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Mexico to Patagonia: An Angler's Journey Through a New World
Steve Ramirez
Fly Fisher, Naturalist, Author
Steve Ramirez explores the rivers, jungles, mountains, and windswept landscapes of Central and South America featured in A Season in Patagonia. From tarpon in Mexico and peacock bass in the Amazon to the legendary trout waters of Patagonia, Steve shares unforgettable encounters with remarkable people, diverse cultures, extraordinary wildlife, and world-class fisheries. Discover how travel, fly fishing, and a deep connection to nature can transform not only the way you fish—but also the way you see the world.Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Can you describe your book A Season in Patagonia?
- Can you give a more in-depth explanation of the book’s title and how it relates to the envisioned global trilogy of outdoor, nature, and fly-fishing literature?
- Was there a particular moment during your travels when you realized this book was becoming something much bigger than another fishing adventure?
- Of all the countries you visited, which surprised you the most, and why?
- The book opens in the Yucatán pursuing juvenile tarpon. Why did you choose Mexico as the beginning of this book, and what did that first destination set in motion for the rest of your travels?
- Your days in Campeche weren't just about tarpon—they were about immersing yourself in the culture. What was one encounter with the local people that changed the way you viewed Mexico?
- The Brazilian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Was there a moment when you realized you were in an ecosystem unlike anywhere else you've ever fished?
- You caught peacock bass, searched for wolf fish, encountered electric eels, stingrays, and piranhas. Which Amazon species fascinated you the most—not necessarily as a game fish, but as a remarkable creature?
- The Amazon can feel both magical and intimidating. What moments reminded you that you were a visitor in one of the wildest places left on Earth?
- Patagonia has almost mythical status among fly anglers. What aspects of Patagonia actually exceeded the legends?
- Patagonia is famous for its wind. How does an angler learn to fish with the wind instead of fighting it?
- You spent time with people from very different cultures. What common qualities did great fishing guides seem to share regardless of where they lived?
- When listeners finish reading A Season in Patagonia, what do you hope inspires them first—to book a trip, to pick up a fly rod, or simply to spend more time paying attention to the natural world?
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- Freshwater Stripers on the Fly
Bill Butts has made temperate basses his specialty and freshwater stripers are one of his favorite targets. Learn Bill's secrets about finding, hooking up with and landing one of these freshwater trophies.
- DIY Fly Fishing Alaska
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?
- Fly Fishing Sudan
Jeff Currier, a world traveling fly fisher, went to Sudan to fly fish. Where did he go? What did he fish for? What was his adventure like? Listen in and find out as we go on another Currier adventure.
- Fly Fishing for Monster Browns on Streamers
Christy McReynolds knows how to hook up with monster brown trout on the fly. She’s a lifelong angler and has developed her skills on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in East Tennessee, where she and her husband Jason run their guide service FlyingSoHo. Join us and learn her secrets to finding, hooking up, and landing these fish of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year for hunting monster browns on streamers?
- Are large brown trout more active at certain times of the day?
- Are browns tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures?
- What are the ideal conditions for brown trout to grow big?
- Are browns more selective than rainbows?
- Is fishing good before or after they spawn?
- What weight rod do you use for larger fish?
- Do you use floating or sinking lines?
- What is your leader and tippet setup?
- What types of streamers do you prefer?
- what color flies do you use for dirty and clear water?
- Where do find large fish holding most often?
- What retrieve methods do you use for streamers?
- What tips can you give on setting the hook and fighting large fish?
- Tenkara - The Traditional Japanese Method of Fly Fishing
Daniel Galhardo founded Tenkara USA in 2009 and has brought the traditional Japanese method of fly-fishing where only a rod, line and fly are used to the US. Tenkara is about fly-fishing simplicity and mountain-stream effectiveness. Eleven to fourteen foot long rods allow anglers to fish mountain streams in a way that is nearly impossible with western fly gear. Listen to learn about the history, philosophy and of course the strategies and techniques of using the Tenkara system.
- Mexico’s Grand Slam Expressway
Phil Shook has traveled and fished extensively throughout Mexico. Phil considers the three giant estuaries off Highway 307 in Quintana Roo some of the best flats fishing in Mexico. Ascension, Espirtu and Chetumal will definiely have you on the hunt for your grand slam.
- Dynamic Nymphing
George Daniel, a competitive fly fisher has effectively used just about every nymphing technique there is. He's been to Europe and competed against some of the best European fly fishers in the game. He's observed, learned and applied the best techniques to his craft. Listen in to learn George's nymphing techniques and you'll be a better fly fisher for it.
- Fisheries Conservation Now And In The Future
Dr. Peter Moyle was recognized by Fly Fisherman Magazine as the 2020 Conservationist of the Year for his lifetime of conservation work in California and in watersheds across the West. Peter's forward-thinking and get it done attitude has saved and restored fisheries across California including McCloud River, Putah Creek, the San Joaquin River and the Klamath River. Listen in to find out how Peter identifies and works through the issues associated with saving and restoring these fine fisheries.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you able to preserve the McCloud river for future generations?
- How did you bring Putah Creek back to life?
- What are the challenges now that Putah Creek has been restored?
- What has been done to encourage Stripers and Salmon to run up the San Joaquin River?
- What is the status of the Smelt in the Delta estuaries?
- What key action was taken to preserve the Klamath River?
- How can conservation groups attract younger members?
- What problems do you face when dams come down?
- Daniel Ritz Attempts Western Native Trout Challenge
Daniel Ritz is fly fishing across the Western United States in an attempt to accomplish the Master Caster class of the Western Native Trout Challenge. His goal is to land each of the 20 native trout species in their historical ranges of the 12 states in the West. Join us to find out how Daniel is doing with the challenge, learn about what it takes to participate and hear about a few experiences he's had along the way. Maybe you'll get inspired and want to try it yourself!
- Single-Handed Spey Casting
Simon Gawesworth shares his techniques on using casts adapted from two-handed spey casting to one handed casts that enable you to fish the most challenging spots that most anglers pass by.
- 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?
- Golden Mahseer
Misty Dhillon had been guiding and traveling in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar since 1994 in search of Golden Mahseer. These fish are a highly evolved, bio-indicator fish species that swim in rivers across the rugged Himalayan foothills. Listen in and learn about this incredible fish and what it takes to bring one to the net.
- Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs
Robert Younghanz, a.k.a The Bug Guy, is an internationally known Aquatic Entomologist, Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor. Entomology plays a big part in being a successful fly fisher. Robert breaks down the different classes of insects that fly fishers are familiar with and helps you to identify and understand their life cycle. The more you know about how these bugs live and procreate the more fish you'll be bringing to the net.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the life cycle of a mayfly?
- Why is the life cycle of and insect important to fly fishers?
- Do you need to have flies that imitate each stage of the life cycle?
- What are the most important orders of insects for fly fishers?
- What is the largest order of insects?
- What is the life cycle of a caddis?
- What is the difference between complete metamorphosis and incomplete metamorphosis ?
- What insects are most common in lakes?
- Where is the best place to seine a river for bugs?
- What is the best way to learn about insects for fishing?
- How do you organize your fly boxes?
- Do you have different fly boxes for different seasons?
- When nothing else is working what fly would you use?
- The Perfect Cast
Gary Borger is a master caster and well-known on the Fly Fishing Show circuit for his simple explanations and fly-casting demonstrations. Gary presents casting development and skill acquisition, from rod grips to highly detailed descriptions of the three core methods of fly casting. He also details the essential Acceleration, Loop Formation, and Energy Transfer (A.L.E.) plus much, much more. Listen in and I know your casting will improve.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is a Perfect Cast?
- What are the two cardinal rules of fly casting?
- What are some effective ways to practice casting?
- What rod grips are most commonly used?
- What stances should you use when casting?
- What is A.L.E?
- When doing a forward cast, do you break your wrist at the end of your cast?
- How do you control your loop?
- What should your line managing hand be doing when you are casting?
- What is the best way to cast a weighted nymph rig?
- How much line should you have out when casting?
- What is the best way to pick up line out of the water?
- What is the best way to mend your line?
- Why do you need to be able to cast more than 40 feet?
- Fly Fishing the Frying Pan River
Tim Heng has fished just about every inch of the Frying Pan River in Colorado and has been doing it for almost 30 years. Learn all about the Frying Pan and the secrets of hooking up with its big trout.
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