The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly Fly Fishing Podcast regularly releases interviews with national and regional personalities covering fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing travel. We also regularly release fishing reports for the novice and experienced fly angler. Whether you just loved a River Runs Through It or you are a streamer junkie, a dry fly addict, a swinger or a nymph head, we have you covered! To learn more, visit www.thearticulatefly.com.

  1. Last Minute Gifts and Winter Tips: George Costa's Holiday Fishing Insights

    4D AGO

    Last Minute Gifts and Winter Tips: George Costa's Holiday Fishing Insights

    The Articulate Fly wraps up 2025 with the final Central PA Fishing Report featuring George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College. In this fly fishing podcast episode, George breaks down post-spawn winter trout behavior and current conditions across Central Pennsylvania's streams as anglers navigate the holiday season. With streams running low and clear following recent rain and snowmelt, George explains why deep nymphing is producing the best results right now, targeting winter lies where trout are holding tight to the bottom in deeper pools. Streamer fishing remains hit or miss given the low, clear conditions, though the recent water bump may get fish moving, while dry fly action is minimal with scattered midge activity. George delivers practical winter fly fishing tactics for working challenging conditions and shares insights on trout positioning during the post-spawn period when fish are conserving energy. The episode also covers TCO Fly Shop's holiday hours (open 9-3 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, closed both holidays), last-minute gift ideas for fly fishers and upcoming 2026 show appearances at Edison, New Jersey, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Whether you're planning to escape the in-laws for some winter fishing or stocking up on gear and classes at TCO, George's seasonal report provides the local intelligence Central PA anglers need to make the most of late-season opportunities. Related Content S7, Ep 36 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop S6, Ep 138 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa S6, Ep 129 - TCO Fly Shop's George Costa Discusses Prime Fall Fishing Conditions S5, Ep 145 - Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop All Things Social Media Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 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...

    4 min
  2. Changing the Narrative: Robbie Kroger’s Mission with The Origins Foundation

    DEC 18

    Changing the Narrative: Robbie Kroger’s Mission with The Origins Foundation

    In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash welcomes Robbie Kroger, founder and Executive Director of The Origins Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about hunting advocacy, wildlife conservation and the sustainable use model that's shaping the future of global conservation efforts. Guest Expertise: From Wetland Scientist to Conservation AdvocateRobbie Kroger brings an unconventional background to hunting advocacy. With a PhD in wetland ecology and aquatic biogeochemistry from the University of Mississippi, six years as a professor in the Wildlife Fisheries Department at Mississippi State and over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Robbie served as chief scientist for the BP oil spill restoration framework. His science-based, measured approach to communication sets The Origins Foundation apart in the hunting advocacy space. What You'll Learn: Reframing the Conservation ConversationDiscover how The Origins Foundation communicates with non-hunters (not anti-hunters) using honesty, respect and scientific reasoning rather than emotional arguments. Robbie explains why sustainable use of wildlife isn't a silver bullet but rather one of only seven critical tools in the limited conservation toolbox. Learn why value-based wildlife management - whether protecting elephant habitat in Africa or managing wolf populations in the American West - creates incentives for local communities to coexist with wildlife rather than eliminate it. Featured Conservation Projects: Global Impact Through ActionRobbie details the world's largest cheetah relocation project, having moved 17 cheetahs into 500,000 acres of Mozambique habitat buffered by 10 million acres of protected land, with three more relocations planned for 2026. Hear about upcoming documentaries including "Sauvons Bambi" (debuting June 2026 in Paris) about European hunters using thermal drones to save roe deer fawns from farm equipment and "In My Footsteps" profiling the first scholarship recipient from a South African hunting charity who became a successful architect. The Foundation is also building schools and clinics in South Africa and Zambia while working on rhino and lion conservation initiatives. Public Lands and Management Philosophy InsightsDrawing on his experience growing up under South Africa's private wildlife ownership model, Robbie contrasts it with America's revolutionary public trust doctrine where wildlife belongs to everyone. He discusses the chronic underfunding of agencies like USFS, USFWS and BLM, arguing that public-private partnerships, biodiversity credits and creative funding models could dramatically improve stewardship. The conversation explores complex topics like fair chase ethics, social media responsibility for hunters and anglers, wolf management controversies and why both sides being upset with you often means you've found the right position. Join the ConversationThe Origins Foundation actively engages with supporters across all social media platforms, typically with Robbie responding personally to messages. Whether attending major hunting shows from Wild Sheep Foundation to Safari Club International or meeting supporters for roadside coffee in Australia, the Foundation maintains an accessible, ego-free approach focused on lifting up the entire conservation community rather than self-promotion. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro...

    1h 1m
  3. Layer Up and Fish On: Mac Brown's Guide to Winter Fishing Comfort

    DEC 13

    Layer Up and Fish On: Mac Brown's Guide to Winter Fishing Comfort

    The Articulate Fly's final Casting Angles segment of 2025 delivers essential cold weather fly fishing strategies from host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown, owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish in the Great Smoky Mountains. As winter conditions settle across the country, Mac shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on layering techniques and gear selection that keep anglers comfortable and effective on the water when temperatures drop into the 20s and below. Learn Mac's counterintuitive footwear approach of wearing boots 1-2 sizes larger to accommodate heavy wool socks without restricting circulation, preventing the painful cold that results from compressed feet. Discover the complete layering system using silk weight Capilene base layers, expedition weight mid-layers and quality Gore-Tex outer shells, plus Mac's ingenious shower cap trick for superior heat retention under toboggans. The discussion covers critical hand protection using poly or nitrile food service gloves that maintain full casting sensitivity and strike detection while keeping hands warm through wet line handling. Mac and Marvin also share tactical tips including why your jacket should always go over your waders, the value of Hot Hands and vintage hand warmers and how carrying a simple backpacking stove for hot beverages can extend your productive fishing time when temperatures drop. Whether you're pursuing winter trout in neoprene waders or preparing for your first cold weather outing, this episode provides the complete blueprint for staying warm, dry and fishing effectively all winter long. Related Content S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown S6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing Strategies S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques All Things Social Media Follow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 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...

    15 min
  4. Staying Warm and Catching Fish: Matt Reilly's Winter Fishing Strategies

    DEC 12

    Staying Warm and Catching Fish: Matt Reilly's Winter Fishing Strategies

    The Articulate Fly wraps up 2025 with the final Southwest Virginia Fishing Report featuring New River musky guide Matt Reilly, who shares essential winter musky fishing strategies and cold weather survival tactics in this fly fishing podcast. As water temperatures drop to the critical 42-43°F threshold post-Thanksgiving, Reilly explains how musky transition into the deepest, slowest-moving winter holes on Southwest Virginia rivers. Learn a proven technique for locating winter musky by observing carp and suckers, which congregate in the same deep-water structures as muskies during cold months. Reilly provides detailed cold weather fishing gear recommendations including his layered glove system (latex gloves under fingerless insulated gloves), Simms Challenger insulated bibs, cold weather Buffs and chemical hand warmers that keep anglers comfortable in freezing conditions. With low, clear water conditions and fluctuating temperatures between snow and 50-degree days, understanding these winter musky patterns and prioritizing comfort over fishing are keys to success. To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview. All Things Social Media Follow Matt 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!

    13 min
  5. Wrapping Up 2025: Product Drops and More from The Chocklett Factory

    DEC 11

    Wrapping Up 2025: Product Drops and More from The Chocklett Factory

    In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary streamer innovator Blane Chocklett to discuss his groundbreaking new hook line with Ahrex, designed specifically for modern articulated fly patterns and the Game Changer platform. Blane Chocklett's Hook Design RevolutionBlane Chocklett reveals how he completely reimagined hook sizing and design to solve the challenges fly tiers face when building articulated streamers. Rather than continuing to adapt existing hooks to his platforms, Chocklett collaborated with Ahrex to create hooks optimized for gap, shank length and wire gauge from the ground up. What You'll Learn About Hook SelectionDiscover why traditional hook sizing creates problems for articulated patterns and how Chocklett's millimeter-based system (8mm to 80mm) eliminates the guesswork. Learn how proper hook gap prevents interference from brush bodies and bucktail and maintains optimal hookup ratios. Blane explains the critical relationship between shank length, vertebrae systems and the three-dimensional swimming action that makes Game Changers so effective. Extreme Testing on Saltwater PredatorsChocklett shares firsthand testing results from jack fishing expeditions where he locked down 100-pound backing on 35-42 inch fish to test the hooks' tensile strength. The forged construction proved its mettle under maximum pressure, giving confidence for everything from trout to tarpon. The Chocklett Factory Golden Ticket PromotionLearn about the special promotion running through January 1st, where purchases over $100 enter you for prizes from Nautilus, TFO, SA, Costa and more. Blane discusses his dealer-first philosophy and upcoming appearances including Bear's Den, Lefty's Tie Fest and his 2026 teaching schedule. Ready to upgrade your streamer tying? These hooks are available now through The Chocklett Factory, Chocklett Factory dealers and Hareline nationwide. All Things Social MediaFollow Blane on Facebook and Instagram. Follow The Chocklett Factory on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Support the Show Shop on Amazon Become a Patreon Patron Subscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice. Advertise on the...

    20 min
  6. Chasing Muskies: Ellis Ward's Insights on Seasonal Shifts and Fishing Strategies

    DEC 4

    Chasing Muskies: Ellis Ward's Insights on Seasonal Shifts and Fishing Strategies

    In this East Tennessee Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with guide Ellis Ward to discuss the seasonal transition from brown trout to prime musky fishing on the French Broad River. Ellis breaks down why December is a great time to chase musky in East Tennessee, explaining how low water conditions create unique presentation opportunities and how recent rain is settling the river into its winter patterns. With baby number three arriving this week, Ellis shares his strategic approach to the December lull, focusing clients on musky fishing while brown trout actively spawn. In response to listener Austin's question about exploring new water, Ellis delivers a masterclass in scouting strategy, explaining how to use Google Maps to identify high-percentage areas like creek mouths, spring creek confluences and reservoir feeder streams throughout the region's extensive tailwater and lake systems. He emphasizes the importance of dedicated time on the water—three to four days per week minimum—to truly pattern any fishery, whether targeting stripers, smallmouth or trophy browns. Ellis wraps up by highlighting why January and February represent his favorite months for post-spawn trout fishing, promising "bonkers" days for anglers willing to brave the cold. To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview! Related Content S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly S7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward S6, Ep 139 - Exploring East Tennessee's Changing Waters with Ellis Ward All Things Social Media Follow Ellis and Flyzotics on Instagram. Follow Ellis on YouTube. 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...

    16 min
  7. Home Waters and Gratitude: Mac Brown's Thanksgiving Fishing Insights

    NOV 26

    Home Waters and Gratitude: Mac Brown's Thanksgiving Fishing Insights

    In this Thanksgiving edition of Casting Angles, fly fishing podcast host Marvin Cash and veteran casting instructor Mac Brown reflect on the blessings of local fishing opportunities and why fishing closer to home makes you a better angler. The conversation explores how pursuing multiple species—from trout and smallmouth bass to the often-overlooked musky fishery at Cheoah Reservoir—sharpens overall angling skills and reveals untapped potential in your own backyard. Mac emphasizes that winter is an ideal time to target alternative species on TVA impoundments and local lakes, waters that tend to be overlooked during the busy summer months. Whether you're looking to improve your casting technique through Mac's guide schools (now selling out early for spring dates) or discover new fishing opportunities within an hour of home, this episode delivers practical wisdom about making the most of what's available locally. Related Content S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques S7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown All Things Social Media Follow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 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!

    9 min
  8. Winter's Approach: Matt Reilly's Tips for Catching Musky in Low Water

    NOV 21

    Winter's Approach: Matt Reilly's Tips for Catching Musky in Low Water

    Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing, where he breaks down late fall musky fishing tactics on the New River during challenging low water conditions. Matt shares essential techniques for clear water musky fishing, including stealth approaches with long casts, downsizing presentations and speed retrieval strategies that trigger strikes even when fish are boat-shy. The episode also delivers valuable technical guidance on intermediate fly line selection, explaining why 25-30 foot intermediate tips outperform full intermediate lines when fishing current seams and eddies in swift river systems like the New River. Matt details how floating running lines allow better line management and hook sets compared to full sinking lines that create problematic bellies in varying currents. Anglers fishing both rivers and lakes will gain actionable insights on matching line systems to water conditions, with specific recommendations for streamer fishing in Southwest Virginia's premier smallmouth bass and musky waters as the season transitions into winter. To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview. Related Content S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly S7, Ep 12 - Cold Water Chronicles: Insights on Musky Fishing and Streamer Techniques with Matt Reilly S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward All Things Social Media Follow Matt 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 a...

    12 min
4.9
out of 5
101 Ratings

About

The Articulate Fly Fly Fishing Podcast regularly releases interviews with national and regional personalities covering fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing travel. We also regularly release fishing reports for the novice and experienced fly angler. Whether you just loved a River Runs Through It or you are a streamer junkie, a dry fly addict, a swinger or a nymph head, we have you covered! To learn more, visit www.thearticulatefly.com.

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