Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
The podcast tripled its listenership during 2020 as isolated listeners found the show, with the strongest growth in Europe, followed by Canada and the United States. Three booked giveaway trips were canceled, the trade show was called off, and the lodge program, a video studio and a still water course series were pushed into 2021.
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How did the podcast audience change in 2020?
Listenership for the podcast tripled over the year, and the growth was not where the show expected it. The biggest surprise was the European audience, which became a major share of the demographic alongside Canada and the United States. The host attributes the jump to people at home during isolation exploring podcasts for the first time.
Which fly fishing trips were canceled in 2020?
Three booked listener giveaway trips were lost when travel shut down: a Costa Rica trip, two trips to Mexico, and an Iceland trip that was still in the works. Money had to be argued back out of the airlines, which eventually happened. The Costa Rica trip looks likely to return in 2021, possibly run by an affiliate rather than the host.
What was the Scientific Anglers Guided series?
The podcast partnered with Scientific Anglers on a sponsored show called Guided, running as a 24-part miniseries. Every guest was a Scientific Anglers ambassador, which meant conversations with people directly involved in fly line design. The series is described as some of the most enjoyable work the show has done, and the back catalog remains available.
What giveaways did the podcast run in 2020?
The largest 2020 giveaway was a raft and gear package valued at over $7,500, put together with an inflatable raft builder and a wading-traction company. A separate still water lodge trip and gear package went to a listener won through a partnership with a Canadian TV show. Prize packages of this size are a recurring feature rather than a one-off.
What is changing about the podcast format in 2021?
The Guided miniseries will not continue, because the production load was heavy. In its place the show is selling pre-roll and mid-roll sponsorship, but restricted to fly fishing brands the host is willing to endorse, which rules out categories like CBD advertising. Episodes will also open with short housekeeping segments covering active contests and promotions, and the logo and intro have been refreshed.
What still water courses are planned for 2021?
The podcast partnered with a British Columbia still water guide to teach hands-on still water courses at a high-elevation lodge, scheduled for June 2021. Capacity is capped at 14 people total, with a seat and a guest seat set aside as a contest prize. Full details were set to be released between late February and early March, with earlier booking available on request.
What is the summer how-to series?
The host planned to take the summer of 2021 off from interviewing while episodes kept running, filled by a how-to series built around fishing specific fisheries. The call was open for guests who could walk listeners through musky, pike, striped bass or shark on the fly, or a build-your-own-rod segment. Each installment was intended to be a short, practical interview rather than a full episode.
Key takeaways
- The podcast's listenership tripled in 2020, with Europe emerging as an unexpectedly large share of the audience.
- Three booked giveaway trips - Costa Rica, two Mexico trips and a pending Iceland trip - were canceled, with the Costa Rica trip targeted to return in 2021.
- A 2020 gear giveaway built around an inflatable raft was valued at over $7,500.
- Sponsorship on the show is limited to fly fishing brands the host will personally endorse; non-fly-fishing pitches are declined.
- Still water courses at a high-elevation British Columbia lodge were set for June 2021 with a 14-person cap.
- A dedicated recording and video studio was built to support a weekly YouTube schedule starting in late January 2021.
