Dead Drifters Society: A fly fishing podcast

As the crisp winter air nipped at my fingertips, I'll never forget the electric jolt of landing my first steelhead - a moment of pure exhilaration that only a true angler understands. That same passion for the reel and the river courses through our latest chat with Jerin Harrison, where we recount the highs, the hilarity, and humbling experiences while fly fishing on Vancouver Island. From Jerin’s personal evolution as an angler to the complexities of local fishing systems, and the amusing trials of teaching our partners to cast a line, our conversation is a treasure trove of stories and sage advice for novices and seasoned fishers alike.

Have you ever wondered how the rhythm of the seasons dictates the dance of the fly in the water? In this episode, you’ll be privy to our deep dive into fishing techniques like euro nymphing and swinging nymphs, and the delicate art of choosing the right fly. We examine the symbiotic relationship between work-life balance and fishing, revealing the soul-soothing effects that come with time spent by the water. Whether you’re an ironworker like myself, or you’re tethered to an office chair, there's a shared understanding of the peace that the pursuit of steelhead brings to our otherwise bustling lives.

With conservation at the forefront of our minds, we tackle the pressing issues facing the future of steelhead, discussing the balance needed between hatchery and wild populations, and the potential restoration of iconic systems such as the Thompson and the Gold. As we wrap up, the lure of global fishing adventures calls, from the pristine waters of Alaska to the wild rivers of Patagonia. So, grab your gear, and let's set sail on these eclectic fishing tales with Jerin, with plenty of laughs, lessons, and the lure of the great outdoors beckoning us to cast into the current once more.

As I sat hunched over my vise, coaxing my three boys to partake in the delicate art of fly tying, the symphony of concentration and laughter filled the room—it's these moments that encapsulate the joy and chaos of sharing my love for fly fishing with family. Courtney Bailey, a seasoned angler, joins me to discuss not only the profound community impact of the sport but also the magical ways it strengthens familial bonds. We unravel the threads of how fly tying offers flexibility and income to mothers at home, and we reminisce about the excitement of nurturing a budding passion for the sport in our little ones, highlighting the Echo Gecko rod as a youngster-friendly favorite that even adults won't be able to resist casting.

Within the storied walls of Round Rocks Flies, once Kahn's Trout Shop, lies a tale of evolution and dedication to the craft of fly production. Our conversation takes an intimate look at the journey from retail to becoming a wholesaler for heavy hitters like Sportsman's Warehouse, revealing the meticulous design and quality control that goes into over 1200 fly patterns. From a curious student looking for easy college credit to managing operations, we celebrate the unsung heroes of the fly tying world, whose hands weave the intricate patterns that call to trout nationwide.

Closing our episode, we cast off with a collection of fishing tales that span the serene shores of British Columbia to the unexpected catches in the Puget Sound. We tackle the art of adapting strategies to ever-changing weather conditions and river flows, sharing tips that could transform a challenging day on the river into a story worth telling. Through laughs and shared experiences, Courtney and I invite you to embrace the camaraderie of the angling community and join the adventure, with a final nod to Courtney's Instagram @fly_cache, where his angling escapades continue to inspire and captivate.


https://www.instagram.com/fly_cache?igsh=cXhhbnRtMWg5ZXp2

Caught between the ferocity of a river's current and the serene dance of a well-placed fly, this episode is a mosaic of outdoor adventures and angling wisdom. My friend and I swap stories from the heart-racing moments of near-disasters on the rapids to the methodical artistry behind swinging flies for the elusive steelhead. With each memory, we peel back the layers of what it means to truly engage with the wild—respecting its dangers while cherishing its gifts, like the discovery of a rare dwarf Dolly Varden or the thrill of a silver salmon on the line.

As the river's current sculpts the banks, so does the conversation shape our understanding of the sport's finer points—delving into the ethics of barbless hooks, and the controversy of flossing. Each chapter reveals a new facet of the fly fishing experience, from selecting the perfect streamer to mastering the assertiveness needed for guiding. It's not just about the catch; it's about the preservation of these experiences for future generations, underscored by our shared commitment to conservation and a summer schedule brimming with environmental research and guiding opportunities.

Strap on your life jacket and prepare for a dive into true tales that could only come from those who live the river's rhythm. We reflect on the invaluable lessons of river safety, the crucial transition from tentative guide to confident leader, and the warm anticipation of teaching the next generation the joys of casting a line. This episode isn't merely a collection of fishing yarns; it's a testament to the strength drawn from nature, the camaraderie forged on its banks, and the lifelong passion ignited by that first tug on the line. Join us as we cast these stories into the current, sharing the ebb and flow of a life lived in the embrace of the great outdoors.


•Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mpaisker?igsh=enM0ZWkyNXB1MjJj

Ever found yourself knee-deep in a river, with nothing but your wits and a fly rod to snag that elusive trout? Welcome to our world, where the gentle art of fly fishing meets the wild unpredictability of nature. This time around, we're unpacking the essentials of fly fishing vices and techniques, sharing a treasure trove of knowledge that'll elevate your game—whether you're wrestling with the drag of a heavy leader or perfecting the delicate dance of a dry fly. 

Britton Reed, of the Dead Drifter Society, joins us to swap tales of his latest rafting journey and that unexpected musky that made his bass ruler look like a toothpick. We're buzzing over the stealth advantage of rafting to those secret fishing holes, while spinning stories of our own riverbank escapades. Plus, we're getting artsy—blending our passion for fly fishing with a dash of creativity, and how the whims of the weather have us tying flies one minute and building snowmen the next.

Lastly, we're cutting through the fog of fishing gear marketing to focus on what truly matters—affordability without sacrificing quality. From the nifty tricks of Euro fishing to the subtleties of tippet selection, we're here to guide you through the maze of options. We'll debunk the myth that only high-end specialty stores can outfit you for success, and we'll even toss in a few pro tips on how to wrangle in those wild fish with nothing but your smarts and some carefully chosen gear. So, whether it's your first cast or your thousandth, this episode's got something to make your next fishing trip a hit.

•Britton Reed 
https://www.instagram.com/spookintrout?igsh=MTY0eGYyeWM4ODJ3bg==

Strap on your waders and join me as my guest Xena King recount the thrills of wrestling sturgeons in class. Share our passion for fly fishing and tales from the front lines of aquatic biology, where every cast tells a story, and every catch is a dance with nature. We traverse the highs and lows of seasonal fieldwork, from the electric jolt of electrofishing to the precise science of environmental monitoring. Along the way, we reveal the intricate life cycles of our finned friends and the conservation efforts that keep their populations thriving.

Ever wondered how a biologist’s love for fly fishing shapes their career? I take you through my journey, where bull trout battles and the joy of guiding anglers intertwine with the rigorous demands of data collection and habitat assessment. Xena weighs in with fishing strategies, unveiling the art of selecting the perfect fly and the satisfaction that blooms when a student lands their first beauty. Our shared experiences in teaching and the lessons the river imparts are as diverse as the fish we pursue – from the elusive Inconnu in northern waters to the majestic sturgeon, rulers of the riverbed.

As we wrap up this angler’s odyssey, the conversation shifts to the future of fishery-related careers and the timeless bonds forged by those who share the reverence for aquatic life. With humor and heartfelt anecdotes, we discuss the quirks of fish like the sculpin and the doppelgänger dilemma of bull trout and Dolly Varden. We leave you with a sense of awe for the underwater world and an invitation to cast your line into the ongoing narrative of conservation and the quiet triumphs of fishing. So tune in, immerse yourself in our journey, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to create fishing tales of your own.


•Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/xenaking96?igsh=aW5yOWMwdndlb2Qw

Have you ever held a piece of history in your hands? Our latest conversation with a Corvallis-based hook-making maestro transports you back to a time when fly fishing hooks were a symbol of artful precision. In this rich tapestry of tales, Garren Woods reveals the meticulous process of transforming high carbon steel wire into vintage-style hooks, using techniques that feel like a revival of the Victorian era's craftsmanship. Our guest takes us through the detailed steps of tapering, chiseling, and shaping, artfully balancing manual dexterity and the efficiency of simple machinery. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone fascinated by the intimate connection between angler, artisan, and the natural world.

As the discussion unfolds, so does the depth of our guest's passion for fly fishing culture. He shares vibrant narratives that explore the meditative allure of tying flies and the pulsing excitement of guiding anglers through pristine waters. His stories of parenting outdoor enthusiasts and striking a balance between work and passion projects bring a personal touch, revealing the vibrant life that thrives in the realms of fly tying, and outdoor adventures. If you've ever felt the pull of a river or the anticipation of a fish on the line, this episode will resonate deeply with your love for the sport.

Wrapping up our journey, we peer into the future, filled with exciting events and personal milestones. Our guest previews his upcoming attendance at renowned fly fishing expos and the cherished camping trips planned with family. We close with reflections on the unspoiled joy of discovering less-pressured fishing spots and the shared sentiments of the fly fishing community. It's a poetic conclusion to an episode dedicated to those who find solace in the rhythm of rivers and the craft of creating the perfect hook for the perfect catch. Join us as we celebrate the stories woven by every knot and every cast.


•Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/garrenwood?igsh=ZGo2cDYwOWxpcDc2

As the mist lifts from the river, Courtney Morris, our guest and a seasoned fifth-grade teacher with a spey rod in hand, invites us into his dual world of education and angling. His heartwarming narrative isn't just about imparting knowledge in the classroom or reading the river's flow; it's a testament to the deep connections formed through the shared journey of learning, whether with students or steelhead. Join us as we explore the profound impact of teaching styles that evolve alongside our students and the thrilling tales that emerge from the serenity of Oregon's waters.

Weaving through our conversation like the delicate line of a well-cast fly, we uncover the artistry hidden in the folds of fly-fishing. The evolution of Courtney's passion, from crafting his streamers to the reflective joy of swinging flies for winter steelhead, parallels the meticulous attention he dedicates to his students. This episode is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, rich with stories of memorable catches, the intricacies of fly selection, and the thoughtful consideration of fishing ethics that resonate with the rhythms of nature.

Photography, a silent observer on these escapades, captures the essence of camaraderie and the intoxicating thrill of the catch. Through the lens, we recount the growth of a guide, the expansion of techniques, and the simple joy of sharing these moments with others. Gather around as we plot future escapades and reflect on the bonds forged by the river—a fellowship that extends beyond the classroom's four walls to the banks that cradle the elusive steelhead.

•Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sculpinarmy?igsh=MTM4bXkwY2hiYmE1aQ==

Have you ever felt the raw power of nature while holding a fishing rod, battling the winds of Patagonia? Our latest episode takes you on a whirlwind tour with Marin Saide, a fly fishing guide whose life is woven with the rivers and fish of this untamed landscape. From the lush northern territories to the ice-cold southern extremes, Marin's journey of becoming a masterful guide is as much about personal transformation as it is about the thrill of the catch. We traverse the spectrum of fly fishing experiences, understanding the balance between angler and environment, and the camaraderie that's fostered on these remote waters.

Patagonia's rich fishing tapestry is tinged with historical intrigue and modern-day challenges. Listen as we unravel the fascinating introduction of non-native fish species and their impact on local ecosystems, and how they have reshaped fishing practices. The guide's toolbox is crucial in these parts – think Patagonia waders and loop rods to combat illegal fishing practices, and the art of selecting the perfect fly from intruders to Scandinavian types. Marin shares tales of DIY adventures and spey fishing mastery in the relentless Patagonian winds, painting a vivid picture of the life aquatic.

But fly fishing is more than just a sport – it's a communion with nature and a testament to the human spirit. This episode is a reflective journey through the eyes of a guide who has seen the solitude of nature magnified by the pandemic. As we discuss the aspirations and hurdles of guiding across continents, from Chile's vibrant culture to the bureaucratic mazes for an international guide in Canada, one thing remains clear: the transformative power of fly fishing reaches far beyond the rivers it graces. Join us and cast your line into the stories and souls of those who live to fish.

•Martins Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/msaides?igsh=MWNsZHlxMHh1dTRzcw==

•A few other links worth checking out

https://www.instagram.com/magallanesflyfishing?igsh=MTN5ZHpxeGU5dzBrMA==

https://www.instagram.com/andresflyfish?igsh=MWFzNWNobWF1N2wxZg==

https://www.instagram.com/rodandgun.chile?igsh=YXh3Z25ibnBzZHNw

https://www.instagram.com/twinpeakesflyfishing?igsh=MTdyYW5veGVsN3d6Mw==