Alaska

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/47 John Gierach breaks out an amazing episode in this one as he talks about how he came to become one of the greatest fly fishing writers in the world.  We also get into the hippie movement in the 60's, death and Colorado. I could have gone for hours with John on this one but had to respect his time.  I'm excited to share a little perspective into the life, times, struggles and stories of the great John Gierach.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/139 Jerry French shares the intruder story and how the skagit spey lines and short spey rods came to be.  We find out how the intruder drove the lines and rods and how Ed Ward Scott O'donnell and others created the huge change for steelhead fly fisherman.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/132 Jenny Weis provides us an update on the Pebble Mine project and what you can do this week to help protect almost 60 million salmon in one of the most important habitats in the region. We find out why this small project could become a much larger project if it's allowed to move forward.  This is a big year and the call to action for you is to reach out to your local and federal representatives and let them know you oppose this project.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/131 George Cook shares the story and history behind how spey came to be in the northwest.  We hear how fishing for kings and the connection to Alaska was a big part of the Alaskabou and the intruder style flies coming to be. George shares some stories about northern California chinook fishing and around the Pacific Rim.  We get into the Deschutes, Oregon Coast and many of the other places and people that have helped defined his career in fly fishing and in hunting.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/130 We get some background on Kulik Lodge and Fly Fishing for coho salmon with Bryce Rushbrook.  Bryce tells us what you can do to prepare for a big Alaska trip with a focus on Bristol Bay. We find out how Bryce became a Sweetwater success story and now has a strong guiding background.  Kyle provides some tips for your first trip to Alaska and how to make the most of your journey.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/126 We hear the story of how John Peterka came to own Sage Brush Dry, a great company out of Kake Alaska producing dry bags for hunting and fishing.  Find out how part of the deal when buying the company was for John to become a fly fisher. John describes their process of using radio frequency welding which creates a thermal and air tight bond.  They can get more curve because they are using hot air welding via a double bond.  A lot of terminology but bottom line is they produce a killer water proof bag.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/johnson I sat down with James Johnson who runs Katmai Trophy Lodge and Naknek River Camp.  James breaks down fly fishing Alaska for salmon, trout, and char.  Find out when the best time is to hit Alaska for a newbie and how to swing up chinook salmon.  Find out what the number one thing is to think about when targeting chinook. We talk about Stealth Craft Boats and why the honeycomb design is an added feature that keeps the boat Stealthy.  Find out how James got his start guiding in Michigan at one of the big Orvis lodges in the Midwest.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/92 Kyle Shea breaks out some Alaska tips for rainbows and how he got involved with Deneki and Alaska West.  If you've ever googled steelhead fishing or Alaska, you've probably seen one of his 1400 Deneki blog posts. Spey fishing for rainbows, king salmon, Leopard rainbow and how to find the big fish are covered in this episode along with a step x step gear guide to get ready for you next trip.  We talk about the difference in lodge trips you can take and glamping vs the full hottub wine and dine style.