Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Smallmouth and Muskie on the Mississippi River | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this conversation, Kip Vieth, owner operator of Wildwood Float Trips, discusses fishing for smallmouth and musky on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. He highlights the abundance and quality of the smallmouth fishery in the Upper Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, emphasizing the catch-and-release regulations that have helped maintain the quality of the fishery. Kip also mentions the variety of food sources for smallmouth, including crayfish and minnows, and the effectiveness of topwater flies like poppers and divers. When it comes to musky fishing, Kip explains that it is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor, with the fall season being the most productive. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and the thrill of seeing a musky eat the fly. In this conversation, Kip Vieth and Christian Bacasa discuss the challenges and techniques of musky fishing. They talk about the unpredictability of muskies and how they can be difficult to catch. They also compare musky fishing to tarpon fishing, highlighting the differences in the fishing methods. Kip shares his insights on rod setups, leader setups, and the importance of staying focused and mentally prepared while musky fishing. He also mentions the impact of moon phases and weather conditions on musky fishing success. Kip offers his contact information for those interested in booking a trip with Wildwood Float Trips.

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Throwback to Horseback Riding and Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this conversation, Bob Terwilliger, a fly fishing guide, shares his experiences and expertise in high mountain lake fishing and ice-off scenarios. He discusses the types of rods and weights he recommends for different fishing situations, emphasizing the importance of considering wind conditions. Bob also explains the strategy he uses during the fishing season, starting with ice-out fishing in lakes and targeting fish in shallow areas. He shares tips on locating fish, such as fishing near structure, weed beds, and windy areas. Bob also talks about his guiding experiences, including a memorable trip with a beginner who caught 41 fish on his first day. In this conversation, Bob Terwilliger shares his thoughts on casting and presenting flies from a casting perspective. He emphasizes the importance of a delicate presentation and understanding the fish's cone of vision. Bob also discusses line management and the need to keep tension on the line while fishing. He shares tips for beginners, such as wrapping the index finger around the line and keeping the rod tip up. Bob also talks about the benefits of fishing with two flies at once and the importance of switching flies until you find a combination that works. He concludes by encouraging people not to be afraid of horseback riding in the backcountry and to enjoy the unique experience it offers.

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BEWARE OF DEVELOPMENT: Henry's Lake Flats: A Crucial Intersection of Conservation and Recreation | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Nestled on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, Henry’s Lake Flats stands as a beacon of ecological significance and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts including but beyond fly fishing. This remarkable area is recognized for its unique wetlands, and diverse wildlife, and as a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, highlighting the essential balance between conservation and recreational activities. It's one of the more incredible locations in the country for its breadth of available water, animals, and overall ecology. 

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The Skiff Supply Sheepy Tournament: A Celebration of Fly Fishing and Community | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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The Sheepy Tournament, held annually in the marshes of Hopedale, Louisiana, is more than just a fly fishing competition. It’s more than a community party as it is a testament to the passion and camaraderie that define the sport. This year, the event was particularly special, because I was able to connect with some long-time fishing buddies while they picked up a new skiff in Florida and made their way over to New Orleans. Lastly, we were able to form a team and compete thanks in part to the contributions of the Skiff Supply Company and the renowned local guide, Miles LaRose.

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Why Stoneflies Should be a Staple Nymph Pattern in Your Box | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Stoneflies from a fly fishing perspective are a staple food. These aquatic insects are essential for river ecosystems and present year round. If you are looking for a basic pattern that is effective all the time then the Stonefly nymph may very well be the go to bug.

I have a fishing partner and he is a hog hunter. They guy almost always has two bugs that I see him catch fish on.  Golden stonefly nymphs are number one and number two is the Cased Caddis or Peeping Caddis. I can’t recall a time I asked or heard a friend ask, “what did you catch that on ?” and didn’t hear back in a nonchalant voice, “Golden Stone.”f

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4 Fly Fishing with Streamers Tips: Mastering Grid Techniques for Optimal Contact Drift | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Fly fishing with streamers is an exhilarating pursuit that allows anglers to target big fish and experience explosive strikes. Whether you’re after trout, bass, pike, or other species, understanding grid techniques and achieving optimal contact drift scenarios can significantly enhance your success. I want to cover the importance of the full contact drift scenario and how it plays into your gridding techniques so you can further your success.

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10 Great Fly Fishing Knots for Your Fly Fishing Repertoire | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Fly fishing demands not only skill but also a deep understanding of the tools and techniques involved. One of the most crucial aspects of fly fishing is knot tying. Mastering various knots ensures a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Although knots are not often tested to maximum strengths and loads, when they do,  it counts. Don’t lose a trophy catch because of laziness in acquiring an easily accessible skill. Here, I will delve into 10 essential knots for fly fishing, providing detailed descriptions, Common Strength Ratings, intended uses, and my examples for each.

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Unraveling the Allure of Fly Fishing: A Journey with Tanner Barbeau | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Welcome to the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, your gateway to the captivating world of fly fishing. Hosted by Christian Bacasa, our podcast aims to share intriguing stories, valuable tips, and insights from significant contributors to the sport of fly fishing.

In one of our recent episodes, we had the pleasure of hosting Tanner Barbeau, a prominent guide from Colorado. Tanner’s journey in fly fishing is a testament to the transformative allure of the sport. His story is not just about catching different species of fish, but about realizing the essence of the experience, the tranquility of the environment, and the inherent bonding and learning that come with every fishing trip.

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