Emerging

Tyler is the current president of the University of Wyoming Fly Fishing Club and a lifelong lover of the great outdoors. His main passion lies in studying and protecting the lands we all cherish and recreate on. In this episode, Tyler walks us through his master’s research on biodegradable fishing products and how they fit into the fly fishing world. From durability and popularity to awareness and adoption, Tyler dove deep to explore whether and how fishing line can or should be changed for the better.

Colby Acuff is one of country music’s most inspiring new voices, breaking through with a style defined by passionate and honest songwriting. He blends his love for the outdoors with the soul of country music—whether it’s fly fishing on a quiet stream or duck hunting at sunrise, Colby’s songs create the perfect soundtrack for anyone who feels at home outside.

His latest project, the YouTube series Fin and Feather, takes that connection even further. Traveling across the country, Colby shines a light on guides and natural resources that often go overlooked, celebrating not just the fish or the birds, but the people and places that make the outdoors so meaningful.

Catch Colby on tour HERE

Watch Fin and Feather HERE

At the 2025 western rendezvous, around 85 college students went to the Yampa river to plant trees! Listen in to learn about the event, tree planting, and some awesome conservation happening in northern Colorado!

The annual TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit is, simply put, the greatest event a college angler can attend. This past August, eight club leaders from across the country gathered on the Wind River Reservation to celebrate the core values of 5 Rivers: community, conservation, and fly fishing.

5 rivers coordinator, and past Emerging host, Cliff Watson joins in this episode to fill us in on all the details from the 2025 summit, and share some more exciting news for the upcoming semester including merch, rendezvouses, and fundraising opportunities! 

In this episode we sit down with Johann, executive director of the Indifly Foundation. Our conversation explores the incredible people, places, and potential impact that community-driven conservation holds for the world. While Johann’s work spans globally, we focused on the Wind River Reservation project and the TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit.

Please spend some time researching Indifly and consider supporting them at the links below:

Indifly  

Instagram  

More! 

Joe Gugino has been making his way in the fly fishing world for years. From serving on Trout Unlimited’s headwaters board to his time as Costa Sunglasses’ Community & Conservation partnership Manager, Joe’s passion for connection and sustainability runs deep. Now, he's onto his next big chapter with the launch of Agave Co, a mission-driven creative agency he co-founded alongside longtime collaborators Hannah Trotter and Matt Shilling. Together, this all-star team is helping brands in the fishing and outdoor industries align with values that matter—conservation, authenticity, and community.

In this episode of Emerging, Joe gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Agave Co.’s work with clients like Colby Acuff, whose new YouTube series Fin and Feather brings storytelling and fly fishing together, and Los Locos, whose Marlin Fly Project redefines conservation-based travel. Tune in for honest reflections, good stories, and some behind the scenes stories of how these projects arise.

If you’re heading to Boston and want to hook into some striped bass (or stripaahhs, as Joe would say), he also runs Fish Boston—the #1 striper charter out of Boston Harbor. Whether you are in the city Joe will come pick you up to fish. Whether at the airport, casino, or downtown, Joe's got you covered!

Cheech needs no introduction within the fly fishing community. He's a teacher, fly shop owner, personality, and great dude. We caught up at the Denver Fly Fishing Show and had a great little chat, tune it for his great fishing advise!

Kurt Upham has been mentoring host Joe Tardif for years now in all things outdoors. He's a master of ticks and mosquitos along with the dangers that come with being in the woods with them. In this episode we go over how to stay safe and knowledgeable about the dangerous critters crawling around you! In between the ticks and mosquitoes enjoy some hunting memories we've shared along the way.

From the medical industry to a fly fishing lodge, the crew at 4 Corners Lodge brings true passion to everything they do. Marvin, Arturo, and Chuck are committed to offering a unique, responsible, and stewardly experience for both their guests and the land. With offerings like tagging teams, safari-style fly fishing expeditions, and world class dining, this is more than just a lodge. It is an adventure. If you’re looking to fish Costa Rica, there is no better place to start!

Instagram: @4cornerscr

Website: https://4cornerscostarica.com/

Joshua and Samantha Schwartz have built a unique fly fishing experience that’s different from most. Using their passion and past experiences, the two have settled into this business and work every day to perfect their craft. Samantha runs the back-of-house operations, while Josh uses his kitchen and fishing to run the front and satisfy every guest that walks in the door.

Tune in to hear about the Travel Creel product, some destination fishing tips and tricks, Josh’s French Laundry secrets, and how the couple blends hospitality, adventure, and culinary skill into every trip. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive discount only available to Emerging listeners.

Find travel Creel

Website: https://www.travelcreel.com/ 

Instagram: @Travelcreel