Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Blog

Mother's Day Gift Ideas | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate the remarkable women who have played nurturing roles in our lives. If your mom is an outdoors enthusiast, particularly a fly fishing enthusiast, consider giving her a thoughtful and memorable gift that aligns with her passion. Here are some of my hand picked fly fishing gift ideas to make her day extra special.  Don't blow it!

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Best Fly Fishing Travel Tools: Planning Your Trip with Bookings.com and VRBO | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Fly fishing travel is more than a pastime. Anglers like us know it's a way to connect with nature, challenge oneself, and find peace in the world's most beautiful waters. Whether I'm thinking of casting my line in the serene rivers of Montana, exploring the lush landscapes of New Zealand, or embarking on an adventure in the remote streams of Patagonia, planning a fly fishing trip is crucial to ensure an unforgettable experience. Two of the most popular online resources for fly fishing travel accommodations that I use are, Bookings.com and VRBO. Each resource offers unique advantages for the fly fishing enthusiast. Let's dive into how these platforms can help you tailor your perfect fly fishing trip.

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New Guide on High Pressured Water | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this episode, host Christian Bacasa interviews Zach Lassek, a fly fishing guide on the Provo River in Utah. Zach shares his journey from being a surf kid to becoming a passionate fly angler and eventually a guide. He recounts a pivotal moment fishing with his grandpa that sparked his love for fly fishing. Zach discusses the challenges of guiding on a high-pressure river like the Provo and the importance of adaptability. He also emphasizes the significance of understanding river flows and the role of tying your own flies in building expertise as a guide. In this conversation, Zach Lassek, a fly fishing guide, shares his experiences and insights on guiding in the Provo River. He discusses the impact of high flows on fishing and how it can change the architecture of the river. Zach also talks about his progression as a guide and the importance of building relationships with clients. He emphasizes that success in guiding goes beyond catching fish and highlights the need to adapt and alter fishing techniques in challenging scenarios. Finally, Zach shares two simple tools that he finds extremely effective for fly fishing: a sewing needle for clearing the eyelet of flies and a Sharpie for modifying fly colors.

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Travel Fly Rods: The Myths and the Reality | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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I am not an expert fly angler nor a professional in the fly fishing business, but I have fished all over the world, mostly for strong fish – Peacock Bass, Golden Dorado, monster trout in Patagonia, big rainbows  in Kamchatka, Silver Salmon in Alaska, and bonefish and Tarpon in warmer climates. On one trip from my home in London to Patagonia I had a pivotal experience with an airline that caused me to think  about using 6-7 piece travel rods instead of traditional 4-piece rods. 

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3 Ways of Analyzing Subtle Observation Indicators in Fly Fishing: An Empirical Approach | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Fly fishing, a practice deeply intertwined with understanding aquatic ecosystems, necessitates a refined comprehension of subtle environmental and biological indicators for the optimization of fishing strategies. I’ve synthesized current understandings and observations regarding fin movements, surface breaks, and proximal water disturbances, aiming to arm anglers with a methodical framework to enhance their fly fishing efficacy through strategic adjustments based on these indicators.

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The Role of Visualization in Enhancing Performance: A Perspective on Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Visualization, recognized for its effectiveness across various psychological and sports disciplines, represents a pivotal technique in optimizing athletic performance. This cognitive practice, involving the mental simulation of specific activities, has garnered empirical support for its ability to enhance performance, focus, and goal attainment across a spectrum of sports. Within the domain of fly fishing, a sport characterized by its demand for precision, patience, and environmental awareness, visualization serves as a potent tool for skill enhancement and mental preparation.

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Spring Creek Stealth Approach Tactics | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

In this episode of the Fly Fishing Insider podcast, host Christian Bacasa interviews Mel Hayner, owner and operator of the Driftless Fly Fishing Company. They discuss the history and unique characteristics of the driftless region, which is known for its abundance of spring creeks and healthy trout population. The driftless area is geologically distinct because it was not glaciated, resulting in porous limestone and cold water springs. The region is home to brook trout, brown trout, and stocked rainbow trout. Conservation efforts by organizations like Trout Unlimited have helped improve the fishing and habitat in the area. When fishing in the driftless, it is important to be stealthy and approach the fish from downstream. Nymphing with an indicator is the primary technique used, but dry fly fishing is also popular. In this conversation, Melvin Hayner shares his expertise on fly fishing in the Driftless Area of Minnesota. He discusses the types of flies and nymphs that are effective in the area, including pheasant tail, root river special, scuds, and basic prints. He emphasizes the importance of using small indicators and bead heads to get the flies down to the fish. Melvin also talks about the substrate of the river, which can be limestone or gravelly, and the need for anglers to be aware of potential snags. He explains how cut banks are important fishing spots and how swinging buggers and streamers under them can be effective. Melvin provides tips on stealthy approaches, including approaching from downstream, making gentle presentations, and predicting the drift. He also discusses the access to the rivers in the area and the importance of supporting local fly shops. Melvin concludes by sharing his contact information and mentioning his sister's efforts to introduce more women to fly fishing.

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How to Catch Bonefish on Tenkara | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Summary

Karin Miller describes her journey as a reluctant fly angler who eventually fell in love with Tenkara fishing. She found that using a Tenkara rod improved her skills with a conventional rod and reel. The lightweight and tactile feedback of a Tenkara rod allowed her to feel even the slightest movement and respond quickly. She also discovered that Tenkara flies offered versatility in manipulating the fly to mimic different insects and attract fish. Karin emphasizes the importance of being thoughtful and adaptable when fishing with a Tenkara rod, considering factors such as casting distance, fly selection, and fish behavior. She also shares insights on playing and landing fish, using controlled choices and maintaining a 90-degree angle to exert steady pressure.

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