Gordon van der Spuy is renowned as one of South Africa's premier fly tiers, and his passion for the craft shines through in every aspect of his work. For Gordon, the function always dictates the form when designing flies. He doesn’t just follow recipes; he reimagines them to create flies that truly perform. Join us for an engaging exploration of Gordon's innovative approach to tying and fishing flies that deliver results.

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

• What inspired you to write “The Feather Mechanic?”
• How did you get started fly fishing and fly tying?
• How did your early fly tying experiences shape your approach to the craft?
• In your book, you emphasize “form follows function”. Can you tell us how you learned about this and how it has affected your fly tying?
• How do you become a “thinking fly tier?”
• How do you approach designing a new pattern?
• How do you approach problem-solving when a fly design doesn't work as expected?
• What is your process for testing the effectiveness of a new fly design?
• Your instructions for tying The Skinny Damsel incorporate many techniques that are used when tying other types of flies. Can you walk us through the steps of tying this fly?
• What is your opinion regarding split thread vs dubbing loop techniques for placing materials? And do you have a particular place for each or do you regard them as interchangeable?
• What common mistakes do fly tyers make, and how can they be avoided?
• What is the domino effect?
• Can you explain the concept of tying small flies on large hooks?
• What are the benefits of using CDC feathers over other types of feathers?
• What role do historical fly-tying techniques play in your modern fly designs?

Rick Hafele, a retired aquatic biologist, has studied and fished freshwater streams and rivers for over 40 years. He’s an expert on connecting the dots between the natural world of insects and the artificial world of flies. Listen in to learn how to recognize hatches, pick the right flies and be more successful on your favorite trout stream or river.

Those that have fished for the Tarpon say it's addicting. So if you dare join Tad Burke a professional guide in the Florida Keys and learn his secrets about hooking up with a Tarpon and staying hooked.

Bruce Chard is in the business of persuading permit to take his fly and he won't take 'No' for an answer. Listen to this show to find out Bruce's insider secrets of persuasion.

Whether to a faraway famous location or a new stream in a nearby watershed, traveling is a common theme in fly fishing. During this podcast, Tim Cammisa of “Trout and Feather” shares some methods that have helped him be successful from his home state of Pennsylvania to recent destinations including Iceland, Wyoming, and more.

Debbie Hanson, a professional guide in southwest Florida, specialized in getting her clients hooked up with Florida’s strain of largemouth bass. These bass are different than the strains in the north and many consider them the monsters of largemouth bass. Listen in to learn about these bass and how to hook up with what may be your trophy bass of a lifetime.

• What makes the Florida strain of largemouth bass different?
• What is the best place to fish for trophies in Florida?
• Does the Florida strain exist in other states?
• What are the factors that contribute to the growth of trophy-sized bass?
• Where do you look for the larger bass?
• What are the most effective flies to use for largemouth bass?
• How deep do you fish?
• What's the best time of day to fish?
• What fly did you catch your trophy largemouth on?

Matt Supinski is the master of selectivity and even wrote a book on it so who else to lead us on a journey to understand how to fish spring creeks. Spring creeks will not only seduce you but test your skills at the highest level. Join us to learn Matt’s secrets to spring creeks.

The Roosterfish is one of the most sought after trophies of the Mexican coast. It's beauty and elusivness make it a challenge you won't want to miss out on. Join Mike Rieser and find out what it takes to stalk and connect with one of this incredible fish.

Brian Flechsig owns Mad River Outfitters, Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides. He started his fly shop in 1994 with a passion for fly fishing and the will to succeed, but not much more. Today, Mad River Outfitters ranks as one of the top three largest fly shops in the United States. Join us and learn how Brian started his business on a shoestring and how he has grown it through consistent marketing and proper business management.

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

• What inspired you to start a business in the fly fishing industry?
• How has your business evolved from its initial concept to the multi-faceted enterprise it is today?
• How has your passion for fly fishing influenced the way you run your business?
• How do you engage with the local community through your brick-and-mortar shop?
• In creating your product lines, do you select low, medium, and high-cost products to appeal to the broadest spectrum of customers or focus on one price point?
• What is the top-selling or highest-grossing product at the fly shop?
• What are the top 2-3 selling fly patterns in the shop?
• What platform do you use for your e-commerce store?
• Do you use manufacturer’s supplied photos for your products, or do you take your own?
• What types of marketing do you do?
• What marketing has worked the best for you?
• Do you do all your marketing in-house or do you outsource some of it?
• Which advertising channels have you found most effective for your businesses, and why?
• How much luck is responsible for your success?

Ben Duchesney will share the secrets to fly fishing from kayaks from choosing the right boat and gear to paddle strokes, casting and line management. Whether you paddle warmwater, coldwater or saltwater you're bound to learn some strategies and tactics you can use on your next outing.

Matt Austin and Kory Van Tassel professional guides out of La Jolla, California take us on a search for carp in the lakes and streams of southern California. Join us to find out how to catch carp California style.

Joe Jackson has been fly fishing in Alaskan waters since 2014. He’s unlocked the secrets to DIY fishing using the state highways and roads to catch salmon, trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, and Arctic grayling. Join us to learn his tricks to success in “The Last Frontier.”

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

• What inspired you to start exploring Alaska’s fisheries without a guide?
• How do you define “DIY fly fishing” in the Alaskan context?
• What are the biggest misconceptions people have about fly fishing in Alaska on their own?
• What are the most important factors to consider when planning a DIY trip to Alaska?
• What are the pros and cons of fly fishing DIY versus using a guide?
• How do you research and locate productive roadside-accessible fisheries?
• Are there any tools, apps, or maps that you rely on when planning your trips?
• Can you walk us through some of the best regions in Alaska for road-accessible fly fishing?
• How accessible is Southeast Alaska for road-based DIY fly fishing?
• What species are most available to DIY fly fishers throughout the year?
• What’s the best time of year for someone planning their first DIY trip?
• Do you typically wade, hike in, or use a pack raft on DIY trips?
• Are camping sites easily accessible?
• What are the biggest safety concerns DIY anglers should prepare for?

Mike Heck, a professional guide and master of spring creek fly fishing, shares the tactics and techniques he uses everyday to catch tough, selective trout in these waters.

Tim Lockhart is a stillwater fly fishing junkie and stillwaters provide some of the best opportunities for big fish. If stillwaters have intimidated you in the past get ready for an awakening. Join us and learn about the critical lessons for catching more trout in lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

Brad Miller has fished smallmouth for over thirty years on some of the most hallowed waters in the Midwest and Canada. If you want to catch more smallmouth listen in as Brad goes through the top ten flies that have been written about, tested and voted upon by guides, experts and everyday anglers. He'll tell you what they are and how to fish them.