WFS 077 – Sea-Run Cutthroat with Dave McCoy – Puget Sound Fly Fishing, Skagit, Yakima, Steelhead

Podcast

May 21, 2019

Dave McCoy from Emerald Water Anglers put together a great episode for Sea-Run Cutthroat fishing and maybe the best resource online for Sea-Run fly fishing in Puget Sound.

We talk about the best beach access points, Yakima trout fishing and what it felt like going all in on building the fly shop. Steelhead in Argentina, the Sound Searcher and a great 8′ 8″ fly rod by Thomas and Thomas is all on tap today.

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Show Notes with Dave McCoy

21:30 – Marty Sheppard was on the podcast in episode 76 and talked about the 30 day John Day River steelhead.

22:20 – The Sound Searcher is a pattern developed by Dave’s dad and imitates a wounded bait fish. See below for the photo.

25:00 – The Thomas and Thomas 250 exocett ss rod is the goto rod for dave in the 8′ 8″ variety.

42:40 – We talk about steelhead in Argentina. Here’s a random video that touches on it.

44:30 – Brian O’keefe was on the podcast in episode 78 where we covered some great photo tips.

45:45 – KeepEmWet.org is a movement that Dave helped to move forward and now Brian Husky is leading the charge.

46:40 – Rob Crandall was on the show in episode 62. We talk about the debate between barbed and barbless hooks.

55:00 – Oliver White was on in episode 69 and described how he left his guide job to become a hedge fund manager in New York.

60:30 – Brian O’keefe was on here.

1:07:00 – The Scientific Angler Trout Spey Light line is perfect for puget sound because it’s a one piece.

1:11:30 – The Foul Free Hering Fly Pattern.

1:13:00 – Dave notes these two books that are good resources. Afoot and Afoat in the Sound and Beach Walks and Hikes around Puget Sound.

1:13:55 – The Orvis episode with Brian O’keefe where he covers 10 huge photo tips.

1:17:20 – Steve Duda and Jason Rolfe were both on the podcast and were both Fly Fish Journal editors.

1:18:16 – Dave tells us about his daughter and her interest in Led Zeppelin.

1:18:30 – The Oregon Country Fair is a ultra popular hippie event near Eugene. I’ve been there once and recommend it.

1:18:50 – Pearl Jam and Metallica were some of Dave’s bands during the college years.

1:20:30 – Jay Nicholas also has a book on Sea-Run Cutthroat fishing.

You can reach Dave at EmeralWaterAnglers.com.

Resources Noted in the Show

Thomas and Thomas 250 exocett ss

Scientific Angler Spey Light

Afoot and Afloat in Puget Sound

Beach Walks and Hikes around Puget Sound

Sea-Run Cutthroat: Flies and Fishing

Videos Noted in the Show

Pearl Jam – Alive

Led Zeppelin – Over the Hills and Far Away

The Sound Searcher

Photos by Dave McCoy:

Conclusion with Dave McCoy

We cover Cutthroat Fishing in depth with a focus on Puget Sound. I think this may be the ultimate resource out there on these two topics. Leave a comment if there is another great resource that we can link out to.

And if you’re interested in the right spey rod for steelhead, Click here to see the Echo Spey Rod that has helped me drastically improve my spey cast and find more steelhead at a super reasonable cost. By the way, this link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing through that link. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you.

Fly Fishing Founders – Rent this Rod with David Moore and Brian Guengerich – Thomas and Thomas, Abel, Davidson River

By Dave -

May 16, 2019

Rent this Rod is on the podcast this week as part of our Fly Fishing Founders Series where we hear the stories behind the companies in fly fishing today. Listen to their struggles and the journey to make a life out of fly fishing.

We talk about Thomas & Thomas, Abel, Hatch, the Davidson River and behind the scenes with the new company.

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Show Notes with Rent this Rod

08:18 – The Davidson River is their home river.

12:18 – Thomas and Thomas were one of the first companies to support them. This is a good story about how it all happened.

13:14 – Yellow Dog is now on board to support Rent this Rod. This is a no brainer to me as they ship and fish all over the world.

17:10 – Hatch is on board for their salt water stuff along with Ross Reals who cover their freshwater.

19:30 – Brian caught his first fish on the Orvis Clearwater.

30:00 – Go Daddy is the company who hosts their site.

31:30 – The olive woolly bugger is their goto fly pattern for the Davidson River.

33:40 – The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Guide is Brian’s most recommended resource.

34:40 – Gink and Gasoline put together a write up here about the company.

35:00 – The Drake Magazine is a favorite for both Brian and Dave.

40:00 – The Kodak and Blockbuster example where they were the first but not the company that persisted. Here’s how Kodak failed and how Blockbuster failed.

49:20 – We talk about the Beastie Boys. Here’s a classic old school Beastie from likely when I was in middle school. It’s still pretty good right.

50:40 – Here is KISS Party All night long. A pretty sweet version.

51:00 – Tom Morgan

You can find them at RentthisRod.com.

Resources Noted in the Show

Western North Carolina Fly Guide

Videos Notes in the Show

A classic Beastie Boys Track – No Sleep till Brooklyn

Here you go – KISS – I Wanna Rock and Roll

I had to add a little more recent slot – So What Cha Want

Conclusion with Rent this Rod

Again, pretty good right. The Fly Fishing Founders series is starting off strong. My goal is to continue connecting with new companies to help them and to help you along your journey.

We went into the background and the foreground, the Beastie Boys, Yellow Dog, The Drake and all of the others. Did we miss anything?

WFS 076 – Mia and Marty Sheppard – Steelhead, John Day River, Smallmouth Bass

By Dave -

May 14, 2019

I met Mia and Marty on the Deschutes to chat about their background guiding and running a business in fly fishing. We also go deep into John Day steelhead fishing and include some tips on getting started.

They also run through some smallmouth bass fishing tips and trips. They started as skate boarders and snow boarders and then transitioned into fly fishing. Marty talks about the feeling of catching his first steelhead and what you need to get started.

Click below to listen to the Mia and Marty Sheppard Interview:

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Show Notes with Mia and Marty Sheppard

04:35 – In Dec Hogan’s Book Dec talks about Steve Cruz who was the guy that helped get Marty into steelhead fishing.

07:45 – Marty talks about the first fly caught steelhead that he picked up on the General Practitioner.

09:00 – Mia talks about winning the Spey O Rama and how she has won the event 3 times.

11:50 – Little Creek Outfitters is the business that they purchased and change their lives forever.

24:00 – Western Rivers purchased land on the John Day River and now there is some great public access.

30:30 – Cotton Wood State Park and Rock Creek are two public access points for the John Day River.

35:10 – The Dragon Fly Hatch on the John Day is epic.

36:45 – The Kids Fly Fishing Camp is a new program that they started about 3 years ago.

48:00 – John Ecklund sold Little Creek Outfitters to Marty and Mia. Marty tells the story here about how it all came to be.

55:10 – Oliver White tells his crazy story in episode 69 of the podcast. The take home message is that you shouldn’t be afraid to take a chance and go for it.

1:10:10 – We talk about Martin’s boat. You have to check out this video on boating the grand canyon with a drift boat.

1:20:10 – I talk about the Frank Moore podcast interview that I put together. I got my first North fish on the skunk.

1:22:00 – The Silvenator was noted as Marty’s goto pattern.

1:27:10 – Sean Gallagher’s Book on Wild Steelhead has a great chapter on the John Day River in it.

1:30:00 – Service Creek Gauge and McDonald Ferry Gauging Stations.

1:32:25 – The SuperSuckers.

1:36:10 – Seracione Fly Reels are their goto reels.

1:39:00 – Gary Anderson Rods

We touch on smallmouth bass in this episode and if you want to take sight fishing for smallmouth bass even further take a look at our podcast with Tim Landwehr in episode 274 here!

You can reach Mia and Marty at Little Creek Outfitters.

You can watch this episode on youtube here:

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Sean Gallagher’s book on Wild Steelhead

Seracione Reels

Videos Mentioned in the Show

The General Practitioner Video

The Story about Martin’s Boat

The Frank Moore Episode

The SuperSuckers

Related Podcast Episodes

WFS 273 – Sight Fishing for Smallmouth Bass with Tim Landwehr from Tight Lines Fly Fishing

Conclusion with Mia and Marty Sheppard

We cover steelhead and smallmouth bass fishing in this episode. Marty talks about the epic dragon fly hatch on the John Day River where bass are jumping out of the water like mad.

We also get into some great steelhead tips on fishing the John Day plus a new kids fly fishing camp that they have going.

Wet Fly Swing Members Society – Support for your Journey, our Partner Companies and the Podcast

By Dave -

May 9, 2019

I put together a short video that introduces the Wet Fly Swing Members Society. Have a listen and find out why I am so proud of the Members Society!

Click Here to watch the Members Society Video:

Click here if you want to learn more about the Wet Fly Swing Members Society where we support you on your journey, we support small businesses and the Wet Fly Swing Podcast.

Click here to Join the Wet Fly Swing Movement

WFS 075 – Fly Casting Tips with Dan Johnston – Fly Rod Brands, History, St. Croix, Choosing a Fly Rod

By Dave -

May 7, 2019

We get into some great tips as I pick the brain of Dan Johnston, a 30 year casting instructor with St. Croix Rods. Time to nerd out a bit on rods and casting.

Dan shares the most important part of the fly cast and why 10-2 isn’t the the best analogy to use and some tips to avoid the dreaded tailing loop. We also here about fiberglass rods and where there place is in fly fishing.

Click below to listen to the Dan Johnston Interview:

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Show Notes with Dan Johnston

05:00 – The Tom Larimer episode where we focused on summer steelhead.

10:49 – The Albany Fly Tying Expo. Here’s a link to the interview I put together with Hal Gordon.

15:30 – You can get a rod blank through Rod Geeks because St Croix is focused on finished products 100%.

16:20 – Here is a link to the old Imperial Rods which are a 50 year old rod series.

18:05 – Here’s a St Croix video from Dan.

24:40 – Joe Humphries was on the podcast here and we talked about breaking your wrist while fly casting.

37:16 – Here’s a clip on a video that covers how to avoid the tailing loop?

39:30 – Tom Rosenbaurer was on the podcast where we talked about the history of Orvis among other topics.

45:36 – I note MoonShine Rods who is part of our Members Society group. We dig into fly rods and some tips on finding a good rod.

49:55 – Dan notes Jen Ripple here who was on the podcast in episode 60.

51:20 – Here’s a basic fly casting video from Scientific Anglers.

54:50 – Wiley X glasses and Costa were both noted in the show.

1:01:00 – Leinie beer is Dan’s goto at the end of the day.

1:04:00 – The Kelly Galloup was on in episode 52 and made a connection to bass fishing.

You can reach Dan at StCroixRods.com.

Resources Notes in the Show

Wiley X Polarized Glasses

Videos Noted in the Show

Dan and the Imperial

An old school casting video

Conclusion with dan Johnston

Dan breaks out some great tips on fly casting along with some great analogies. Where to stop the rod and common problems and fixes he teaches plus some of the fly rod history and St Croix’s influence in both fly and conventional fishing.

Fly Fishing Founders – Meat Market Flies with Luke Ferrenburg – Streamers, Fly Tying Tips, Chico California

By Dave -

May 2, 2019

We get into streamers and fly tying tips this week with our new bonus series – Fly Fishing Founders Stories. This week I have Luke Ferrenburg on the podcast from Meat Market Flies.

We talk about tying streamers, lamprey patterns, steelhead flies and other great tips and tricks for fly tying.

Click below to listen to the Meat Market Flies Interview:

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Show Sponsors

The Wet Fly Swing Members Society

Show Notes with Meat Market Flies

11:00 – The FurBurger Fly Pattern. Here’s a video from Luke on tying the Furburger.

15:30 – Jason Randall was on the podcast in episode 74 where we talked about writing books and the monetary piece of it.

22:30 – The Hobo Spey is their most popular fly pattern request. Here’s a hobo spey video.

24:00 – The signature series flies can be found here.

24:45 – Kelly Galloup was on the podcast in episode 52 where he had a unique way of naming his patterns.

26:30 – Blane Chocklett can be found at his site here.

30:45 – GSP thread is Luke’s goto to assure your fly lasts.

33:00 – Whiting Farms saddles and Nature’s Spirits are Luke’s goto material resources.

34:30 – Jay Nicholas was on in episode 3 where we talked about steelhead and salmon fishing.

35:30 – The Fly Fish Food was on the show and you can find them on youtube here.

36:20 – Gunnar Brammer was noted as a good resource for fly tying.

49:00 – Here is a good classic rap video of Sugar Hill Gang.

You can reach Luke at MeatMarketFlies.com.

Videos Noted in the Show

Gunnar Brammer Video

The Sugar Hill Gang

Conclusion with Meat Market Flies

Luke with Meat Market Flies shared some great tips and a nice perspective on what it feels like building a new business in the fly fishing space. He also shares some great tips on tying streamers and steelhead flies.

WFS 074 – Jason Randall on Nymphing, Wet Fly Fishing, The Driftless Area, UV, Indicators, Currents

By Dave -

April 30, 2019

I cover the Driftless area today with Jason Randall. We talk about this unique area and hear about how Jason came to write numerous articles and books over the years.

Jason has some cool stories as we hear about a life in fly fishing. He talks a little about his daytime job as a veterinarian and the difference between Landon Mayer and Joe Humpries.

Click below to listen to the Jason Randall Interview:

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Show Notes with Jason Randall

04:00 – Nymph Masters was noted as one of the books in the trilogy. This is the reference series for Jason. We talk about how to avoid being boring.

04:42 – Here is the interview I had with Joe Humphries.

08:30 – Landon Mayer talks about using tension with a fly in episode 48.

09:30 – Davy Wotton was on the podcast in episode 35.

19:57 – The Society for Freshwater Science.

20:50 – The Ed Engle episode and the color purple.

22:15 – What the Trout Said. A book covering fish behavior.

23:30 – Rick Hafele was on the podcast in episodee 37. We talked a little about UV materials.

39:20 – Gerry Meyer runs the Driftless Fly shop.

42:10 – The Picket Pin is one of Jason’s goto patterns.

42:45 – The podcast on Euro Nymphing with Devin Olson.

51:50 – Breakline Optics is one of our Members Society Partners.

54:40 – Landon Mayers new book and the George Daniel blog.

1:01:00 – We talk about The Marshall Tucker Band\, Sawyer Brown, Led Zeppelin and more.

I also wanted to highlight the contribution of Gary Borger to the nymphing fishing arena. Gary is the person who pretty much invented nymphing for trout and was on the podcast in episode 45.

You can find Jason at JRFlyFishing.com.

Resources Noted in the Show

Nymph Masters by Jason Randall

Videos Noted in the Show

Sawyer Brown – The Race Is On

Led Zeppelin at Guitar Solo

Conclusion with Jason Randall

Jason talks about how his background as a veterinarian allowed him to write three books on fish and the effects of the physical and chemical environment.

Jason knows many of the past guests we’ve had on the podcast so this becomes a good reference for future listening especially if you are new to the podcast.

The Wonder Wing Dry Fly – Fly Tying Tutorial with Al Beatty (Video)

By Dave -

April 25, 2019

Al Beatty shows us an easy way to tie a catskills style dry fly using the Wonder Wing. Also known as the Garbage Wing dry fly. This clip was from the Albany Fly Tying Expo.

Click here to watch Al Beatty Tie:

You can find all of Al’s content at BT’sFlyFishing.com.

Conclusion with Al Beatty

There were a lot of great fly tying tips in this one including how to use a half hitch and whip finish tool the easy way. This Garbage wing style is a great way to use all of your hackles including the ones you might toss.

WFS 073 – Joe Humphreys Podcast Interview – 90 Years of Fly Fishing, Live the Stream Movie, Lefty Kreh

By Dave -

April 23, 2019

I sat down with Joe Humphreys, one of the great fly fishing personalities of the 20th century. Joe shares his life in fly fishing, wrestling and teaching both young and old.

You’ll get a perspective on the history of fly fishing from Joe today and from his movie Live the Stream. You’ll here Joe tell the story of how he caught the largest trout on the fly in the state of PA. Plus he’ll describe night fishing and some great tips if you ever find yourself out in the evening.

Click below to listen to the Joe Humphreys Interview:

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Show Notes with Joe Humphreys

01:27 – Live the Stream is the new movie based on Joe’s life.

20:00 – George Harvey was one of Joe’s early mentors in fly fishing

38:45 – George Daniel was on the podcast in episode 55 where we talked about Joe’s style including the occasion slap around to get you fired up.

45:00 – Orvis Helios Rod was recommended by Joe as one of his present day goto sticks.

45:30 – Cortland 9′ for a 5 weight and a 10′ rod are two of Joe’s present day rods.

You can see the movie at LivetheStreamFilm.com.

Highlights from the Podcast

Night Fly Fishing Tips

Joe covers his experience night fishing and some experience fishing the Truckee River in the night even though it was illegal.
The key to night fishing is knowing the water during the day time first. You’ll then be ready to go for the evening. Understanding where to drift the fly and knowing your water is critical.
Fish have excellent eyesight at night but the main thing to focus on is slowing down the entire process. Make sure the fish can see your offering.
The dry fly game at night is also doable. Joe talks about a Green Drake hatch one night where he had trouble raising a fish. He got down on his belly and snuck up to the fish. He noticed that the spent flies were not taken but movement was the key.

Wrestling and Fly Fishing

We talk about the similarities between wrestling and fly fishing. Patience is one thing they both have in common. Joe wrestled in the Navy and at Penn State University.
George Daniel noted that Joe at times would mentally slap him around to fire him up.

Fly Casting Basics

The basics are all about fly fishing. Understanding when to stop the rod for a tuck cast and how you can feel the weight of the rod are two examples.
Joe describes how to stop a tailing loop by pushing your thumb down on the handle. This takes the weights over the rod tip and is part of the drilling basics.
We answer the question about casting into the wind. You should drift the rod further forward and make sure to use your wrist. Make sure the back two fingers pull. Joe notes that his normal casting is mostly wrist. When you have a short casting stroke you don’t need to lock your wrist.
The key to distance casting is waiting for the line to load on the rod. We talk about climbing the angle and stopping the rod high for a long cast.

Penn State Fly Fishing School

There is an endowment at Penn State for the Fly Fishing program. This assures that the program will continue.
We talk about how Joe Humphries took over the Penn State fly fishing program from George Harvey.

Live the Stream Movie

Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys – Official Trailer from Nomadic Studio on Vimeo.

Conclusion with Joe Humphreys

Joe tells a great story about the state record brown trout caught on Fishing Creek in Pennsylvania. Joe shares some great tips on fishing wet flies, nymphs and dry flies. A really cool conversation with one of the all time fly fishing mentors of all time.

WFS 072 – Ausable River with Rachel Finn – Adirondack Fly Fishing, Hungry Trout, Cigars and the Hang

Podcast

By Dave -

April 16, 2019

Rachel Finn put together one of my favorite episodes of the year. I will be honest and tell you that this isn’t a tips and tricks episode. Instead, you get to hear what the hang is all about, Yale, sports and plenty of chat about art and life.

Rachel surpasses the record for adult language in one episode. Keep track and leave a comment below with the total number of 4 letter words!

Click below to listen to the Rachel Finn Interview:

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Show Sponsors

The Wet Fly Swing Members Society

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Rachel Finn

07:37 – Denny Rickards was on the podcast in episode 64 to cover stillwater fishing. Denny was a pro level athlete similar to Rachel Finn.

12:16 – Rachel clarifies Lacross and the sticks and tools involved in Lacross.

29:50 – The Complete Angler by Izzak Walton had a big impact on Rachel. Walton was also all about the hang.

32:00 – We talk about her family, the Hungry Trout and how she became the head guide and now has been doing it for 25 years.

40:00 – April Vokey’s blog post – So, You want to be a fishing guide: Part 1.

53:00 – Nick Lyons was around the old tackle shop that Rachel discussed in the old store in New York.

54:00 – Teton Tioga Reels were the first two companies that helped to get Rachel out on the show circuit.

59:30 – We find out which is her favorite cigar. It’s the Punch Rothschild Double Maduro.

61:00 – The old Who or the Old Rolling Stones were big for Rachel. Here is one of my favorite Songs by the stones. And here is some more Grateful Dead.

1:03:48 – The Girdle Bug and the Ausable Bomber are two of her goto flies.

1:11:00 – The American Museum of Fly Fishing is an important place to support. And if I get Yvon Chouinard on the podcast, you’ll know that I will be obtaining a big goal for the show.

You can connect with Rachel on Instagram @rfinn.

Resources noted in the Show

The Ausable Bomber

Music Noted in the Show

The Who

The Rolling Stones

The Grateful Dead – Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad

Conclusion with Rachel Finn

Dude, was that amazing or what? I know I’ve said it before, but this was my favorite episode ever. We barely talked about fishing tips yet this was the bomb. We argue about Grease the Musical, Sporting events and Our favorite bands.

Leave a comment below for your favorite band or your favorite beverage after fishing.

Click below to listen to the Dave McCoy Interview:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Dave McCoy

Resources Noted in the Show

Videos Noted in the Show

Conclusion with Dave McCoy

Click below to listen to the Rent this Rod Interview:

Show Sponsors

Show Notes with Rent this Rod

Resources Noted in the Show

Videos Notes in the Show

Conclusion with Rent this Rod

Click below to listen to the Mia and Marty Sheppard Interview:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Mia and Marty Sheppard

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Videos Mentioned in the Show

Related Podcast Episodes

Conclusion with Mia and Marty Sheppard

Click below to listen to the Dan Johnston Interview:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Dan Johnston

Resources Notes in the Show

Videos Noted in the Show

Conclusion with dan Johnston

Click below to listen to the Meat Market Flies Interview:

Show Sponsors

Show Notes with Meat Market Flies

Videos Noted in the Show

Conclusion with Meat Market Flies

Click below to listen to the Jason Randall Interview:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Jason Randall

Resources Noted in the Show

Videos Noted in the Show

Conclusion with Jason Randall

Conclusion with Al Beatty

Click below to listen to the Joe Humphreys Interview:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Joe Humphreys

Highlights from the Podcast

Conclusion with Joe Humphreys

Click below to listen to the Rachel Finn Interview:

Show Sponsors

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Rachel Finn

Resources noted in the Show

Music Noted in the Show

Conclusion with Rachel Finn

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