The Butcher Shop

The Articulate Fly
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Semimonthly

Raw conversations with master angler tiers who craft and fish the deadliest streamers in the game. Each episode dissects signature patterns and complete systems for hunting trophy brown trout, musky, pike and bass. No recipes - just proven tactics from predator specialists who consistently deliver the goods.

  1. 5d ago

    The Science of Streamers (Pt II): Kirk Klingensmith on Swim Flies

    Episode OverviewOn this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash welcomes back Kirk Klingensmith for Part Two of their Science of Streamers conversation, this time digging into the physics behind swim flies and the Game Changer platform. Klingensmith brings an engineer's eye to the vise, breaking down why doubling a fly's length doesn't mean doubling its diameter and why that distinction matters more than most tiers realize. The conversation opens with the geometry of drag: length scales linearly, but diameter drives drag by the square, so a modest increase in diameter has an outsized effect on a fly's action. From there, Klingensmith and Cash trace how turbulence created at the front of a swim fly, whether from a deer hair lip, a cupped popper head or simply a bulky front-loaded profile, sets up the unstable eddy currents that make the rear of the fly undulate on the retrieve. They cover material choices (marabou, rabbit, craft fur, Flashabou) that add movement, the role of shank engineering and segmentation in producing a serpentine swim, and how stinger hook placement and connection material (wire, gel-spun, mono) change both the fly's action and its hookup rate on short-striking fish. A highlight of the episode is Klingensmith's breakdown of Brian Shumaker's Shimmering Minnow and the "hover and twitch" presentation he uses on pressured smallmouth bass in warm summer water. Key TakeawaysHow to scale a streamer's diameter separately from its length, since drag increases geometrically with diameter while length scales in linear proportionWhy turbulence-inducing elements like a deer hair lip, a cupped popper head or an oversized front profile make a swim fly kick and undulate on the retrieve instead of just sinking straightWhen to fish a swim fly on a dead-stop hover rather than a fast retrieve, particularly for pressured smallmouth bass in warm summer waterHow to use material mass and segment placement to dial in a tighter or more gradual S-curve swimming action on an articulated flyWhy adding a stinger hook can improve hookups on short-striking predatory fish while also changing how much mass and crash the tail of the fly carriesHow fly designers use a "chassis" mindset, treating patterns like the Clouser Minnow or Game Changer as adaptable platforms rather than fixed recipes Techniques & Gear CoveredKlingensmith explains swim fly action as a function of engineered turbulence: a drag-inducing front end (a lip, a cupped head or simply a bulky profile) creates unstable eddy currents that the rear of the fly follows, producing the swimming motion, while a laminar (streamlined) front would produce no swim at all. He details how progressively smaller shanks toward the tail increase segmentation and produce a more serpentine undulation, and how adding mass to those rear segments dampens the action into a slower, more gradual S-curve. On stinger hook rigging, he walks through connection options (wire, gel-spun, mono) and how hook placement and gauge affect both the fly's swim and its hook-up percentage on fish that nip at the tail rather than eating the head. Named patterns discussed include the Game Changer platform and two of its variants, the Jerk Changer and the Feather Changer, along with the Drunk & Disorderly, Brian Shumaker's Shimmering Minnow, the Clouser Minnow, Bob Popovics' Beast Fleye and Chris Walker's Kreelex-variant, a stinger-hook trout streamer designed for brown trout that key on the tail. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy don't fly proportions scale linearly when you size up a streamer pattern?Because drag from a cylindrical or spherical shape increases geometrically with diameter while length only scales linearly. Klingensmith explains that it's reasonable to scale a fly's length proportionally when going from, say, four inches to six inches, but the diameter should only be increased modestly, not scaled by the same ratio, or the fly's action and drag profile will be thrown off. What makes a swim fly like the Game Changer move with a swimming action instead of just sinking?The action comes from turbulence engineered into the front of the fly. A lip, a cupped popper head or simply a bulky, non-streamlined front end creates a drag source that generates unstable eddy currents, and the rest of the fly follows those currents on the retrieve. A streamlined, laminar-flow front would not produce this swimming motion. How does adding a stinger hook affect a swim fly's action and hookup rate?It depends heavily on how the shank-to-stinger connection is built, whether with wire, gel-spun line or mono, and whether the hook is left free or incorporated into the tail material. Stinger hooks are especially effective on predatory fish that nip at a fly's tail rather than striking the head, and shorter-shank designs like octopus hooks tend to hold hooked fish more securely than long-shank hooks. What is the "hover and twitch" technique Kirk Klingensmith uses for pressured smallmouth?Rather than burning the fly back with a fast retrieve, Klingensmith lays the Shimmering Minnow within six inches of structure and lets it twitch and suspend with almost no forward motion, letting subtle microcurrent movement do the work. He believes this near-motionless presentation gives pressured smallmouth, especially in warm water, something they haven't already learned to refuse. How can fly tiers control the tightness of a swim fly's S-curve swimming action?By adjusting material mass in the segments behind the head. Lighter segments produce a tighter, more pronounced undulation, while adding more mass and gradually stepping it down through the rear segments dampens the action into a slower, more gradual S-curve. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentListen to The Science of Streamers (Pt I) BONUS: The Science of Streamers (Pt I): Kirk Klingensmith on Jigging and Wrecking Flies BONUS: Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer BONUS: Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine S6, Ep 144: The Chocklett Factory: Conservation, New Products and a Legacy Remembered Connect with Our GuestFollow Kirk on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options. Subscribe & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us. Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:51 Scaling Fly Geometry 05:35 How Swim Flies Swim 11:28 Paused Retrieves Matter Most 16:26 Stinger Hooks and Fly...

    The Science of Streamers (Pt II): Kirk Klingensmith on Swim Flies

  2. Aug 1

    The Science of Streamers (Pt I): Kirk Klingensmith on Jigging and Wrecking Flies

    Episode OverviewOn this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Kirk Klingensmith, a retired Corning engineer and lifelong angler, for a physics-driven breakdown of why streamers move the way they do. Klingensmith, who wrote the "physics of fly motion" chapter for Blane Chocklett's Game Changer book, brings a scientist's eye to the vise, translating drag, momentum and weight placement into practical tying and fishing decisions. In Part One of this two-part conversation, he and Cash work through jig flies and wrecking or kicking flies, saving swim flies for a follow-up episode. The jig fly discussion centers on the Clouser Minnow, where lead-eye placement and hook angle (90-degree versus 60-degree versus 15-degree jig hooks) determine whether a fly dips gently or nose-dives on the pause, and on how bucktail's stiffness contrasts with the collapsing action of flash-bodied flies like the Kreelex. From there the two turn to wrecking and kicking flies such as Blane Chocklett's T-Bone, unpacking how momentum in the tail and drag in the head combine to create the sideways "kick" that triggers strikes from muskies, smallmouth and brown trout alike. Throughout, Klingensmith returns to a central theme: the fly is only one part of a system that includes leader construction, tippet stiffness, fly line selection and retrieve style, all of which anglers can manipulate to fine-tune a streamer's behavior on the retrieve and on the pause. Key TakeawaysHow lead-eye placement on a Clouser Minnow determines whether the fly dips gently or nose-dives on the pauseWhy bucktail and flash materials like Kreinik Flash create fundamentally different drop behaviors when a jig fly stallsWhen to switch to a full-length tippet leader, as used in Alaska salmon fishing and Euro-nymphing, to amplify a jig fly's drop and sink rateHow momentum in a fly's tail combines with drag in the head to produce the sideways kick that triggers musky, smallmouth and brown trout strikesWhy reverse-tied bucktail heads, as used on the T-Bone, stall and flare on the pause to exaggerate a wrecking fly's actionHow retrieve style, fly line choice and tippet stiffness work together as a system to control a streamer's action, not just the fly itself Techniques & Gear CoveredKlingensmith walks through how lead-eye placement on a Clouser Minnow governs its jigging action and contrasts bucktail's stiffer, slower-collapsing profile with the accelerated drop of flash-bodied flies like the Kreelex, tied with Kreinik Flash. He details how 90-degree, 60-degree and 15-degree jig hooks change the abruptness of the transition between retrieve and pause, and how a full-tippet leader system, borrowed from Alaska salmon fishing and Euro-nymphing with jig streamers, sinks a fly faster and amplifies its drop. On wrecking and kicking flies, he breaks down the reverse-tied bucktail construction behind Blane Chocklett's T-Bone, explaining how a dense, high-drag head stalls on the pause while a lower-drag tail continues forward and kicks sideways, and how material choices such as deer hair, wool, synthetics and foam heads change how a fly suspends or sinks at rest. He also touches on line selection, using sink-tip or full-sinking lines to present a kicking fly low in the water column, and loop knots as the standard connection for preserving that action. Locations & SpeciesKlingensmith fishes primarily for smallmouth bass on the Chemung River, a Susquehanna tributary in the Finger Lakes region of New York, running a drift boat and carrying both floating and sinking lines to cover different parts of the water column. The bite triggers discussed apply broadly across predatory species, with specific mentions of musky, brown trout and smallmouth reacting to kicking and wrecking fly action, and striped bass responding to jigging presentations on pressured saltwater flats. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat determines whether a jig fly dips or nose-dives on the pause?Weight placement and hook geometry are the primary factors. Moving the lead eyes farther from the hook eye on a Clouser Minnow produces a flatter drop, while placing weight closer to the eye causes a more pronounced nose-dive; steeper jig hook angles (90 degrees versus 60 or 15 degrees) create a more abrupt transition between the retrieve and the pause. Why do bucktail and flash-bodied jig flies behave differently when they stall?Bucktail is a stiffer material that resists collapsing, so a fly like the Clouser Minnow dips rather than dives when it stops. Flash materials, like limp Kreinik Flash, offer far less resistance, and flies like the Kreelex fall more like a flimsy parachute, making them sink faster but with less controlled action. How does reverse-tied bucktail create the kicking action in flies like the T-Bone?Reverse-tying builds a dense, drag-heavy head that stalls abruptly on the pause while the tail, carrying more momentum and less drag, continues moving forward and swings sideways, similar to a tractor trailer truck jackknifing when the cab brakes. Tuning the length and diameter of the front section, along with the materials used, controls how sharply that kick occurs. When should anglers switch to a full-tippet leader for jig flies?A leader made entirely of tippet material, as used in Alaska for salmon and increasingly in Euro-nymphing with jig streamers, reduces resistance in the system so the fly sinks faster and produces a stronger, more pronounced jigging pull on the pause. This is especially useful when maximum depth and drop are the goal. Why do predatory fish sometimes strike a fly that doesn't resemble food at all?Klingensmith points out that fish lack hands, so investigating an unfamiliar object or eliminating a struggling intruder from their territory can trigger a strike independent of whether the fly looks edible. Klingensmith sums up the goal as tying a fly that wins an award for looking helpless, hurt and vulnerable rather than one that looks like a healthy baitfish. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentS1, Ep 2: The T-Bone: A Deep Dive with Blane Chocklett - The Butcher Shop S2, Ep 2: A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz - The Butcher Shop S6, Ep 124: Fly Tying with Chase Smith BONUS: Mastering the Beast: A Deep Dive into Bob Popovics' Legendary Fly with Captain Ben Whalley BONUS: Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer Connect with Our GuestFollow Kirk on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options. Subscribe & Advertisea...

    The Science of Streamers (Pt I): Kirk Klingensmith on Jigging and Wrecking Flies

  3. Jul 17

    Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Mark Sedotti, inventor of the Sedotti Slammer and one of the pioneers of weight-balanced streamer design, to trace nearly 35 years of big-fly development for striped bass and bluefish. Sedotti explains why a lead keel and the right amount of absorbed water can make an oversized streamer cast further and more accurately than a small one, overturning decades of conventional wisdom that heavy flies are harder to throw. Working from western Long Island Sound, where he first tied the Slammer to imitate adult menhaden up to 15 inches long, Sedotti walks through the evolution of his high-and-low bucktail tying method, the construction of a rectangular lead keel to stop wide-profile flies from rolling, and the concept of weight balancing that ties it all together. He also details how the Slammer found its way to Michigan's Manistee River in the early 1990s, where guide Russ Maddin nicknamed it the Screaming Jesus and helped ignite the modern big-streamer trout movement. The conversation covers rod and line selection for casting giant flies, including Sedotti's signature Sayonara sling casting technique, along with retrieve mechanics, leader setups, and where to source materials and commercially tied Slammers. Anglers chasing striped bass, bluefish or trophy trout with oversized streamers will come away with a working framework for why some big flies cast beautifully and others simply won't turn over. Key TakeawaysHow to weight balance a streamer so it casts smoothly regardless of its size, rather than dragging through the airWhy adding water-absorbing materials like bucktail can improve a big fly's castability instead of hurting itHow to build a rectangular lead keel from lead wire to stop a wide-profile fly from rolling in the waterWhen to size a streamer to match adult versus immature baitfish, since selective stripers and bluefish may refuse flies shorter than the natural forageHow the Sayonara sling casting technique adds effective rod length and line speed for longer distance with a single-handed rodWhy a long leader of eight to nine feet improves fly action and strike rates when streamer fishing for trout Techniques & Gear CoveredSedotti's core concept is weight balancing: adding just enough weight to a streamer to counteract wind resistance and drag during the cast, which he discovered by building a rectangular lead keel out of 0.030-0.035 lead wire to prevent wide-profile flies from rolling. His high-and-low bucktail tying method, refined with input from Bob Popovics on achieving a three-dimensional bunker profile, remains consistent across pattern sizes from three and a half to over 20 inches, with synthetic yak hair, bucktail and feather substitutes used as natural saddle hackle and schlappen became harder to source. For casting, he favors a fast-action 11-weight rod paired with either integrated sinking lines, shooting heads or a floating line for shallow presentations, and retrieves with long, fast strips followed by a pause where most strikes occur. Locations & SpeciesSedotti developed the Slammer in western Long Island Sound around Greenwich, Port Chester, and Rye, New York, targeting striped bass and bluefish keyed in on schools of menhaden, or bunker, ranging from three and a half to over 15 inches depending on the season. He later carried medium-sized versions of the fly to Michigan's Manistee River, where it proved effective on trout and helped spark the region's big-streamer trout culture, as well as to Montana's Beaverhead River for trout. Today, he fishes deep structure at Montauk and Southwest Ledge on Block Island for large striped bass, working the fly 35 to 45 feet down on sinking lines. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is weight balancing in streamer fly design, and why does it matter for castability?Weight balancing means adding enough weight to a fly to counteract the wind resistance created by its materials as it moves through the air during a cast. Mark Sedotti found that a properly weight-balanced fly, regardless of size, will false cast smoothly with a normal loop, while an unbalanced fly either drags or develops an uncontrollable loop. How do you build a keel to stop a wide-profile streamer from rolling?Sedotti wraps half-inch strips of lead wire in layers of five, stacking three levels to form a rectangular, raft-like keel along the underside of the hook shank. The exact method matters less than achieving the correct total weight for that specific fly to keep it weight balanced. Why can waterlogged flies actually cast better than dry ones?A dry fly with the same amount of bulky material is more wind resistant and harder to turn over, while a wet fly collapses and cuts through the air more easily. Sedotti found that the added weight from absorbed water often helps counteract that wind resistance, provided the fly isn't carrying so much water and weight that it becomes overloaded. What rod and line setup works best for casting large weight-balanced streamers?Sedotti prefers a fast-action 11-weight rod for big saltwater patterns, paired with either an integrated sinking line, a shooting head or a floating line depending on depth and structure. His Sayonara sling casting technique adds effective rod length and increases tip speed for longer casts with a single-handed rod. How did the Sedotti Slammer influence Michigan's big-streamer trout fishing?In the early 1990s, Sedotti brought a medium-sized Slammer to Michigan's Manistee River, where guide Russ Maddin was stunned by how aggressively trout attacked it and nicknamed it the Screaming Jesus. That introduction is widely credited with helping launch the modern big-streamer trout movement centered around Michigan's guiding community. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentBONUS: Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ Maddin BONUS: Mastering the Beast: A Deep Dive into Bob Popovics' Legendary Fly with Captain Ben Whalley BONUS: A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz Connect with Our GuestFollow Mark on YouTube. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options. Subscribe & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us. Helpful Episode Chapters0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:33 Designing the Original Slammer 0:06:43 Unlocking Castability 0:15:33 Perfecting the Profile 0:19:17 Synthetic Evolution 0:32:53 Michigan Streamer Breakthrough 0:47:15 Casting Big Flies Well 0:53:42 Lines and Leaders 0:56:35 Fishing the Retrieve 1:06:26 Final Thoughts on Weight Balance

    Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer

  4. Apr 24

    Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine

    Episode OverviewThe Butcher Shop goes deep on one of the Great Lakes predator fly world's most distinctive patterns in this conversation with Eli Berant, the Michigan-based fly designer and founder of Great Lakes Fly. Eli is the creator of the Optimus Swine — a reverse foam head-embedded, side-kicking musky streamer that has been turning heads and producing fish since around 2009. In this episode, host Marvin Cash walks Eli through the full arc of the pattern: the lake musky problem it was designed to solve, the unconventional decision to reverse a foam popper head to create a slower fall and a pronounced glide-bait wiggle, the material choices that define the fly's profile and movement and the step-by-step construction logic from spinner bait hook to laser dub head. The conversation covers the full Swine family — the original 8–9 inch version on a 6/0 Mustad, the scaled-down Swine Junior for river smallmouth and stripers, the fettuccine-foam Pot Belly Swine for subsurface river applications, and the articulated Maximus Swine and Maximus Swine Junior, which remain something of a "secret menu" offering. Eli also addresses color selection by region — from olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee muskies to the Wisconsin-proven Willen's Villain black-white-yellow combo and his own favorite Mardi Gras pattern — and breaks down his preferred line and leader systems for lake musky versus river smallmouth applications. Throughout, the discussion grounds fly design theory in direct, tactical fishing application. Key TakeawaysHow reversing a foam popper head toward the rear of the hook creates a slower fall rate and induces the Optimus Swine's distinctive side-to-side glide-bait action.Why proportionality in bucktail application — specifically how much material per section and how many sections — is the most common failure point for tiers attempting the Swine for the first time.How to tune the Pot Belly Swine's fettuccine foam piece by removing individual strips to achieve neutral balance and proper swim orientation before fishing.Why a jerk-strip retrieve with a sinking line (350–450 grain tip) is the preferred delivery system for lake musky, allowing the sink tip to hold depth while the fly kicks side to side on each pull.When to dial back retrieve aggression and employ a stutter-strip or extended pause with the Swine Junior, particularly during cold-water conditions when bass are holding and waiting.Why sharing newly discovered synthetic fly tying materials openly — rather than hoarding them — is essential to keeping those materials in production and available to the broader tying community. Techniques & Gear CoveredThe Optimus Swine is designed around a jerk-strip retrieve that drives its foam-induced side-to-side action, and Eli breaks down exactly how to execute it — stripping two feet with the line hand in alternating pulls, roughly like ripping a bag open. For lake musky, he runs a 10-weight with a 350–450 grain sinking tip, paired with a short 3–4 foot leader from loop to fly — a butt section of 40-pound to wire, finished with cross-lock snaps for fast fly changes. River smallmouth and striper applications drop to a 7- or 8-weight with a 200–350 grain tip depending on conditions. Construction-specific details are substantial: Mustad 32608 spinner bait hook (6/0 for the original), Rainy's Mini Me medium foam popper head reversed and goop-set with silicone adhesive, synthetic yak hair blended with flash for the tail, grizzly saddle feathers as flanks, Magnum Flashabou, everyday bucktail applied in top-and-bottom sections, laser dub for the head, and 1/2-inch eyes pressed and held in a two-touch goop cure process. Anadromous Fly Company tungsten carbide scissors get a specific callout as Eli's go-to cutting tool for heavy production tying. Locations & SpeciesThe Optimus Swine was developed specifically for lake musky, with Lake Saint Clair in Michigan serving as the primary proving ground — a relatively snag-free fishery that allows anglers to fish sinking lines freely across the water column. The pattern's documented multi-species versatility extends to Great Lakes migratory species, pike, lake trout, stripers on the East Coast and river smallmouth, including Eli's personal use of the Swine Junior on Lake Saint Clair for targeting large smallmouth by eliminating the smaller fish. Color selection is explicitly regional in the episode: olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee fish, pink-and-chartreuse or the Willen's Villain black-white-yellow for Wisconsin tannic water, and Mardi Gras (pink, chartreuse, black head) as a broadly effective pattern. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the reversed foam popper head make the Optimus Swine swim differently than other musky flies?Positioning the foam head toward the rear of the hook — rather than at the front — reduces the fly's sink rate compared to a traditional epoxy-head pattern and shifts the center of buoyancy rearward. This causes the fly to kick side to side with a pronounced glide-bait cadence on a jerk-strip retrieve, rather than simply pushing water or diving. The effect is amplified when fishing a sinking tip, which holds the running line low and forces the rear of the fly to tip upward and roll on each strip. What are the most common mistakes tiers make when tying the Optimus Swine?Eli identifies two primary failure points: applying bucktail in clumps that are too large, which destroys proportionality, and using too much laser dub in the head, which throws the silhouette out of balance. The fix for bucktail is learning to feel the correct bundle size — roughly the width of a toothpick at the pinch, the width of a popsicle stick at the ends — and building five top-and-bottom sections before reaching the laser dub head on the original Swine. Managing the laser dub means stacking it, pulling off loose fibers and removing material rather than adding more. How do you tune the Pot Belly Swine to swim correctly for river applications?Because the Pot Belly Swine uses fettuccine foam strips in place of the reversed popper head, Eli ties in more foam strips than needed — six to eight — and tells buyers they may need to remove one to four strips to get the fly to balance and swim true. The goal is first to eliminate any spin or tilt, then to dial in the side-to-side action. This is the same principle as Barry Reynolds's flash philosophy applied to buoyancy: put in more than you need because you can always remove it, but you can't add it once the fly is finished. What line and leader setup does Eli prefer for lake musky with the Optimus Swine?For open lake musky fishing on snag-light water, Eli runs a 10-weight with a Scientific Anglers sinking tip in the 350–450 grain range, specifically preferring striper-style lines with a long 26–28 foot tip section. Leaders are intentionally short — 3–4 feet total from loop to fly — built with a 2-foot 40-pound butt section going straight to wire, then a cross-lock snap at the fly. The short leader keeps the fly in the sink tip's depth zone and maximizes the kicking action on the jerk-strip retrieve. How should retrieve style change when downsizing to the Swine Junior for smallmouth or stripers?Moving to the smaller patterns calls for a less aggressive retrieve cadence overall, but Eli emphasizes breaking out of monotonous repetition — consciously varying the retrieve is as important as the base technique. Key adjustments include a stutter-strip (half-length pulls done twice in quick succession) and extended pauses, which become particularly effective in cold water when bass are holding and watching the fly. The foam piece in all Swine variants allows the fly to hang suspended during a pause without sinking, which is the primary trigger for following fish. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentS1, Ep 2: The T-Bone: A Deep Dive with Blane Chocklett - The Butcher Shop BONUS: Shack Nasties and the Drunk & Disorderly: A Winter Chat with Tommy Lynch BONUS: Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan Ruch BONUS: A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz S6, Ep 124: Fly Tying with Chase Smith Connect with Our GuestFollow Eli on a href="https://www.instagram.com/greatlakesfly/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine

  5. Jan 29

    A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz

    Episode OverviewMike Schultz joins The Butcher Shop to deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the Swingin' D, one of predator fly fishing's most effective swim patterns for targeting smallmouth bass in Michigan rivers. This detailed conversation traces the pattern's evolution from its early 2000s origins through modern 2.0 variations, exploring the critical role of Larry Dahlberg's diver head design in creating the fly's signature side-to-side action. Mike shares the problem he was solving—creating a fly that would hang and move horizontally rather than just vertically like traditional leech and crayfish patterns. He walks through material selection spanning over 15 years of refinement, from the original beads-and-wire construction to today's shank-based articulated designs. The discussion covers tactical presentation details including optimal water temperatures (45-50°F+), rod and intermediate line selection, retrieve cadences and the importance of fishing at proper angles to achieve maximum action. Mike also provides updates on Schultz Outfitters' new e-commerce platform and upcoming events including the fourth annual Bobbin the Hood. Key TakeawaysHow to achieve unpredictable horizontal swim action by properly selecting and seating Rainy's diver heads, which create side-to-side darting movement that mimics wounded baitfish when fished at 45-degree angles on intermediate lines.Why the Swingin' D fills a critical gap in predator fly boxes by suspending in the strike zone and allowing precise depth control through strategic weighting with lead wraps or tungsten scud bodies balanced against the buoyant foam head.When to fish the Swingin' D most effectively—peak performance occurs in 45-50°F+ water during late March through May when smallmouth are aggressive and feeding in shallow 2-4 foot zones.How to construct durable 2.0 versions using The Chocklett Factory shanks, Senyo micro shank connections, Ahrex XO 774 rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front to prevent hook failures and maximize hookups.Why proper head selection and orientation matters—wider heads with substantial collars produce aggressive side-to-side action for cold water while narrower heads swim tighter for warmer conditions. Techniques & Gear CoveredMike emphasizes the Swingin' D's effectiveness stems from proper presentation on intermediate lines using 7-8 weight rods like the G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 or his signature NRX+ Swim Fly. The fly excels when fished at 45-degree angles from a moving boat, using erratic strip-and-pause retrieves that allow the Dahlberg diver head to create horizontal darting action. Keeling techniques using .020-.030 lead wire or Hareline tungsten scud bodies balance the buoyant foam head to achieve desired depth penetration. Mike details construction using articulated shanks (The Chocklett Factory, Senyo micro shanks), Ahrex XO 774 universal curve rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front, incorporating materials like Senyo's Predator Wrap, Whiting hen saddles, mallard flank and Blane Chocklett's rattle boxes. Leaders run 4-7 feet terminating in 15-16lb fluorocarbon tied with loop knots to the fly with no swivels. The pattern's versatility allows customization through flash colors, head widths and weight placement to match conditions ranging from high spring flows to lower summer levels. Locations & SpeciesThe Swingin' D was developed specifically for Michigan's small to medium-sized rivers where smallmouth bass are the primary target during the critical late March through May peak season. Mike's guiding focuses on shallow water zones of 2-4 feet depth where the fly's horizontal swimming action excels at triggering aggressive strikes. The pattern proves most effective when water temperatures climb from 45°F into the optimal 50-60°F+ range and bass feed actively in current seams, log jams and structure. Pike frequently intercept the fly, necessitating heavy 15-16lb fluorocarbon tippet to prevent bite-offs. While designed for Michigan's specific smallmouth fisheries, the swim fly principles and Dahlberg head mechanics translate to other predator fishing scenarios where anglers need flies that suspend and dart horizontally in the upper water column. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the Swingin' D differ from traditional smallmouth patterns?The Swingin' D fills the gap between vertically jigging flies like leeches and crayfish by incorporating Larry Dahlberg's diver head design, which creates horizontal side-to-side darting action when fished on intermediate lines at proper angles. The foam head provides buoyancy that allows the fly to suspend and hang in the strike zone, while strategic weighting controls depth. This mimics wounded baitfish behavior that triggers aggressive strikes, particularly during the peak spring season when smallmouth are actively feeding in shallow water. What materials and construction techniques make the modern 2.0 version more durable?The 2.0 version uses articulated Chocklett Factory and Senyo micro shanks, eliminating the wire-kinking problems of original beads-and-wire construction. Rear hooks switched from the B10S (which bends out easily) to the Ahrex XO 774 universal curve in sizes 2-4, while the front maintains the reliable Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hook. Materials include Senyo's Predator Wrap or translucy brushes, Whiting hen saddles, mallard flank and Blane Chocklett's new rattle boxes which seat more securely than traditional glass rattles. Liberal use of Wapsi brushable super glue throughout construction creates indestructible flies that survive multiple fish and wood contacts. When is the optimal time and water temperature to fish the Swingin' D?While the Swingin' D can catch fish as cold as 40-45°F, peak effectiveness begins when water temperatures reach 50°F and above, typically during the third to fourth week of April in Michigan. The prime window runs from late March through May into early June—Michigan's peak smallmouth season—when water levels are still elevated but warming and bass are aggressive. In February's coldest water, traditional leeches and peanuts outperform swim patterns, but as temperatures climb into the 45-50°F range, the Swingin' D's horizontal action becomes increasingly deadly. How should anglers weight and balance the Swingin' D for different conditions?Balancing the buoyant foam head with proper weight achieves desired depth and swim action. For immediate water penetration, wrap .020-.030 lead wire (10 wraps of .025 is a good starting point) on the front Gamakatsu 2/0 hook bend, then coat with flexible resin like RaidZap or Solarez to protect it and allow on-stream adjustments by breaking away sections. For heavier applications in deeper or faster water, Hareline's tungsten scud and shrimp bodies in small or medium sizes provide concentrated weight while maintaining the fly's suspended character. The goal is creating a fly that dives quickly on the strip but hangs and suspends on the pause, maintaining position in the 2-4 foot strike zone where Michigan smallmouth feed most aggressively. What rod, line and leader setup works best for presenting the Swingin' D?Mike recommends 7-8 weight rods designed specifically for streamers, particularly the G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 (his most popular client rod at $595) or his signature NRX+ Swim Fly, both 8'10" in length with tips engineered to animate swim flies effectively rather than throw floating lines like traditional saltwater rods. Pair these with intermediate sinking lines—Airflo Sniper Four Season fast intermediate or SA Titan Full intermediate. Hand-tied leaders run 4-7 feet (shorter for less experienced anglers, longer for advanced casters) terminating in 15-16lb fluorocarbon, with Mike favoring Hatch's pike-resistant fluorocarbon tied to the fly with a loop knot. No swivels are necessary if the head is seated properly and straight, which eliminates line twist issues. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes and onX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentS1, Ep 97 - All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz S7, Ep 33 - Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly S6, Ep 97 - Fly Fishing Wisdom and...

    A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz

  6. Jan 9

    Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan Ruch

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Brendan Ruch, the innovative tier behind the Nut Job, to explore every dimension of this game-changing swim fly pattern. From its accidental birth on Logjam Live to its current status as a go-to predator pattern for serious smallmouth and trout anglers, Brendan walks through the complete evolution of the fly. The conversation covers Central Pennsylvania waters where the pattern has proven deadly on big smallmouth and trout, particularly during spring high water conditions. Brendan details his craft fur-based approach, explaining how the synthetic material provides superior castability and a distinctive glide bait action compared to traditional hen saddle patterns. The discussion moves from vise to water, covering everything from material selection and proportioning to advanced retrieve techniques that maximize the fly's strip-and-stall bite trigger, making this essential listening for any angler pursuing large predatory fish on the fly. Key TakeawaysHow to tie a swim fly with predictable glide bait action using craft fur instead of expensive hen saddles, resulting in easier casting and better material availabilityWhy positioning rubber legs on top of the shank rather than on the sides creates critical parachute action that allows the fly to suspend and trigger strikes during the pauseWhen to adjust tungsten bead weights between 3/16" and 7/32" based on current speed to keep the fly in the strike zone without losing the neutral buoyancy that makes the pattern effectiveHow introducing slack through rod tip manipulation and strategic mends maximizes the fly's side-to-side glide within a confined 12-inch zone where fish are holdingWhy dark colors like olive-and-black with copper flash outperform bright patterns in off-color spring water, while yellow-orange combinations excel as visibility improves Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode centers on Brendan's systematic approach to fishing articulated swim flies with emphasis on strip-and-stall retrieves that create glide bait action. He details using rod tip manipulation—upward jerks, downward strips, lateral movements combined with mends—to introduce slack that allows the Nut Job to kick side-to-side within a tight zone. Tying techniques focus on craft fur density and proportioning, including ripping tips rather than cutting to preserve bulk, using finesse chenille as a low-drag core and positioning 4-8 rubber legs to create suspending action. Brendan discusses hook configurations ranging from size 2 Trout Predator to 1/0 hooks paired with 15-25mm shanks connected via Maxima Chameleon 25lb, with tungsten bead options from 3/16" to 7/32" for varying current speeds. Line selection covers Type 3 sink tips for early season high water transitioning to intermediate lines as flows normalize, paired with fluoro leaders built from 30-35lb stepping down to 16-20lb tippet. Locations & SpeciesThe Nut Job has proven effective across East Coast waters, with Brendan's primary focus on Central Pennsylvania smallmouth fisheries where the pattern excels during high water conditions typical of March through May. He references success on the West Branch of the Delaware targeting trout with smaller versions of the pattern and discusses adaptations for musky fishing and striper applications along coastal waters. The fly's design addresses the challenges of fishing swollen spring rivers with off-color water, where heavy tungsten keeps patterns in the zone while craft fur provides visibility. Brendan emphasizes the pattern's effectiveness during pre-spawn and post-spawn transitions when predatory trout and smallmouth are aggressively feeding on baitfish, making it particularly deadly during early spring runoff and late spring clearing conditions when fish are looking up in the water column. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the Nut Job differ from traditional hen saddle swim flies?The Nut Job uses craft fur instead of hen saddles for the front head, providing easier casting than soaked feather patterns while maintaining excellent action. The synthetic material flows through water similarly to natural materials but offers better availability and lower cost than quality hen saddles, which have become scarce and expensive since COVID. The craft fur butts create density at the tie-in point similar to the Bad Hair Day streamer, while rubber legs positioned on top of the shank add critical parachute action for suspending behavior. What's the key to getting proper glide bait action from the Nut Job?Introducing slack is essential—the fly needs to move no more than 12 inches (roughly twice its length) before pausing to allow the side-to-side glide. Brendan recommends various techniques including upward jerks followed by mends, downward rod tip drops during strips and lateral movements combined with upstream or downstream mends. The goal is creating hard, short movements followed by pauses where the fly suspends and kicks, mimicking an injured baitfish rather than simply stripping the fly back to the boat in long pulls. When should you adjust tungsten bead weights on the Nut Job?Use 7/32" tungsten beads during early spring high flows when you need to get the fly deep quickly and keep it in the zone. Switch to 3/16" beads or keel-weighted hooks as flows normalize and fish start looking higher in the water column—lighter weights allow for longer pauses and better neutral buoyancy. If the fly sinks too fast and you can't stall it effectively, you're too heavy for the conditions. The sweet spot is maintaining depth without sacrificing the suspending action that triggers strikes. What are the most productive Nut Job color combinations?For off-color, green-brown spring water, olive-and-black with a few turns of copper polar chenille over the finesse chenille core dominates—this dark pattern is visible to fish even when anglers can't see it. As water clears to a few feet of visibility, yellow or yellow-with-orange veil (Brendan calls it "flame boy") becomes deadly due to its luminescent glow underwater. In clear conditions, natural combinations work well: white, cream, tan, medium olive, dark olive and camel in various two-tone arrangements—there's rarely a bad combination among these colors. How do you adapt the Nut Job for musky or saltwater species?For musky, use a hook-shank-hook configuration with a 4/0 short shank in back, 35mm big game shank in the middle and 5/0 up front for an 8-inch fly with a 2.5-inch marabou tail. A translucey fiber body and a micro Buford under the craft fur tie-ins on the head increase profile on these larger patterns since you're using the full length of the craft fur sheet. For stripers, tie a single-hook style version with two shanks (15mm rear, 20mm middle) connected with Maxima and a 6 mm bead, finishing with an Ahrex 1/0 minnow hook to avoid having two hooks in the fish's face—this creates a peanut bunker-sized profile. SponsorsThanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentBONUS - Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ Maddin S7, Ep 31 - Nut Jobs and Quesadillas: A Spring Fishing Update with Brendan Ruch S7, Ep 33 - Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly All Things Social Media Follow Brendan on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Support the Show a href="https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan Ruch

  7. 10/30/2025

    Designing the Perfect Glide: Chase Smith and the Spiral Spook

    Discover the Spiral Spook: Innovation in Topwater Fly FishingJoin Marvin Cash on The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast as he interviews Chase Smith, inventor of the innovative Spiral Spook fly pattern. Chase bridges conventional and fly fishing by adapting the classic walk-the-dog action into a deadly topwater fly for bass and other predator species. Expert Design Insights from Chase SmithChase shares his journey from conventional fishing to creating one of fly fishing's most unique topwater patterns. Learn how he solved critical design challenges including weight distribution, foam construction and hook positioning to achieve authentic spook action on a fly rod. What You'll LearnDiscover the precise retrieve technique required for walking the fly—short, sharp strips just three inches long with rod tip on the water. Chase reveals why leader material matters, explaining why soft monofilament outperforms fluorocarbon and stiff materials. Get the complete leader formula: 2 feet of 50-pound to 2 feet of 35-40 pound, finishing with 2 feet of 20-pound soft mono. Advanced Tying TechniquesChase breaks down the complete construction process, from embedding weights in foam bodies to creating the signature spiral wrap. Learn about material selection including EVA foam, Gorilla Glue clear coating and wide-gap offset hooks that dramatically improved hookup ratios. Understand the precision required—weight placement within millimeters affects the entire action. Topwater Strategies for Predator SpeciesGet Chase's preferred setup: 55-millimeter bone-colored spooks on 6-7 weight rods with floating lines with aggressive tapers. Discover why smaller sizes catch more fish and how to adapt the pattern for varying conditions. Chase shares his 90% commitment to bone color and explains the strategic advantage of downsizing. Master the Walk-the-Dog RetrieveThe most common mistake anglers make is stripping too long. Chase emphasizes the critical importance of short, sharp strips—just a wrist flick of three inches. Learn how to initiate the walk with fast strips then vary tempo for different actions. Understand why loop knots are essential and how tippet diameter affects glide. Ready to add this deadly topwater pattern to your predator fly arsenal? Tune in for Chase's expert insights on creating and fishing one of fly fishing's most innovative surface patterns. SponsorsThanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentS6, Ep 124 - Fly Tying with Chase Smith BONUS - Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ Maddin S6, Ep 101 - The Chocklett Factory: Fly Fishing Travels, Conservation and New Ventures S4, Ep 4 - Matt O'Neal of Savage Flies All Things Social Media Follow Chase on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube . Support the Show Shop on Amazon  Become a Patreon Patron  Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice. Advertise on the Podcast Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us. In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck? Check out our consulting options ! Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction 09:16 The Design Process 15:33 Evolution of the Fly 21:26 Common Mistakes to Avoid 27:00 Mastering the Action 32:49 Upcoming Projects

    Designing the Perfect Glide: Chase Smith and the Spiral Spook

  8. 10/10/2025

    From Concept to Catch: The Home Invader with Doug McKnight

    The Home Invader: A 30-Year Fly Fishing LegacyIn this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash dives deep into one of fly fishing's most versatile streamer patterns with its creator, Doug McKnight. Calling in from Blacksmith Lodge in Punta Herrero, Mexico, Doug shares the complete story behind the Home Invader—from its origins on Pennsylvania spring creeks to its evolution into a deadly pattern for everything from Yellowstone brown trout to backcountry tarpon. Doug McKnight's Streamer ExpertiseDoug McKnight brings three decades of streamer innovation to this fly fishing podcast, with patterns proven across multiple species and water types. Based in Livingston, Montana, Doug guides on the Yellowstone River and has adapted his signature patterns for both freshwater predators and saltwater gamefish. His design philosophy draws from legends Bob Clouser and Bob Popovics, emphasizing natural movement and practical fishability. What You'll Learn: Home Invader FundamentalsListeners gain insider knowledge on the Home Invader's creation story, including the accidental discovery that combined pheasant marabou, Australian possum fur and Clouser-style lead eyes into a deadly baitfish imitation. Doug explains material selection—from sourcing premium pheasant marabou to choosing between possum, arctic fox and coyote fur for different fly sizes. He breaks down common tying mistakes, particularly over-dressing with fur, and shares his preferred method for securing lead eyes with thread wraps and Zap-A-Gap. Featured Techniques: Fishing the Home InvaderThe core revelation: the Home Invader excels at slow presentations in fast water. Doug introduces his "do nothing" retrieve—casting with a 250-300 grain sink tip, getting tight to the fly and letting current provide all the action. This technique targets pressured brown trout holding in heavy Yellowstone River runs where traditional fast strips fail. Doug details his complete system: 7-8 weight rods, 24-foot sink tips, 15-pound Maxima butt sections and loop-knotted fluorocarbon tippets. Color selection follows water clarity—natural olives and tans in clear conditions, bright yellows and chartreuse in muddy water. Yellowstone River Streamer StrategiesDoug reveals how Montana's fishing pressure has changed his approach over 20 years. Fish now occupy extremely difficult lies in heavy current where precise boat positioning matters more than ever. The Home Invader's inherent movement allows effective coverage of these spots with minimal manipulation—critical when you get only one cast to pressured fish. Doug discusses adapting fly weight by pairing different grain sink tips with varied lead eye sizes, creating everything from dredging presentations to near-surface swims. Beyond Trout: Saltwater AdaptationsThe episode includes a bonus discussion of the Home Slice—Doug's weightless Home Invader variation for tarpon and permit. Using plastic eyes instead of lead, the Home Slice swims right-side-up and has proven deadly for backcountry species. Doug also shares his current permit experiment: fishing floating crab patterns over sargassum weed mats with explosive visual strikes. Listen Now for Proven Streamer TacticsWhether you're chasing Yellowstone browns, smallmouth bass or backcountry permit, this episode delivers actionable insights from a pattern designer who's refined his craft for 30 years. Doug's willingness to share detailed techniques—from leader formulas to retrieve cadences—makes this essential listening for serious streamer anglers. SponsorsThanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentBONUS: Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ Maddin BONUS: Shack Nasties and the Drunk & Disorderly: A Winter Chat with Tommy Lynch S7, Ep 14: The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward S6, Ep 38: Shoal Bass Shenanigans and Fly Tying Philosophies with Georgia's Fletcher Sams All Things Social Media Follow Doug on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube . Support the Show Shop on Amazon  Become a Patreon Patron  Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice. Advertise on the Podcast Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us. In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck? Check out our consulting options ! Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:36 The Birth of the Home Invader 08:47 Materials and Tinkering 11:35 Tying Techniques and Common Mistakes 14:49 Fishing Techniques and Strategies 22:20 Adjusting to Water Conditions 24:50 Animation Techniques for the Fly 30:32 Adapting the Home Invader for Tarpon 33:20 Multi-Purpose Applications

    From Concept to Catch: The Home Invader with Doug McKnight
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Raw conversations with master angler tiers who craft and fish the deadliest streamers in the game. Each episode dissects signature patterns and complete systems for hunting trophy brown trout, musky, pike and bass. No recipes - just proven tactics from predator specialists who consistently deliver the goods.

Information

  • Creator
    The Articulate Fly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Articulate Fly
  • Show Website
    The Butcher Shop

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