Dads On The Fly

On this episode of Dads On The Fly, we sit down with author, fly fishing guide, and storyteller Ryan Johnston for a conversation packed with laughter, meaningful stories, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Ryan shares how his dad first introduced him to fishing and the outdoors at an early age, shaping a passion that would eventually lead him into guiding, writing, and mentoring others through the sport. We dive into several unforgettable fishing stories from his years on the water, including the chaos, humor, and lessons that only come from a life spent chasing fish.

We also talk about Ryan’s books, including A Reel Job and Reelly, where he captures the real-life experiences of guiding and the unique culture surrounding fly fishing. And we look at his new book Reel Salty

One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation centers around Cast Hope, the nonprofit Ryan helps lead, which uses fly fishing and the outdoors to invest in kids and create life-changing experiences and mentorship opportunities.

This episode is full of great stories, genuine perspective, and a reminder of why the outdoors has such a powerful way of bringing people together.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

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https://nativesflyfishing.com/

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This week, we break one of our own rules… and it was absolutely worth it.

We sit down with Del Munro of Davidson River Outfitters. Del is a true student of the river. While he may not be a dad, his knowledge of smallmouth bass fishing earns him a seat at the table.

We dive into Del’s journey in the fly fishing world, what makes smallmouth so addicting, and how chasing bronze backs is a completely different game than the trout most of us cut our teeth on. From reading water to dialing in flies and approach, Del shares practical, hard-earned wisdom you won’t find in a textbook.

If you’ve ever thought about making the jump from trout streams to smallmouth rivers (or just want to become a better angler overall,) this one’s packed with insight.

Plus, we swap a few stories, talk local waters, and get a glimpse into what makes Western North Carolina such a special place to fish.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

In this episode, it’s just Caleb and Joshua behind the mic as they recap a full slate of spring break adventures with their families.

Caleb shares stories from a camping trip in the mountains with family and friends, along with a recent guide trip that reminded him why he loves helping others experience fly fishing for the first time.

Joshua reflects on a trip to the Masters, some time spent at the beach, and an unforgettable redfish trip alongside former guest Justin Ravenel that you won’t want to miss.

From fairways to fly rods, this episode is all about making memories with the people you love and finding time to get outside along the way.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Letchworth of Fox Hollow Outdoors, a brand and outdoor movement built on something deeper than just fishing and hunting—it’s about legacy.

Michael shares the story behind Fox Hollow Outdoors, a father-and-son journey that started with time in the woods and on the water and has grown into a lifestyle rooted in family, tradition, and the outdoors. What began as simple moments together has evolved into a platform that celebrates real adventures, authentic storytelling, and the kind of lessons you can only learn outside.

We talk about raising kids in the outdoors, why those experiences matter more now than ever, and how intentional time together can shape not just skills—but character. From early mornings chasing fish to shared meals after a hunt, this conversation is a reminder of what it really means to pass something down to the next generation.

If you care about the outdoors, your family, and making memories that last, this one’s for you.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

In this episode of Dads on the Fly, we sit down with renowned sporting artist Paul Puckett to talk about the journey that led him to combine his love for fly fishing and art into a career. Growing up fishing with his grandfathers in Texas and later working in fly shops across the country, Paul found a way to turn the moments we all love on the water into paintings that tell a story.

We talk about how travel, family, and time on the water have shaped his life, why certain fishing memories stay with us forever, and how creativity often comes from simply paying attention to the places and people around us. Paul also shares stories from his adventures around the world, what inspires his famous “catch and release” paintings, and how being a dad influences the way he looks at both art and fishing.

This episode is about more than art or fly fishing — it’s about slowing down, making memories, and learning to appreciate the moments that matter most.

https://www.paulpuckettart.com/

Time Will Tell film

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

In this episode of Dads on the Fly, we sit down with Oliver White — world traveler, lodge owner, conservationist, and devoted dad — to talk about where fly fishing has taken him and what it’s taught him along the way.

From building legendary destinations like Abaco Lodge and South Fork Lodge, to co-founding Indifly and helping empower indigenous communities through sustainable fly fishing tourism, Oliver shares stories of adventure, risk, and purpose.

But this conversation goes beyond remote rivers and saltwater flats. We talk about fatherhood, raising kids in the midst of global travel, and how becoming a dad reshapes ambition, priorities, and the meaning of success. Oliver opens up about the tension between chasing wild places and staying rooted at home — and how those two worlds don’t have to compete.

Whether you’re dreaming about your next fishing trip or simply trying to be more present with your family, this episode will challenge you to think differently about adventure, legacy, and the waters that shape your life.

A Thousand Casts

Instagram

Come see us at the Forks Of The River Fly Fishing and Music Festival.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pogoda, owner and lead guide of Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters based in Bozeman, Montana. Mike shares his deep knowledge of Southwest Montana’s legendary waters — including the Madison, Yellowstone, and Gallatin Rivers — and breaks down not just where to fish around Bozeman, but when and why certain rivers shine throughout the season.

Beyond the tactics and river insights, Mike tells an unforgettable story about introducing his young son to fly fishing. From nearly being born on a drift boat to the intentional ways Mike has helped him build confidence and early success on the water, this conversation is packed with both practical wisdom and heartfelt moments.

Whether you’re planning a Montana trip, love hearing behind-the-scenes guide perspectives, or just appreciate stories about sharing the outdoors with family, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Mike and Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters at risingtroutflyfishing.com.

Find Mike on Instagram

Come see us at the Forks Of The River Fly Fishing and Music Festival.

Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .

Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

https://saludabeads.com/

https://rambler.co/

It’s just Joshua and Caleb on the mics this week, catching up on the year so far, and it starts with a wild story about Joshua losing his wallet… only for it to turn up 20 miles from where it disappeared. From there, we talk about the cold, dive into some fly fishing news, including the newly released 2026 delayed harvest trout stocking schedule and how different it looks from past years, along with a few notable changes happening across the fly fishing industry. We also share a cool fatherhood story that made the news. No big agenda; just two dads talking life, fishing, and fatherhood like you would standing in the river together.

NC Delayed Harvest Stockings

Cool Pilot Story

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Check out our sponsors:

⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠

https://nativesflyfishing.com/

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https://rambler.co/

Happy New Year from Dads on the Fly! We’re starting 2026 with a fun and meaningful interview with Justin Ravenel of Ravenel Fishing Charters. Justin opens up about growing up on the water alongside his mom (who was the only female crabber around at the time) and how that made for some unforgettable (and sometimes uncomfortable) moments in a tight-knit coastal community.

We also dig into life as a fishing guide, raising kids around the water, and Justin’s go-to secret for keeping kids engaged on the boat—featuring a little bit of treasure hunting.

If you love fishing stories, family legacy, and practical ideas for getting kids excited about time on the water, this episode is for you.

Follow Justin on Instagram

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In this episode of Dads on the Fly, Joshua and Caleb catch up on life, fishing, and fatherhood as the cold weather settles in. The guys talk through recent winter fishing conditions, including how cold temps change both strategy and expectations on the water.

Caleb shares the story of what might be the best ever boat ramp fish and the unmatched joy of putting friends on the fish of their lives. The conversation then turns reflective as they look back over the past year, celebrating some wins as dads and acknowledging the growth that comes through both success and challenge.

They wrap up by looking ahead to future fishing opportunities and the seasons still to come—on the water and at home. It’s an honest, laid-back episode about friendship, perspective, and why fishing continues to be such a powerful connector for dads.