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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.
More about Tom Boyd...
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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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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.
Fly Fishing Spring CreeksMike Lawson was born and raised in southeastern Idaho and has fished the Henry's Fork, a classic spring creek, his whole life. Mike worked on his book, "Spring Creeks", for over 12 years producing a comprehensive work about fishing spring creeks and tailwaters. You'll enjoy hearing Mike share his knowledge about fishing spring creeks and tailwaters on this podcast.
Fly Fishing Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness AreaSteve Schweitzer and Michael Kruise have explored, fished and documented over 100 fishing destinations in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (IPWA) of Colorado. The IPWA is a beautiful place to fly fish and is easily accessible from the Denver metro area. Join us to learn about the best fly fishing locations, how to fish them and what flies work best.
Steelhead on the FlyDec was a professional steehead guide for 14 years, now he fly fishes just for fun. Listen in to hear Dec's secrets to hooking up with the steelhead of your dreams.
Yakima River A Blue Ribbon Trout FisheryJack Mitchell is a seasoned guide and well-traveled fly fisher, having fished throughout North and South America from Alaska to Chile. He considers the Yakima his home water and has guided there for over 35 years. This designated Blue Ribbon fishery is one for your bucket list. Join us and learn everything you need to know about how to fish this outstanding fishery.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What characteristics make the Yakima River stand out as a blue ribbon trout fishery?
- What species of fish are available to fly fishers?
- How do fishing conditions and strategies vary across the different seasons on the Yakima?
- Can you describe the differences in fishing approaches between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river?
- What are the typical water flow patterns throughout the year, and how do they influence fishing tactics?
- What rod and line setups do you recommend for effectively fishing the Yakima?
- Are there specific leader lengths or tippet materials you prefer for the Yakima's conditions?
- Which insect hatches are most significant on the Yakima, and when do they typically occur?
- What are your go-to fly patterns for the Skwala hatch in early spring?
- During the summer months, how do you adjust your fly selection to account for terrestrial activity?
- How do you decide between fishing dry flies, nymphs, or streamers on a given day?
- What signs do you look for when identifying productive water on the Yakima?
- How have conservation efforts impacted the health and sustainability of the Yakima River fishery?
Think Like A Fish! - Catch More Tarpon, Bonefish & PermitAaron Adams, Ph.D., a marine biologist understands the habitats that warmwater coastal saltwater gamefish live in. Knowing something about a fish’s life cycle and behavior patterns will give you a better idea of when and where you’re most likely to find fish.
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.
High Country Fly FishingMarty has hiked and backpacked into many high mountain lakes and streams and discovered that it requires a few different skills and techniques to master fly fishing for trout at altitude. Listen in to hear Marty share what he's learned.
Fly Fishing Houston & Southeastern TexasRobert McConnell started fly fishing in Western Pennsylvania and later moved to Houston, Texas. He had to adapt and learn about fishing a whole new world from the city waterways to backcountry rivers and streams. Join us to learn about fishing warmwater species in southeast Texas including carp, spotted bass, largemouth bass, panfish and even prehistoric gar and bowfin.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the main areas to fish in the Houston area?
- How can you find out about public access?
- What species can you target Lake Conroe?
- What are the best ways to fish Lake Conroe?
- Is the West Fork San Jacinto River easy to wade fish?
- What species will you find in the West Fork San Jacinto River?
- How is the East Fork San Jacinto River different from the West Fork?
- Where is the best place to fish for carp?
- What type of flies do you use in most of these fisheries?
- Where do you go to get away from the crowds?
- What's the best way to fish Sheldon Lake?
- Which fisheries offer the best gar and bowfin fishing?
- What type of fishery is Brays Bayou?
- Is there good fishing in downtown Houston?
Fly Fishing the Boundary WatersJim Blauch has guided the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota for the past 20 years. If you want solitude and crazy smallmouth bass fly fishing listen in and Jim will spill the beans on this great destination.
The Art Of Fly TyingRick Takahashi is well known in the fly fishing world as a top fly tyer combining his background in color and design theory as well as on the water testing to create flies that look great and fish great. Join us to learn how Rick approaches his art form and learn his tips of the trade.
Why Did Dave Whitlock Move to Oklahoma?Dave moved to Oklahoma for several reasons but the lower Illinois River is one of them where he caught 17 varieties of fish in one day. You won't want to miss this interview of one of fly fishing's most notable figures.
Snook On The HookChico Fernandez has fly fished for over 40 years and has broken several world records, most notably, the largest redfish taken with a fly rod, at 42 pounds, 5 ounces (I.G.F.A. record on 12 pound test tippet). He was also one of the first to land a white marlin on a fly rod. His real passion; however, is snook. Listen to this podcast to find out Chico's secrets on fly fishing for these incredible game fish.
The Delaware River StoryLee Hartman, a professional guide and conservationist, will take us on a journey through the natural and unnatural history of the Delaware River. Many consider the Delaware the best wild trout fishery east of the Mississippi but it hasn’t been easy to keep it that way. Learn why it’s so important to protect this coldwater fishery and look forward to Lee sharing a few tips along the way about how to be successful fishing this great river.
- What species of fish are native to the Delaware River?
- What part of the Delaware River is the best for trout fishing?
- When is the best time to fish for shad?
- When did the Delaware River become a true trout river?
- Is it best to fish the river from a boat or wading?
- Where do you find the brown trout most often?
- What insect hatches can you expect on the river?
- What is a "Delaware River Fox"?
- What is being done to preserve the river as a world-class trout fishery?
Fly Fishing Tips for Trout, Bass and PanfishOver the many years that Skip Morris has fished and written about fly fishing he's uncovered many nuggets of information that have helped him and others to catch more fish. Whether it's trout, bass or panfish Skip has something to share that will improve your odds. Listen to this podcast and up your game!
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