TCO Flycast

TCO Fly Shop
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Conversations with experts, guides, and passionate anglers about all things fly fishing. Learn tips, techniques, and stories that bring the sport to life.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    From Alaska to PA Smallmouth | TCO Flycast Ep. 7 - Jake Villwock

    In this episode of the TCO Flycast, we sit down with guide, author, and fly designer Jake Villwock to talk smallmouth bass. From reading conditions in unpredictable spring weather to building flies that solve real problems on the water, Jake breaks down the mindset and tactics behind consistently finding fish. We dig into Jake’s background from commercial fishing roots to Alaska, and how that path led to building Relentless Fly Fishing and writing Smallmouth Bass Flies: Top to Bottom. This one covers everything from fly design and seasonal strategy to why observation beats any “perfect plan.” If you want to better understand how smallmouth actually feed and how to adapt on the water, this is a must-listen. Topics include: Early season smallmouth patterns and water tempsReading fish behavior vs sticking to a planPre-spawn movement and aggressive feeding windowsJake’s path from Alaska to guiding in PABuilding Relentless Fly FishingFly tying progression and problem-solving designThe story behind the Roamer and other patternsWriting Smallmouth Bass Flies: Top to BottomBridging the gap between trout and bass fishingTopwater, subsurface, and bottom presentationsTravel, fly fishing culture, and hosted tripsJake's New Book - Favorite Flies for Smallmouth Bass: 50 Flies from Local Experts:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/favorite-flies-for-smallmouth-bass-50-flies-from-local-experts Smallmouth Bass Flies Top To Bottom: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/smallmouth-bass-flies-top-to-bottom Book a Guide Trip with Relentless: https://www.relentlessflyfishing.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Current Smallmouth Season Report05:30 Growing Up in a Commercial Fishing Family09:46 College: From Accounting to Entrepreneurship12:29 Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania & Joining TCO14:42 Starting Relentless Fly Fishing Full-Time16:03 Building the Guide Service & Becoming Established18:18 Where Relentless Guides Today19:34 The Story Behind the Name "Relentless"23:13 How Jake Got Into Fly Tying27:27 Evolving Fly Design & The Roamer31:26 The Roamer's Origin Story33:53 Writing the First Book: Smallmouth Bass Flies Top to Bottom37:27 Imposter Syndrome & Finding Your Voice as an Author40:50 Fishing the Water Column: What "Top to Bottom" Means44:24 Hatches, Dry Flies & Smallmouth Acting Like Trout45:41 Overnight Float Trips & Riverside Cooking47:23 What Doors the Book Opened49:03 Fly Shows & Networking Led to Brazil52:30 Hosting a Trip to the Amazon for Peacock Bass54:08 The New Book: Favorite Flies for Bass57:07 Fly Design Inspiration from Spin Fishing1:02:15 Jake's Hunting & Archery Journey1:05:17 Competitive 3D Archery & the Fishing-Archery Overlap1:07:49 How to Find & Book with Relentless Fly Fishing1:09:27 Fly Tying Masterclass Video & Where to Buy the Books

    1h 11m

  2. APR 13

    Dusty Wissmath on Teaching Fly Fishing, Travel, & Conservation | TCO Flycast Ep. 6

    Bill sits down with Dusty Wissmath to talk about teaching fly fishing, hosting trips around the world, and building a lifelong connection to the sport.From growing up in Missouri to working in East Africa and eventually building one of the most respected fly fishing education programs in the country, Dusty shares the path that shaped his perspective on teaching, conservation, and travel.This episode dives into casting mechanics, why the right words matter when teaching, how to approach bucket list trips like Patagonia and Belize, and why fly fishing should feel like an invitation rather than a barrier.Topics include:-How Dusty got started in fly fishing-Working in wildlife biology and conservation in Africa-Transitioning into teaching and building a fly fishing school-Why language and teaching style matter in casting-Becoming a fly fishing instructor-Hosted trips to Montana, Iceland, Patagonia, and Belize-How to choose the right destination and guide-The importance of setting goals on fishing trips-Conservation, fish handling, and catch and release-Writing a fly fishing book and making the sport more accessibleChapters: 00:00 Intro and guest introduction 00:01:15 Dusty’s background and early fishing in Missouri 00:02:10 Family influence and early fly fishing 00:02:31 Trips to Wyoming and Montana 00:03:38 College and wildlife biology path 00:04:40 Career shift into finance 00:05:15 Moving to East Africa for conservation work 00:06:24 Mountain gorilla research and tourism impact 00:08:20 Life working in Africa 00:09:32 Transition back to the U.S. and Pennsylvania 00:10:05 Starting a fly fishing school 00:12:08 Discovering a passion for teaching 00:13:09 Teaching beginners while guiding in Wyoming 00:14:31 Mentorship from Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff 00:15:54 Why words matter in teaching casting 00:18:13 How to become a fly fishing instructor 00:19:26 Why you should never “throw” a cast 00:21:08 Teaching beginners vs experienced anglers 00:23:22 Casting is the easy part 00:24:25 Traveling and learning new fisheries 00:25:32 Hosting trips around the world 00:27:28 Building relationships in the industry 00:29:26 Why you shouldn’t wait to take a trip 00:32:00 Setting expectations with guides 00:33:14 Defining your goals on a fishing trip 00:34:20 Montana overview 00:41:39 Iceland overview 00:45:54 Patagonia overview 00:52:28 Belize overview 00:55:18 Couples trips and non-fishing activities 01:02:19 Dusty’s book and writing process 01:05:11 Making fly fishing more accessible 01:08:57 Choosing the right teacher 01:10:10 Conservation and fish handling

    1h 40m

  3. APR 3

    Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Fly Fishing | TCO Flycast Ep. 5 - Washington Trip Recap

    Steelhead might be one of the most challenging fish you can target on the fly.In Episode 5 of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with John and Kyle to break down their recent trip to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This episode dives into the reality of chasing one of fly fishing’s most elusive species.The group spent five days fishing rivers like the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, and Calawah. With constantly changing conditions, heavy rain, and long days on the water, they discuss what it really takes to find success swinging flies for steelhead - and why expectations need to be realistic.They also cover gear, river strategy, casting adjustments, and the mental side of Spey fishing, along with stories from the trip including close calls, landed fish, and lessons learned along the way.If you’ve ever thought about heading west to chase steelhead, this episode gives you a real look at what to expect.Topics include:• Expectations vs reality of a steelhead trip• Swinging flies vs conventional gear for steelhead• Breaking down large rivers on the Olympic Peninsula• Steelhead behavior and holding water• Spey casting tips and common mistakes• Sink tips, fly selection, and presentation• The importance of time on the water• Gear considerations for cold, wet conditions• Fishing with guides vs DIY trips• Travel logistics and trip planningWhether you're planning your first steelhead trip or just curious about the experience, this episode offers an honest look at chasing fish of a lifetime.Thanks for watching the podcast! The best way to support these episodes is by hitting like and subscribe and shopping at TCO for your fly fishing needs:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/Chapters:0:00 Intro – Olympic Peninsula steelhead trip overview1:06 Guest introductions – John and Kyle2:10 Expectations for steelhead fishing3:17 “Fish of 2,000 casts” mindset3:55 Swinging vs conventional gear discussion4:17 Travel to Washington and ferry logistics5:24 Visit to Grundéns and gear testing insights7:09 Arrival in Forks and first impressions7:34 Comparing first and second steelhead trips8:31 Rivers fished – Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah10:42 First day on the water – expectations vs reality12:14 Gear setups and Spey rod discussion13:36 Wade fishing the Hoh River14:31 First fish – Dolly Varden / bull trout15:36 Early success on conventional gear17:11 Fishing between swing runs18:30 Why conventional gear helps understand fish behavior19:36 Big fish lost in heavy structure21:13 Building confidence after hookups22:15 Moving to Gig Harbor guides – Blake and Aaron23:12 Rain, conditions, and importance of gear24:23 Waterproof gear and staying dry25:01 River conditions and water clarity26:11 First steelhead hooked on the swing27:15 Changing flies and presentation adjustments28:19 Sink tips, depth, and fly control30:01 Spey casting adjustments and technique31:36 Imperfect casts and why they can work33:17 Momentum shift – multiple fish hooked34:29 Key run where multiple fish were found36:09 Kyle hooks a steelhead on the swing37:04 Fighting and landing the fish38:04 Bill hooks up shortly after39:21 Landing a steelhead on a hobo Spey fly40:10 Additional species – sea-run cutthroat42:10 Food and accommodations on the trip43:55 Boat safety and river hazards45:08 DIY anglers and risks on the river46:21 Changing river systems and structure47:22 Overall experience beyond fishing48:01 Cold weather and staying warm49:05 Drying gear and travel logistics49:33 Dealing with tough fishing conditions51:20 Final thoughts on expectations vs reality52:07 Other fishing opportunities in the region52:32 Travel back to Seattle53:43 Kyle’s closing thoughts on steelheading55:16 John’s advice for learning Spey fishing57:01 DIY vs guided trips57:41 Outro and final thoughts

    58 min

  4. MAR 9

    Susquehanna River Smallmouth Fly Fishing Tactics | TCO Flycast Ep. 4 - Mike Rosa

    Smallmouth bass might be the most underrated species in fly fishing. In Episode 4 of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with Susquehanna River guide Mike Rosa to talk about everything smallmouth bass. From seasonal patterns and river structure to topwater eats and streamer retrieves, this episode breaks down how to successfully target smallmouth on the fly in Pennsylvania.The Susquehanna can be intimidating. In many places it’s over a mile wide and full of structure, islands, ledges, and boulder fields. Mike explains how he approaches the river, how fish move throughout the year, and how anglers can start breaking down big water.The conversation also covers seasonal tactics, fly selection, and how smallmouth behavior changes from pre-spawn through summer and into fall.If you’ve only focused on trout fishing, this episode might make you rethink what a fly rod is capable of.Topics include:• How to break down a massive river like the Susquehanna• Seasonal smallmouth patterns from winter to fall• Streamer techniques and why fish often eat on the pause• Topwater smallmouth tactics in summer• Fishing structure like boulders, ledges, and seams• Fly gear setups for river smallmouth• Susquehanna conservation and fish population recovery• The Bass Thumb Fly Fishing TournamentWhether you fish from a kayak, raft, drift boat, or on foot, this episode is packed with practical insights for anglers interested in smallmouth on the fly.Chapters:0:00 Intro – Mike Rosa and smallmouth fly fishing1:09 Trout vs smallmouth on the fly3:55 Why smallmouth fishing is so addictive6:07 Breaking down the Susquehanna River8:40 Smallmouth seasonal patterns10:47 Summer fishing and topwater tactics12:23 Fishing high water and river conditions13:22 Fly rod and line setups for smallmouth16:12 Reading structure on big rivers18:41 Streamer retrieves and eating on the pause21:07 Average size of Susquehanna smallmouth24:49 Susquehanna river health and fish populations27:12 Wading vs floating the river33:48 The Bass Thumb Fly Fishing tournament37:21 Crayfish patterns and fishing techniques42:56 Topwater smallmouth tactics50:45 Fishing dirty water conditions52:18 Best time of year to catch big smallmouth55:03 Outro and where to find Mike Rosa

    56 min

  5. FEB 20

    Understanding Trout Behavior | TCO Flycast Ep. 3 - John Parisi

    Thanks for watching! Let us know what topics you'd like to hear about next in the comments! In Episode 3 of the TCO Flycast, John Parisi returns to take a deep dive into trout behavior and how it shapes your approach on the water. We break down the three major factors that drive fish movement and feeding: flow, water temperature, and clarity. The conversation moves through seasonal changes from winter and post-spawn behavior into spring hatches, summer terrestrials, and fall patterns. John also covers species differences, stocked versus wild trout, fishing pressure, and how to adjust your presentation based on conditions. If you want to fish smarter and make better decisions before you step into the stream, understanding trout behavior is the foundation. Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast! Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water! TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990. More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop! TCO Bryn Mawr 834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 TCO Reading 2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609 TCO Boiling Springs 2 East 1st Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 TCO State College 2030 East College Ave, State College, PA 16801 TCO Muncy 1203 Lycoming Mall Circle Muncy, PA 17756 Chapters:0:00 Introduction & Episode Overview1:52 The 3 Major Trout Behavior Factors (Flow, Temp, Clarity)3:40 Species Differences: Browns, Rainbows, Brookies, Cutthroat7:04 Stocked vs Wild Trout Behavior8:53 Winter Trout Behavior (Post-Spawn Browns)10:34 Best Winter Feeding Times11:28 Fishing Around Ice & Winter Water Types12:43 Late Winter / Early Spring Transition14:14 Spring Behavior: High Water & Fish Distribution15:31 Fishing Shallow Water in Spring17:16 Regional Hatch Timing (SE PA vs State College vs Catskills)18:26 Big Rivers vs Small Streams19:55 Targeting Sporadic Risers22:23 Summer Behavior & Rising Water Temps24:10 Refuge Pools & Summer Holding Water25:04 Night Fishing & Terrestrials29:59 Prime Water Temperatures (50–62°F)31:47 Fall Transition & Pre-Spawn Behavior33:36 Spawning Season & Avoiding Reds35:11 Post-Spawn Streamer Fishing36:57 Reading USGS Flow Graphs41:04 Leader Length & Water Clarity Adjustments43:42 Fishing Pressure & Trout Behavior47:59 Barometric Pressure & Weather Effects50:28 Trout Migration & Exploring New Water52:52 Rainbow Trout Seasonal Behavior53:53 Urban Fly Fishing54:22 Fly Selection for Pressured Fish55:42 Subtle vs Flashy Nymphs in Clear Water Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!

    57 min

  6. FEB 6

    Euro Nymphing Setup, Leaders, Casting and Drift | TCO Flycast Ep. 2 - John Parisi

    In this episode of the TCO Flycast, John Parisi breaks down euro nymphing from the ground up. We cover rods, reels, line and mono rigs, leader formulas, fly selection, casting mechanics, drift control, and strike detection. This episode focuses on euro nymphing setup and technique. Trout behavior will be covered in the next episode. Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast! Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water! TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990. More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop! TCO Bryn Mawr 834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 TCO Reading 2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609 TCO Boiling Springs 2 East 1st Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 TCO State College 2030 East College Ave, State College, PA 16801 TCO Muncy 1203 Lycoming Mall Circle Muncy, PA 17756 Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Euro Nymphing Part 1 Overview (02:00) - John Parisi Background and TCO Fly Shop Role (03:05) - What Euro Nymphing Is and How It Works (04:35) - Why Euro Nymphing Has Grown in Popularity (05:40) - Why Euro Nymphing Can Catch More Trout (07:35) - Choosing a Euro Nymphing Rod Length and Weight (10:05) - Using a Standard Fly Rod to Euro Nymph (12:05) - Reel Selection and Full Cage Benefits (14:20) - Euro Nymphing Fly Lines Explained (16:50) - Mono Rig vs Euro Line Systems (18:05) - Leader Formulas and Material Choices (21:10) - Micro Leaders and Thin Leader Setups (22:50) - Euro Nymphing Fly Selection and Confidence Patterns (25:15) - Matching Flies to Hatches and Seasons (27:05) - One Fly vs Two Fly Euro Rigs (29:00) - Euro Nymphing Casting Mechanics (31:05) - Water Loading and Tight Stream Casting (34:05) - Presentation and Entry Control (35:20) - Casting Distance and Effective Range (36:30) - Drift Control and Depth Management (38:10) - Reading Water and Covering Runs (40:10) - Rod Angle and Leader Angle Effects (43:15) - When to Change Flies (44:20) - Hook Set Technique and Strike Detection (47:35) - Rapid Fire Questions and Episode Wrap Up Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!

    53 min

  7. JAN 22

    Spey & Saltwater Fly Fishing + Fly Shop Life at TCO | TCO Flycast Ep. 1 - Chris Frangiosa

    In this episode of the TCO Flycast, we sit down with Chris Frangiosa to talk Spey fishing, saltwater fly fishing, and how he got started in fly fishing, along with his path into the fly fishing industry at TCO. Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast! Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water! TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990. More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop! TCO Bryn Mawr 834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 TCO Reading 2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609 TCO Boiling Springs 2 East 1st Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 TCO State College 2030 East College Ave, State College, PA 16801 TCO Muncy 1203 Lycoming Mall Circle Muncy, PA 17756 Chapters: (00:00) - Welcome to the TCO Fly Cast (01:30) - How Chris Got Into Fly Fishing (03:00) - Joining TCO and Growing the Business (05:00) - What Makes a Great Fly Shop (08:20) - Expertise, Research and Product Knowledge (11:20) - Time on the Water vs Online Research (13:40) - Best and Worst Parts of Working in a Fly Shop (17:40) - Elitism in Fly Fishing (19:05) - Favorite Types of Fishing (22:00) - One Trip Left Dream Destinations (23:45) - Fly Fishing Pennsylvania Locally (24:40) - Getting Started with Two-Handed and Saltwater Fishing (27:00) - Swinging Flies and Hook-Set Myths (29:40) - Permit Fishing Fundamentals (33:50) - Winter Fly Fishing Reality (35:25) - Rapid-Fire Customer Questions (38:20) - Stocked Trout, Wild Trout and Warmwater Fishing (41:20) - Final Thoughts and Invitation Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!

    43 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Conversations with experts, guides, and passionate anglers about all things fly fishing. Learn tips, techniques, and stories that bring the sport to life.

Information

  • Creator
    TCO Fly Shop
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TCO Fly Shop
  • Show Website
    TCO Flycast