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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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Fly Fishing Is More Than Euro Nymphing
Aaron Jasper
Fly Fisher/Guide/Fly Tier
Euro nymphing may dominate the rivers, but it’s only part of the story. Join Aaron Jasper as he reveals why being a versatile angler makes fly fishing more rewarding—and more productive. From lessons learned over 44 years on the water, to the balance between numbers and trophy fish, to his top five insights from 2025, Aaron shares wisdom that will help you catch more fish and deepen your love of the sport.Ask Aaron Jasper your most important questions on enjoyable and effective fly fishing...
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Over 428 Shows for you to listen to!
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Fly Fishing the Gunnison RiverJason Booth has guided over 6,000 fly fishers down the Gunnison River over the past 23 years so he knows this river like the back of his hand, maybe better. Join us to learn about the secrets of the Gunnison River in Colorado - where to go and how to fish it.
Nymphing to Catch More FishMichael Gorman, a professional and savvy guide, has vast knowledge on one of the most effective methods of catching fish – nymphing. His well-tested techniques are effective on both trout and steelhead. Join us to pick Michael’s brain on all things nymphing.
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.
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.
How Many Menhaden Do We Really Need, and Why Fly Anglers Should Care?Beau Beasley an award-winning outdoor writer answers your questions on the importance of menhaden also known as bunker, pogie, and fatback to our coastal fisheries. These forage fish are eaten by almost every predator species in the sea and are threaten by over fishing. If you fish coastal river systems and saltwater coastlines from Texas to Maine, the fate of these crucial forage fish should matter to you.
Essential Flies for YellowstonePaul Weamer is a professional fly tier and licensed fishing guide in Yellowstone National Park. He considers Yellowstone as his home waters and has spent many years fishing them. Join us to explore the essential flies you need and how to effectively fish them in Yellowstone’s streams, rivers and lakes.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What fish species are available in the park?
- What efforts ar being made to remove non-native species?
- How had the recent flooding affected the fisheries?
- Have you had any close encounters with grizzly bears?
- How does your experience from the Upper Delaware translate to waters you fish in Yellowstone?
- How do you arrange your fly boxes?
- What are your favorite fly tying materials?
- Is there still a place for traditional patterns like Humpies, H&L Variants and Wulffs?
- What are some of your favorite flies for spring?
- What are some tips for fishing Yellowstone Lake for cutthroats?
- What are your favorite flies for the summer?
- What flies work best for fall conditions?
- Do you use soft hackle flies?
- What is the best way to present your fly?
- Do you use beads to get your flies deeper?
The Brown Trout-Atlantic Salmon NexusVeteran author, guide, adventurist and chef; Matthew Supinski shares with us the brown trout/Atlantic salmon lineage and the two species remarkable adaptability and resilience. He highlights fly fishing tactics, fly patterns, artistic appreciation, and culinary/foraging opportunities. Join us on this podcast to learn about two of the world’s most intriguing, beautiful and noble fish.
Conejos River MagicJon Harp has guided fly fishers for over 17 years on the Conejos River in southern Colorado. Discover one of the last pristine, undeveloped river systems in the West and learn about the big wild brown and rainbow trout you can hook into.
Do Your Fly Rod, Flies and Techniques Travel Well?Whether to a faraway famous location or a new stream in a nearby watershed, traveling is a common theme in fly fishing. During this podcast, Tim Cammisa of “Trout and Feather” shares some methods that have helped him be successful from his home state of Pennsylvania to recent destinations including Iceland, Wyoming, and more.
Fly Fishing For Bluefish On The Eastern SeaboardJohn McMurray specializes in guiding and fishing Jamaica Bay's 10,000 acres of salt marsh flats just minutes away from New York City. Listen to this podcast to learn the secrets of fishing for bluefish in Jamaica Bay and other Eastern seaboard locations.
Williams Fork River - More Than A Buggy PlaceChris 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.
Colorado’s Greenback Cutthroat TroutOnce thought to be extinct, Colorado's famed greenback cutthroat trout is now in the process of making a remarkable comeback. Listen in to hear how Jim Rubingh and Richard Fritz explored Colorado in search of the greenback cutthroat, where they found them and the best strategies for putting one on your prized catch list.
Salmonflies & Golden StonesSkip Morris, author of seventeen books on fly fishing, will guide us through the biology and how to fish the salmonfly and golden stonefly. Where, when and how will be covered in depth so the next time you have the opportunity you'll be well prepared to catch more fish.
Classic Salmon FliesKevin Erickson has been tying and exploring the world of classic salmon flies for over 40 years. Tune in to hear a bit of history, tying tips and the stories behind many of the beautiful feathers that are used.
Fly Fishing Glacier National ParkRuss Schnieder has worked as a fishing, hiking and rafting guide in Glacier for more than 25 years. He will be sharing his intimate knowledge of this fly fisher’s paradise. Join us to learn about the park and how to enjoy all it offers to fly fishers.
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