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Magnificent Roosterfish: Unlocking the Secrets of El Gallo
Tom Boyd
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
They’re fast, powerful, and one of the toughest fish to fool on a fly—roosterfish, or El Gallo. Join us as legendary angler Tom Boyd shares his decades-long pursuit of these magnificent predators in Costa Rica. From world-record catches to breakthrough tactics, Tom reveals what makes roosters so elusive, how to spot and hook them, and why landing one is considered the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing. Don’t miss this chance to learn the secrets of chasing one of the ocean’s most extraordinary game fish!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes roosterfish one of the most challenging saltwater fish to catch on a fly?
- How do their unique auditory and visual senses make them so difficult to fool?
- Can you explain the role of the dorsal comb and how roosterfish use it to hunt or herd baitfish?
- How does the behavior of roosters differ between calmer waters like Baja beaches and the rougher open Pacific waters of Costa Rica?
- Tell us about your very first encounter with a roosterfish on the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border—what did you see and how did it change your fishing path?
- Walk us through your 1998 catch in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo—the first large roosterfish taken on fly under IGFA rules. What made it possible that day?
- How did that world-record catch open doors for you, including your work with Crocodile Bay in Costa Rica?
- What role does structure—like reefs, points, or guano-covered cliffs—play in locating roosters?
- What do you look for in bird activity when scanning a beach for signs of roosterfish?
- What’s your preferred rod, reel, and line setup for roosterfish in Costa Rica?
- Tell us about the development of Boyd’s Wounded Baitfish fly. What made it so effective?
- How closely do you try to “match the hatch” when choosing fly colors and sizes for Costa Rica?
- What retrieves have you found most effective—steady strips, erratic jerks, or wounded-baitfish movements?
- What are your tips for setting the hook properly on roosterfish, given their tendency to spit flies?
- How do you recommend fighting a rooster—rod angles, pressure, and handling jumps?
- Roosterfish are listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN. What past and current research have you done that will help us to understand roosterfish better in Costa Rica and other parts of the world.
More about Tom Boyd...
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Chasing Trout in the Chill - Beating the Cold and Catching More
Jason Randall
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
When the temperatures drop and most anglers hang up their waders, Jason Randall heads to the river. In this episode Jason reveals how to outsmart winter’s toughest conditions and find trout when the water turns icy. Learn how to locate warmwater seeps, choose the right flies for slow, cold currents, and keep yourself warm, safe, and successful all day long. Discover why winter may just be the most rewarding season to fish — if you know where to look and how to adapt.Ask Jason Randall your most important questions on fly fishing in cold weather...
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Pennsylvania Trio: LeTort, Yellow Breeches & Big Spring CreeksTom Baltz has been living and fishing the limestone valleys of south-central Pennsylvania for the past 40 years. The LeTort, Yellow Breeches and Big Spring creeks are just a few minutes from his home giving him the opportunity to understand and fish them to perfection. He's fished alongside some of the most notable fly fishers of our time including Vince Marinaro and Charlie Fox. Listen in to hear Tom give you a tour of these three great creeks and tips on how to fish them.
Skeena River - Steelhead DreamsGill Mckean has been guiding on the world-famous Skeena River for more than 25 years. He’s guided a client to massive steelhead estimated at 34 pounds and has personally landed many in the 30-pound range. Join us to learn from Gill about this incredible fishery and of course how to land that steelhead of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year to fish for steelhead?
- Are there other streams and rivers to fish in the area?
- What species are available besides steelhead?
- What style of flies do you prefer?
- Is the spey rod the most commonly used rod on the Skeena?
- What type of line do you use and what types of tips do you use?
- What's the difference between Skagit and Scandi heads?
- What is the most productive depth for getting strikes?
- What triggers the fish to strike?
- What is the secret to hooking up with a trophy steelhead?
Southern Appalachia Trout FishingThe Great Smoky Mountains, Catalouchee Creek, Hazel Creek, Abrams Creek and down to the tailwaters of the Nantahalla River Ian Rutter has fished it all. Listen to Ian share his secrets and life long love for this beautiful fly fising haven.
DIY Fly Fishing VacationsRod Hamilton has been helping fly fishers find the best do it yourself locations for many years. He's traveled the world looking for locations that have local fishing experts that can be called upon for help, accurate fishing reports, vacation rental properties and other points of interest you may want to explore. Many times it's not easy to find these locations but Rod has made it happen. Join us and help me pick Rods brain on how to make a do it yourself fishing vacation a memorable one.
Fly Fishing and Photographing the WorldBarry and Cathy Beck have traveled the world fly fishing and photographing their adventures. Learn how their secrets about traveling for fly fishing and how to get the best photographs for youself or your clients.
Midge PresentationDavy Wotton, a master of fly fishing streams, will help refine your small fly presentation skills. Listen in to learn about the gear, leader, tippets, approach, casts and all the critical factors to be successful with midges.
BugsPaul Weamer, a professional guide and author, having fished both the eastern and western United States teaches us about the “Bugs”. Matching the hatch is always challenging but Paul knows how to simplify it so that you can quickly and easily identify the insects and pick the right fly to imitate them. Join us and learn entomology the easy way.
Cicada MadnessDave Zielinski has been tracking down annual and periodical cicada emergences in an effort to figure out their mystery and the fish that hunt and devour them for the past 20 years. If you'd like to zero in on one of these epic emergences, tune in and learn from Dave about the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns that you'll need to crack the code.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes cicada emergences so significant for fly fishers?
- What does a cicada look like?
- How many different species are there?
- What is the life cycle of cicadas?
- What is the difference between periodical and annual cicadas?
- How often do the periodical emergences occur?
- How long does an emergence last?
- When is the best time of day to fish during a cicada emergence?
- What signs are there that an cicada emergence is happening?
- What are the differences between the 13 and 17 year cicadas?
- What color combinations are best for cicada fly imitations?
- Do you have a favorite fly size and pattern?
- What presentation methods work best when fishing with cicadas?
- Is there an online source that tracks cicada emergences?
Strip-Set: Fly-Fishing Techniques, Tactics and Patterns for StreamersGeorge Daniel a professional guide and competitive fly fisher will take you on an exciting journey with streamers. He'll explain how to read the water, trout behavior, equipment, casting and night fishing as well as discuss some of the best streamer patterns being used today.
Snook On A FlyNorm Zeigler an internationally known author and journalist literally wrote the book on snook. Norm has spent the last 18 years chasing and catching this elusive gamefish. Listen it to hear Norm share his secrets on snook.
Kamchatka - Trout Fishing's Next FrontierRene Limeres a professional guide takes you to Kamchatka where there are still more fish than people. It may be the next and last frontier for fly fishers seeking huge trout and salmon. Join Rene and discover what it takes to land the big ones in Russia.
Fly Fishing - Art of WarChad Schiel treats his fishing with all the seriousness of going to war. He uses the term W.E.T. to describe his approach, which stands for Weather, Enemy, Terrain, and is actually a military intelligence term used in the Marines to collect and evaluate intelligence to prepare battlefield operations. To find out how this applies to your fly fishing you'll have to listen in to this show.
Bugs, Bugs and More BugsRobert 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?
Lake Fishing with Damsels and DragonsRichard Pilatzke an expert on rocky mountain lake fishing loves fishing with damsel and dragonflies. Learn Rich's techniques for tying and fishing these favorite morsels that fish devour.
Silver Creek - The Crown Jewel Of Western Spring CreeksSilver Creek, Idaho is certainly known among fly anglers as one of the pinnacle and sacred waters in the sport. A technical dry fly fishery that forces the best out of anglers. John, lives and guides just a few steps away from this famous fishery. Listen in to find out how to conquer this incredible fishery.
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