In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash welcomes Robbie Kroger, founder and Executive Director of The Origins Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about hunting advocacy, wildlife conservation and the sustainable use model that's shaping the future of global conservation efforts.

Robbie Kroger brings an unconventional background to hunting advocacy. With a PhD in wetland ecology and aquatic biogeochemistry from the University of Mississippi, six years as a professor in the Wildlife Fisheries Department at Mississippi State and over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Robbie served as chief scientist for the BP oil spill restoration framework. His science-based, measured approach to communication sets The Origins Foundation apart in the hunting advocacy space.

Discover how The Origins Foundation communicates with non-hunters (not anti-hunters) using honesty, respect and scientific reasoning rather than emotional arguments. Robbie explains why sustainable use of wildlife isn't a silver bullet but rather one of only seven critical tools in the limited conservation toolbox. Learn why value-based wildlife management - whether protecting elephant habitat in Africa or managing wolf populations in the American West - creates incentives for local communities to coexist with wildlife rather than eliminate it.

Robbie details the world's largest cheetah relocation project, having moved 17 cheetahs into 500,000 acres of Mozambique habitat buffered by 10 million acres of protected land, with three more relocations planned for 2026. Hear about upcoming documentaries including "Sauvons Bambi" (debuting June 2026 in Paris) about European hunters using thermal drones to save roe deer fawns from farm equipment and "In My Footsteps" profiling the first scholarship recipient from a South African hunting charity who became a successful architect. The Foundation is also building schools and clinics in South Africa and Zambia while working on rhino and lion conservation initiatives.

Drawing on his experience growing up under South Africa's private wildlife ownership model, Robbie contrasts it with America's revolutionary public trust doctrine where wildlife belongs to everyone. He discusses the chronic underfunding of agencies like USFS, USFWS and BLM, arguing that public-private partnerships, biodiversity credits and creative funding models could dramatically improve stewardship. The conversation explores complex topics like fair chase ethics, social media responsibility for hunters and anglers, wolf management controversies and why both sides being upset with you often means you've found the right position.

The Origins Foundation actively engages with supporters across all social media platforms, typically with Robbie responding personally to messages. Whether attending major hunting shows from Wild Sheep Foundation to Safari Club International or meeting supporters for roadside coffee in Australia, the Foundation maintains an accessible, ego-free approach focused on lifting up the entire conservation community rather than self-promotion.

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

S7, Ep 98 - The Fight for Our Future: Land Tawney on Grassroots Advocacy and Public Lands

S6, Ep 97 - Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg Senyo

S7, Ep 2 - Nomadic Waters and the Allure of Amazonian Peacock Bass

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00:00 Introduction

04:50 A Non-Conventional Advocate

08:33 Understanding the Public Land Model

12:10 The Birth of Blood Origins

19:14 Engaging Non-Hunters

21:40 Management Philosophy Explained

25:16 Reaching the Persuadable Middle

33:48 Balancing Perspectives on Wildlife

38:08 Upholding Ethical Standards

43:40 Upcoming Documentaries and Projects

51:41 Managing Public Lands

59:07 Engaging with The Origins Foundation

The Articulate Fly's final Casting Angles segment of 2025 delivers essential cold weather fly fishing strategies from host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown, owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish in the Great Smoky Mountains.

As winter conditions settle across the country, Mac shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on layering techniques and gear selection that keep anglers comfortable and effective on the water when temperatures drop into the 20s and below.

Learn Mac's counterintuitive footwear approach of wearing boots 1-2 sizes larger to accommodate heavy wool socks without restricting circulation, preventing the painful cold that results from compressed feet. Discover the complete layering system using silk weight Capilene base layers, expedition weight mid-layers and quality Gore-Tex outer shells, plus Mac's ingenious shower cap trick for superior heat retention under toboggans.

The discussion covers critical hand protection using poly or nitrile food service gloves that maintain full casting sensitivity and strike detection while keeping hands warm through wet line handling.

Mac and Marvin also share tactical tips including why your jacket should always go over your waders, the value of Hot Hands and vintage hand warmers and how carrying a simple backpacking stove for hot beverages can extend your productive fishing time when temperatures drop.

Whether you're pursuing winter trout in neoprene waders or preparing for your first cold weather outing, this episode provides the complete blueprint for staying warm, dry and fishing effectively all winter long.

Related Content

S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing Strategies

S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques

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The Articulate Fly wraps up 2025 with the final Southwest Virginia Fishing Report featuring New River musky guide Matt Reilly, who shares essential winter musky fishing strategies and cold weather survival tactics in this fly fishing podcast.

As water temperatures drop to the critical 42-43°F threshold post-Thanksgiving, Reilly explains how musky transition into the deepest, slowest-moving winter holes on Southwest Virginia rivers. Learn a proven technique for locating winter musky by observing carp and suckers, which congregate in the same deep-water structures as muskies during cold months.

Reilly provides detailed cold weather fishing gear recommendations including his layered glove system (latex gloves under fingerless insulated gloves), Simms Challenger insulated bibs, cold weather Buffs and chemical hand warmers that keep anglers comfortable in freezing conditions.

With low, clear water conditions and fluctuating temperatures between snow and 50-degree days, understanding these winter musky patterns and prioritizing comfort over fishing are keys to success.

To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary streamer innovator Blane Chocklett to discuss his groundbreaking new hook line with Ahrex, designed specifically for modern articulated fly patterns and the Game Changer platform.

Blane Chocklett reveals how he completely reimagined hook sizing and design to solve the challenges fly tiers face when building articulated streamers. Rather than continuing to adapt existing hooks to his platforms, Chocklett collaborated with Ahrex to create hooks optimized for gap, shank length and wire gauge from the ground up.

Discover why traditional hook sizing creates problems for articulated patterns and how Chocklett's millimeter-based system (8mm to 80mm) eliminates the guesswork. Learn how proper hook gap prevents interference from brush bodies and bucktail and maintains optimal hookup ratios. Blane explains the critical relationship between shank length, vertebrae systems and the three-dimensional swimming action that makes Game Changers so effective.

Chocklett shares firsthand testing results from jack fishing expeditions where he locked down 100-pound backing on 35-42 inch fish to test the hooks' tensile strength. The forged construction proved its mettle under maximum pressure, giving confidence for everything from trout to tarpon.

Learn about the special promotion running through January 1st, where purchases over $100 enter you for prizes from Nautilus, TFO, SA, Costa and more. Blane discusses his dealer-first philosophy and upcoming appearances including Bear's Den, Lefty's Tie Fest and his 2026 teaching schedule.

Ready to upgrade your streamer tying? These hooks are available now through The Chocklett Factory, Chocklett Factory dealers and Hareline nationwide.

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In this East Tennessee Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with guide Ellis Ward to discuss the seasonal transition from brown trout to prime musky fishing on the French Broad River.

Ellis breaks down why December is a great time to chase musky in East Tennessee, explaining how low water conditions create unique presentation opportunities and how recent rain is settling the river into its winter patterns. With baby number three arriving this week, Ellis shares his strategic approach to the December lull, focusing clients on musky fishing while brown trout actively spawn.

In response to listener Austin's question about exploring new water, Ellis delivers a masterclass in scouting strategy, explaining how to use Google Maps to identify high-percentage areas like creek mouths, spring creek confluences and reservoir feeder streams throughout the region's extensive tailwater and lake systems. He emphasizes the importance of dedicated time on the water—three to four days per week minimum—to truly pattern any fishery, whether targeting stripers, smallmouth or trophy browns. Ellis wraps up by highlighting why January and February represent his favorite months for post-spawn trout fishing, promising "bonkers" days for anglers willing to brave the cold.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

Related Content

S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward

S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly

S7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward

S6, Ep 139 - Exploring East Tennessee's Changing Waters with Ellis Ward

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In this Thanksgiving edition of Casting Angles, fly fishing podcast host Marvin Cash and veteran casting instructor Mac Brown reflect on the blessings of local fishing opportunities and why fishing closer to home makes you a better angler. The conversation explores how pursuing multiple species—from trout and smallmouth bass to the often-overlooked musky fishery at Cheoah Reservoir—sharpens overall angling skills and reveals untapped potential in your own backyard. Mac emphasizes that winter is an ideal time to target alternative species on TVA impoundments and local lakes, waters that tend to be overlooked during the busy summer months. Whether you're looking to improve your casting technique through Mac's guide schools (now selling out early for spring dates) or discover new fishing opportunities within an hour of home, this episode delivers practical wisdom about making the most of what's available locally.

Related Content

S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown

S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques

S7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing, where he breaks down late fall musky fishing tactics on the New River during challenging low water conditions. Matt shares essential techniques for clear water musky fishing, including stealth approaches with long casts, downsizing presentations and speed retrieval strategies that trigger strikes even when fish are boat-shy.

The episode also delivers valuable technical guidance on intermediate fly line selection, explaining why 25-30 foot intermediate tips outperform full intermediate lines when fishing current seams and eddies in swift river systems like the New River. Matt details how floating running lines allow better line management and hook sets compared to full sinking lines that create problematic bellies in varying currents. Anglers fishing both rivers and lakes will gain actionable insights on matching line systems to water conditions, with specific recommendations for streamer fishing in Southwest Virginia's premier smallmouth bass and musky waters as the season transitions into winter.

To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.

Related Content

S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly

S7, Ep 12 - Cold Water Chronicles: Insights on Musky Fishing and Streamer Techniques with Matt Reilly

S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly

S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Land Tawney, outdoorsman, conservationist and co-founder of American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, to discuss the future of public lands conservation and effective grassroots advocacy strategies. With nearly 30 years of conservation leadership experience, including his transformative tenure at Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Land brings unparalleled expertise to this critical conversation about protecting our outdoor heritage.

Land reveals the strategic framework that helped him build one of the most successful coalitions in outdoor conservation history. He shares three essential ingredients for grassroots success: making activism fun and accessible, empowering young leaders without traditional hierarchical barriers and standing for core conservation principles without political compromise. These tactics helped Backcountry Hunters and Anglers grow from a small organization to a 40,000-member powerhouse that united duck hunters, fly fishermen, gear enthusiasts and big game hunters across political divides.

Land outlines the unprecedented challenges confronting American public lands through a framework of "dismantling, defunding and divesting." He details specific threats including proposed mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters wilderness, oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Ambler Road through Gates of the Arctic and ongoing efforts to sell off 3 million acres of public lands. These aren't isolated incidents—they represent a coordinated assault on the 640 million acres of public lands that belong to all Americans.

Learn why Land launched this new 501(c)(4) organization that can engage directly in political advocacy and lobbying without the restrictions placed on traditional conservation nonprofits. Unlike membership-based organizations constrained by corporate partnerships and federal grants, this nimble "speedboat" organization can speak truth to power and create the grassroots upswell that enables other conservation groups to negotiate effectively in Washington. Land explains how digital organizing, authentic communication and strategic political engagement are essential tools for this critical moment in conservation history.

Drawing from formative experiences on the Big Hole River during salmon fly hatches with his father and mentorship from conservation legends like Jim Posewitz, Land shares how early fly fishing memories shaped his conservation ethic. He discusses the importance of balancing responsible resource development with wilderness protection, citing examples from Montana timber management to Wyoming oil and gas fields that demonstrate how thoughtful compromise can benefit both extractive industries and fish and wildlife populations.

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

S2, Ep 40: Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited

S2, Ep 67: People of Bristol Bay - Tia Shoemaker of Grizzly Skins of Alaska

S2, Ep 83: People of Bristol Bay - Drew Hamilton of Friends of McNeil River

S2, Ep 93: People of Bristol Bay - Kate Crump of Frigate Adventure Travel

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00:00 Introduction

07:02 The Importance of Grassroots Activism

11:02 Empowering the Next Generation

15:32 Building a Broad Coalition

17:45 Utilizing Digital Tools for Community

26:08 The Role of American Hunters and Anglers Action Network

33:14 Addressing Current Environmental Threats

43:52 Responsible Resource Management

53:24 Call to Action for Listeners

Join The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast for a timely Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop in State College.

As late fall transitions into winter, George breaks down current conditions across Central PA's streams and provides essential guidance for navigating spawning season responsibly. With rivers running low and clear, he shares proven techniques including nymphing with smaller mayfly patterns, deploying egg patterns in deeper runs and timing your streamer fishing for low-light conditions to maximize success. George highlights the ongoing afternoon olive hatches that offer quality dry fly opportunities when temperatures warm and emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding spawning redds to protect trout populations.

Whether you're targeting Central Pennsylvania limestone streams or freestone waters, this report delivers actionable intelligence for winter fly fishing success while promoting ethical angling practices during the spawn.

Related Content

S5, Ep 145 - Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop

S6, Ep 118 - Central PA Fall Fishing Report: George Costa's Tips and Tactics

S6, Ep 129 - TCO Fly Shop's George Costa Discusses Prime Fall Fishing Conditions

S6, Ep 138 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown from Mac Brown Fly Fish in Bryson City, North Carolina, for another Casting Angles segment exploring an often-overlooked winter fishing strategy: dry fly fishing in cold weather conditions.

Mac reveals why winter dry fly fishing deserves more attention, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains where low, clear water and selective trout make stealth presentations with dries surprisingly effective. The discussion covers critical winter hatches including midges, blue wing olives and October caddis, with Mac emphasizing that BWOs in the Smokies are exceptionally small—requiring size 30 patterns for selective fish rather than the typical size 18 parachutes many anglers default to.

Both anglers share insights on dry dropper techniques for precision nymphing in skinny winter water, explaining how light rigs allow far more accurate presentations than indicator setups when targeting specific fish. Mac reflects on how his most memorable catches throughout his guiding career have come on dry flies during fall and winter, challenging the modern trend toward nymph-only approaches. The conversation also touches on late-winter black stonefly hatches and Mac's upcoming 2026 fly fishing show schedule including Boston, Edison, Denver, Bellevue, Pleasanton and Lancaster.

Related Content

S7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing Strategies

S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown

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