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Magnificent Roosterfish: Unlocking the Secrets of El Gallo
Tom Boyd
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
They’re fast, powerful, and one of the toughest fish to fool on a fly—roosterfish, or El Gallo. Join us as legendary angler Tom Boyd shares his decades-long pursuit of these magnificent predators in Costa Rica. From world-record catches to breakthrough tactics, Tom reveals what makes roosters so elusive, how to spot and hook them, and why landing one is considered the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing. Don’t miss this chance to learn the secrets of chasing one of the ocean’s most extraordinary game fish!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes roosterfish one of the most challenging saltwater fish to catch on a fly?
- How do their unique auditory and visual senses make them so difficult to fool?
- Can you explain the role of the dorsal comb and how roosterfish use it to hunt or herd baitfish?
- How does the behavior of roosters differ between calmer waters like Baja beaches and the rougher open Pacific waters of Costa Rica?
- Tell us about your very first encounter with a roosterfish on the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border—what did you see and how did it change your fishing path?
- Walk us through your 1998 catch in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo—the first large roosterfish taken on fly under IGFA rules. What made it possible that day?
- How did that world-record catch open doors for you, including your work with Crocodile Bay in Costa Rica?
- What role does structure—like reefs, points, or guano-covered cliffs—play in locating roosters?
- What do you look for in bird activity when scanning a beach for signs of roosterfish?
- What’s your preferred rod, reel, and line setup for roosterfish in Costa Rica?
- Tell us about the development of Boyd’s Wounded Baitfish fly. What made it so effective?
- How closely do you try to “match the hatch” when choosing fly colors and sizes for Costa Rica?
- What retrieves have you found most effective—steady strips, erratic jerks, or wounded-baitfish movements?
- What are your tips for setting the hook properly on roosterfish, given their tendency to spit flies?
- How do you recommend fighting a rooster—rod angles, pressure, and handling jumps?
- Roosterfish are listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN. What past and current research have you done that will help us to understand roosterfish better in Costa Rica and other parts of the world.
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Chasing Trout in the Chill - Beating the Cold and Catching More
Jason Randall
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
When the temperatures drop and most anglers hang up their waders, Jason Randall heads to the river. In this episode Jason reveals how to outsmart winter’s toughest conditions and find trout when the water turns icy. Learn how to locate warmwater seeps, choose the right flies for slow, cold currents, and keep yourself warm, safe, and successful all day long. Discover why winter may just be the most rewarding season to fish — if you know where to look and how to adapt.Ask Jason Randall your most important questions on fly fishing in cold weather...
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Over 429 Shows for you to listen to!
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Great Lakes Steelhead on the FlyRick Kustich has fly fished for Great Lakes steelhead for over 30 years. Listen in and take advantage of his in depth knowledge on advanced strategies and techniques, two-handed rods, swinging flies and new fly patterns that are sure to get you hooked up on some trophy steelhead.
Drift Boats & River DoriesRoger Fletcher, an educator, historian and drift boat aficionado has a passion for drift boats and river dories. Learn about their history, design, construction and use. Thinking about building a boat? You won't want to miss this show.
Fly Fishing the Driftless Area of the MidwestSteve Born has been fly fishing the pristine waters of the Driftless Area of the Midwest for years and it still lures him back again and again. Find out why this area is so special and learn Steve's secrets for being successful in these waters.
Fly Fishing the Colorado RiverZeke Hersh is a well-respected and seasoned guide on the Colorado River. He wades and floats the river almost every day and knows how to fish it. Join us as Zeke takes us on a journey down the Colorado from Pumphouse to Rifle and learn how to best fish this famous river.
Tackling TailwatersTerry Gunn lives and guides on one of the most beautiful tailwaters in the world at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River. Tailwaters provide exceptional fishing and knowing how to fish them can make or break your day. Listen in and learn Terry's secrets to getting the most out of your day on a tailwater.
Nymphing The New WayJonathan White has fishing all over the world and has found the new methods of European nymphing to be one of the most effect fly fishing methods used. In this show Jonathan will dig deep into the French leader method and will talk about sight nymphing, short and long range indicator nymphing, dry fly presentations and fishing for grayling, carp and steelhead.
Tenkara - The Traditional Japanese Method of Fly FishingDaniel Galhardo founded Tenkara USA in 2009 and has brought the traditional Japanese method of fly-fishing where only a rod, line and fly are used to the US. Tenkara is about fly-fishing simplicity and mountain-stream effectiveness. Eleven to fourteen foot long rods allow anglers to fish mountain streams in a way that is nearly impossible with western fly gear. Listen to learn about the history, philosophy and of course the strategies and techniques of using the Tenkara system.
A Lifetime of Fly Fishing for SteelheadTrey Combs has been fly fishing, guiding and writing about steelhead for more than 50 years. He's an expert on this fish and has now written his fourth book on steelhead. Join us to learn about the history of steelhead fishing and all that he has learned about fishing for this extraordinary and challenging fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your book Flies for Atlantic Salmon & Steelhead?
- What is your prediction for the health of steelhead runs?
- What is the cause of the devastation of steelhead runs on the Thompson River?
- What was the first steelhead fly?
- What do you consider to be the most versatile fly rod for steelhead?
- What is your recommended terminal tackle setup?
- What is your favorite steelhead fly to use in British Columbia?
- What is your favorite fly for low water?
- What caused you to start using more black flies?
- What is the most effective way to present your flies?
- How does your presentation change from spring to fall
- Why do you like to keep your fly broadside in the current?
- How do you use The Muddler for steelhead?
- What changes do you make to The Muddler so that it performs better?
DIY Fly Fishing VacationsRod Hamilton has been helping fly fishers find the best do it yourself locations for many years. He's traveled the world looking for locations that have local fishing experts that can be called upon for help, accurate fishing reports, vacation rental properties and other points of interest you may want to explore. Many times it's not easy to find these locations but Rod has made it happen. Join us and help me pick Rods brain on how to make a do it yourself fishing vacation a memorable one.
Fly Fishing Alberta's Famous Bow RiverLearn 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.
Fishing The Caddisfly For TroutBill Edrington has been fly fishing for over 40 years. He knows about the caddis fly as his home waters is the Arkansas River in Colorado known for one of the most intense spring caddis hatches in the United States. Listen in to this podcast to find out Bill's secrets on fishing this fly.
Mastering the NymphJason Randall fishes with fly fishing giants such as George Daniel, Landon Mayer, Lefty Kreh, Ed Jaworowski, Ed Engle, Gary Borger, and Joe Humphreys and on this show Jason will share their top nymphing techniques, flies, and tactics. Randall covers everything from rigging flies, reading the water, casting, and fighting fish. Join us to see what Jason has learned from fishing with the masters.
Strip-Set: Fly-Fishing Techniques, Tactics and Patterns for StreamersGeorge Daniel a professional guide and competitive fly fisher will take you on an exciting journey with streamers. He'll explain how to read the water, trout behavior, equipment, casting and night fishing as well as discuss some of the best streamer patterns being used today.
Fly Tying Made Clear and SimpleSkip Morris is a full-time fly fishing author and speaker who has published 22 books and over 350 magazine articles on fly fishing and fly tying. Skip makes fly tying so simple anyone can do it. If you’re interested in fly tying but haven’t given it a try yet listen in and Skip will provide all the information you need to get started and to be successful.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started tying flies?
- Is it more expensive to tie your own flies than to buy them?
- What tools do I absolutely need to get started tying flies?
- What should I look for in a good vise?
- What are the important features of a good bobbin?
- What are the basic materials needed to get started?
- What is the difference between the different brands of hooks?
- What is your go-to thread material?
- What sizes of thread should I get to begin with?
- What do the different grades of capes mean?
- Do you weight your flies or use other methods to get deeper?
- Do you think adding purple to a dry fly marks it fish better?
- What tips do you have for tying very small flies?
Lesser Known Fly Fishing Venues in South ParkMichele White, a professional guide in Lake George, Colorado, has extensively explored, fished and documented the tributaries of the South Platte River in South Park. South Park is home to Lake George, the Tarryall River, Lost Creek, Tomahawk, Badger Basin and the headwaters of the South Platte River. Listen in to this podcast if you're looking for fishing locations that are less pressured than the South Platte River but still in easy reach of the Denver metro area.
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