Step onto the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world as we explore the legendary fly fishing of the Padre Island National Seashore with acclaimed angler Phil Shook. From bull reds prowling the surf to speckled trout, jacks, snook, and migratory tarpon, this remote stretch of Texas coastline offers endless adventure—and requires smart strategy to fish well. Phil breaks down how to read the surf, locate productive cuts and guts, choose the right flies, handle wind and waves, and target each species through the seasons. If you love saltwater fly fishing, this is a masterclass you won’t want to miss.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Where is the Padre Island National Seashore and what does it offer fly fishers and other visitors?
• What is the human history of the island?
• How did fly fishers first find out about all the action on these beach safaris?
• What are the game fish that fly fishers find on the National Seashore?
• Are there sharks present, and are they a concern?
• What are the prime seasons, and conditions for the best fly fishing action along the Seashore?
• What is at the end of the road, and why do flyfishers want to get there?
• Is this an area that is easy to wade, or do you need a boat to really fish it?
• Is the Seashore good for day trips or solely for long drives and camping out?
• When you arrive at the Padre Island surf, what are the first signs or indicators you look for before making a cast?
• What rod weights and setups do you recommend to cover everything from trout to bull reds and jacks in the surf?
• What are your go-to fly patterns?
• How do you adapt your retrieve when dealing with wave surges that constantly push and pull the fly?
• What fish-holding features do guides and anglers look for on safaris down the seashore?
• When targeting fast-moving predators like jacks or tarpon, how do you adjust your strip speed or positioning?

Denny Rickards has been studying trout behavior in stillwaters for over 40 years. He's always learning new things about the aquatic life forms that trout eat and then develops strategies and techniques he can use to mimic their activity. Join us on this podcast to hear about Denny's latest new findings which will help you to catch more fish in stillwaters.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What is the best time of day to fish stillwaters?
• How do you change your tactics throughout the day?
• Will you have more success if you fish from a kick boat or float tube than from shore?
• Are depth finders useful?
• Do you use UV materials in your flies?
• What are the three most important design aspect of flies?
• What type of line do you use and what types of tips do you use?
• What development stage of insects gets more strikes larva, pupa or adults?
• What is the best way to fish pupa?
• How do you determine what depth the fish are at?
• What is the most productive depth for getting strikes?
• If a fish follows your fly will it strike on a follow-up cast?

Gary Borger literally wrote the book on designing trout flies so he knows his subject well. Gary's background as a biologist provides him with an approach to designing flies that few fly fishers can claim. Join Gary to find out what makes a fly a successful fly that can catch fish.

Chris Wells has been a full-time professional guide for more than 20 years. One of his favorite rivers to guide on is the Williams Fork in central Colorado which he calls one of the "buggiest places" he knows. Yellow sallies, caddis, midges, baetis, tricos, stoneflies and red quills are more than abundant and the trout feed like crazy on them. Join us to learn about the Williams Fork River, why it's so special for Chris and how to fish it for the best results.

Doug Gibson, a professional guide in Idaho, has been guiding for over 40 years on the Henry's Fork. After over 4,000 trips under his belt, he knows this river better than most. The fish in the Henry's Fork are some of the toughest trout on the planet to catch but Doug knows the strategies and tactics to get them hooked up. Join us on this podcast and hear Doug’s expert advice on fly fishing the Henry's Fork.

Dusty Wissmath, a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, will explore the fundamentals of casting that are so important to catching more fish. Are you struggling with a castitng problem? Here's your chance to ask a question of one of the best casting instructors around.

Tom Baltz has been living and fishing the limestone valleys of south-central Pennsylvania for the past 40 years. The LeTort, Yellow Breeches and Big Spring creeks are just a few minutes from his home giving him the opportunity to understand and fish them to perfection. He's fished alongside some of the most notable fly fishers of our time including Vince Marinaro and Charlie Fox. Listen in to hear Tom give you a tour of these three great creeks and tips on how to fish them.

John Tavenner a professional guide on the San Juan River in New Mexico knows every inch of this trophy producing tailwater. Listen in while he tells his secrets of fly fishing for big trout with little bugs.

Steve Galletta has a passion for dry fishing and matching the hatch, that's what attracted him to the Bighorn River 10 years ago. A professional guide, Steve will share his secrets about one of the world's best tailwater rivers.

Charlie Craven is a master fly tier and has figured out the best fly tying techniques for just about any challenge. His latest book Tying Streamers addresses the techniques used to tie both classic and modern streamer patterns. Charlie is always a great source for good tips on tying so join us to find out what he’s discovered about the best way to tie streamers.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• How do you make wooly buggers more durable?
• What is the best way to tie in a palmered hackle?
• Are articulated patterns more effective than non-articulated patterns?
• What are your favorite materials for tying streamers?
• What are the three most important triggers when tying streamers?
• Do you prefer streamers that are thick and dense or sparse and thin?
• How do you keep streamers from fouling?
• How do you choose a hook for your streamers?
• What are your considerations for choosing streamers for different water types?

Brian Flechsig owns Mad River Outfitters, Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides. He started his fly shop in 1994 with a passion for fly fishing and the will to succeed, but not much more. Today, Mad River Outfitters ranks as one of the top three largest fly shops in the United States. Join us and learn how Brian started his business on a shoestring and how he has grown it through consistent marketing and proper business management.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What inspired you to start a business in the fly fishing industry?
• How has your business evolved from its initial concept to the multi-faceted enterprise it is today?
• How has your passion for fly fishing influenced the way you run your business?
• How do you engage with the local community through your brick-and-mortar shop?
• In creating your product lines, do you select low, medium, and high-cost products to appeal to the broadest spectrum of customers or focus on one price point?
• What is the top-selling or highest-grossing product at the fly shop?
• What are the top 2-3 selling fly patterns in the shop?
• What platform do you use for your e-commerce store?
• Do you use manufacturer’s supplied photos for your products, or do you take your own?
• What types of marketing do you do?
• What marketing has worked the best for you?
• Do you do all your marketing in-house or do you outsource some of it?
• Which advertising channels have you found most effective for your businesses, and why?
• How much luck is responsible for your success?

Michael Gorman, a professional guide of more than 30 years helps us make the most of every stillwater fishing outing - even those ego-bruising days when the fish seem to reject everything. Join us to learn Michaels strategies, techniques and secrets.

Landon Mayer has fished Colorado his whole life and has guided across the state for many years. Listen to this podcast to find out when the best seasons are to fish and how to fish them.

George Daniel has guided clients and fished competitively throughout the world. His desire to learn as much as possible about his craft and adapt his techniques have given him a superb understanding of what it takes to get a nymph to a fish. There are many 'right' ways to deliver your nymphs whether it be contact nymphing or suspension nymphing. Listen to this podcast and learn George's latest strategies and techniques so you can up your game.

Learn from famed angler Jim McLennan, one of the first guides on the Bow and Editor At Large for Fly Fisherman magazine, what makes this river tick. He literally wrote the book - "Blue Ribbon Bow"- on the river which has served as a resource for many in successfully dealing with the complexities of this famed stream.