This week I found out that a man who was instrumental in my taking up fly fishing passed away.

I can say that he played a big part in my appreciation for fishing even though he and I never were on the water together once. He mentored and helped along one of my best friends, and that relationship led my friend to introduce me to fishing.

Today I briefly share that story, and talk a little bit about some of the ways that you can invest in the life of a young person through fly fishing. It isn't for everyone, but for those who can do it it is a great way to do some real good.

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I know a few people who have flip phones. They're the bamboo rod enthusiasts of the tech world... or something like that.

For the rest of us, the futuristic computer/camera in our pocket goes with us wherever we go. That often includes the rivers and woods which we enjoy. There are plenty of pros and cons that come with using a smartphone in particular, technology in general, for your fishing.

Today, I talk about some of the things you might be missing out on if you turn to tapping your screen. I give a few reasons why I advocate carrying your smartphone wherever you go.

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We've all had this experience:

You're fishing in a stream that is loaded with trout. You've caught fish there. Others are catching fish there. But today, you're not getting any action.

There are some very specific reasons why this might be the case. I've found that the issues aren't so much about my casting, my fly box, or the weather. I've come to terms with the problem being my approach. Specifically, my patience (or lack thereof) and speed (or the lack of that, too).

Today I give some examples of how these approaches might be what are making or breaking your time on the water.

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Anyone can catch a bluegill. But catching big, dinner plate-sized, rod bending bluegill? That takes a lot of luck, or better yet, a good amount of skill.

On today's episode I walk through three things that will help you find, hook, and catch the biggest sunfish, pumpkinseed, and warmouth in the pond. There are some fly and gear considerations, but a lot of it comes down to locating where bigger fish like to hang out.

Panfish were the first foray into angling for many of us. But that doesn't mean catching the largest and oldest specimens is any easier that finding big trout.

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We've got four topics to cover this time on the audience Q&A podcast. And the Qs are good! Hopefully the As are as well.

This week I'm talking about the hook barb debate, fly suggestions, John Gierach, and what to do with the silica packets that you get with a new pair of shoes. I'm confident that at least one of those items will pique your interest and potentially get you going down a fly fishing rabbit hole.

As always, thanks for the emails and the comments. I appreciate them; so keep them coming!

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If something is said enough times for enough time, it just becomes assumed. But that shouldn't be the case.

On today's podcast episode, I break down my opinion on three fly fishing lies. Notice, I said my opinion. You might think that the angling mistruths I'm addressing are fine and good. I'm willing to admit that each of these sentiments is right for some people. What I am contesting is that they are right for most people.

In the first of what I assume will be a recurring show topic, I talk about rod weights, fly sizes, and politics.

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Salmo trutta.

It shouldn't be here. But it is. And last time I checked, not many of us are up in arms about it.

Today I talk briefly about brown trout. Where they come from, why they're here, and why fly fishers are willing to give them the "non-native pass." There is so much to say about this fish species and how we pursue it with the fly. This episode might be an introduction to a well-loved quarry, or it might get you thinking a little bit more about the fish that we have swimming in our favorite rivers.

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Admittedly, I get more excited about rods than I do reels. In fact, I think I geek out more over fly line than I do reels. But that doesn't mean I relegate reels to the category of nippers, knot tools, and wading boot shoelaces.

Today I cover a handful of reel-centric topics. Whether you've got a wheelbarrow tire-sized saltwater reel or a tiny line-holding trout reel, it plays an important role in your fly fishing.

I discuss reel care, spooling know-how, troubleshooting, and a little bit about selecting the right gear. It is hardly exhaustive, but hopefully it will give you a few things to think about.

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Every one of us has our favorite kind of spot to fish. Riffles, runs, pools; banks, boulders, ledges. There is a reason why you'll gravitate to such spots regardless of which river you're on.

One of my favorites is creek mouths; where smaller rivers run into larger rivers. These are intersections for fish and bodies of water. There are enough dynamics going on here to keep things exciting in every season and set of conditions.

Today I walk through some of the major reasons why I like to fish where rivers meet, how I approach them, and some success stories.

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Do you have a crusty, old, fly rod sitting up in the attic? Or how about in Grandma's attic? Assuming that you have a decent relationship with said grandma, maybe you should take it out for a spin this season.

There is a lot of fun and functional angling value in acquiring and using antique fly fishing gear. If you know where to look, what to use, and what you're using, it can actually add a whole other facet to your fly fishing.

This episode is really only a primer, but hopefully it will get you thinking about what you might find as you peruse fishing shows, drive by yard sales, and (eventually) shop a premier tackle auctioneer.

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