Dan “Rooster” Leavens is unforgettable. Today he’s the head guide and owner of Stonefly Outfitters, but there’s a whole lot more to the Montana local. Dan’s early career in the Coast Guard took him away from New England and put him on the pacific coast, where he developed an addiction to steelhead. After years of guiding in Washington and Alaska, he fell in love with a little fly shop in Montana, where he settled down and stayed. In this episode of Anchored, Dan reflects on his colourful past, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 212: Dan "Rooster" Leavens on Seizing the Day

Join renowned angler April Vokey as she explores fishing, hunting, foraging and homesteading through intimate, face-to-face conversations with some of the outdoor world's most influential people. Her intense curiosity drives her to take a behind-the-scenes, vulnerable and honest approach with her guests that often ends up uncovering never-before-heard stories. An Anchored Outdoors production.

Sports

Wilderness

Mac Brown is the owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish and Fly Fishing Guide School in Western NC. Mac pioneered the first full-time fly fishing guide service in the region and was instrumental in establishing the Upper Nantahala River's Delayed Harvest. As an educator, Mac served as an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University, shaping the next generation of anglers and fostering the area's competitive fishing scene.
Author of "Casting Angles," Mac is a Master Casting Instructor and a Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Famer. Recognized by FFI with prestigious awards, including the Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, Mac's contributions extend beyond teaching to product development and media presence. Active in fly fishing shows and youth coaching, Mac's legacy is rooted in decades of dedication to the sport and its community.
In this episode of Anchored we discuss advanced fly casting, trick casts, fly fishing’s evolution and so much more.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 241: Mac Brown on Advanced Fly Casting, Trick Casts, Fly Fishing’s Evolution and More

Ryan Brod is a seasoned writer whose essays have graced the pages of numerous prestigious publications. Recently, he achieved another milestone with the publication of his first book, "Tributaries." However, Ryan's connection to the outdoors runs deep. Growing up surrounded by the hunting and fishing culture of the Belgrade Lakes region, he learned about fishing from his father, a generational guide. This upbringing shaped his path, leading him to become a Maine Guide in his early twenties.
Today, Ryan shares his passion for both storytelling and the natural world as a teacher of first-year writing and creative nonfiction at the University of New England. His experiences range from guiding inexperienced New Yorkers on frozen lakes to pursuing giant tarpons in the waters of Florida. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss fishing in Maine, how to fly fish from a canoe, fishing for carp in tidal waters, what makes us hunters (as anglers), choosing passion over profit in this day and age, and more.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 240: Ryan Brod on Tributaries, Being a Generational Guide, Fishing in Maine, Carp, How to Fish From a Canoe, and More

Mike Schultz, affectionately known as “Schultzy,” is the Owner of Schultz Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, a hub for Southern Michigan angling, instruction, and destination travel. Growing up in Michigan, he developed a connection with the outdoors, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in the fly-fishing industry.
Spending countless hours on the water each year, Schultzy has honed his expertise in Midwestern waters and beyond. While his primary focus remains on the warm-water fishing havens of Southern Michigan, his angling adventures have taken him to exotic locations around the world.
Driven by a passion for conservation, Schultzy has played a pivotal role in founding annual fundraisers like the Huron River Single Fly and Huckin’ for the Huron, in collaboration with the Huron River Watershed Council. These events support the preservation of Michigan’s Blue-Ribbon Smallmouth stream, the Huron River.
Outside of his angling pursuits, Schultzy resides in Dexter, Michigan, nestled along the banks of The Huron River with his wife, Allie, and their sons, Tanner and Dylan. With a commitment to sharing his passion for fishing and conservation, Schultzy continues to inspire anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike—myself included.
In this episode of Anchored, we discuss the process of opening his fly shop in Ypsilanti, tactics for catching smallmouth bass on the fly, the effects of water temperature, tackle, and more.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 239: Mike Schultz on Smallmouth Bass, Water Temperature, Tackle, and More

Aaron Goodis's journey with fly fishing began at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong passion for the sport. While he possesses a comprehensive understanding of various facets of fly fishing, his primary focus lies in chasing Steelhead across the remote and local rivers of British Columbia. From the renowned Dean River to the formidable Thompson, Aaron's quest for these elusive fish is unwavering. Beyond his love for angling, Aaron is a devoted landscape, fly fishing, and adventure photographer based in Vancouver, BC.
In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how Aaron got involved in the Spey scene in the early years, his struggle with Crohn’s disease, getting his casting certification, grieving dead river systems, and more.
Find Aaron at:
His website: www.aarongoodisphoto.com
On instagram here.
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/aaron.goodis.photography

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 238: Aaron Goodis on Steelhead, Struggles, and Success in Fly Fishing

This week’s episode is a bit of a departure from the norm, but I’m happy to stand behind it nonetheless. When friend and past podcast guest, Louis Cahill, reached out and suggested we sit down together with Andrew Grillos, I knew it was going to be a special conversation. So, in this episode of Anchored, the three of us gathered to discuss a topic that's close to our hearts: men’s mental health in the world of fly fishing.
The conversation is admittedly a bit scattered, but I think that adds to its authenticity. Throughout our discussion, we shared personal stories, insights, and reflections on the unique mental health challenges that men in the fly fishing community often face. From the pressures of maintaining a tough exterior to the stigma surrounding seeking help, we covered a lot of ground.
But amidst the conversation, there's a clear message that I hope resonates with Anchored listeners: You're not alone. No matter what you're going through, there's always someone out there who's willing to listen and help. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
So, as you listen to this episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own mental health journey. And if you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life, both on and off the water.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 212: Dan "Rooster" Leavens on Seizing the Day

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