Dave moved to Oklahoma for several reasons but the lower Illinois River is one of them where he caught 17 varieties of fish in one day. You won't want to miss this interview of one of fly fishing's most notable figures.

Jim Blauch has guided the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota for the past 20 years. If you want solitude and crazy smallmouth bass fly fishing listen in and Jim will spill the beans on this great destination.

Jake Villwock is a professional guide working in Pennsylvania. He hooks up his clients everyday with big smallmouth bass. Listen in and learn about the flies he uses, how he ties them and how he uses them to catch trophy smallies.

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

• Do smallmouth prefer living in pods or are they a solitary fish?
• Do smallmouth hold in similar lies as trout?
• What is a good weight rod, line, leader and tippet for smallmouth?
• Why do you use swivels in your terminal tackle setup?
• If you could only have one surface fly and one streamer for smallies what would they be?
• What are the trigger colors for smallmouth flies?
• Do you use weed guards on your flies?
• What topwater flies do you use besides poppers?
• What color combinations work best for streamers?
• What crayfish patterns do you like?
• What color is a must have on your crayfish patterns?/li>
• How do you fish crayfish patterns on the bottom?
• When an how do you fish crayfish patterns mid-column?
• Do bigger flies attract larger fish?

Sara Low, a professional guide in New York, has seen just about every mistake her clients could possibly make. She'll help you with fly-fishing techniques and help you to break bad habits. Common issues include correctly approaching fish, improving fly selection, proper presentation, consistent and accurate casting, efficient hooking and landing of fish. Join us and learn how to correct those bad habits you might not even know about.

Over the many years that Skip Morris has fished and written about fly fishing he's uncovered many nuggets of information that have helped him and others to catch more fish. Whether it's trout, bass or panfish Skip has something to share that will improve your odds. Listen to this podcast and up your game!

Rick Kustich is just getting started when icy winds sweep across the Great Lakes and most anglers pack it in, Rick shares his proven strategies for finding and catching winter steelhead in freezing conditions. Discover how these powerful fish adapt to the cold, what flies trigger their strikes, and the best techniques for slow, deep presentations when water temps drop near freezing. Whether you’re a die-hard steelheader or dreaming of your first chrome in the snow, Rick’s insights will help you turn winter’s chill into your hottest season yet.

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

• • What makes winter steelheaders such a unique and dedicated breed of anglers?
  • How do Great Lakes winter steelhead differ biologically and behaviorally from their Pacific-coast ancestors?
  • Why do you think winter steelhead have adapted so well to the Great Lakes since their introduction in the late 1800s?
  • Can you explain how water temperature and metabolism affect a winter steelhead’s movement and feeding behavior?
  • How do weather patterns—especially snow, rain, and barometric changes—impact the bite?
  • What are your go-to rod and line setups for both swinging and nymphing winter steelhead?
  • How do you balance the need for depth and control when choosing sink tips or leaders?
  • What types of holding water are most productive for winter steelhead—boulder pockets, gravel runs, or tailouts?
  • How important is timing in a winter day—should you be fishing the warmest part of the afternoon?
  • How do subtle water temperature changes, even a degree or two, alter fish activity and feeding?
  • When you’re selecting flies, what patterns give you the best chance—Intruders, Sculpins, Eggs, or something else?
  • How has the two-handed or “Spey” revolution changed the way anglers target winter steelhead in the Great Lakes?
  • How effective is Euro-nymphing for Great Lakes steelhead, and what are its pros and cons in winter conditions?
  • What method if any do you use to deter ice on your fly rods guides when fishing cold weather?
  • Winter steelheading often means long hours with few bites. How do you keep your mental focus and motivation high?

Earl Waters has achieved over 300 grand slams in the salt for his clients and himself so he knows his stuff. Find out from Earl how to land a tarpon, permit and bonefish all in one day.

Shelley Walchak decided to challenge herself and set a goal to fish 52 rivers in one year. She quit her job and fished seven states in the Rocky Mountains, which turned into one of those journey's she'll never forget. Join us to hear how she conceived, planned and completed this epic fly fishing adventure.

Ron Newman has spent 30 years researching virtually anything that could affect the Kamloops rainbow trout and how they act in stillwater. Learn his inside information that will help you to catch more trout in stillwaters.

Bob Mallard has fly fished and guided the Maine waters for over 40 years.  Maine has the most diverse fly fishing opportunities in New England and is a popular destination for anglers seeking trout, landlocked salmon, striped bass, and a host of other game fish. Join us and explore the rivers, streams, ponds and lakes of this magnificent state.

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

• How did you decide what waters to include in your book Fly Fishing Maine?
• What fish species are available to fly fishers in Maine?
• What are the top species fly fishers target?
• What are the top rivers to fish in Maine?
• What are the State Heritage Fish Waters?
• What waters qualify for fly fishing only?
• When is the black fly hatch most prevalent?
• What's causing the decline of landlocked salmon?
• Where do 90% of the native brook trout live?
• Is Artic Char the new "bucket list" fish?
• What fly rods and lines do you recommend?
• What is public access like to the rivers, lakes, and ponds?
• How are striped bass fairing in Maine?

Kip Vieth, a professional guide in Minnesota and winner of the 2017 Orvis Guide of the Year, loves fly fishing for Muskies. Muskies are finicky, to say the least. Known as the fish of ten thousand casts you can bet you'll have to work for yours. Kip will help us all learn more about Muskies including where they live, what they eat, what triggers them to bite, how to rig your terminal tackle for success, presentation strategies, and of course how to close the deal. Join us to learn Kip's secrets to success!

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

• Are muskies really the fish of 10,000 casts?
• What are the strength and weaknesses of fly fishing versus conventional fishing?
• What makes a rod a good muskie fly rod?
• What type of line do you use and what is your terminal tackle setup?
• What are the advantages of articulated flies?
• Do you need high flies for muskies?
• How do the primary lies change for muskies from summer to fall?
• If you get a follow but no bite what changes do you make?
• Do the moon phases affect the musky bite?
• Is sight fishing an effective method for muskies?
• When is the best time of day to target muskies?

Joel Stewart found himself based in Camp Victory on the grounds of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's former Al Faw Palace. He fished numerous man-made lakes stocked by the former dictator with a variety of sport fish. Soon he was teaching others how to fly fish. Thus, the Baghdad School of Fly Fishing was born, an angling club that remained in existence for the remainder of the time American troops were in Iraq. Listen in to hear about the exotic fish Joel caught, how the Baghdad School of Fly Fishing was born and how it flourished during times of war.

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.

Dave Whitlock has been creating fly fishing fine art paintings and illustrating his books and articles for most of his life. Listen in to find out how Dave got started, how he creates and how he sells his artwork.

Mike Kephart gives you the scoop on which Colorado mountain and wilderness lakes and creeks fish well, how to get there, the difficulty of access, and what you can expect to catch. Join us as we explore these lost lakes and secret places.