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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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Over 429 Shows for you to listen to!
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Smallmouth Bass StrategiesDave Karczynski is passionate about smallmouth. Smallmouth bass are in more streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs than any other game fish. Join us and learn about the cutting-edge techniques and fly patterns being used today to catch these exciting game fish.
Fly Fishing - Art of WarChad Schiel treats his fishing with all the seriousness of going to war. He uses the term W.E.T. to describe his approach, which stands for Weather, Enemy, Terrain, and is actually a military intelligence term used in the Marines to collect and evaluate intelligence to prepare battlefield operations. To find out how this applies to your fly fishing you'll have to listen in to this show.
Women In Fly FishingThis show features a panel of three top women fly fishers from Alaska, Idaho and as far down as the Florida Keys. Cecilia 'Pudge' Kleinkauf, Lori-Ann Murphy and Diana Rudolph are our guests. All three know their fly fishing and know the business of fly fishing—they are all working professionals in the industry. Join us on this podcast to learn more about fly fishing and how women are raising the bar—Diana won the Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament, a male-dominated event and she holds two I.G.F.A. fly division records.
Fly Fishing Virginia's Blue Ridge ParkwaySam Johnson, an expert angler, shares his secrets of fly fishing along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Discover the best fishing spots across the Blue Ridge Parkway's 217 miles in Virginia and learn about the unique strategies and techniques that make this region a fly fisher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Sam's wealth of knowledge and captivating stories will inspire and guide you on your next fishing adventure. Don't miss out on this informative and exciting discussion!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your books on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- How did the Parkway come to be?
- Was fishing considered in its design?
- How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- When was constructions started?
- How long did it take to complete?
- Is there camping in the park?
- What time of year would be the best time to visit?
- What different types of water are available to fish?
- What species of fish can you fish for?
- What are some of the major hatches?
- What are your favorite flies for the Parkway waters?
- What is your strategy for fishing the different types of water?
- What are the some of your favorite streams and rivers to fish?
- How does the fishing in Virginia differ from the fishing in North Carolina?
Angling Approaches for StreamsLearn from Jason Borger techniques for getting to those hard to reach fish and tips on making those perfect casts. He will focus specifically on mending, approach and presentation, and ways to fish the fly to both trout and smallmouth bass.
Specialty Casts - Getting Your Fly to the FishMac Brown, a Master Casting Instructor certified through the Federation of Fly Fishers, provides expert advice on how to use specialty casts to get your fly to those hard to reach fish.
Mongolia - A One Of A Kind AdventureTom Boyd shares a trip of a lifetime to Mongolia. He traveled over the steppes where there were no roads - navigating with GPS and stopping to talk to nomads for directions. He fished the Shishged/Tengis River Protected area where no Americans had ever been before. Listen in to find out about the different types of fish and fishing he did including his largest trophy a 40” taimen.
Finding TroutTom, has worked in many capacities at Orvis from retail clerk to lead enthusiast and what’s always been true no matter what his position is that he’s a teacher. Tom has shared more about fly fishing than probably any other person in the sport. We are fortunate to have him again on the show to talk about finding trout. Join us on this show to learn about where to find trout in runs,. pocket water, riffles, and places you never thought to look.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you start out on your fly fishing journey?
- How do trout feed?
- How far will a brown trout move in a typical day?
- What are the prime currents to fish?
- What cast do you use to avoid drag?
- What temperatures are optimal for feeding trout?
- How do you approach a new stream?
- When is the best time to fish riffles?
- What are the prime holding areas in runs?
- What type of hydro cusion to trout prefer?
- Where do fish hold in a pool or flat water?
- What is the best way to fish pocket water?
- When trout are not rising what tactics do you use to find fish?
- What matters most fly size, color or presentation?
Cripples and SpinnersKelly Galloup helps us to understand how cripples and spinners play an important role in the trout’s diet and how to fish them effectively. Learn Kelly's secrets on this show.
Tailwaters of the Uncompahgre RiverMatt McCannel, a professional guide, introduces us to the tailwaters of the Uncompahgre River (Paco). On the western slope of the Colorado Rockies, this tailwater yields incredible trophy browns and rainbow. Browns exceeding the 20-pound mark lurk in the shadows of boulders and stumps. Join us as Matt guides us down the river and shares his secrets to catching these monster fish.
Questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What's the best time of year to catch the trophy browns and rainbows?
- How do you find the trophy fish?
- What type of water do they inhabit?
- Do they attack streamers?
- What do they eat?
- What are the top three fly patterns that attract the big fish?
- Does Euro nymphing work for these fish?
- How accurate does your presentation have to be to get good takes?
Check out this video: Matt McCannel Sight Fishing Paco's Trophy Trout
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 onWater App - New Technology for Fly FishersScott Carver, Co-Founder and CEO of onWater, will be introducing us to their state-of-the-art software that locates river access points, boat ramps, camping, parking, and know the distance between them. Plus current river flows and weather, everything you need including stream access laws and public land overlays which help you plan where to fish and eliminate the worry that you may be on private property. There's even more so join us and learn how this application can help make your fishing more enjoyable and keep you out of trouble.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the onWater app?
- What is your mission?
- Does the onWater app work when there is no cell service?
- Can you download river maps?
- Can you find information on rivers, streams and lakes?
- How is the information kept up to date?
- Can you find put-ins, takeouts and campgrounds?
- Does it show private property boundaries?
- Is the river flow data real-time?
- Can you record your personal favorite places?
- How does it handle fishing reports?
- Can it be used on both desktop computers and phones?
- What are the goals for onWater in the coming years?
Cutthroat on the Upper Snake RiverPaul Bruun has fly fished and guided on the Upper Snake River for over 35 years. His understanding of his home waters and the native cutthroat trout are second to none. Listen in to learn about fly fishing this incredible water for an incredible fish.
Casting HomewardJoin us for an engaging episode with Steve Ramirez, author of Casting Homeward. Dive into America's legendary landscapes—from New England's songbird-filled woods to Yellowstone's wild valleys and Bristol Bay's bear-populated rivers. Steve explores the magic of iconic places that restore our souls and inspire awe. Tune in for a philosophical journey through the wild heart of America and discover stories that connect us to nature's timeless beauty.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You just published Casting Homeward the fourth book in your casting series. Can you describe the Casting Series?
- What inspired you go on this multi-year fly fishing quest of discovery?
- What do you hope readers will get out of your books?
- What authors and works have influenced your writing?
- When and where did you start flyfishing?
- What is your favorite place to flyfish and what would be the target species?
- What is Casting Homeward about?
- What was your experience fishing in Alaska?
- What species of fish impressed you the most and why?
- Did fishing in Alaska change how you think and feel about the natural world?
- What did you discover in Montana and what were your experiences?
- You spent some time in The Catskills, considered the birthplace of American Fly Fishing. What were your thoughts while fishing there?
- You started your book with Texas and ended with Texas. What makes Texas special to you?
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.
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