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Imposters - The Flies We Fish And The Fish They Catch
Skip Morris
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
Skip and Carol Ann Morris are well known in the fly fishing world and they have stories to tell... Their latest book Imposters takes us on a trip of colorful fly fishing experiences blending stories, insights, history and instruction all based on those imposters at the end of our lines. Join us on what will be a fun as well as enlightening episode as they share those experiences with us.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the idea come about for you book Imposters and how did you decide to work together on it?
- The title of the book is Imposters. At the most basic level, what are we really asking a fish to believe when we put an artificial fly in front of it?
- Could you provide some insight into how flies which appear to represent nothing in nature seem to catch fish like crazy?
- Fly tiers can become obsessed with making a fly look exactly like the insect they're imitating. How much does anatomical accuracy really matter to the fish?
- The two of you checked the dimensions of your fly drawings with a draftsman's divider so the tails, wings, hackles, thoraxes, and other components would have correct proportions. Why was that level of accuracy important to you, and how difficult is it to draw a fly accurately enough that a fly tier could actually learn from the illustration?
- Do you find that when drawing a fly it forces you to notice details about its proportions, materials, or construction that even the person tying it might overlook?
- In "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch," an apparently insignificant piece of water turns out to be much better than you expected. What can that experience teach us about learning to read water without prejudging it?
- Your chapter-opening illustrations don't simply show flies; they often combine the fly with fish, insects, anglers, wildlife, or scenes from the essay. For example, the opening illustration for "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch" brings together the trout, beaver, insect, branch, and fly. How do you decide which elements of Skip's story should become the visual story?
- Carol Anne because you're illustrating something Skip knows intimately as both a tier and fisherman, what is the collaboration like? Does Skip ever look over your shoulder and say, "That hackle is too long," or do you have artistic veto power?
- I am a new fly tyer, what pattern is a good start for me for an imposter pattern?
- The Guest Box includes everything from chironomid pupae to Booby Flies and your Predator. Is it more useful for an angler to organize a fly box around specific insects or around how and where the flies will be fished?
- Carol Ann you've spent a lot of time fishing with Skip as well as illustrating his books. Has being an artist changed the way you observe things when you're on the water—the insects, fish, light, vegetation, or other details that the rest of us might walk right past?
- How should an angler change the fly and presentation when trout appear to be taking insects trapped in or just below the surface film?
More about Skip Morris...
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Fly Fishing the Legendary North Umpqua for Steelhead
Joe Howell
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Guide, Author
The North Umpqua is legendary among steelhead fly fishers—but success on this demanding river takes more than simply showing up with a fly rod. Former guide and author Joe W. Howell shares what you need to know to fish the North Umpqua with confidence. Discover how to read its distinctive water, choose productive flies and techniques, approach steelhead effectively, and adapt to changing river conditions. Along the way, Joe draws on years of experience to help you better understand—and appreciate—one of America’s most storied steelhead rivers.Ask Joe Howell your most important questions on fly fishing the North Umpqua for steelhead...
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Over 443 Shows for you to listen to!
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Persuading PermitBruce 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.
How to Get a Grand Slam in the SaltEarl 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.
Permit on the Fly in Yucatan's Ascension BayDick Cameron has experienced over 800 permit landed and countless hundreds more hooked or near hooked either personally or through the accounts of his friends, clients and guides. To understand permit you need to be in the thick of them and Dick certainly is. Listen in to hear Dicks tips, tricks and secrets to getting hooked up with a permit.
Spring Creek StrategiesMike 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.
Tips and Tricks That Will Make You A Better Fly FisherKirk Deeter answers those nagging questions you always wanted to know about fly fishing for trout including casting, presentation, bugs, reading water and more.
Salmonflies & Golden StonesSkip Morris, author of seventeen books on fly fishing, will guide us through the biology and how to fish the salmonfly and golden stonefly. Where, when and how will be covered in depth so the next time you have the opportunity you'll be well prepared to catch more fish.
Rivers of Northern CaliforniaAnthony Carruesco, a professional guide in northern California, guides on the Lower and Upper Sacramento, the Klamath, Pit and McCloud rivers. These beautiful waters produce rainbows, browns and pacific steelhead. Whether you float or wade, want to fish nymphs, dries or streamers, you'll be right at home. Listen in and learn all about these rivers and how to hook up with what some people consider California's gold.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- When is the best time of year to fish northern California rivers?
- What rivers are the best for wade fishing?
- What is the difference between fishing the Upper and Lower Sacramento River?
- How do you rig up to nymph deep rivers?
- What suspension device was developed to fish these rivers?
- What river is considered the premier trout fishery in California?
- What river has the best stonefly hatches?
- What river has the best steelhead fishing?
- Where do you fish for rainbows and char?
- What are the most prolific hatches on these rivers?
Fly Fishing Alberta's Famous Bow RiverLearn from famed angler Jim McLennan, one of the first guides on the Bow and Editor At Large for Fly Fisherman magazine, what makes this river tick. He literally wrote the book - "Blue Ribbon Bow"- on the river which has served as a resource for many in successfully dealing with the complexities of this famed stream.
Specialty Casts - Getting Your Fly to the FishMac Brown, a Master Casting Instructor certified through the Federation of Fly Fishers, provides expert advice on how to use specialty casts to get your fly to those hard to reach fish.
Passionate About PanfishBart Lombardo, a professional guide in New Jersey, is passionate about panfish. Catch the excitement and join us to learn the best tactics to hook these lively fish. From selecting the right flies to mastering the presentation, Bart shares his top secrets from years of experience.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What sparked your passion for fly fishing, particularly for panfish?
- What species fall under the heading of panfish?
- How do seasonal changes affect panfish feeding habits and locations?
- What types of water bodies and structures do panfish prefer during different times of the year?
- How can anglers identify prime panfish habitats when exploring new waters?
- What is the optimal temperature when panfish "come alive" in the spring?
- What weight fly rod do you prefer when fishing for panfish?
- Which fly lines do you use floating, intermediate, or sinking??
- What is your go-to fly for panfish?
- Which do you prefer, lakes, ponds or rivers? Urban water or rural?
- How does your retrieval method change based on the panfish species you're targeting?
- How do your strategies change for spring, summer, and late-season in the fall?
- What should I do to increase my chances of catching large sunfish - 10 or more inches?
Paraná River Golden DoradoJoin us as we head to the heart of Argentina with expert guide Fabian “Fabi” Anastasio to explore the thrilling world of fly fishing for golden dorado on the Paraná River. With over a decade of experience navigating its shifting sandbars, clear side channels, and explosive currents, Fabi shares his deep insights into the behavior of dorado, the tactics that consistently produce, and what makes the Paraná one of the most dynamic fisheries on the planet. Don’t miss this action-packed episode full of sharp hooks and golden flashes!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the Paraná River such a unique and productive fishery for Golden Dorado?
- How do the river’s hydrology and seasonal flow changes affect dorado behavior and fly fishing success?
- What role do baitfish migrations play in locating active Golden Dorado?
- What makes the Golden Dorado such a prized target for fly fishers compared to other predatory fish?
- Can you describe the differences in fishing approaches between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river?
- What are the typical water flow patterns throughout the year, and how do they influence fishing tactics?
- What rod and line setups do you recommend for Golden Dorado?
- How do you rig your leaders for abrasion resistance, especially with dorado’s sharp teeth?
- What flies and in what hook size do you recommend for these fish?
- Can you explain the dorado’s hunting tactics and how they work together to ambush baitfish?
- How do you identify productive water when targeting dorado on sandbars versus banks or structure?
- What clues should anglers look for on the surface or shoreline that indicate dorado activity?
- Why are Golden Dorado so hard to hook and keep hooked?
- What are the most common mistakes anglers make when fighting a dorado?
Fabi guides out of three lodges depending on the season: Karandá Lodge, Suindá Lodge, and Pirá Lodge.
Fly Fishing Adventures in BaghdadJoel 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.
Cutthroat on the Upper Snake RiverPaul Bruun has fly fished and guided on the Upper Snake River for over 35 years. His understanding of his home waters and the native cutthroat trout are second to none. Listen in to learn about fly fishing this incredible water for an incredible fish.
A Steelheader's WayLani Waller has pursued steelhead for over four decades and is considered one of the foremost experts on trophy British Columbia steelhead. Learn Lani's best techniques for catching steelhead on the fly.
Giant Homosassa TarponCapt. Earl Waters, a Florida native, has been chasing and catching the giant Homosassa tarpon for over 25 years. Learn his secrets on hooking up and landing these incredible trophies.
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