Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/ Welcome to the In the Bucket Podcast - a new show with Brian Niska. We're diving into the world of Spey fishing and the Steelhead and Salmon scene, especially on the West Coast. Join us as we chat about the exciting shift from being a guest to host, revealing our podcast's unique style that captures the lively conversations friends have after a day by the water. This episode isn't just for Spey fishing fans; it's a goldmine for anyone who loves the fly fishing community and the deep connections it builds. Brian Niska talks about seasoned anglers like Stu Foxall, Eric Leninger, and Scoot Mason, as we navigate the breathtaking world of BC fishing. From the majestic king salmon on the Skeena and Kitimat Rivers to the serene beauty of winter steelheading, our conversation casts a line into the heart of what makes these pursuits so enthralling. We share personal stories, reflect on the mental game of fishing, and cherish the camaraderie that's as much a part of the experience as the catch itself. Rounding out this episode, Brian's excited to pass on some pearls of wisdom on mastering spey casting. With an emphasis on technique over brute force, he will guide you through common pitfalls and offer advice on perfecting your cast for an exceptional steelhead chase. Plus, we celebrate the diversity and community spirit of group trips at the lodge, where strangers become fast friends bonded by the rhythm of the river. So, gear up and tune in for an episode that promises to enrich your love for the sport and maybe even improve your spey game! Episode Chapters (0:00:05) - Introduction to "In the Bucket" New podcast explores steelhead fishing and community with a unique format. (0:13:21) - Alaskan Fishing Opportunities and Preferences Nature's unique King salmon fishing in Alaska, mental challenge of steelhead fishing, camaraderie among anglers, and exceptional lodge experience. (0:24:45) - Tips for Improving Spey Casting Nature's insights on improving spay casting for steelhead fishing, including maintaining line tension and correcting common faults. (0:34:58) - Community and Diversity in Group Trips Community forms among strangers on group trips, involving listeners through giveaways, and looking forward to future adventures. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/

In the Bucket Podcast #1 - Spey Fishing Mastery with Brian Niska from the Skeena Spey Lodge

Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Blog interviews the biggest names in fly fishing and fly tying today.  He digs out all of the best fly fishing tips and tricks to help you understand how to choose the right gear, find fish, present the fly, discover new patterns and much more.  Find out about new rods, lines, techniques, knots, tying tools and unheard of tips along with great stories about life and the times of some of the most knowledgeable guides, shop owners, and fisherman from around the world.  Season 1 covers all things steelhead fishing.   Better understand topics like spey casting, nymphing vs. swinging flies, intruders, finding fish, conservation and finding new waters.   Come join us for the current season and share the stories and great memories told by amazing people.   

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Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/608  Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Waters West, Skwala Do you want to know the best fly lines for Atlantic salmon fishing? Have you ever wondered when to use a longer leader with a sinking line for that perfect fly presentation? Topher Browne is back on the show to break down spey lines, fish physiology, and all the good stuff in his Atlantic salmon books. Find out how to tell when your fly is in the fishing zone and why he uses an out-of-production Scandinavian line. Plus, get to know the guy who's caught more steelheads than anyone on the planet! Show Notes with Topher Browne on Atlantic Salmon Fishing. 01:50 - We had Topher on Episode 464 about a year ago, and it was a hit! We're bringing him back for round two to dive deeper into his Atlantic salmon books and more. But before that, I asked Topher what he's been up to since we last talked. 02:26 - Topher had his toughest June ever last year due to climate change. He spent 17 days on the Quebec and New Brunswick rivers without catching fish. 06:04 - Topher is a field editor for Chasing Silver, an Atlantic salmon and steelhead-specific magazine. He mentions that the Norwegian and Icelandic salmon reports were bad. 09:26 -  Topher shares his fishing experiences with his friend Greg Pearson. He and Greg worked on a spey DVD for Scientific Anglers in 2005 called Spey to Z.  16:09 - Topher uses a Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader for its durability. He typically starts with a 20-pound tippet for early-season fish. 20:18 - Topher's advice: tweak your fishing techniques based on water flow, temperature, clarity, and fish behavior. Here are some key takeaways: Early-run fish are more aggressive and likely to move longer distances for a fly. Topher suggests using a floater in low, clear water to make it easier to speed up your fly. Use longer leaders in clear water to avoid spooking fish. Select fly colors more visible in dirty water, like black, orange, and red. Quicker movements in clear water prevent fish from losing interest in the fly. 36:14 - Topher talks about the advantages of using Scandinavian lines for salmon fishing. 46:06 - Topher did several experiments to compare depths using different techniques. He found that the angler's techniques matter more than the sinking rate of the fly line. Topher notes that while precision isn't necessary, knowing your fly's depth can greatly improve your fishing success. 53:45 - Topher recalls fishing with Jim Adams. He said that Jim has probably caught more steelhead than anyone. Jim's strategy involved targeting the fish in shallow, quiet spots along the river's edges. 57:00—For Topher, the Triple D line from Guideline is the best line for Atlantic salmon. These triple-density lines are customizable in length and weight but were later discontinued. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/608    

608 | The Best Fly Lines for Atlantic Salmon Fishing with Topher Browne

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/607 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We have a fun show planned with an international crew of fly tyers, including Stuart Foxall, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason. These three characters have a wealth of angling experience to share with you. We're gonna be talking food source, fly design, new and effective mending strategies, productive fly presentation, and innovative topwater techniques for king salmon. And how do you best turn steelhead bites into hooked fish... so lots of stuff coming your way today.

In The Bucket #5 | Expert Tips on Steelhead, Salmon, and Carp with Stu Fox, Eric Leininger, and Scoot Mason

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/606  Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, Jackson Hole Fly Company, FishHound Expeditions, Visit Helena, MT Have you ever wondered what gear to use to land a world-record musky? Today, we're hanging out with musky legend Larry Ramsell. Larry has been fishing for muskies for over 60 years and has some crazy stories. We chat about fake IGFA records, his mission to set things straight, and why some lures are worth $900! We'll also cover the significant issues facing the musky population and how to preserve these giants long-term. This is another epic episode with one of the old-school anglers who paved the way for all of us! Show Notes with Larry Ramsell on Musky Angling History. ed his first musky in 1957 and has spent 68 years chasing muskies all over North America and Canada. 03:44 - Muskies are native to areas like the St. Lawrence River, Georgian Bay, the Ohio River drainage down into Kentucky, the Mississippi River, the Chippewa River, the Wisconsin River, and parts of Eastern Minnesota. Due to stocking and propagation efforts, muskies can now be found all over the northern half of the US and in Ontario and Quebec. World Record Musky 4:31 - Some of the largest muskies ever caught have been found in the St. Lawrence River and Georgian Bay. Despite being a native of Hayward, Wisconsin, which claims to be "home of world record muskies," Larry says that the records of the '30s and the '40s were all bogus. 6:19 - There are various record organizations for muskies:  International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Florida Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward Modern Muskie Records  Larry helped build the record program for the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in the early '70s. He later resigned from the Hall of Fame and started Modern Muskie Records. 07:00 - Their current record at MDMWRP is a 58-pound fish caught on Lake Bellaire, Michigan, in 2013. IGFA recognizes Cal Johnson's 67.5-pound musky, while the Hall of Fame recognizes Louis Spray's fish at 69 pounds, 11 ounces. Larry points out that both records have been proven to be questionable. 13:26 - We discuss the challenges of verifying the legitimacy of musky records. Larry shares some instances of tampering, such as adding sand to increase the weight of the fish.   The Rise of Musky Fishing  20:42 - In the 1960s, Muskies Inc. was founded, and they heavily advocated catch and release for muskies. As more people practiced catch and release, the musky population flourished. This led to the increased popularity of musky fishing. 23:00 - Larry points out the need for better handling practices when catching muskies. He says anglers should use the proper tools and techniques when handling and releasing the fish to ensure survival. Here are some of his tips:  Use a pair of bolt cutters to remove the hooks quickly. Consider hand-holding the fish at the side of the boat instead of using a net, and keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Avoid excessive photography.  29:08: Muskies can live up to 20 to 25 years or older. Larry also mentions the difference in egg production between musky strains. Larry Ramsell's Musky Fishing Tips  44:00 - Larry expresses frustration over some musky fishermen prioritizing expensive lures over proper gear, such as quality rods, reels, and lines. He says that while it may not be a poor man's sport, there are affordable options to enjoy musky fishing. Here are some of Larry's tips for beginners: Start with areas that have a higher population of musky. Learn the techniques for catching muskies and how to handle them properly. Remember that catching large muskies requires patience and skill. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/606  

606 | Musky Angling History with Larry Ramsell - Modern Muskie Records, IGFA

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605   Presented by: Guide Book, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors    Dan Donovan, the owner and passionate angler behind Musky Fool guides us through mastering musky fly fishing today. Discover the Musky School and how you can be part of this exciting adventure. Learn the ins and outs of choosing the right fly to hit muskies as large as 20 inches, and master the techniques to cast them like a pro. Discover the four essential presentations that will elevate your musky game today. Don't miss out on this chance to transform your approach to musky fishing with tips from the expert himself.  Episode Chapters with Dan Donovan on Musky Fly Fishing 3:49 - Dan discusses his experience with tying a musky fly, which was initially intended to mimic conventional black and silver baits but was unsatisfactory. Despite its poor start, Dan mentions that his skill in fly tying improved over time. 4:51 - Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co., the only fly shop in the Madison area, is highlighted for its comprehensive coverage of various fishing needs, particularly known for musky but offers gear and guidance for all types of fly fishing, capitalizing on the rich fishing environment in and around Madison. 5:23 - Dan notes that Wisconsin winters can be tough, affecting the local environment and fishing seasons. The early arrival of spring has implications for the musky season, potentially advancing the schedule for fishing activities in the area. 6:22 - We talk about our upcoming musky fly fishing trip planned for mid-September in northern Wisconsin. Dan highlights this time of year as optimal for musky fishing due to their behavior and the environmental conditions. 16:32 - Dan discusses strategies to target muskies successfully. He emphasizes the importance of "hunting your fly," meaning anglers need to actively impart action into the fly to make it appealing to the fish. He mentions that simply casting and retrieving in a monotonous pattern is ineffective. Instead, anglers must vary their retrieval techniques, such as incorporating pauses, different speeds, and lengths of strips to mimic the diverse behaviors of prey. 21:05 - Dan explains the wide variation of musky flies, which range from six to 20 inches, designed to imitate bait fish. He mentions that in September, the focus isn't on the variety of flies but on placing them correctly, typically using flies between nine to 12 inches on 11 and 12 weights. 23:41 - He outlines four main presentations of flies, including topwater for noise attraction, glide style for sideways movement, jerk style or diving flies for a downward then wobbling upward motion, and weighted jig style for a hopping effect over structures. Each style is designed to mimic natural prey movements to entice muskies. 26:59 - Dan emphasizes the importance of the strip action to create movement in the fly, advocating for a strong pull followed by a pause, possibly with a twitch, before another vigorous rip. 33:15 - He mentions their efforts to provide resources for those unable to take guided trips, such as launching a video series on their website and social media, offering tutorials on fly tying, sharing fishing tips through their podcast named "Spot Burn", and planning to show real fishing techniques through videos. 40:53 - Dan describes muskie fishing as a "knife fight in a phone booth" rather than a long-distance battle, highlighting the aggressive nature of muskies and their tendency to try to escape rather than take long runs. He suggests giving the fish multiple hard strip sets to ensure the hook is properly set, noting that muskies are adept at freeing themselves from hooks. 48:36 - We dig into the ideal gear for a musky fishing trip. He recommends large nets, specifically the Solo Slimer Net from RS Nets USA for durability and the Stowmaster for its foldability, to accommodate different fishing boat sizes. For rods, he suggests a 2pc 10-weight from the Chippewa River Custom Rod, made in Wisconsin, for its lightweight and casting capability. He also emphasizes the importance of having the right line, recommending Cortland's Pike Muky Sink 4 and Intermediate lines for versatility in different fishing conditions. You can get a chance to win a spot in our upcoming Musky School and a bunch of gear specifically for musky fishing by signing up through this link: wetflyswing.com/giveaway. 56:36 - Dan explains the concept of the "figure eight" technique used in musky fishing, where the angler makes a figure eight motion with their rod tip next to the boat to entice muskies to bite. 1:08:07 - Dan tells us about Louis Spray, a notorious figure known for his pirate-like demeanor and significant achievements in fly fishing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/605 

605 | Musky Fly Fishing with Dan Donovan of Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604  Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, TroutRoutes Today's episode focuses on an important organization helping to generate billions of dollars to protect our fish species. Join me as I chat with Connor Bevan, the Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association. Hear how partnerships on Capitol Hill shape the future of fish species preservation. Today you will also find out how you can lend your voice to this cause and ensure our fish populations will thrive for generations. Plus, we'll also take a thrilling ride to ICAST—the world's largest sportfishing event this July in Florida! Show Notes with Connor Bevan on American Sportfishing Association. 2:00 - Connor's fishing adventures began in Northern California with his dad. Connor also enjoys fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary and the Delaware River on the East Coast. The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA) The ASA is the leading trade association for the recreational fishing industry. They advocate for healthy fisheries and science-based policies. Their efforts contribute to the US economy, with an annual impact of $148 billion. 8:00 - ASA deals with a wide range of issues, but one of their major focuses is reauthorizing the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act). 10:30 - ASA is a link between the sportfishing community and Capitol Hill. They leverage the community's voice to ensure they have a nationwide appeal. 13:00 - Connor says that while there is a common understanding of the need for healthy fisheries, ASA acknowledges that Congress needs to balance various priorities. It is important to educate decision-makers on the impact of what they do on water quality, fishing, and overall environmental health. What You Can Do to Help 15:27 - Connor suggests several ways: Get involved with Keep America Fishing. This is their advocacy platform for anglers to weigh in on different issues both on national and regional levels. Share any local issues or concerns with ASA. Connor says they are always interested in hearing what's going on at the local level. Become an active member of the community.  What is the ICAST?  17:00 - The ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing industry trade show. It's where you can see all the latest products, innovations, and trends in the industry. This year's ICAST 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida from July 16th to July 19th. 19:13 - Connor says that fly fishing's presence at ICAST is growing. Last year they introduced a dedicated floor space for fly companies, and they saw a lot of interest. 26:37 - One of the American Sportfishing Association's big focuses over the last several years has been taking a more preventative look at aquatic invasive species. The fishing and boating industry launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to improve preventive and management strategies for these invasive species. 28:18 -  The MAPLand Act requires federal agencies to standardize and digitize maps they hold within the agencies. ASA supports the MapWaters Act to similarly direct federal agencies to digitize and standardize that mapping information. A Day in the Life at Capitol Hill  35:18 - Connor says that every day is different for him. He spends a lot of time in meetings with legislative staff. Travel is a big part of the job. Connor attends trade shows and conducts site visits. He also coordinates regularly with their members to discuss issues affecting their businesses. 36:54 - Excise taxes are fees imposed on the sale of fishing gear like rods, reels, and even marine fuel. These funds are then distributed to state agencies based on a specific formula.  Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604  

In the Bucket Podcast #1 - Spey Fishing Mastery with Brian Niska from the Skeena Spey Lodge

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