Covering fish from Trout to Tarpon, from tying flies to casting them - you'll find it all right here on Ask About Fly Fishing - the best fly fishing podcast for learning more about fly fishing.
Want to Catch More Fish? Just listen to any of our in-depth podcasts - we have over 429 shows in our Archive!
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...
Listen to the Show...
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...
Register for our free drawing.
Add to Your Calendar
More about Jason Randall...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 429 Shows for you to listen to!
-
Magnificent Roosterfish: Unlocking the Secrets of El Gallo
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.
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.
Casting Off the Board: Innovative Techniques in SUP Fly FishingKurt Finlayson has found that fly fishing from stand up paddle boards (SUPs) provides him with an effective way to access productive water. Before you decide whether this is for you, join us and listen in to learn about the basics of using a SUP, its advantages and disadvantages, where you should use it, and how to outfit it.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you first get into fly fishing from standup paddleboards, and what drew you to it?
- What are the unique advantages of fly fishing from a paddleboard compared to traditional floatation methods?
- What types of paddleboards are best suited for fly fishing, and what should one look for when selecting a board?
- Are there specific manufacturers that cater to fly fishers?
- Are there available paddleboards that have been expressly set up for fly fishing?
- How do you rig up a paddleboard to use for fly fishing?
- Do you ever use an anchor or tie off to avoid moving?
- What types of clothing do you wear?
- What are the key techniques for maintaining stability and balance while casting from a paddleboard?
- Do you stand, kneel, or sit? When do you use each?
- What challenges have you faced while fly fishing from a paddleboard, and how have you overcome them?
- What kind of paddle do you use?
- How do you manage your paddle and rod?
- How does being on a paddleboard affect your approach to finding and reaching fish?
- What safety precautions do you recommend for paddleboard anglers?
European Fly Fishing TechniquesJeff Currier has learned a lot by participating in the World Fly Fishing Championships including the Polish and Spanish nymphing techniques and English lake techniques. Listen to this podcast as Jeff shares all that he's learned from European fly fishers.
Destination Travel - How to Get Your Money's WorthJim Klug has guided extensively in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon, and has fished waters throughout the world, including the Bahamas, Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Alaska, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, India, and more. If you want to learn about the best places to go, where you get the most bang for your buck and how to make do-it-yourself trips successful you'll want to listen the this show.
Dynamic NymphingGeorge Daniel, a competitive fly fisher has effectively used just about every nymphing technique there is. He's been to Europe and competed against some of the best European fly fishers in the game. He's observed, learned and applied the best techniques to his craft. Listen in to learn George's nymphing techniques and you'll be a better fly fisher for it.
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.
Photography - How to Capture What You SeeCarol's photographs and paintings have not only appeared in most of her husband Skip's 21 fly-fishing and -tying books, but also on the covers and interior pages of such magazines and books as Grey's Sporting Journal, Fly Fisherman, Yale Angler's Journal, American Angler, Fly Fishing & Tying Journal, and America's Favorite Flies. Join us and learn how to take better photographs of the beautiful places you fish, your fishing buddies, fish and of course yourself.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What don't my photos turn out the way I see them?
- What do you recommend for pocket-sized, waterproof, point and shoot camera?
- Can you take good photos with your phone?
- What do you do to protect your camera from water?
- Do you use polarizing or warming filters?
- How to keep from stressing out the fish?
- How can you get a good photo of your fish when you are alone?
- What makes a compelling photograph?
- What time of day makes for the best photographs?
- What is the rule of thirds and how can it make my photos better?
- How can I improve the photos I'm taking?
Fly Fishing Alberta's Famous Bow RiverLearn from famed angler Jim McLennan, one of the first guides on the Bow and Editor At Large for Fly Fisherman magazine, what makes this river tick. He literally wrote the book - "Blue Ribbon Bow"- on the river which has served as a resource for many in successfully dealing with the complexities of this famed stream.
Bahamas BonefishOliver White has fished all over the world for many exotic species but his home turf in the Bahamas is still where he is most comfortable. The flats of the Bahamas have always been known for outstanding bonefishing and Oliver knows it well. Join us to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing the Bahamas for bonefish.
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 Lure of Success: How Passion Turned into Profit for a Fly Shop OwnerBrian Flechsig owns Mad River Outfitters, Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides. He started his fly shop in 1994 with a passion for fly fishing and the will to succeed, but not much more. Today, Mad River Outfitters ranks as one of the top three largest fly shops in the United States. Join us and learn how Brian started his business on a shoestring and how he has grown it through consistent marketing and proper business management.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to start a business in the fly fishing industry?
- How has your business evolved from its initial concept to the multi-faceted enterprise it is today?
- How has your passion for fly fishing influenced the way you run your business?
- How do you engage with the local community through your brick-and-mortar shop?
- In creating your product lines, do you select low, medium, and high-cost products to appeal to the broadest spectrum of customers or focus on one price point?
- What is the top-selling or highest-grossing product at the fly shop?
- What are the top 2-3 selling fly patterns in the shop?
- What platform do you use for your e-commerce store?
- Do you use manufacturer’s supplied photos for your products, or do you take your own?
- What types of marketing do you do?
- What marketing has worked the best for you?
- Do you do all your marketing in-house or do you outsource some of it?
- Which advertising channels have you found most effective for your businesses, and why?
- How much luck is responsible for your success?
Tarpon On The WormBruce Chard, a professional guide the Florida Keys, takes us for a ride through the palolo worm hatch. This once a year event will get anyone's adrenaline pounding. Join us to find out where, when and how to fish this incredible event.
Persuading PermitBruce Chard is in the business of persuading permit to take his fly and he won't take 'No' for an answer. Listen to this show to find out Bruce's insider secrets of persuasion.
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?
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...
Supporting Member Of...
Sponsored by: Ugly Bug Fly Shop — Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics — Lees Ferry Anglers
Enrico Puglisi Flies
Copyright © 2025 Ask About Fly Fishing | As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases through links from this website.
