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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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Cracked: The Ugly Truth About DamsSteven Hawley, an environmental journalist, has revealed the ugly truth about dams. The estimated 800,000 dams in the world can’t be blamed for destroying the Earth’s entire biological inheritance, but they play an outsized role in that destruction. What started as an arguably good government project has drifted oceans away from that original virtuous intent. Join us to learn about the effect dams have had on our planet and what the future of dams can be in our warming world.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You recently published "Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World." What inspired you to write the book?
- How do you see the role of dams evolving in the context of global climate change?
- What are some innovative alternatives to dams for water management and power generation?
- Can you share a story from the book that particularly moved or motivated you?
- Detractors to dam removal cite the financial and environmental benefits of dams. Can you provide a counterpoint to these arguments?
- How do you propose we balance the human need for water and power with the ecological necessity to maintain free-flowing rivers?
- How do indigenous and local communities fit into the narrative around dams and their impact?
- Can you talk about a specific dam removal project that you cover in the book and its outcomes?
- Can you discuss specific examples where dam removal has led to noticeable improvements in fishing quality or fish biodiversity?
- In some cases, a dam removal would destroy fisheries as we know them. What are your thoughts on those situations?
- What are the most common misconceptions about dams?
- Is it possible to remove a dam like the Glen Canyon Dam?
- Are dams still being built in the United States?
- How do you see the dialogue around dams changing in the next decade?
Fisheries Conservation Now And In The FutureDr. Peter Moyle was recognized by Fly Fisherman Magazine as the 2020 Conservationist of the Year for his lifetime of conservation work in California and in watersheds across the West. Peter's forward-thinking and get it done attitude has saved and restored fisheries across California including McCloud River, Putah Creek, the San Joaquin River and the Klamath River. Listen in to find out how Peter identifies and works through the issues associated with saving and restoring these fine fisheries.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you able to preserve the McCloud river for future generations?
- How did you bring Putah Creek back to life?
- What are the challenges now that Putah Creek has been restored?
- What has been done to encourage Stripers and Salmon to run up the San Joaquin River?
- What is the status of the Smelt in the Delta estuaries?
- What key action was taken to preserve the Klamath River?
- How can conservation groups attract younger members?
- What problems do you face when dams come down?
Fly Fishing the Finger Lakes Region of New YorkMike Hogue, a professional fly tier and fly shop owner, has fished the Finger Lakes region of New York for over 25 years. The lakes, unique unto themselves in beauty, offer salmon, rainbow trout and lake trout all available on the fly. Listen in as Mike takes us on a tour of this unusual fishing destination and shares his secrets to success in fishing in this area.
- What finger lakes are the most important for fly fishing?
- Do you fish both the lakes, streams and tributaries?
- What species of fish can be targeted with a fly?
- What lake should you fish if you want to catch a Lake Trout on the fly?
- Are there migratory rainbow runs on all the lakes?
- What time of year do each of the migratory runs happen?
- Which lake has the famous Brown Drake hatch?
- What type of boat is the best to use on the lakes?
- What type and size of flies work best for the salmon?
Fly Fishing the Truckee RiverMikey Wier has been guiding in the Lake Tahoe area for over 15 years and calls the Truckee River his home water. The Truckee River is a tailwater that flows from Lake Tahoe for 120 miles ending at Pyramid Lake, NV. Although this river is technically a tailwater, at times it flows like a freestone stream and at others it will fish like a Spring Creek. Listen in to learn Mikey’s secrets about fishing this challenging water.
Stillwater PresentationDenny Rickards is one of the great masters of stillwater fly fishing. In this show Denny covers trout behavior, the impact of weather conditions on trout & their food sources, using the correct line, pattern & retrieve that matches the zone you are fishing, positioning to make the right cast & much more.
Tigerfish in TanzaniaJeff Currier loves adventure fly fishing and is back at it again chasing tigerfish in Tanzania. Listen in to learn about fishing for this exotic species.
Advanced Chironomid TechniquesPhil Rowley goes beyond basic strike indicator chironomid techniques and explores techniques and setups for deep water indicator fishing, the dry line long leader technique better known as the naked technique, and sinking lines including 'dangling' where we fish straight up below the boat - the takes with dangling are heart stopping!
Fly Fishing Art and IllustrationDave Whitlock has been creating fly fishing fine art paintings and illustrating his books and articles for most of his life. Listen in to find out how Dave got started, how he creates and how he sells his artwork.
Drifting for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin TributariesAJ Dudek will share his secrets about one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. With seven and eight weight rods we have the privilege of fishing top water in the summer and baitfish patterns in the spring and fall of the year for one of the best fighting fish there is.
Fly Fishing Trout Lakes Part II: A Biologist's Point Of ViewBrian Chan is back for Part II of Fly Fishing Trout Lakes. We had so many questions for his intial show that we had to schedule a special extended edition to get through the questions. If you thought the first show was great wait until you see what we have in store for you in this one.
Colorado's Lost Lakes and Secret PlacesMike Kephart gives you the scoop on which Colorado mountain and wilderness lakes and creeks fish well, how to get there, the difficulty of access, and what you can expect to catch. Join us as we explore these lost lakes and secret places.
Florida's Exotic Peacock BassAlan Zaremba has been fishing and guiding Florida waters since 1986. His expertise in catching the exotic Peacock Bass is unmatched. Join us as Alan unveils his top strategies for catching these colorful trophy fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you won't want to miss these game-changing tips. Get ready to enhance your skills and land the catch of a lifetime!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Are peacock bass native to Florida?
- How did they get in the Florida waters?
- Is the population growing or has it stabilized?
- Can you explain the habitat preferences of peacock bass and where in Florida they can typically be found?
- Do you find them in rivers and lakes?
- Are they found anywhere else in the US?
- Which species of peacock bass are present in Florida's canals?
- How large do they get in Florida's canals and what size is considered a trophy in Florida?
- What weight rod and what type of line do you use?
- What is your terminal tackle setup?
- What are some of your favorite fly patterns and why?
- What are the optimal conditions for fly fishing for peacock bass in terms of weather, time of day, and season?
- What strategies do you recommend for sight fishing versus blind casting in peacock bass habitats?
- What are some common mistakes anglers make when fly fishing for peacock bass?
New York City Fly Fishing - Only a Cab Ride AwayNew York City area is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. However, if one were to take a map, a pencil compass and make a 90 mile circle around New York City there are hundreds of high quality fly fishing streams within this area. Join us as we take a tour of some great fisheries in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania all within a short drive of the 'Big Apple'.
Music City Fly GirlsSusan Thrasher is a professional guide and instructor in East Tennessee. She co-founded The Music City Fly Girls a “no drama” fly fishing club which is a bit different than most clubs you may have been part of. Join us to find out how they run their meetings, plan outings across North America and learn from their journeys. You just might get some great ideas for your club!
Fly Fishing for RedfishChico Fernandez shares a lifetime of experiences fly fishing for redfish. He'll cover all the essentials including rods, reels, rigs, casting techniques and flies. Join us and learn how to hook up with a redfish.
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