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Salters: The Remarkable Return of Sea-Run Brook Trout
Tom Pero
Fly Fisher, Author, Publisher
Once found in coastal streams throughout New England, sea-run brook trout, known as “salters,” nearly disappeared as their fragile habitats were altered and degraded. Today, these remarkable native fish are making a comeback. Author Tom Pero takes us into the hidden world of salters, from their fascinating life history and migrations to the Cape Cod streams they call home. Join us as we explore what scientists have learned about these elusive trout and meet the dedicated riverkeepers whose decades of restoration work prove that, given a chance, wild trout and wild rivers can recover.Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What or who inspired you to write your book, Salter, and why did you feel compelled to tell the story?
- You begin Salter with John C. Phillips’ recollections of Cape Cod trout streams from another era. When did he write this, and what does his writing tell us about the Salter fishery at the time that he wrote it?
- When Phillips wrote about these waters was there any indication that the fisheries were being adversely affected by humans?
- What exactly is a salter, and how is a sea-run brook trout different from a brook trout that spends its entire life in freshwater?
- Why does a brook trout leave the relative safety of its freshwater stream and venture into an estuary or salt water?
- What is the physiological change that allows a brook trout to move between freshwater and salt water. What happens to the fish during that transition?
- Are salters different genetically from other brook trout, or are they simply a product of location?
- Brook trout were stocked heavily into Cape streams. What do we know about how that affected the fisheries, and are there any wild native fish today?
- What were some of the historical accounts of the size of the salters in the past, and how large did Cape Cod salters actually get?
- Some accounts you discovered of the numbers and weight of the fish caught are extraordinary 20, 59 and 191 pounds of fish in a day. Back in those times was conservation not considered?
- Most trout streams become warmer as they flow downstream. Some Cape Cod streams do almost the opposite because of what you call “spring-sapping.” How does that work, and why is it so important to brook trout?
- Tell us the story of the disappearance of the Monumet River. What was lost when that river was essentially erased from the landscape?
- Are these fish merely hanging on, or do you believe we now have a genuine opportunity to restore sea-run brook trout to places where they have been absent for generations?
More about Tom Pero...
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The Hatch Code: Understanding Insects to Catch More Trout
Andy Kitchener
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Author, Observer
Why do trout ignore your fly when they're rising all around you? The answer may lie in understanding what they're eating and how they're feeding. Join Andy Kitchener, author of The Hatch Code: Trout Are Not Entomologists, as he reveals how practical entomology can transform your fly fishing. Discover how to recognize important insects, identify their life cycle stages, read trout rises, anticipate hatches, and choose the right flies and presentations. Learn to stop guessing, start observing, and catch more trout.
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- Ohio Women on the Fly
Katie started fly fishing just five years ago. Her passion for the sport has been insatiable. Katie’s journey from newbie fly fisher, to local TU Chapter board member, to the founder of Ohio Women on the Fly and now a professional guide has been fast and furious. Join us to hear how Katie’s journey took place and the challenges she faced as a woman in the fly fishing industry.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you introduced to fly fishing?
- Did you grow fishing?
- Did you have any preconceived ideas about fly fishing?
- Where did you get you first fly fishing gear?
- How did you learn your fly fishing skills?
- Did you have a mentor?
- Did you join any groups or clubs?
- How did Ohio Women on the Fly get started?
- What type of events does your group sponsor?
- What recommendations do you have for women thinking about trying fly fishing?
- How did you get your job at Mad River Outfitters?
- How did you learn how to guide?
- Where do you guide?
- What's next on your journey as a fly fisher?
- Fly Fishing Taos & Santa Fe
Talyor Streit has been fishing and guiding for more than 50 years. His knowledge of the northern New Mexico waters is tough to beat. Join us to talk about fishing the Rio Grande, Red River, Costilla Creek, and others. Learn about the new rulings by the supreme court on water access in New Mexico and also on how the recent fires have affected fishing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Have the recent fires in New Mexico affected the prime fishing areas?
- How did the recent New Mexico Supreme Court decision affect water access rights?
- How has fishing changed in New Mexico since you first came to the area?
- What's the best time of year for dry fly action?
- What segments of the Rio Grande fish best?
- Can you fish the Rio Grande gorge?
- Is New Mexico a good winter fishery?
- What segments of the Red River do you prefer to fish?
- Is there good public access to the rivers in New Mexico?
- What's the current situation with the Costilla Creek restoration project?
- Is Costilla Creek open for fishing?
- What stream flows should you look for to fish Costilla Creek?
- Is the Rio Chama still a good river to fish?
- Casting Seaward
Steve Ramirez has been traveling thousands of miles in pursuit of native gamefish in salt and brackish water habitats. Join us as Steve tells his stories of adventures in the salt that weave fish, people, and nature together and how humanity impacts the world in many ways.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What made you look seaward for your latest book?
- What is Casting Seaward about?
- How did you pick the places and people you want to fish with?
- Do you make notes on site (or en plen aire) or does the writing come from recollections at a later date?
- How do you view your purposeful work in writing about our natural world along with your personal journey?
- What as the most exciting experience you had?
- What experience was the most challenging?
- What species was the hardest to target?
- What experience did you learn the most about fishing?
- Which experience did have that helped you to grow the most personally?
- How do you think the coastal waters are doing?
- What factors are at issue with managing the striped bass and bluefish fisheries on the east coast?
- What can we do as fly fishers to help conserve and preserve?
- Wild Rivers of Northern New Mexico
Doc Thompson, a professional guide for 15 years, has been taking fly fishers to where the fish are in the wild rivers of northern New Mexico including the Rio Grande, Cimmaron and the Rio Castilla. Listen in to learn about these unique fisheries and how to fish them.
- West Branch of the Ausable River
Join us as Evan Bottcher reveals the secrets of the West Branch of the Ausable River, a legendary fly fishing destination. With a rich history of legendary anglers and diverse insect hatches, Evan shares expert tips and techniques honed since childhood. Perfect your skills and discover captivating stories in this not-to-miss show!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the West Branch of the Ausable River such a unique fly fishing destination?
- Can you tell us about the history of fly fishing on the West Branch and its significance in the region?
- How has the river's reputation among anglers evolved over the years?
- What is the overall health of the river's ecosystem and the quality of the water?
- What species of trout are most commonly found in the West Branch of the Ausable River?
- What is the best time of year to fly fish the West Branch, and how does the fishing change with the seasons?
- Are there any specific regulations anglers need to be aware of when fishing this river?
- What are the different sections of the river and how do vary in terms of fishing difficulty and trout density?
- What's best way to fish the areas that are difficult to wade?
- What role do local hatches play in planning a successful day of fishing on the river?
- What is your favorite hatch?
- Where and when are streamers likely to be effective on the Ausable?
- Is it true that many times larger flies produce better than those that match the hatch?
- What are some key strategies for fishing this river, especially for first-time anglers?
- Do you have any recommendations for targeting deeper pools versus shallower runs on the West Branch?
- Where an how do you sight fish for striped bass?
- How does the presence of large boulders and pocket water impact your approach to fishing specific sections of the river?
- Fly Line Design and Application
Jim Teeny, originator of the integrated sinking fly line, is always on the cutting edge of fly line design. Learn the differences between the lines and how to use them best to catch more fish.
- Famous Fly Fishers
Norm Zeigler interviewed twenty-one famous people who fly fish and has published his interviews in his latest book Famous Fly Fishers. These people are famous for what they have done in their careers and not for their contributions to fly fishing. Politicians, businessmen, bankers, musicians, astronauts, scientists and artists are just a few of the professions these fly fishers represent. Listen in while Norm tells us their stories of why they fish and what this great sport means to them. Whose stories will he tell? You'll have to join us to find out.
- Fly Fishing for Steelhead - Queen Charlotte Islands and the Dean River
Greg Thomas pursues wild steelhead in out of the way places, with a focus on British Columbia. Recently he's fished the Queen Charlotte Islands and the central British Columbia coast. In July he lucked into the best week in 10 years on the Dean River and had 17 fish to the beach in three days. Listen to Thomas' adventures and you'll learn how to reach these unique fisheries where 10-to 20-pound wild steelhead can be found, often in good numbers.
- Think Like A Fish! - Catch More Tarpon, Bonefish & Permit
Aaron Adams, Ph.D., a marine biologist understands the habitats that warmwater coastal saltwater gamefish live in. Knowing something about a fish’s life cycle and behavior patterns will give you a better idea of when and where you’re most likely to find fish.
- Tailwaters of the Uncompahgre River
Matt McCannel, a professional guide, introduces us to the tailwaters of the Uncompahgre River (Paco). On the western slope of the Colorado Rockies, this tailwater yields incredible trophy browns and rainbow. Browns exceeding the 20-pound mark lurk in the shadows of boulders and stumps. Join us as Matt guides us down the river and shares his secrets to catching these monster fish.
Questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What's the best time of year to catch the trophy browns and rainbows?
- How do you find the trophy fish?
- What type of water do they inhabit?
- Do they attack streamers?
- What do they eat?
- What are the top three fly patterns that attract the big fish?
- Does Euro nymphing work for these fish?
- How accurate does your presentation have to be to get good takes?
Check out this video: Matt McCannel Sight Fishing Paco's Trophy Trout
- Redfish On The Fly
John Kumiski has fished for redfish for over 20 years and has guided them for the past 10 years. John has researched redfish in great detail and shares his secrets on catching the big ones.
- Tying & Fishing Deer Hair Flies
Tim Jacobs uses many different materials to tie his flies but deer hair is his favorite. Whether it's trout or warmwater species deer hair flies can produce. Join us to learn about Tim's secrets to tying and fishing deer hair flies.
- Muskie on the Fly
Muskie on the fly? You've got to be kidding! Robert Tomes isn't kidding at all in fact you'll learn exactly how to hook up with one of these aggressive predators on the show.
Robert demystifies the Muskie and will tell you why fly fishing for Muskie might be an even better option than throwing big plugs at them. - Fly Fishing - Art of War
Chad Schiel treats his fishing with all the seriousness of going to war. He uses the term W.E.T. to describe his approach, which stands for Weather, Enemy, Terrain, and is actually a military intelligence term used in the Marines to collect and evaluate intelligence to prepare battlefield operations. To find out how this applies to your fly fishing you'll have to listen in to this show.
- Tying Streamers: Tips and Techniques
Charlie Craven is a master fly tier and has figured out the best fly tying techniques for just about any challenge. His latest book Tying Streamers addresses the techniques used to tie both classic and modern streamer patterns. Charlie is always a great source for good tips on tying so join us to find out what he’s discovered about the best way to tie streamers.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How do you make wooly buggers more durable?
- What is the best way to tie in a palmered hackle?
- Are articulated patterns more effective than non-articulated patterns?
- What are your favorite materials for tying streamers?
- What are the three most important triggers when tying streamers?
- Do you prefer streamers that are thick and dense or sparse and thin?
- How do you keep streamers from fouling?
- How do you choose a hook for your streamers?
- What are your considerations for choosing streamers for different water types?
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