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Imposters - The Flies We Fish And The Fish They Catch
Skip Morris
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
Skip and Carol Ann Morris are well known in the fly fishing world and they have stories to tell... Their latest book Imposters takes us on a trip of colorful fly fishing experiences blending stories, insights, history and instruction all based on those imposters at the end of our lines. Join us on what will be a fun as well as enlightening episode as they share those experiences with us.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the idea come about for you book Imposters and how did you decide to work together on it?
- The title of the book is Imposters. At the most basic level, what are we really asking a fish to believe when we put an artificial fly in front of it?
- Could you provide some insight into how flies which appear to represent nothing in nature seem to catch fish like crazy?
- Fly tiers can become obsessed with making a fly look exactly like the insect they're imitating. How much does anatomical accuracy really matter to the fish?
- The two of you checked the dimensions of your fly drawings with a draftsman's divider so the tails, wings, hackles, thoraxes, and other components would have correct proportions. Why was that level of accuracy important to you, and how difficult is it to draw a fly accurately enough that a fly tier could actually learn from the illustration?
- Do you find that when drawing a fly it forces you to notice details about its proportions, materials, or construction that even the person tying it might overlook?
- In "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch," an apparently insignificant piece of water turns out to be much better than you expected. What can that experience teach us about learning to read water without prejudging it?
- Your chapter-opening illustrations don't simply show flies; they often combine the fly with fish, insects, anglers, wildlife, or scenes from the essay. For example, the opening illustration for "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch" brings together the trout, beaver, insect, branch, and fly. How do you decide which elements of Skip's story should become the visual story?
- Carol Anne because you're illustrating something Skip knows intimately as both a tier and fisherman, what is the collaboration like? Does Skip ever look over your shoulder and say, "That hackle is too long," or do you have artistic veto power?
- I am a new fly tyer, what pattern is a good start for me for an imposter pattern?
- The Guest Box includes everything from chironomid pupae to Booby Flies and your Predator. Is it more useful for an angler to organize a fly box around specific insects or around how and where the flies will be fished?
- Carol Ann you've spent a lot of time fishing with Skip as well as illustrating his books. Has being an artist changed the way you observe things when you're on the water—the insects, fish, light, vegetation, or other details that the rest of us might walk right past?
- How should an angler change the fly and presentation when trout appear to be taking insects trapped in or just below the surface film?
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Fly Fishing the Legendary North Umpqua for Steelhead
Joe Howell
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Guide, Author
The North Umpqua is legendary among steelhead fly fishers—but success on this demanding river takes more than simply showing up with a fly rod. Former guide and author Joe W. Howell shares what you need to know to fish the North Umpqua with confidence. Discover how to read its distinctive water, choose productive flies and techniques, approach steelhead effectively, and adapt to changing river conditions. Along the way, Joe draws on years of experience to help you better understand—and appreciate—one of America’s most storied steelhead rivers.Ask Joe Howell your most important questions on fly fishing the North Umpqua for steelhead...
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Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped BassDive into the exhilarating world of fly fishing for trophy striped bass in our next show with John Field! Join us as he shares the behaviors, preferred foods, and best fishing spots for these spectacular sportfish. Learn the flies and techniques that promise success. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, don’t miss this thrilling discussion that could lead you to your next big catch!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What do you consider a trophy striped bass?
- Can you explain the four major Atlantic stocks and their migrations?
- Are there similar migrations in California?
- What physical characteristics and sense of stripers do we, as fly fishers, need to know?
- What are the key factors that affect the movement of large fish?
- What are their primary food sources?
- Does the size of the fly help with hooking larger fish?
- Do you need to match your fly pattern the baitfish they are feeding on?
- What are a few of your go-to flies?
- What are your favorite top water patterns?
- What weight rods and types of lines do you recommend?
- What knots do you use in your setup?
- Are you more likely to catch a trophy striped bass from a boat or from shore?
- Where an how do you sight fish for striped bass?
- How do you present and retrieve your flies?
- What type of fight do the larger fish give and how do you fight them?
- What is the best way to handle a fish you've caught to ensure their survival?
Wild Wipers on the FlyMatt Snider says fly fishing for wipers is like hooking up with a strong saltwater fish only you're in freshwater. Learn Matt's techniques for finding and hooking up with this exciting fish.
Crappie Fly FishingTerry Wilson and his wife Roaxanne have explored the life of the crappie and found many good things about a fish that hasn't got much respect in the past. Crappie are voracious feeders and strong fighters and you can fish for them year round. Listen in to hear about crappie behavior, habits, how to catch them and what flies to use.
Kayak Fly Fishing in Baja MexicoGary Bulla is an expert on fly fishing salt water from Point Conception to the Sea of Cortez. He has landed over 130 species on the fly. Listen in to learn Gary's strategies and techniques for fly fishing from a kayak in Baja, Mexico.
Tangling with TarponThose that have fished for the Tarpon say it's addicting. So if you dare join Tad Burke a professional guide in the Florida Keys and learn his secrets about hooking up with a Tarpon and staying hooked.
Fly Fishing The Tailwaters Of The North PlatteThe bays, estuaries, and beaches that rim the California coast offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities to be found anywhere in the world but not without their own unique set of challenges and demands. Join Ken Hanley on this podcast to learn the secrets of fly fishing this extraordinary coast.
Cicada MadnessDave Zielinski has been tracking down annual and periodical cicada emergences in an effort to figure out their mystery and the fish that hunt and devour them for the past 20 years. If you'd like to zero in on one of these epic emergences, tune in and learn from Dave about the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns that you'll need to crack the code.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes cicada emergences so significant for fly fishers?
- What does a cicada look like?
- How many different species are there?
- What is the life cycle of cicadas?
- What is the difference between periodical and annual cicadas?
- How often do the periodical emergences occur?
- How long does an emergence last?
- When is the best time of day to fish during a cicada emergence?
- What signs are there that an cicada emergence is happening?
- What are the differences between the 13 and 17 year cicadas?
- What color combinations are best for cicada fly imitations?
- Do you have a favorite fly size and pattern?
- What presentation methods work best when fishing with cicadas?
- Is there an online source that tracks cicada emergences?
Lake Nassar's Nile PerchJeff Currier has just returned from Egypt and his second adventure in search of the exotic Nile Perch. Join Jeff to learn about what it takes to figure out a fish that is seldom caught on a fly.
Nymph, Brush and Night Fishing for TroutJoe Humphreys has taught fly fishing for over forty years and still loves to share his insights. Nymphing is one of his favorite approaches; he shares a lifetime's worth of experience on this as well as fishing brush and night fishing on this show.
Fly Fishing For Trophy Trout On StillwatersDenny has been fishing, guiding and studying trout behavior for the past 30 years. He's an expert on fish lakes and has developed a selection of suggestive flies that put the trophy trout on the take. Join us on this podcast to hear about Denny's latest new techniques on fishing lakes.
New York City Fly Fishing - Only a Cab Ride AwayNew York City area is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. However, if one were to take a map, a pencil compass and make a 90 mile circle around New York City there are hundreds of high quality fly fishing streams within this area. Join us as we take a tour of some great fisheries in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania all within a short drive of the 'Big Apple'.
St. Brandon's AtollJeff Currier’s pursuit of the yellow permit, 10 pound plus bonefish and the Picasso triggerfish puts him on the other side of the world on St. Brandon’s Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Who else would endure a 26-hour boat ride after 40 hours of flight travel to add a few more fish to his bucket list. Join us to learn about another “Monsoon” Currier adventure.
Fly Fishing for Striped BassRich Murphy has been fly fishing for striped bass for more than 25 years and knows the northeast coast of the US like his backyard. Find out all of Rich’s secrets of catching and landing these exciting saltwater trophies.
Steelhead Quest for AwarenessTerry Meyers has guided for steelhead most her professional life and has been involved in conservation efforts to preserve the species. To bring awareness to the plight of the steelhead she went on a quest to catch a steelhead in every month of the year and write about it as she fished. Join us to hear about her quest and become educated in the future of steelhead.
Fly Fishing for Trophy Trout in Georgia's Noontootla CreekKent Klewein is well known in Georgia for being the top guide for putting clients on trophy rainbow and brown trout on Noontootla Creek and its tributaries. Learn how to hook up with these trophies southern style on this show.
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