2024 Stonefly Wood Landing Net Build-out Giveaway with Ethan Igleheart

Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Blog interviews the biggest names in fly fishing and fly tying today.  He digs out all of the best fly fishing tips and tricks to help you understand how to choose the right gear, find fish, present the fly, discover new patterns and much more.  Find out about new rods, lines, techniques, knots, tying tools and unheard of tips along with great stories about life and the times of some of the most knowledgeable guides, shop owners, and fisherman from around the world.  Season 1 covers all things steelhead fishing.   Better understand topics like spey casting, nymphing vs. swinging flies, intruders, finding fish, conservation and finding new waters.   Come join us for the current season and share the stories and great memories told by amazing people.   

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Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/607 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We have a fun show planned with an international crew of fly tyers, including Stuart Foxall, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason. These three characters have a wealth of angling experience to share with you. We're gonna be talking food source, fly design, new and effective mending strategies, productive fly presentation, and innovative topwater techniques for king salmon. And how do you best turn steelhead bites into hooked fish... so lots of stuff coming your way today.

In The Bucket #5 | Expert Tips on Steelhead, Salmon, and Carp with Stu Fox, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/606  Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Jackson Hole Fly Company, FishHound Expeditions, Visit Helena, MT Have you ever wondered what gear to use to land a world-record musky? Today, we're hanging out with musky legend Larry Ramsell. Larry has been fishing for muskies for over 60 years and has some crazy stories. We chat about fake IGFA records, his mission to set things straight, and why some lures are worth $900! We'll also cover the significant issues facing the musky population and how to preserve these giants long-term. This is another epic episode with one of the old-school anglers who paved the way for all of us! Show Notes with Larry Ramsell on Musky Angling History. ed his first musky in 1957 and has spent 68 years chasing muskies all over North America and Canada. 03:44 - Muskies are native to areas like the St. Lawrence River, Georgian Bay, the Ohio River drainage down into Kentucky, the Mississippi River, the Chippewa River, the Wisconsin River, and parts of Eastern Minnesota. Due to stocking and propagation efforts, muskies can now be found all over the northern half of the US and in Ontario and Quebec. World Record Musky 4:31 - Some of the largest muskies ever caught have been found in the St. Lawrence River and Georgian Bay. Despite being a native of Hayward, Wisconsin, which claims to be "home of world record muskies," Larry says that the records of the '30s and the '40s were all bogus. 6:19 - There are various record organizations for muskies:  International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Florida Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward Modern Muskie Records  Larry helped build the record program for the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in the early '70s. He later resigned from the Hall of Fame and started Modern Muskie Records. 07:00 - Their current record at MDMWRP is a 58-pound fish caught on Lake Bellaire, Michigan, in 2013. IGFA recognizes Cal Johnson's 67.5-pound musky, while the Hall of Fame recognizes Louis Spray's fish at 69 pounds, 11 ounces. Larry points out that both records have been proven to be questionable. 13:26 - We discuss the challenges of verifying the legitimacy of musky records. Larry shares some instances of tampering, such as adding sand to increase the weight of the fish.   The Rise of Musky Fishing  20:42 - In the 1960s, Muskies Inc. was founded, and they heavily advocated catch and release for muskies. As more people practiced catch and release, the musky population flourished. This led to the increased popularity of musky fishing. 23:00 - Larry points out the need for better handling practices when catching muskies. He says anglers should use the proper tools and techniques when handling and releasing the fish to ensure survival. Here are some of his tips:  Use a pair of bolt cutters to remove the hooks quickly. Consider hand-holding the fish at the side of the boat instead of using a net, and keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Avoid excessive photography.  29:08: Muskies can live up to 20 to 25 years or older. Larry also mentions the difference in egg production between musky strains. Larry Ramsell's Musky Fishing Tips  44:00 - Larry expresses frustration over some musky fishermen prioritizing expensive lures over proper gear, such as quality rods, reels, and lines. He says that while it may not be a poor man's sport, there are affordable options to enjoy musky fishing. Here are some of Larry's tips for beginners: Start with areas that have a higher population of musky. Learn the techniques for catching muskies and how to handle them properly. Remember that catching large muskies requires patience and skill. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/606  

606 | Musky Angling History with Larry Ramsell - Modern Muskie Records, IGFA

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605   Presented by: Guide Book, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors    Dan Donovan, the owner and passionate angler behind Musky Fool guides us through mastering musky fly fishing today. Discover the Musky School and how you can be part of this exciting adventure. Learn the ins and outs of choosing the right fly to hit muskies as large as 20 inches, and master the techniques to cast them like a pro. Discover the four essential presentations that will elevate your musky game today. Don't miss out on this chance to transform your approach to musky fishing with tips from the expert himself.  Episode Chapters with Dan Donovan on Musky Fly Fishing 3:49 - Dan discusses his experience with tying a musky fly, which was initially intended to mimic conventional black and silver baits but was unsatisfactory. Despite its poor start, Dan mentions that his skill in fly tying improved over time. 4:51 - Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co., the only fly shop in the Madison area, is highlighted for its comprehensive coverage of various fishing needs, particularly known for musky but offers gear and guidance for all types of fly fishing, capitalizing on the rich fishing environment in and around Madison. 5:23 - Dan notes that Wisconsin winters can be tough, affecting the local environment and fishing seasons. The early arrival of spring has implications for the musky season, potentially advancing the schedule for fishing activities in the area. 6:22 - We talk about our upcoming musky fly fishing trip planned for mid-September in northern Wisconsin. Dan highlights this time of year as optimal for musky fishing due to their behavior and the environmental conditions. 16:32 - Dan discusses strategies to target muskies successfully. He emphasizes the importance of "hunting your fly," meaning anglers need to actively impart action into the fly to make it appealing to the fish. He mentions that simply casting and retrieving in a monotonous pattern is ineffective. Instead, anglers must vary their retrieval techniques, such as incorporating pauses, different speeds, and lengths of strips to mimic the diverse behaviors of prey. 21:05 - Dan explains the wide variation of musky flies, which range from six to 20 inches, designed to imitate bait fish. He mentions that in September, the focus isn't on the variety of flies but on placing them correctly, typically using flies between nine to 12 inches on 11 and 12 weights. 23:41 - He outlines four main presentations of flies, including topwater for noise attraction, glide style for sideways movement, jerk style or diving flies for a downward then wobbling upward motion, and weighted jig style for a hopping effect over structures. Each style is designed to mimic natural prey movements to entice muskies. 26:59 - Dan emphasizes the importance of the strip action to create movement in the fly, advocating for a strong pull followed by a pause, possibly with a twitch, before another vigorous rip. 33:15 - He mentions their efforts to provide resources for those unable to take guided trips, such as launching a video series on their website and social media, offering tutorials on fly tying, sharing fishing tips through their podcast named "Spot Burn", and planning to show real fishing techniques through videos. 40:53 - Dan describes muskie fishing as a "knife fight in a phone booth" rather than a long-distance battle, highlighting the aggressive nature of muskies and their tendency to try to escape rather than take long runs. He suggests giving the fish multiple hard strip sets to ensure the hook is properly set, noting that muskies are adept at freeing themselves from hooks. 48:36 - We dig into the ideal gear for a musky fishing trip. He recommends large nets, specifically the Solo Slimer Net from RS Nets USA for durability and the Stowmaster for its foldability, to accommodate different fishing boat sizes. For rods, he suggests a 2pc 10-weight from the Chippewa River Custom Rod, made in Wisconsin, for its lightweight and casting capability. He also emphasizes the importance of having the right line, recommending Cortland's Pike Muky Sink 4 and Intermediate lines for versatility in different fishing conditions. You can get a chance to win a spot in our upcoming Musky School and a bunch of gear specifically for musky fishing by signing up through this link: wetflyswing.com/giveaway. 56:36 - Dan explains the concept of the "figure eight" technique used in musky fishing, where the angler makes a figure eight motion with their rod tip next to the boat to entice muskies to bite. 1:08:07 - Dan tells us about Louis Spray, a notorious figure known for his pirate-like demeanor and significant achievements in fly fishing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605 

605 | Musky Fly Fishing with Dan Donovan of Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604  Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, TroutRoutes Today's episode focuses on an important organization helping to generate billions of dollars to protect our fish species. Join me as I chat with Connor Bevan, the Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association. Hear how partnerships on Capitol Hill shape the future of fish species preservation. Today you will also find out how you can lend your voice to this cause and ensure our fish populations will thrive for generations. Plus, we'll also take a thrilling ride to ICAST—the world's largest sportfishing event this July in Florida! Show Notes with Connor Bevan on American Sportfishing Association. 2:00 - Connor's fishing adventures began in Northern California with his dad. Connor also enjoys fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary and the Delaware River on the East Coast. The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA) The ASA is the leading trade association for the recreational fishing industry. They advocate for healthy fisheries and science-based policies. Their efforts contribute to the US economy, with an annual impact of $148 billion. 8:00 - ASA deals with a wide range of issues, but one of their major focuses is reauthorizing the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act). 10:30 - ASA is a link between the sportfishing community and Capitol Hill. They leverage the community's voice to ensure they have a nationwide appeal. 13:00 - Connor says that while there is a common understanding of the need for healthy fisheries, ASA acknowledges that Congress needs to balance various priorities. It is important to educate decision-makers on the impact of what they do on water quality, fishing, and overall environmental health. What You Can Do to Help 15:27 - Connor suggests several ways: Get involved with Keep America Fishing. This is their advocacy platform for anglers to weigh in on different issues both on national and regional levels. Share any local issues or concerns with ASA. Connor says they are always interested in hearing what's going on at the local level. Become an active member of the community.  What is the ICAST?  17:00 - The ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing industry trade show. It's where you can see all the latest products, innovations, and trends in the industry. This year's ICAST 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida from July 16th to July 19th. 19:13 - Connor says that fly fishing's presence at ICAST is growing. Last year they introduced a dedicated floor space for fly companies, and they saw a lot of interest. 26:37 - One of the American Sportfishing Association's big focuses over the last several years has been taking a more preventative look at aquatic invasive species. The fishing and boating industry launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to improve preventive and management strategies for these invasive species. 28:18 -  The MAPLand Act requires federal agencies to standardize and digitize maps they hold within the agencies. ASA supports the MapWaters Act to similarly direct federal agencies to digitize and standardize that mapping information. A Day in the Life at Capitol Hill  35:18 - Connor says that every day is different for him. He spends a lot of time in meetings with legislative staff. Travel is a big part of the job. Connor attends trade shows and conducts site visits. He also coordinates regularly with their members to discuss issues affecting their businesses. 36:54 - Excise taxes are fees imposed on the sale of fishing gear like rods, reels, and even marine fuel. These funds are then distributed to state agencies based on a specific formula.  Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604  

604 | The Policy Behind Your Catch: The American Sportfishing Association with Connor Bevan

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/603  Presented by: FishHound Expeditions, TroutRoutes, Stonefly Nets, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors   Join us in this fascinating episode as David Coggins, a celebrated author and seasoned angler, shares his global fishing adventures and the stories behind his latest book. Discover the allure of chasing elusive fish in exotic locations and how David merges his keen sense of style with the practical aspects of angling. Whether you're curious about the nuances of fishing in Norwegian rivers or the challenges of catching permit in Belize, David's experiences offer invaluable insights and inspire anglers to dream big and fish with style.   Episode Chapters with David Coggins on Global Fishing Adventures 1:32 - David discusses his recent activities and his new book, "The Believer: A Year in the Fly Fishing Life." This book was inspired during the COVID-19 lockdowns as he aimed to maximize his fishing activities before potentially settling down with his girlfriend. However, many of his planned trips were canceled due to the pandemic. Despite these setbacks, he managed to continue fishing and incorporated these experiences into his book. 5:44 - He shares his passion for fly fishing and the personal joys it brings, particularly when introducing friends to the sport. He also talks about the challenging aspects of fishing, like learning new skills and overcoming difficulties, which make the experience rewarding. 11:41 - He highlights the joy of teaching and sharing experiences, particularly in locations like the Catskills. Coggins reflects on the variety of fishing styles among enthusiasts, from those strictly using dry flies to others who are more versatile. 19:26 - Coggins traveled to several dream destinations including Patagonia, Cuba, Belize, and Norway, where he pursued challenging fishing adventures. 23:13 -He talks about his fishing experiences in Belize, particularly the challenges of permit fishing, where he felt the intensity and unpredictability of trying to catch this elusive species. 29:57 - He shares his experiences fishing for steelhead. He mentions the challenges of blown-out rivers and the need to adapt plans, including an instance where they used a helicopter to access the Copper River. 31:22 - David expresses concern over the noticeable environmental changes observed by guides and the impacts on fish behavior, such as the timing shifts in the migration patterns of Stripe bass due to warmer waters. He highlights the work of conservation organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, stressing the necessity for those who love and utilize aquatic environments to contribute actively to conservation efforts. 33:57 - We dig into how he approaches writing for his audience, balancing the needs of both seasoned anglers and newcomers. He emphasizes his role not as a technical expert, but as someone who conveys the emotional and sensory experiences of fly fishing in different locales. 40:44 - He shares some insights from his experience with Tom Rosenbauer and discusses his approach to writing and journaling about fishing. David emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity necessary for capturing the essence of fishing experiences in writing. 46:51 - I ask about his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its implications for creative industries like writing. He acknowledges the fascinating and somewhat frightening aspects of AI technology, such as its potential to imitate human writing styles. 49:23 - We delve into his passion for traditional styles and tailored clothing, relating it to his interests in fishing and outdoor activities. He highlights his preference for durable, classic materials over overly technical, new fabrics, suggesting that style and practicality can coexist without constantly chasing the latest trends. David also mentions his involvement in writing about men's fashion, providing guidance on dressing through various platforms, including his newsletter and contributions to Esquire. 54:41 - He recounts a humorous and humbling incident in Patagonia, where he had to concede a better casting position to a friend due to being less skilled for the specific situation, highlighting the polite interactions with guides who play crucial roles in such experiences. 58:51 - David shares his early fly fishing experiences and the lessons he learned from older, seasoned fishermen. He stresses the importance of fishing with experienced anglers, like the two older men he knew in Wisconsin, who, despite their crusty exteriors, generously shared their knowledge and patience on the water. In terms of gear, David mentions his appreciation for small-scale, quality craftsmanship, exemplified by a Colorado man who makes durable fly fishing bags under Emerger Fly Fishing. 1:02:52 - He discusses his experiences with Orvis, especially their Helios rods and Mirage reels, noting a preference for gear that may not be mainstream but performs well. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/603 

2024 Stonefly Wood Landing Net Build-out Giveaway with Ethan Igleheart

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