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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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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.
The BattenkillDoug Lyons, a local expert, will help you to sort out one of the most challenging rivers to fish, the Battenkill River. He covers fishing access, hatches, patterns and strategies for both the Vermont and New York stretches. This is home to the Orvis Company and the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Join us to see if you’re ready to give the Battenkill a try.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is your personal history with the Battenkill?
- What makes the river special to you?
- How is your book Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill different from other "where to fish" type books?
- Are there big fish in the Battenkill?
- What is the history of the river?
- What is the current health of the river?
- What seasons can you fish the Battenkill?
- Can you float a canoe or boat on the river?
- What are the important hatches?
- Do streamers work well on the river?
- Is the fall the best time to catch larger fish?
- Are there any special strategies or techniques that work better on the Battenkill?
- What recommendations do you have for night fishing in the Battenkill?
- What is the strangest or most unusual experience you've had while fishing on the river?
The Perfect CastGary Borger is a master caster and well-known on the Fly Fishing Show circuit for his simple explanations and fly-casting demonstrations. Gary presents casting development and skill acquisition, from rod grips to highly detailed descriptions of the three core methods of fly casting. He also details the essential Acceleration, Loop Formation, and Energy Transfer (A.L.E.) plus much, much more. Listen in and I know your casting will improve.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is a Perfect Cast?
- What are the two cardinal rules of fly casting?
- What are some effective ways to practice casting?
- What rod grips are most commonly used?
- What stances should you use when casting?
- What is A.L.E?
- When doing a forward cast, do you break your wrist at the end of your cast?
- How do you control your loop?
- What should your line managing hand be doing when you are casting?
- What is the best way to cast a weighted nymph rig?
- How much line should you have out when casting?
- What is the best way to pick up line out of the water?
- What is the best way to mend your line?
- Why do you need to be able to cast more than 40 feet?
Kayak Fly FishingBen Duchesney will share the secrets to fly fishing from kayaks from choosing the right boat and gear to paddle strokes, casting and line management. Whether you paddle warmwater, coldwater or saltwater you're bound to learn some strategies and tactics you can use on your next outing.
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.
Fly Line Design and ApplicationJim Teeny, originator of the integrated sinking fly line, is always on the cutting edge of fly line design. Learn the differences between the lines and how to use them best to catch more fish.
Pere Marquette River - Browns, Steelhead & SalmonJosh Mead, an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, has fished the famous rivers of Michigan since he was five years old. Learn about fly fishing the Pere Marquette River where huge Browns, Steelhead and Salmon make their home.
Improving Your Casting Fundamentals to Catch More FishDusty 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.
Catching ShadowsRich Strolis, a signature fly tyer for Montana Fly Company, designs and ties flies with a purpose. The toughest fish require a different approach and different flies. Listen in and learn about Rich's unique designs and how to fish them.
Designing and Building a Great Fly RodJeff Blood a lifelong fly fisher talks about what it takes to design and build a commercial fly rod. He'll dispell the myths and sweep away the smoke and mirrors of advertising to get down to what really makes a fly rod great.
Reading WatersGary Borger explains the characteristics of moving water examining the three types of lies and how to identify and fish them from small streams to massive rivers. He also takes the mystery out of reading lakes and ocean flats.
Fly Fishing the Upper Columbia RiverSteven calls the Upper Columbia River his home waters where rainbow trout are known to reach 25 pounds. He’s been guiding there for many years and has found that many of the trout love to eat soft-hackle & hairwing wetflies, swung and dangled. Join us to learn about this incredible fishery and Steven’s unique approaches to fishing it.
Effective Nymphing Techniques for Streams and RiversEric Pettine starting fly fishing long before strike indicators entered the scene and developed his nymphing techniques based upon close attention to the habits of trout. Eric shares his secrets and details his shallow, medium depth and deep water techniques including leader, tippet, weight and fly selection.
Colorado’s Hidden Gem: The Rio Grande on the FlyTucked away in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the Rio Grande River winds through the breathtaking San Luis Valley—and with it, some of the finest fly fishing you've never heard of. Guide Presley Garcia takes anglers on unforgettable floats in search of wild brown and rainbow trout, surrounded by stunning high-country scenery. Join us as Presley shares his knowledge of this hidden gem, revealing the tactics, timing, and magic that make the Rio Grande a must-fish destination.
- What makes the Rio Grande in Colorado such a special place to fly fish for trout?
- Can you describe the different sections of the Rio Grande that you guide—upper, middle, and lower—and how each one fishes?
- How does the Rio Grande differ from more popular Colorado rivers like the Arkansas or the Gunnison?
- What kind of access is available for DIY anglers, and how important is a boat for covering water?
- Are there areas on the Rio Grande that you can walk and wade fish?
- What’s your favorite season to fish the Rio Grande, and why?
- What are the most significant insect hatches anglers should look out for on the Rio Grande?
- How does the fishing change from spring to fall on the Rio?
- Can you talk about the famous salmonfly hatch—when it happens and how to fish it?
- How do you manage drifts and casting angles when fishing from a raft or drift boat on this river?
- When streamer fishing from a boat, what techniques do you teach your clients for covering structure?
- How do trout position themselves during different flow conditions or times of day?
- What challenges do anglers typically face when fishing the Rio Grande for the first time?
- What’s one of your most memorable days guiding on the Rio Grande?
Casting And Presentation Strategies For TroutJason was the "Shadow Caster" in the movie A River Runs Through It and knows about presentation skills. Listen to Jason talk about how we perceive trout and how trout perceive us, the predator/prey relationship and how we should present our flies to the trout.
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