, it's not all tall blondes and warm campsites...
Conway Bowman, bluewater captain and flyfishing adventurer extraordinaire, brings us first hand accounts of landing boat-jumping, hand-chomping, kayak-charging mako shark on the fly. Our most exciting episode yet!
Steve Moore, head biologist of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reveals some of the secrets of the Smokies, including big browns and newly available brookies.
Phil Monahan, editor of American Angler magazine, takes us through the inside of flyfishing publishing and relates stories from his time as a guide, followed by an essay from Brazil.
Captain Scott Graham has quickly become the top big tarpon guide in the great state of Texas, and he wows us this week with his stories of 200 pound fish, as well as fills us in on the new techniques of tracking them.
Sante Giuliani tells us this week about his own rehabilitation thanks to cane rods, the early days of bamboo manufacture, as well as gives advice on some good bargains for modern collectors and fishermen to look out for.
This week Midcurrent Flyfishing editor Marshall Cutchin shares some memories from the early days of flyfishing in the Florida Keys, as well as offers some of his impressions on the impact of angling over the last twenty five years in those waters.
We've got a good one for you this week: 3M/Scientific Anglers chief line designer and all around guru Bruce Richards. Bruce discusses fly line manufacture, the Sage Casting Analyzer, and why all those new rods are so darn stiff.
Temple Fork Outfitters founder and President Rick Pope speaks on the impact of outsourcing on fly fishing, Lefty Kreh, and the TFO product design strategy.
John Wilson fills us in on the amazing brown trout fishery of Arkansas' White River System, as well as his experiences with distance casting and competition fly fishing.
Miiddle Tennessee guide Mike Anderson discusses his streamer fishing tactics for catching large brown trout on Tennessee's overlooked Caney Fork River. Mike also highlights the Cumberland River of nearby Kentucky and discusses striper fishing on the fly.
Zach Matthews, editor of The Itinerant Angler and your host, narrates his slide presentation on improving your streamside photography. The show is geared toward the consumer photographer, and should be listened to while viewing the accompanying slideshow.