Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast Dave Stewart

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/620 
Presented by: Guide Book
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/guidebook 
Today we delve into fly fishing Central Florida with the expert guidance of Frank, a seasoned angler with decades of experience. He'll share invaluable insights into fishing strategies, equipment, and techniques. From targeting redfish and snook with varying rod weights to the intricacies of sight fishing with specialized lines, he got it covered.
He also highlights the importance of conservation in preserving the Indian River Lagoon system. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, Frank's wealth of experience and passion for fly fishing will inspire and inform your next fishing adventure.

Episode Chapters with Frank Catino on Fly Fishing Central Florida
1:47 - Frank recounts his early days in the mid-1970s when fly fishing was rare in his area. He was mentored by Gary Schroeder, who introduced him to the sport. Frank ran a tackle store where he built custom rods.
He collaborated with a machine shop to create a tarpon reel, which he successfully pitched to Orvis, leading to significant orders and cementing his place in the fly fishing industry.
5:38 - We talk about the Catino reel he used to build for Orvis until about 1984, at which point the market saw an influx of imported reels, making it difficult for him to compete due to his lack of machinist skills, unlike his competitors who were professional machinists.
7:53 - He assists Cortland in various capacities, particularly in Florida. He works with sales representatives and collaborates on developing fly lines and braids, leveraging his expertise in saltwater fishing.
8:24 - We delve into the fishing opportunities in central Florida. Frank highlights the diverse fishing options available in the lagoon system, emphasizing the popularity of sight fishing for redfish in Mosquito Lagoon. He lists other common species such as tarpon and snook, noting the variety available to anglers.
14:44 - Frank explains that the optimal fishing times vary depending on the season and temperature. Overall, he concludes that the best time for an all-day fishing experience in central Florida is from October through April due to cooler temperatures and more active fish.
17:18 - Mid-May they start seeing more tarpon, particularly larger ones. He mentions that there are smaller tarpons, weighing five to 20 pounds, present year-round in the backwater marshes where they grow by feeding on mosquito larvae. Hence the Mosquito Lagoon.
19:46 - We discuss the natural beauty and wildlife of the Mosquito Lagoon and the Canaveral National Seashore. Frank explains that the cape extends far into the ocean, and from his house, which is a few miles south, one can see the lagoon and the ocean. The region is popular for bird watching and is groomed for duck hunting.
22:11 - Frank highlights that while December and January are good months to visit their area, people must be cautious about hurricane season, which peaks from mid-August to the end of October, with September being the most active month.
24:32 - We dig into fishing strategies and equipment for targeting different fish species in various conditions. Around January, Frank typically sets rods for redfish and sometimes snook, using a variety of rod weights, primarily 6 to 8wt, because they are lighter and more comfortable for most anglers.
He elaborates that in places like Mosquito Lagoon, his primary target would be redfish, but this could change depending on the location within the lagoon system. For example, further south, he might switch to targeting snook with heavier tackle.
27:18 - For targeting Snook, an 8wt rod is appropriate, along with 7 and 9wt rods, depending on the size of the fly being cast. He explains that 7wt rods are ideal for fishing smaller snook along mangrove shorelines, while 8 and 9wt rods are better for casting larger baitfish patterns, especially when targeting large snook.
34:42 - Frank

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/619
Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
Think of the last time you saw a fish rise to eat an insect. Were you able to identify what stage of the insect that that fish was feeding on? How about trying to identify the actual bug and what's your best method for capturing an insect? If you want to try to idea it, today's guest is going to give you answers to all these questions, and he's going to dive into fishing Spring creeks. So you are ready for your next big trip on the water. This has Traveled where we take a deep dive into a specific region of the country so you have a better feel for what it takes to put together a great trip. And so you are better prepared for that next journey.
Satoshi Yamamoto, fly tying expert in Spring Creek Guide in the Yellowstone country shares his best tips on fishing spring creeks. Today you'll find out which are the best hatches during the year and the best times to fish each of those hatches. How to focus on and fish the PMD hatch and some killer fly time tips if you're fishing smallies or even the larger Atlantic salmon flies. Plus, you're going to hear the story of Satoshi's dream of being a cowboy and how it brought him westward and the story of how he made this a reality. This episode of Traveled is presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory, where you can explore great fishing, hunting, hot springs, winter sports, and so much more. 
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/619

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/618 
Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Stonefly Nets
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors  
Today, we're diving into choosing the perfect trout fly with an expert who knows his stuff. Imagine you're at the river with your perfect fly rod set-up, ready to catch a trout, but unsure which fly to use.
Spencer Durrant, a fly fishing content creator and gear enthusiast, is here to help. He will guide us through the top three things to consider when choosing the right fly pattern, even if it's your first time fishing. Plus, he'll share his insights on gear reviews and his must-have flies for any situation.

Episode Chapters with Spencer Durrant on Choosing the Perfect Trout Fly
2:40 - Spencer recounts his earliest experience with fly fishing. He shares a nostalgic story about how his father took him on an unexpected fishing trip instead of the grocery store, leading to a memorable day at Family Creek in Utah.
5:23 - He talks about his career journey. Spencer shares that after serving a mission for a church, he was uncertain about his future and decided against attending college. He gravitated towards fishing and spent significant time on the Lower Provo River in Utah.
10:30 - We discuss Spencer's journey into podcasting and his collaboration with Ventures Fly Co. He reveals that he has long been interested in podcasts and had a short-lived one a few years ago. His involvement with Ventures Fly Co. began serendipitously when he met the team while fishing, leading to a partnership. They launched their current podcast in December 2022, focusing on making fly fishing accessible for beginners.
13:40 - We dig into choosing the right fly for fly fishing. Spencer emphasizes simplifying the selection process to make it more accessible, especially for beginners. He and his colleague Alex from Ventures developed an easy-to-follow method called the "Right Fly Formula." The formula is based on three main criteria: size, shape, and color.
19:55 - To learn about fly fishing without getting too deep into the etymology, Spencer suggests visiting a local fly shop for detailed information about local rivers and hatching insects. For those without access to a fly shop or a nearby river, he recommends getting a basic education on identifying common insects like caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies, including their nymphs.
22:36 - He recommends visiting their website for online fly fishing and fly tying masterclasses for beginners.
23:58 - We dive deep into how to prepare for fishing in Yellowstone with dry flies.
31:23 - Spencer emphasizes that making flies look perfect isn't necessary and suggests that uniqueness can help a fly stand out. He shares an anecdote about a friend catching fish with a severely worn-out fly to highlight that presentation might be more important than the fly's appearance.
35:51 - He stresses the need to closely observe the surroundings. He advises turning over rocks in the water to match the local insect life to the flies in your tackle box, ensuring a better match and higher success rate in catching fish.
40:43 - Spencer mentions using a big dry fly and an orange dubbing that he found among his grandfather's fly-tying materials, which perfectly matches the October caddis. He often fishes a caddis emerger pattern, either off the back of an elk hair caddis dry fly or by nymphing it deep under a stonefly nymph to reach the bottom where fish are feeding.
43:40 - Spencer's Untangled Podcast began as a Q&A-based show driven by listener questions. He mentions his recent episodes, including topics like fly rods, waders, and trout behavior, and a notable episode where I gave my top 5 lessons from his 600 episodes.
46:45 - Spencer curates news stories and writes gear columns at MidCurrent, including reviews and guides on selecting the right equipment. He recently wrote about the BOA versus traditional laces for wading boots.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/617
Presented By: Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Guide Book
 
What happens when life throws you a curveball? Our guest today was a pro skateboarder living the dream. Then, BAM! A car accident forces him to ditch the board.
Fred Campbell is here to tell us how this plot twist turned Fred into an outdoor guru and the mastermind behind Hooké, one of Canada's hottest outdoor brands.
Fred will give us a tour of Quebec's premier fly fishing destinations! This massive province in Eastern Canada offers incredible opportunities to catch Atlantic salmon, brook trout, arctic char, and many other species.
Show Notes with Fred Campbell on Quebec's Premier Fly Fishing Destinations. 
07:32 - Fred's first fly fishing experiences were with his grandfather, who took him canoeing and fishing for trout in Quebec. He later got into Atlantic salmon and wanted to make it more accessible.
10:51 - Fred also shares the story behind Hooké. The idea started as a fun name for his skateboarding and snowboarding crew and evolved into a brand. The name's unique accent makes it stand out and reflects his roots.
 
14:02 - Fred started in film production after a car accident ended his skateboarding career. He created Fokus Productions and eventually worked on big names like Red Bull.
After 12 years, he got tired of the hectic lifestyle and found his passion in fly fishing. He started filming his fishing trips, shared them online, and then built a clothing line around his brand. The Hooké grew rapidly and eventually had its own TV show.
21:35 - Fred talked about meeting Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia. We had Yvon on the podcast in Episode 536.
28:44—We chat about Fred's approach to hunting and filmmaking. He doesn't show animals suffering or dying because he believes it doesn't add value. Instead, he focuses on the whole hunting experience.
 
25:19 - Fred talked about his clothing line and how he spends 100 days a year outdoors testing the gear. He loves seeing people wear his brand, especially in his home province of Quebec.
Fishing in Quebec
41:06 - Fred shares about the amazing fishing opportunities in Quebec. Here are the different species you can catch there:
Walleye and Lake Trout
Brook Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Arctic Char
 
50:02 - Quebec has many managed fishing areas where you need permits, especially for Atlantic salmon.
DIY fishing is possible but requires preparation and understanding of local regulations. Here are some websites you can visit for more information:
Saumon Québec
Quebec Outfitters
Sépaq
Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/617
 

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/616 
Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Northern Rockies Adventures, Togens Fly Shop
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 
Today, we're diving deep into Baja Fly Fishing with James Shaughnessy, founder of Beulah Fly Rods. Get ready to discover where to find the elusive roosterfish, how to approach them, and why a steelhead mindset is essential for success. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just starting, this episode is packed with tips and tricks on the best fly rods for different seasons and the ideal rod weight for this year's roosterfish adventure. So, grab your gear and join us for an engaging and informative chat with one of the industry's best.

Episode Chapters with James Shaughnessy on Baja Fly Fishing
1:57 - James recounts his early fishing experiences, starting as a child in Puerto Rico, where he fished off beaches and developed a deep love for the ocean. His passion continued in Florida, where he fished for inshore species like sea trout and snook.
6:04 - He shares his journey into the fishing rod industry, detailing his extensive background and specialization in fly fishing. Having worked in fly shops and as a guide, he gained significant exposure to fly rods.
James highlights that the switch rods were a pioneering product, as they were among the first commercial series available, setting his company apart. This innovation was well-received, leading to the development of fly lines specifically designed for switch rods, which were scarce at the time.
11:18 - James describes Baja as one of the best fishing spots in the world, likening it to a 900-mile pier. He highlights the accessibility of the beaches, the variety of species, and the ease of catching large sport fish like marlin and roosterfish close to shore due to the deep waters of the Sea of Cortez. He also emphasizes the friendly locals and the overall safety and beauty of the area.
14:19 - He elaborates on the challenges of catching roosterfish, particularly from the beach. He explains that even with live bait, roosterfish are notoriously difficult to catch due to their sharp instincts and tendency to reject bait. Catching them from the beach requires perfect timing, luck, and skill, making it a highly rewarding endeavor for dedicated fishermen.
16:15 - We dig into their operations in Baja which run during prime fishing months, offering trips usually consisting of five to six days of fishing. The busiest months are from May to July, and they resume after hurricane season in October, extending to Pacific side trips in November and December.
22:23 - He discusses the unique dorsal fin of roosterfish and its role in their hunting strategy. James explains that the fin is used to corral bait, such as sardines, by creating a vortex that traps the prey, making it easier for the roosterfish or its companions to catch it. This behavior is particularly evident during their feeding frenzy, which presents a prime opportunity for anglers to target them.
23:17 - James elaborates on the gear and techniques for targeting fishing roosterfish. From a boat, anglers typically use flies that mimic the baitfish in size and color. When fishing from the beach, larger flies are used to stand out among the baitfish schools, as roosterfish quickly dart in and out during their attacks.
29:36 - For targeting roosterfish, James recommends the Beulah G2 10wt rod, which is versatile enough for various conditions and effective for casting and fighting fish. He mentions that a 12wt rod might be used for larger fish but generally sticks to 10 or 11wt rods. For flies, James reiterates the effectiveness of a standard six-inch fly mullet pattern for roosterfish.
39:16 - James explains that the trips run from Saturday to Saturday, with guests flying in, picked up by a van, and transported a couple of hours up the coast. There are also opportunities for evening trips to fish for species like cubera snapper.
41:

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/615 
Presented by: Skwala, TroutRoutes, Togiak River Lodge, Visit Helena, MT
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 
In today's episode, Drew Evans of The Fly Project walks us through their buzzing Carp Clave event.
Drew will share his top three carp fishing tips, including the legendary drag-and-drop technique you don’t want to miss. Plus, he’ll dive into the must-have gear for the season and give us the scoop on spotting carp in those tricky river flats. And if that’s not enough, get ready to be hooked by tales of fish camps and exotic fishing trips to places like Belize!

Episode Chapters with Drew Evans on the Carp Clave
3:11 - Drew describes the Carp Clave event as possibly the first of its kind, aiming to educate and introduce more people to carp fishing, which traditional trout fishermen often overlook. It was held in Boardman, Oregon, a location chosen for its abundant flats and carp.
7:18 - Drew explains that the Carp Clave highlights the parallels between flats fishing, typically a saltwater technique, and carp fishing in shallow waters across the United States and even globally.
8:55 - He walks us through the event. He mentions Dick Sagara and a few more of the huge supporters of the event and the vendors and brands that were there.
18:20 - Drew explains that House of Fly is where he works. They offer a comprehensive range of fly fishing gear, from saltwater equipment to small creek necessities, carrying well-known brands like Echo, Sage, and Winston.
20:51 - We talk about his home river. For steelhead, he goes to Clearwater, Idaho. He also targets salmon and smallmouth bass.

25:01 - Drew explains that spring brings challenges like weather fronts and strong winds, which can affect water clarity essential for flat-style fishing. Despite potential visibility issues, carp can still be targeted due to their bright appearance, especially against sandy bottoms. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the fish's orientation to place the fly correctly.
28:04 - We dig into the gear for fishing in the Boardman area of the Columbia River for successful fishing during April. He emphasizes the importance of having a rod with a good backbone, suggesting an eight-weight rod as ideal. This rod size is versatile for different types of fish, including redfish, bonefish, permit, pike, smallmouth bass, and carp.
29:06 - He highlights the importance of selecting lines that can handle wind and varying temperatures. He recommends saltwater tapers, especially the Rio Outbound short for cold conditions and the SA Grand Slam or redfish taper for warmer conditions.
31:18 - Drew typically uses a long leader, around 12 to 13 feet, particularly when dealing with spooky fish. To counterbalance the long leader and ensure the fly sinks faster, he uses a heavier fly and often opts for a fluorocarbon tippet, ranging from 12 to 16 pounds. He mentions specific products like the redfish leaders from SA or Rio, which he finds particularly effective.

32:15 - He notes that anything from sizes 8 to 4 can be effective for the flies. He mentions the importance of having a variety of flies with different weights, from light bead chain eyes to medium dumbbell eyes, to adapt to different water depths. He highlights a particular fly, the hybrid carp fly created by John Bartlett, which has proven highly effective in carp fishing.
37:28 - Drew gives us three reasons to try carp fishing. He points out the accessibility of it, as it doesn't require long drives like trout fishing. He also mentions the practice it provides for saltwater fishing and the conservation benefits, as carp can be fished in hot weather when other fish are less active. It also offers a thrilling, challenging experience.
41:16 - He talks about the strategies for finding and not spooking carp while fishing. He emphasizes the importance of locating shallow water areas that can accommodate multiple fish. Drew also points o