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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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- Nymphing to Catch More Fish
Michael Gorman, a professional and savvy guide, has vast knowledge on one of the most effective methods of catching fish – nymphing. His well-tested techniques are effective on both trout and steelhead. Join us to pick Michael’s brain on all things nymphing.
- Chasing Records
Robert Cunningham has been chasing world records for two decades and has many stories to tell. Listen in to find out about the rare successful record catches, but also on the far more frequent failed attempts and the angling lessons learned from each of them. Anyone who has ever dreamed of a world record catch as well as any angler seeking to improve his fish fighting skill and techniques will learn from these experiences and enjoy a good fish story or two in the process.
- Snook On The Hook
Chico Fernandez has fly fished for over 40 years and has broken several world records, most notably, the largest redfish taken with a fly rod, at 42 pounds, 5 ounces (I.G.F.A. record on 12 pound test tippet). He was also one of the first to land a white marlin on a fly rod. His real passion; however, is snook. Listen to this podcast to find out Chico's secrets on fly fishing for these incredible game fish.
- Nymphing Strategies for Trinity River Steelhead: Flow, Depth, and Control
Steelhead on the Trinity River aren’t accidental fish—and neither are the anglers who consistently find them. In this episode, professional guide Alex Ross breaks down the nuts and bolts of deep nymphing for Trinity River steelhead from a drift boat. We dive into reading flow-driven water, boat positioning, rigging for depth and control, fly selection by conditions, and the subtle adjustments that turn “good water” into hooked fish. If you want a practical, guide-tested approach to putting winter steelhead in the net on one of California’s most iconic rivers, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- For anglers who haven’t fished it, how would you describe the Trinity River compared to other West Coast steelhead rivers?
- How do dam releases and changing flows affect where steelhead hold?
- How do fish position differently in low flows versus high flows?
- What types of water on the Trinity consistently produce with deep nymphing?
- Are the techniques you use river specific, or do they work other places?
- How do you determine your starting depth?
- Do you prefer fixed indicators or adjustable systems from a drift boat—and why?
- What’s your philosophy on split shot vs. weighted flies?
- What are your go-to fly patterns for Trinity steelhead nymphing?
- What rod, reel, line, leader and tippet setup do you recommend?
- How can you tell if your weight is riding properly?
- How critical is boat control in deep nymphing success?
- What visual clues tell you a run will hold steelhead?
- what is the etiquette on back rowing and re-drifting a run?
- Mongolia - A One Of A Kind Adventure
Tom Boyd shares a trip of a lifetime to Mongolia. He traveled over the steppes where there were no roads - navigating with GPS and stopping to talk to nomads for directions. He fished the Shishged/Tengis River Protected area where no Americans had ever been before. Listen in to find out about the different types of fish and fishing he did including his largest trophy a 40” taimen.
- Pacific Coast Flies & Fly Fishing
The Pacific Coast offers fly fishers a wealth of angling opportunities from Alaska to the tip of Baja California. Scott Sadil's recent book Pacific Coast Flies & Fly Fishing covers many of the proven flies to use for trout, salmon, steelhead, and both inshore and bluewater species and how to fish them. Join us to learn about some of these popular fly patterns, their use, and a bit of history about how they came to be.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did your latest book Pacific Coast Flies & Fly Fishing come about?
- Do you primarily "match the hatch"?
- Do you fish with whatever works?
- What makes "Bird's BWO Emerger" work?
- Why does the "Vanilla Bugger" attract fish?
- What does "My Favorite Terrestrial" imitate?
- How did the "Green Butt Muddler" come about?
- Does the "Miracle Fly" really work miracles on steelhead?
- How can you be more productive fishing the surf?
- When do you decide to use the "Bullador" in the salt?
- Where do you use "Squid Me" to get the best results?
- Is the "Trilobite" a good fly for surf perch?
- Fly Fishing Colorado's South Platte River
Pat Dorsey has guided on the South Platte for more than eleven years. He spends at least 200 days per year on the stream so he knows the water intimately. Join us on this podcast to learn everything you need to know about fly fishing one of the most challenging trout streams in the United States.
- Nymph Fishing: New Angles, Tactics, and Techniques
George Daniel has guided clients and fished competitively throughout the world. His desire to learn as much as possible about his craft and adapt his techniques have given him a superb understanding of what it takes to get a nymph to a fish. There are many 'right' ways to deliver your nymphs whether it be contact nymphing or suspension nymphing. Listen to this podcast and learn George's latest strategies and techniques so you can up your game.
- California's Best Fly Fishing
Chip O'Brien, a professional guide in California for 18 years, provides us with a overview of California's wild-trout waters from Northern California to the Eastern Sierra.
- Smallmouth Bass Strategies
Dave Karczynski is passionate about smallmouth. Smallmouth bass are in more streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs than any other game fish. Join us and learn about the cutting-edge techniques and fly patterns being used today to catch these exciting game fish.
- Fly Fishing Soft-Hackles
Allen McGee specializes in both traditional and progressive soft-hackle flies and fly fishing methods. He pushes the boundaries of these wet flies and knows how to get the most out of this often ignored fly fishing method. Join us and learn how to use the soft-hackle method of fishing to catch more fish.
- Steelhead of the Dean River
April Vokey, a professional guide and fly fishing instructor, has been pursuing the elusive steelhead most of her life. The Dean River in British Columbia is world renowned for having some of the strongest fish in the world. Listen in to hear how April fishes this great river for one of the most challenging fish the steelhead.
- Improving Your Casting Fundamentals to Catch More Fish
Dusty Wissmath, a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, will explore the fundamentals of casting that are so important to catching more fish. Are you struggling with a castitng problem? Here's your chance to ask a question of one of the best casting instructors around.
- The onWater App - New Technology for Fly Fishers
Scott Carver, Co-Founder and CEO of onWater, will be introducing us to their state-of-the-art software that locates river access points, boat ramps, camping, parking, and know the distance between them. Plus current river flows and weather, everything you need including stream access laws and public land overlays which help you plan where to fish and eliminate the worry that you may be on private property. There's even more so join us and learn how this application can help make your fishing more enjoyable and keep you out of trouble.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the onWater app?
- What is your mission?
- Does the onWater app work when there is no cell service?
- Can you download river maps?
- Can you find information on rivers, streams and lakes?
- How is the information kept up to date?
- Can you find put-ins, takeouts and campgrounds?
- Does it show private property boundaries?
- Is the river flow data real-time?
- Can you record your personal favorite places?
- How does it handle fishing reports?
- Can it be used on both desktop computers and phones?
- What are the goals for onWater in the coming years?
- Angling the World
Roy Tanami is a leading international outdoor photographer who has traveled the world in search of fish to catch on the fly and beautiful photographs to capture the experiences. He's been to Kamchatka, Brazil, New Zealand, Mongolia and many more wild places. As a traveling fly angler, he's experienced the good, the challenging and the wonderful things you encounter while traveling and fishing. Join us to hear about Roy's travels, experiences and how he's able to capture the world and fly fishing in his stunning photographs.
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