Step onto the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world as we explore the legendary fly fishing of the Padre Island National Seashore with acclaimed angler Phil Shook. From bull reds prowling the surf to speckled trout, jacks, snook, and migratory tarpon, this remote stretch of Texas coastline offers endless adventure—and requires smart strategy to fish well. Phil breaks down how to read the surf, locate productive cuts and guts, choose the right flies, handle wind and waves, and target each species through the seasons. If you love saltwater fly fishing, this is a masterclass you won’t want to miss.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Where is the Padre Island National Seashore and what does it offer fly fishers and other visitors?
• What is the human history of the island?
• How did fly fishers first find out about all the action on these beach safaris?
• What are the game fish that fly fishers find on the National Seashore?
• Are there sharks present, and are they a concern?
• What are the prime seasons, and conditions for the best fly fishing action along the Seashore?
• What is at the end of the road, and why do flyfishers want to get there?
• Is this an area that is easy to wade, or do you need a boat to really fish it?
• Is the Seashore good for day trips or solely for long drives and camping out?
• When you arrive at the Padre Island surf, what are the first signs or indicators you look for before making a cast?
• What rod weights and setups do you recommend to cover everything from trout to bull reds and jacks in the surf?
• What are your go-to fly patterns?
• How do you adapt your retrieve when dealing with wave surges that constantly push and pull the fly?
• What fish-holding features do guides and anglers look for on safaris down the seashore?
• When targeting fast-moving predators like jacks or tarpon, how do you adjust your strip speed or positioning?

Rick Kustich is just getting started when icy winds sweep across the Great Lakes and most anglers pack it in, Rick shares his proven strategies for finding and catching winter steelhead in freezing conditions. Discover how these powerful fish adapt to the cold, what flies trigger their strikes, and the best techniques for slow, deep presentations when water temps drop near freezing. Whether you’re a die-hard steelheader or dreaming of your first chrome in the snow, Rick’s insights will help you turn winter’s chill into your hottest season yet.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• • What makes winter steelheaders such a unique and dedicated breed of anglers?
  • How do Great Lakes winter steelhead differ biologically and behaviorally from their Pacific-coast ancestors?
  • Why do you think winter steelhead have adapted so well to the Great Lakes since their introduction in the late 1800s?
  • Can you explain how water temperature and metabolism affect a winter steelhead’s movement and feeding behavior?
  • How do weather patterns—especially snow, rain, and barometric changes—impact the bite?
  • What are your go-to rod and line setups for both swinging and nymphing winter steelhead?
  • How do you balance the need for depth and control when choosing sink tips or leaders?
  • What types of holding water are most productive for winter steelhead—boulder pockets, gravel runs, or tailouts?
  • How important is timing in a winter day—should you be fishing the warmest part of the afternoon?
  • How do subtle water temperature changes, even a degree or two, alter fish activity and feeding?
  • When you’re selecting flies, what patterns give you the best chance—Intruders, Sculpins, Eggs, or something else?
  • How has the two-handed or “Spey” revolution changed the way anglers target winter steelhead in the Great Lakes?
  • How effective is Euro-nymphing for Great Lakes steelhead, and what are its pros and cons in winter conditions?
  • What method if any do you use to deter ice on your fly rods guides when fishing cold weather?
  • Winter steelheading often means long hours with few bites. How do you keep your mental focus and motivation high?

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.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Was there a particular experience or observation that made you realize winter trout fishing required a different mindset?
• What exactly triggers the transition from summer to winter lies?
• How does cold water affect a trout’s metabolism and feeding behavior?
• Do trout often move upstream in winter?
• How can anglers identify warm groundwater seeps or springs that attract trout in winter?
• How can fog reveal spring or seep activity. How do you use that to locate fish?
• Do trout behave differently in freestone streams versus spring-fed rivers during cold months?
• What adjustments should anglers make to drift speed, weight, and depth?
• Since trout react more slowly in winter, how should anglers adapt their timing when setting the hook or re-drifting?
• Once you find one, what’s your process for working that area effectively?
• How do you keep your line from freezing up on the rod?
• Can small degrees of warming trigger feeding? How can anglers take advantage of these short windows?
• What are your go-to patterns for the winter months?
• You suggest imitating immature stages of insects. How does that impact fly design and choice?
• How do you keep your fingers functional for knots and handling fish?
• How do you safely land and release trout in freezing conditions without harming the fish?

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.

Mayflies to caddisflies, knowing how to match the hatch can make or break your day on the water. Henry Ramsay, author of Matching Major Eastern Hatches will dive deep into the life cycles of key insects, the flies that best imitate them, and the strategies you need to fool more trout. Whether you’re new to entomology or a seasoned angler looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you unlock the secrets to more productive days on the stream.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Henry, what inspired you to write Matching Major Eastern Hatches and how does it differ from other hatch-matching books?
• For someone new to Eastern waters, how important is it to understand insect life cycles compared to simply having the “right” fly?
• What do you consider the six most important insect groups anglers need to master in the East?
• What role does observation—both streamside and in-hand—play in accurately identifying a hatch?
• Do you think that more emphasis should be placed on fly fishermen being able to identify nymph and pupa stages of mayflies and caddis flies?
• When matching a hatch do you prefer a fly that is a direct match or more of a general look fly?
• Mayflies are the poster child of hatch-matching—what are the major Eastern species anglers should know?
• How can you tell when trout are feeding on emergers?
• Regarding multiple flies, what conditions determine the setup you use?
• How important are mayfly spinner falls to the trout angler?
• Caddisflies often confuse anglers compared to mayflies—what key differences should we focus on?
• How do you fish caddis emergences differently from mayflies in terms of presentation?
• Stoneflies are often overlooked in the East compared to the West—how important are they in Eastern streams?
• What common mistakes do anglers make when trying to fish a stonefly hatch?
• Midges can be intimidating because of their size—how critical are they to Eastern fly fishers?
• How do you adjust your fly selection when conditions are tough and trout ignore traditional hatch patterns?

Alabama is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and diverse fly fishing destinations in North America—and Matt Lewis is here to prove it. Join us as we uncover more than 50 hidden gems across the state, from Appalachian streams teeming with redeye bass to coastal marshes alive with trophy redfish. Whether you're chasing bass, bream, or saltwater giants, Alabama has it all. Don’t miss this eye-opening journey through one of fly fishing’s best-kept secrets!

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What inspired you to write Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing and showcase this state as a fly fishing destination?
• Many anglers overlook Alabama—why do you think it’s a hidden gem in the fly fishing world?
• Why is Alabama called "America's Amazon"?
• How would you describe the diversity of Alabama’s fisheries compared to other states in the South or across the country?
• Can you walk us through the typical bonefish diet and how it may vary by location?
• What makes the redeye bass so unique and special for fly anglers?
• What type of water do you find these fish?
• What are the best strategies and fly patterns for targeting redeye bass in Alabama streams?
• What other bass species are popular to target?
• Alabama is known for trophy striped bass—what are your go-to methods and flies for targeting them?
• What other species of fish are available to fly fish for?
• If you could only choose one place to fish which location would go to?
• What makes Alabama’s Gulf Coast marshes and estuaries special for fly anglers?
• What species are there to target in the marshes and estuaries?

Get ready to explore the shimmering world of bonefish with Ian Davis, author of A Passion for Bonefish. Ian shares insights from how to read a flat and choose the perfect fly to unlocking the secrets of tides, moon phases, and guide teamwork. Whether you’re dreaming of stalking the flats or planning your next saltwater trip, this show will fuel your obsession for one of fly fishing’s most electrifying and elusive species.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What features of a bonefish’s anatomy make it such a challenging and thrilling fish to pursue on the fly?
• How do their sensory systems—especially eyesight—impact how we approach them as anglers?
• What types of flats and ecosystems do bonefish thrive in across different regions like the Bahamas or Belize?
• Can you walk us through the typical bonefish diet and how it may vary by location?
• What are some of the most consistently productive bonefish flies you've seen or used in different countries?
• Have any fly patterns surprised you in their effectiveness or versatility across different locations?
• How do wind conditions affect both casting and fish behavior on the flats?
• Are there any general rules anglers can follow to understand tidal movement and its impact?
• What makes the guide–angler relationship crucial in bonefishing success?
• What visual cues help an angler read the flats for likely bonefish hotspots?
• What behaviors should you look for when trying to distinguish feeding bonefish from cruising ones?
• What does a perfect bonefish fly presentation look like?
• Can you explain why strip-setting is so critical—and how it differs from trout setting?
• What’s the best way to land a bonefish safely for both the angler and the fish?

Tucked 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?

Join us as we head to the heart of Argentina with expert guide Fabian “Fabi” Anastasio to explore the thrilling world of fly fishing for golden dorado on the Paraná River. With over a decade of experience navigating its shifting sandbars, clear side channels, and explosive currents, Fabi shares his deep insights into the behavior of dorado, the tactics that consistently produce, and what makes the Paraná one of the most dynamic fisheries on the planet. Don’t miss this action-packed episode full of sharp hooks and golden flashes!

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What makes the Paraná River such a unique and productive fishery for Golden Dorado?
• How do the river’s hydrology and seasonal flow changes affect dorado behavior and fly fishing success?
• What role do baitfish migrations play in locating active Golden Dorado?
• What makes the Golden Dorado such a prized target for fly fishers compared to other predatory fish?
• 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 Golden Dorado?
• How do you rig your leaders for abrasion resistance, especially with dorado’s sharp teeth?
• What flies and in what hook size do you recommend for these fish?
• Can you explain the dorado’s hunting tactics and how they work together to ambush baitfish?
• How do you identify productive water when targeting dorado on sandbars versus banks or structure?
• What clues should anglers look for on the surface or shoreline that indicate dorado activity?
• Why are Golden Dorado so hard to hook and keep hooked?
• What are the most common mistakes anglers make when fighting a dorado?

Fabi guides out of three lodges depending on the season: Karandá Lodge, Suindá Lodge, and Pirá Lodge.

Mike has fished the saltwater flats of Belize, Christmas Island, Cuba, the Yucatan, and the Florida Keys. The techniques and methods he’s learned along the way are invaluable. Join us as Mike shares what he’s learned about fly fishing the flats, including tackle, knots, casting, presentation, tactics, and much more.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• If I was making my first saltwater flats trip, what are the things I need to do to prepare for the experience to get the most from the trip?
• Do you prefer 7 wt or 8wt for most species, locations?
• What features should I look for in a reel?
• Do you use primarily floating lines or is it wise to have other types with you?
• What knots do you need to know for saltwater?
• How do you prepare for your casts on a boat?
• Are there clues or simple rules as to which flats hold fish at which tides?
• What would you recommend a DIY traveler do to find productive flats before traveling to an area?
• I have trouble seeing the movement of the fish. so my first cast is not as accurate as I would like it to be. I fish from a boat, am I not getting the right information from the guide. Is it a communication issue?
• What flies do you like using for bonefish?
• What techniques are most productive for permit?
• What tips do you have for catching tarpon?
• What are your favorite flies for snook?
• Is it best to wade into the tidal current or with it (follow the tide shallower?)?