Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Bamboo Rods for Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Christian and Paul (PJ) Dufour's encounter at the 2024 Fly Fishing Show in Denver, Colorado, began an unexpected friendship. Beyond their shared passion for the art of fly fishing, they discovered a deeper connection rooted in their personal battles with cancer. This common ground formed the basis of their bond, leading to conversations that spanned the challenges they faced, the resilience they mustered, and the joy they found in the serenity of fly fishing. Their mutual experiences not only added depth to their friendship but also underscored the unexpected ways in which life can weave together the paths of individuals.

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Alaska Will Change Forever: Go Now | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Alaska, a land renowned for its wild, untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers some of the most spectacular fly fishing experiences in the world. But with increasing popularity and looming changes, the chances available to those who dream of casting their lines in these pristine waters is clearly dwindling. If you have considered going to Alaska for fly fishing then I suggest that you go now, or you might regret missing out on the experience in its current form. Ask any angler that has visited Alaska about the changes they have seen and you’ll find a plethora of stories about the old days. We’ve all heard about them on our local waters but the change in Alaska is coming and you want a taste before it is potentially gone.

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Rivers and Stillwater of Central Oregon | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this conversation, Christian Bacasa interviews Dalton Romanowski, a fly fishing guide, about the availability of still water in the Bend, Oregon area. They discuss the local rivers, such as the Deschutes and the Metolius, as well as lesser-known destinations. Dalton shares his experiences fishing in lakes and provides tips on how to fish still water effectively. He mentions specific lakes like East Lake and Crane Prairie, and talks about the different species of trout that can be found in each lake. Dalton also discusses his preferred tactics for fishing with leeches and dry flies. In this conversation, Dalton Romanowski shares his insights and experiences with stillwater fishing, specifically focusing on rainbow trout. He discusses the acrobatic nature of rainbow trout and the thrill of catching them on dry flies. Dalton highlights Crane Prairie as a world-class stillwater rainbow trout fishery and explains the different hatches and food sources that attract these fish. He also describes the unique fight of rainbow trout in stillwater compared to moving water. Dalton mentions other species like lake trout and largemouth bass that can be found in central Oregon lakes. He emphasizes the importance of scouting and understanding the structure and color changes in lakes to locate fish. Dalton shares his nymphing rig for stillwater fishing, which includes a balanced leech and chronomid. He provides tips for fishing in windy conditions and the benefits of using fluorocarbon leaders. Christian Bacasa expresses his excitement to explore stillwater fishing in the area and plans to visit Dalton for more information.

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Rod Building and Creative Arts Side of Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this conversation, Christian Bacasa and Lance Kittel discuss the creative side of fly fishing, with a focus on rod building. Lance shares his background in conservation and how it led him to explore the art of rod building. He talks about the process of building a rod, including the importance of storytelling and attention to detail. Lance also discusses his experimentation with different materials and techniques, as well as the resources he used to build his knowledge. The conversation covers topics such as handle construction, real seat selection, and achieving balance in a rod. In this conversation, Lance Kittel shares his expertise in rod building and fly tying. He discusses the importance of using the right materials, such as drywall tape for reel seats and Colorfast ProWrap thread for guide wraps. He also provides tips for achieving tight and cohesive thread wraps and shares his favorite tools and materials that can be found outside of fly shops, including chip clips for dubbing loops, adhesive foam sheets for fly bodies, beads for fly tying, and acrylic yarn for making laser dub. Lance's unique and creative approach to rod building and fly tying is evident in his custom rods and flies.

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Going from Trout to Multispecies | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

Corbin Rinehart shares his journey from being a trout angler to becoming a species chaser. He discusses the transition and the techniques he has learned along the way. Corbin also provides tips on how to break down a pool when fishing for different species. In this episode, Christian Bacasa and Corbin Rinehart discuss various aspects of fly fishing, including approaching different fishing situations, making gear changes for different drifts, considering the water column and fly selection, adapting to different bug hatches, fishing techniques in specific locations, the preference for wild fish, and appreciating the beauty of fly fishing.

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The Mayfly Project, Bull Trout, and Alaska Guiding | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

 The Mayfly Project is a national nonprofit organization that mentors foster children through fly fishing. They provide five sessions to teach the kids everything from casting to conservation and outfit them with all the necessary gear. The goal is to create sustainable projects and provide quality experiences that can potentially change a child's life. The organization is funded through private donations and grants, and they aim to connect kids to their local ecosystems. The Mayfly Project has mentored 450 kids a year and is looking to expand to other countries. The conversation concludes with Christian Bacasa discussing his own fishing experiences with his daughters and praising the Mayfly Project for their work. Jess Westbrook shares a childhood fishing memory of fishing on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. The conversation then transitions to a discussion about different fly fishing techniques, including tightline nymphing and streamer fishing. The hosts emphasize the importance of safety, success, and showing up when working with youth in fly fishing programs. They encourage listeners to get involved in similar programs and share their love of fly fishing with others.

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How to Buy Used Fly Rods | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Guidelines for Buying Sound Investments in Fly Fishing Rods

Buying used fly rods can become an undertaking that isn’t all that pleasant.  However, the cost associated with acquiring new rods tailored to various fishing conditions can become prohibitively expensive. This has led to the emergence of the used fly rod market as a cost-effective alternative for anglers. Acquisition requires a strategic approach to ensure value for money. Herein, I present a structured methodology for identifying and purchasing pre-owned fly rods that promise both quality and affordability.

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