599 | Fly Fishing Pressured Waters with Nick Conklin of Temple Fork Outfitters

     

What do you do when your favorite spot is packed with other anglers or when you’re navigating crowded rivers all day? Today we uncover expert tips on fly fishing pressured waters from Nick Conklin of Temple Fork Outfitters.

Learn about choosing the perfect rod for your next adventure and find out why local shows are game-changers and the secrets behind TFO’s big game rods.

If you’re a TFO enthusiast like me, you won’t want to miss this update on one of the leading rod companies in the industry!

Show Notes with Nick Conklin on Fly Fishing Pressured Waters. Hit play below! 👇🏻

Find the show:  iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast

Subscribe on Android | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Subscribe via RSS

(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Episode Chapters with Nick Conklin on Fly Fishing Pressured Waters

2:29 – Growing up in Michigan, Nick Conklin had the privilege of fishing in a 70-acre private lake and exploring the nearby Pere Marquette River.

Nick’s interest in fly fishing sparked when he was eight after reading an Ernest Hemingway story. This led him to learn fly casting, tying flies, and exploring various fishing opportunities.

Nick is now based in Dallas, Texas, where he continues to explore fishing on the Texas coast.

Nick’s Journey to TFO

4:31 – Nick was initially involved in outdoor journalism, and his passion for fishing and writing led him to TFO. He started with part-time work and eventually moved into various roles.

6:54 – Nick oversees product design, development, sales, and marketing for the fly fishing division. He collaborates with industry experts, manages trade shows, and engages with dealers and consumers to promote TFO products.

Temple Fork Outiftters

7:55 – TFO offers a diverse range of fishing rods from small trout and panfish rods to heavy-duty boat rods for saltwater fishing. They cover both conventional and fly fishing categories.

9:36 – Nick tells us about their collaboration with Jason Randall on rod projects, including the Drift series.

         

Recommendations for New Fly Fishers

Nick suggests starting with a combo kit like the NXT Black Label Kit. Here’s a summary of his recommendations and insights:

1. Combo kits provide everything a beginner needs, including the rod, reel, backing, fly line, and leader. Combo kits make it easier to get started without worrying about individual components.
2. New anglers should consider their budget and the type of fishing they plan to do the most. This helps them choose the right rod weight and length for their needs.
3. Combo kits often come with a practice fly line.

Casting Tips

18:00 – Nick emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from qualified educators or casting instructors who can help beginners navigate the casting process effectively.

Local fly shops, fly fishing clubs, and online resources like Google searches can be invaluable in finding resources and communities to support learning.

While it may require an investment, hiring a guide can significantly accelerate the learning curve and provide valuable insights into fishing techniques, specific waters, and asking pertinent questions.

Fly Fishing Pressured Waters

21:00 – Nick’s upcoming book, Fly Fishing Pressured Western Rivers, is scheduled for release by the end of 2024. The book aims to address the challenges of fishing on heavily pressured rivers, particularly in Western regions.

Navigating crowded rivers and finding success can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some valuable tips from Nick:

• Preparation: Focus on organizing gear, practicing casting skills, and refining your approach before hitting the water.
• Observation: Spend time observing other anglers’ techniques and approaches to learn from their successes and challenges.
• Flexibility: Stay open to adjusting your fishing strategies based on seasonal conditions, time of day, and weather to increase your chances of success.
• Journaling: Keep detailed notes about your fishing experiences, including what worked, what didn’t, and any observations about conditions or tactics. Reviewing these notes before future trips can provide valuable insights and improve fishing performance.

TFO Rod Lineup Overview

TFO offers a diverse lineup of rods catering to various fishing styles and species, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned anglers.

They provide high-quality rods at reasonable price points. They offer combo kits that include rod and reel combinations, making it convenient and cost-effective for beginners to get started with everything they need.

Choosing the Right Fly Rod for Beginners

Here are some key tips and advice for beginners looking to choose the right fly rod:

1. Try Different Rods: Try out a few different rods to find one that fits your casting style and preferences.
2. Focus on Personal Preference: Ignore brand names and logos initially. Instead, focus on how comfortable and enjoyable the rod feels to cast.
3. Evaluate Budget and Usage: Determine your budget and how often you’ll be fishing.
4. Start with a Versatile Option: A 9 ft 5wt rod is a good starting point for most freshwater fishing situations
5. Consider Weight Differences: When expanding your rod collection, consider a two- or three-weight difference from your initial rod.

Follow TFO on Instagram: @templeforkoutfitters

Facebook: TFO Rods – Temple Fork Outfitters

Visit their website: TfoRods.com

Related Podcast Episodes

WFS 566 – Dry Fly Fishing Mastery with Jason Randall – Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival, Driftless Area

Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below

WFS 158 – Temple Fork Outfitters with Rick Pope – TFO Rods, Lefty Kreh, Cosmic Cowboys

Conclusion with Nick Conklin on Fly Fishing Pressured Waters

What an awesome chat with Nick Conklin from Temple Fork Outfitters! Boy, did we learn a lot! We got tips on choosing the perfect rod, casting like a pro, and even navigating crowded rivers.