Nothing is more blood-pressure-raising to me than pinning a big trout on an itty-bitty dry fly. Scoring the take is the fun part, no doubt, but after it happens I just assume the fish won’t make it to the net. It’s a bad attitude, I know, but fishing micro dry flies also means fishing hair-thin tippet.

Joe Demalderis is a fly shop owner and veteran guide on the upper Delaware River, which straddles the border of New York and Pennsylvania. Come late summer, tiny insects like flying ants are common menu items, which means pretty technical dry fly fishing. But Demalderis has been playing this game for over 30 years. He and I recently sat down for episode 30 of the "Quick Strike" Podcast to rap about how physics and keeping calm are the answer to besting behemoths on micro dries. 

This episode is brought to you by Victorinox.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Party boat fluking is perfect for anglers of any skill level. But even though the fishing isn’t really complicated, there are some things you should know before jumping on deck. Payton Gepp, captain of New Jersey’s Big Mohawk, explains how to get the most out of your day before you ever climb aboard.

Hosted by Outdoor Life fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Surface flies made of spun deer hair have been catching bass for more than a century. Today, Brandon Bailes is one of the best hair bug tyers in the U.S. He’s renowned for his ability to spin intricate, detailed patterns that are as much art pieces as functional. In this episode, he explains how to get these old-school bugs drawing up big summer bass.

Hosted by OL fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Aaron Stasiak, the man behind the wildly popular Instagram account, "The Qualified Captain," has seen every kind of trailer fail imaginable. Stasiak and I look at the most common problems that trip boaters up at the ramp — and how to avoid them.

Hosted by fishing editor Joe Ceremele 

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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The popularity of fishing for invasive northern snakeheads hasn’t stopped growing. Just ask Eddie Weber, the owner of High Octance Custom Baits, and Steve Cahn — two veteran snakehead junkies based in Maryland. This week we break down the most glaring rookie mistakes and teach you how to fix them. 

Hosted by OL fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Fishing to bass on their spawning beds has always been a touchy subject. Matt Pangrac, a pro angler and host of the “Bass Talk Live” podcast has tips for taking care of any spawning bass you might be targeting.

Hosted by OL Fishing Editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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“Big” is relative. If all you’ve ever landed are bluegills, a 5-pound bass is monstrous. If you play offshore, a 1,000-pound black marlin might qualify. My friend and host of the BigWater Adventures TV show, Mark Davis, has traveled the world filming fish that can physically hurt you. Here's his best advice on beating a big fish — whatever that means to you.

Hosted by OL fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen of Eighty Five Audio.

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In the right scenario, Euro nymphing can produce a lot more trout than traditional nymphing — so much that it's a polarizing method in many circles. Veteran guide and former competition fly angler Anita Coulton spends a lot of time teaching the method. So whether you’re just thinking about getting into the fly game or you’re already a seasoned pro, her insight will help you determine if and when you’re ready to go Euro. 

Hosted by OL fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Spring striper fishing can be exceptionally rewarding, but it's also much more nuanced than the fall. The insights veteran charter captain Eric Kerber shares in this episode will help anyone with a boat or fishing from shore make the most of this fleeting — yet magical — season.

Hosted by OL fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pederson / Eighty Five Audio.

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While the majority of Great Lakes steelheaders have moved on to other spring pursuits, the fish are still there. It's “drop-back” season now, and these tips from my buddy Paul Cain can help you score in those prime runs that you're likely to have all to yourself.

Hosted by Outdoor Life fishing editor Joe Cermele.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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