In this captivating episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash welcomes Austin Conrad, co-owner of Virginia Trophy Guides, to explore the vibrant world of Virginia smallmouth and musky fishing. Austin shares his journey into fly fishing, recounting early memories with his grandfather and the pivotal moments that led him to the "dark side" of fly fishing as an adult. Listeners are treated to the legendary tale of Skippy Britches and Austin's insights into the rich fishing culture of the Mid-Atlantic region.

The conversation delves into the nuances of guiding, with Austin reflecting on the mentors who shaped his path, including George Costa and Josh Laferty. He emphasizes the importance of a service-oriented approach to guiding, aiming to provide a memorable and educational experience for clients, regardless of conditions. Austin shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful guide, highlighting the balance between fishing hard and ensuring clients leave with newfound skills and knowledge.

Austin also addresses the challenges posed by increasing fishing pressure and the role of technology in modern fishing practices. He advocates for safe handling practices and responsible fishing to preserve the fisheries for future generations. The discussion touches on the unique year-round opportunities offered by Virginia Trophy Guides, from musky fishing in the winter to the exhilarating topwater smallmouth action in the warmer months.

Listeners are invited to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Virginia and experience the thrill of fishing with Virginia Trophy Guides. Austin's passion for the region and commitment to sustainable fishing practices shine through, making this episode a must-listen for fishing enthusiasts.

Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

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Helpful Episode Chapters

0:00:00 Introduction

0:03:37 Early Fishing Memories

0:11:15 The Guide Bug

0:13:36 Starting Virginia Trophy Guides

0:18:34 Secrets to Being a Good Guide

0:25:00 Misconceptions About Guiding

0:35:39 The Guide Season Overview

0:50:56 Smallmouth Bass: The Underrated Fighter

0:52:58 Transitioning to Musky Fishing

0:57:05 Navigating Summer Heat

0:59:33 The Allure of Topwater Fishing

1:04:15 The Importance of Safe Fish Handling

1:17:58 The Pressure on Our Fisheries

1:25:56 Advocating for Sustainable Fishing Practices