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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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- Paraná River Golden Dorado
Join 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 Evolution
George Daniel has been experimenting, innovating, and developing strategies and techniques since he started fly fishing. One thing he’s discovered is that fly fishing doesn’t stand still; it evolves. Join us to learn about the cutting-edge strategies for nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing that are used on the water today. Equipment, fly patterns, rigs, and casting are all fair game.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your latest book Fly Fishing Evolution?
- What rod do you use for most of your fishing?
- Does the weight of the rod determine the size of fish I can catch?
- What do you see as the next step in rod development?
- In what circumstances would you select a Tenkara rod over traditional tackle?
- Do you carry more than one rod when fishing?
- How do you rig for two flies, and when do you use this?
- Do you see advantages to using a non-slip loop knot to attach your flies?
- Do use the drop-shot nymphing technique? If so when?
- How do you avoid having your mono rigs twist and tangle?
- What do you use for your sighter?
- When is it time to switch from a euro nymphing rig to a suspension rig?
- What are your thoughts on confidence flies?
- What are the flies you use most often for nymphing?
- Nymphs for Streams & Stillwaters
Dave Hughes shares the secrets he's learned over a lifetime of fishing nymphs in both streams and stillwaters. Listen in to hear how he makes fishing with nymphs simple, direct and effective.
- Fly Tying For Everyone
Tim Cammisa has been teaching fly fishers how to tie flies for many years both in person and on YouTube. If you want to get started with fly tying Tim's one of the best teachers you could have. Join us and learn about the essential equipment and materials you need to get started and what flies you should tie first. We'll also talk about the techniques you should learn first so that you can take those techniques and use them for many other flies that you'd like to tie and have in your fly box. Last but not least we explore how you can catch fish using the first flies you tie. Beginners are welcome!
- 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 the Driftless Area of the Midwest
Steve Born has been fly fishing the pristine waters of the Driftless Area of the Midwest for years and it still lures him back again and again. Find out why this area is so special and learn Steve's secrets for being successful in these waters.
- Stillwater Trout Fishing
Phil Rowley is a master at fishing stillwaters for trout. Stillwaters are one of the most challenging opportunities for today's fly fisher. They offer a long active season with numerous hatches and presentation challenges. Fish grow big and fat and many fishers find this appeal hard to resist. But the transfer from rivers and streams is often difficult, especially if a prolonged trial-and-error approach is adopted. Listen in to hear Phil’s approach to Stillwater fly fishing and learn a few secrets along the way.
- Salmonflies & Golden Stones
Skip 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.
- Smallmouth Bass with a Big Bite!
Randy Ratliff's home waters are in Eastern Tennessee and he's fished these waters most of his life. An Orvis endorsed professional guide Randy knows what it takes to get smallmouth bass on the fly. Listen in and learn Randy's secrets for hooking up with the smallies with a big bite.
- Women Who Fish
Steve Kantner's book Fifty Women Who Fish is a collection of interviews with women who love to fish. Women are the fastest growing demographic in fly fishing and understanding their interest and joy of fishing is important to the industry. Join us on this podcast and learn why many of these women have made fly fishing an important part of their personal and professional life.
If you'd like to purchase Fifty Women Who Fish go to www.whywomenfish.com (not available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble).
- Specialty Casts - Getting Your Fly to the Fish
Mac 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.
- Entomology for Stillwaters
Rick Passek will tell you that knowing about the natural insects that the fish eat is the number one most important thing to learn to become a good fly fisher. Listen in to find out everything you wanted to know about the bugs that live in stillwaters.
- Pyramid Lake Cutthroats
Denis Isbister travels the world in search of fish but Pyramid Lake is on his home turf. Join us on this show where Denis will talk about how to get the trophy Lahontan cutthroat trout on the fly, which call Pyramid Lake their home.
- 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.
- Federation of Fly Fishers - An In-Depth Look
Peter Van Gytenbeek and Ron Cordes have been on the board of directors for the Federation of Fly Fishers since 2003. Their passion and enthusiasm for the FFF is hard to match. Van and Ron answer questions about the FFF, their role in the fly fishing world and their goals and ambitions as an organization. Whether you're a member or not listen to this podcast to find out what this fine organization is doing for you.
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