Covering fish from Trout to Tarpon, from tying flies to casting them - you'll find it all right here on Ask About Fly Fishing - the best fly fishing podcast for learning more about fly fishing.
Want to Catch More Fish? Just listen to any of our in-depth podcasts - we have over 429 shows in our Archive!
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...
Listen to the Show...
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...
Register for our free drawing.
Add to Your Calendar
More about Jason Randall...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 429 Shows for you to listen to!
-
Fly Tying Made Clear and SimpleSkip Morris is a full-time fly fishing author and speaker who has published 22 books and over 350 magazine articles on fly fishing and fly tying. Skip makes fly tying so simple anyone can do it. If you’re interested in fly tying but haven’t given it a try yet listen in and Skip will provide all the information you need to get started and to be successful.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started tying flies?
- Is it more expensive to tie your own flies than to buy them?
- What tools do I absolutely need to get started tying flies?
- What should I look for in a good vise?
- What are the important features of a good bobbin?
- What are the basic materials needed to get started?
- What is the difference between the different brands of hooks?
- What is your go-to thread material?
- What sizes of thread should I get to begin with?
- What do the different grades of capes mean?
- Do you weight your flies or use other methods to get deeper?
- Do you think adding purple to a dry fly marks it fish better?
- What tips do you have for tying very small flies?
Hackle - Facts About FeathersThomas Whiting, president and owner of Whiting Farms, Inc., producer of the finest fly tying feathers for the tyers of the world will share his knowlege about those wonderful feathers we use everyday. From raising chickens to the science behind genetic breeding to selecting the proper hackle to use on your flies - Tom will cover it all in great detail.
Bonefish in HawaiiRob Provost was one of the very first to introduce locals and the business/vacation traveler alike to the pursuit of Hawaiian bonefish on the fly. Listen in to learn about fly fishing for bonefish and how it differs from other places in the world.
Muskie on the FlyMuskie 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.
Federation of Fly Fishers - An In-Depth LookPeter 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.
Big Redfish in the Louisiana BayousAlec Griffin was hooked on redfish his second day in New Orleans and was amazed at their ferocity when attacking a fly. He's been chasing them ever since. Learn Alec's secrets about hooking up with big redfish on a fly.
Healing WatersBeau Beasley unveils the profound journey of veterans healing through fly fishing. Drawing from his book, Healing Waters, we explore heartfelt stories of recovery from the battlefield to the riverbank. Hear how the serenity of casting lines and the camaraderie among veterans nurture both body and soul, offering a powerful testament to the therapeutic wonders of nature. Don't miss this deeply moving episode—where every cast brings a step toward healing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) organization, and how did it come about?
- How has it helped veterans recover from their experience in the service?
- Has there been recognition from physicians that PHWFF can have a positive impact on the lives of participants?
- How did your book Healing Waters come to be?
- What do you hope to accomplish with your book?
- What guidelines did you set for your interviews, and how did you decide to convey their stories?
- How many interviews did you do?
- Did you include all the interviews in your book?
- You chose to honor Brian Mancini at the beginning of your book. Who was Brian?
- Alvin Shell served in Iraq. What can you tell us about Alvin?
- Jessica Callihan was injured when she was very young. How did PHWFF help her?
- Jerry Mirron served with his companion dog in Vietnam. What was his experience?
- How can you learn more if you want to volunteer to help Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing?
Mongolia - A One Of A Kind AdventureTom 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.
The BattenkillDoug Lyons, a local expert, will help you to sort out one of the most challenging rivers to fish, the Battenkill River. He covers fishing access, hatches, patterns and strategies for both the Vermont and New York stretches. This is home to the Orvis Company and the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Join us to see if you’re ready to give the Battenkill a try.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is your personal history with the Battenkill?
- What makes the river special to you?
- How is your book Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill different from other "where to fish" type books?
- Are there big fish in the Battenkill?
- What is the history of the river?
- What is the current health of the river?
- What seasons can you fish the Battenkill?
- Can you float a canoe or boat on the river?
- What are the important hatches?
- Do streamers work well on the river?
- Is the fall the best time to catch larger fish?
- Are there any special strategies or techniques that work better on the Battenkill?
- What recommendations do you have for night fishing in the Battenkill?
- What is the strangest or most unusual experience you've had while fishing on the river?
Backpack Fly FishingDan Steere has moved towards a simpler easier to manage method of fly fishing. Let's face it you can't take all your gear on a backpacking trip and still have room for your food and tent. If you want to catch a wide variety of fish with simple, minimalist equipment that can fit into a daypack or backpack you'll want to listen to Dan's ideas and methods. Join us to see how you can get back to a simpler approach to fly fishing and enjoy it.
Fly Fishing for Big, Huge, Monster Trophy TroutPassion and love for the sport of fly fishing is what motivates Landon. His success in catching trophy trout is fueled by an addiction of pursuing large trout with small flies and lightweight fly fishing equipment. Listen to Landon's secrets on sight fishing for huge trophy trout.
Euro Nymphing - Tips, Tactics and TechniquesJosh Miller, a professional guide and Fly Fishing Team USA member, has put in the hours to become one of the best Euro nymphing experts working today. Listen in to learn how to choose the right rod, reel, and line. Identify essential fly patterns that work best and get detailed instructions on casting and presenting your flies.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is Euro nymphing?
- What part do the Czech, Spanish, and French methods play into Euro nymphing?
- What are the situations in which you would choose Euro nymphing over other methods of fly fishing?
- What types of rods can be used?
- What do you consider to be the ideal rod?
- What role does the reel play when Euro nymphing?
- What type of line do you use?
- How do you construct your leaders?
- What types of sighters do you use?
- What are your go-to flies?
- What color beads do you use?
- Are most of your flies attractors, or are you trying to match the hatch?
- How do you present your flies?
- How do you get your flies to spend more time in the right zone?
- What is your "drift sequence"?
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?
Adaptive Fly Fishing: Strategies for Diverse Water TypesLance Egan has had a passion for fly fishing for close to three decades. After representing Fly Fishing Team USA in 13 world championships this guy has experienced just about every fishing situation one might encounter. Listen in to hear how Lance breaks down a river into distinct water types including pools, riffles, runs, pocket water, glides, bank-side lies, and eddies and learn his methods for hooking up effectively in each water type.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How do you fight the wind and get nymphs down fast?
- What are your 'go to' tactics for productive summer fishing?
- When fishing a new river for the first time, what are the steps and observations you take to fish it?
- How do you improve your hookups when using dry flies?
- What water types are best fished using euro nymphing techniques?
- What type of vest or pack do you prefer?
- How do you rig up your net for each access?
- What are the options for fishing riffles?
- What is the best approach and presentation for fishing bank-side lies?
Cripples and SpinnersKelly Galloup helps us to understand how cripples and spinners play an important role in the trout’s diet and how to fish them effectively. Learn Kelly's secrets on this show.
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...
Supporting Member Of...
Sponsored by: Ugly Bug Fly Shop — Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics — Lees Ferry Anglers
Enrico Puglisi Flies
Copyright © 2025 Ask About Fly Fishing | As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases through links from this website.
