Wet Fly Swing

John Hazel, longtime owner of Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, joins the podcast to share the story behind the early days of Spey casting on the West Coast and the innovations that helped shape modern steelhead fishing. Drawing from decades of experience on the Deschutes River, John talks about the development of two-handed rods, the evolution of Skagit and Scandi systems, and his work with companies like Sage, Loomis, and Burkheimer during the formative years of modern Spey fishing. We also dig into Deschutes steelhead tactics, skating flies, salmonfly hatch strategies, and the small details that separate successful anglers from the rest. Whether you're interested in Spey casting history, steelhead fishing, or learning from one of the sport's pioneers, this episode is packed with practical advice and stories from a lifetime on the water.

Episode Show Notes Allie Cunningham from Science on the Fly breaks down how anglers can become community scientists by collecting water samples from their local...

In this episode, Tom Petry and Jorden Susewitz of Film The Hunt share their experience at Togiak River Lodge, where a filmmaking project turned into a deep dive into spey fishing, Alaska wilderness, and the people who make the lodge special. What started as a content trip documenting the Larsen family's journey quickly became something more as both Tom and Jorden picked up spey rods for the first time and discovered the addictive pull of swinging flies. We dig into filmmaking in remote locations, learning to cast a two-handed rod, the challenges of capturing outdoor adventures on camera, and why Alaska has a way of changing your perspective. Whether you're interested in spey fishing, storytelling, photography, or simply experiencing wild places, this episode offers a unique look behind the scenes.

There aren’t many anglers left who were there when modern fly fishing was still being figured out. Jim Teeny and Dick Sagara lived through...

Episode Show Notes In this episode of Hunting with a Fly, Rick Kustich sits down with Vince Tobia of Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters to talk about...