The Articulate Fly

In this fly fishing podcast episode, host Marvin Cash reconnects with legendary fly designer and guide Blane Chocklett fresh off eight weeks on the road pursuing jack crevalle conservation and unveiling game-changing innovations from The Chocklett Factory.

Blane shares the ambitious Jack Project spanning Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Texas—placing acoustic tags on jack crevalle to generate scientific data for policy change. He makes a compelling case for protecting what he calls "the American GT," emphasizing how these powerful fish deserve the same respect anglers give to giant trevally worldwide.

The conversation tackles a critical crisis: menhaden populations are being overfished by 275 million pounds annually. Blane explains why this forage fish matters for everything from striped bass to whales and urges listeners to support ASGA's advocacy efforts with a simple one-minute action that can drive real regulatory change.

Blane unveils his latest problem-solving products designed to make tying easier and more effective:

• Rattle Box system that clips directly onto hooks and shanks (no more wrestling round rattles)
• Flexible weighted minnow eyes that eliminate the frustration of traditional dumbbell eyes
• Swim bladders that create buoyancy and unique wobbling action in streamers
• Spreader discs that build taper in Game Changers at half the tying time

Fresh insights from Cape Lookout's Albacore & Redfish Festival, where Game Changers and Gummy Minnows dominated the leaderboard—including Blane's son winning his third consecutive youth division title.

Tune in to discover how these innovations will transform your fly tying and learn how you can support critical fisheries conservation efforts.

S7, Ep 73 - The Chocklett Factory: Sneak Peek at New Products

S7, Ep 61 - The Chocklett Factory Unleashed: New Flies and Other Goodies with Blane Chocklett

S6, Ep 144 - The Chocklett Factory: Conservation, New Products and a Legacy Remembered

S6, Ep 101 - The Chocklett Factory: Fly Fishing Travels, Conservation and New Ventures

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for this timely Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with guide Matt Reilly, covering the challenging transition period as fall conditions settle in.

With water temperatures dropping into the low to mid-60s on the New River, Reilly shares honest insights about targeting large smallmouth bass during October's unpredictable conditions. Learn why big fish abandon their predictable summer spots this time of year and how effective strategies shift as the bug bite becomes more touch-and-go. Reilly discusses the challenge of prospecting in low, clear water, when to push topwater tactics versus upsizing streamers and why sight fishing remains critical when conditions allow. He also addresses the delicate balance of slowing presentations as fish become less aggressive and explains why targeting trophy smallmouth becomes tougher compared to the consistent late-summer patterns.

As musky season approaches, Reilly shares his booking calendar and why mid to late November offers ideal conditions for anglers new to musky on the fly, with more comfortable weather and higher fish activity before the dead of winter tightens things up.

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

Related Content

S6, Ep 112 - Smallmouth Transitions and Musky Prep: Matt Reilly's Southwest VA Update

S6, Ep 140 - Navigating Virginia's Bass and Musky Waters with Austin Conrad

S6, Ep 71 - Adapting to Heat and Low Flows: A Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly

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

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The Articulate Fly delivers timely central Pennsylvania fishing insights with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College, covering the transition into fall conditions across the region.

As water levels drop and the first frost arrives, Costa breaks down technical nymphing strategies that are producing results in low, clear water—emphasizing 6-7x tippet and precise presentations during limited afternoon bite windows.

Anglers will learn why small flies and long leaders are outperforming standard approaches, which fall hatches are still active (Octobers, olives and sporadic Isos) and when to expect terrestrial patterns to fade. Costa also previews the upcoming steelhead season, explaining how the forecasted rain will activate fish migration in Pennsylvania's Lake Erie tributaries, and discusses why dropping temperatures should trigger the streamer bite for aggressive brown trout.

Whether you're targeting technical trout in State College spring creeks or preparing for Great Lakes steelhead, this report provides actionable intelligence for fall fly fishing success in central PA.

Related Content

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

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

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

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

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Join Marvin Cash and Mac Brown on another segment of Casting Angles on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as they tackle the technical challenges of North Carolina's extremely low water conditions during delayed harvest season.

Mac Brown, veteran guide and casting instructor, shares essential leader construction techniques for technical low-water presentations, breaking down common misconceptions about leader design and energy transfer.

Learn why adding tippet to store-bought leaders creates presentation problems, and discover Mac's proven formula for building effective 20-foot leaders using stiff monofilament like Maxima Chameleon—10 feet of 15-pound butt section, 5 feet of 12-pound, 2.5 feet of 0X, then your tippet of choice.

Mac explains why modern nylon doesn't require complex tapered sections like old gut leaders did, debunks the "leader hinge" myth and reveals why he keeps the same leader on his rod for the entire fly line's lifespan.

The discussion covers critical low-water stealth tactics including staying out of the water entirely, lengthening leaders for distance and using lighter tippets down to 7X and 8X nylon for superior knot strength over fluorocarbon in small diameters.

With DH season underway and freestone streams running low across the Smokies, these expert adjustments will help you adapt your approach and connect with selective trout in challenging autumn conditions.

Related Content

S7, Ep 41: Navigating High Water: Strategies for Success 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

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

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In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash dives deep into one of fly fishing's most versatile streamer patterns with its creator, Doug McKnight. Calling in from Blacksmith Lodge in Punta Herrero, Mexico, Doug shares the complete story behind the Home Invader—from its origins on Pennsylvania spring creeks to its evolution into a deadly pattern for everything from Yellowstone brown trout to backcountry tarpon.

Doug McKnight brings three decades of streamer innovation to this fly fishing podcast, with patterns proven across multiple species and water types. Based in Livingston, Montana, Doug guides on the Yellowstone River and has adapted his signature patterns for both freshwater predators and saltwater gamefish. His design philosophy draws from legends Bob Clouser and Bob Popovics, emphasizing natural movement and practical fishability.

Listeners gain insider knowledge on the Home Invader's creation story, including the accidental discovery that combined pheasant marabou, Australian possum fur and Clouser-style lead eyes into a deadly baitfish imitation. Doug explains material selection—from sourcing premium pheasant marabou to choosing between possum, arctic fox and coyote fur for different fly sizes. He breaks down common tying mistakes, particularly over-dressing with fur, and shares his preferred method for securing lead eyes with thread wraps and Zap-A-Gap.

The core revelation: the Home Invader excels at slow presentations in fast water. Doug introduces his "do nothing" retrieve—casting with a 250-300 grain sink tip, getting tight to the fly and letting current provide all the action. This technique targets pressured brown trout holding in heavy Yellowstone River runs where traditional fast strips fail. Doug details his complete system: 7-8 weight rods, 24-foot sink tips, 15-pound Maxima butt sections and loop-knotted fluorocarbon tippets. Color selection follows water clarity—natural olives and tans in clear conditions, bright yellows and chartreuse in muddy water.

Doug reveals how Montana's fishing pressure has changed his approach over 20 years. Fish now occupy extremely difficult lies in heavy current where precise boat positioning matters more than ever. The Home Invader's inherent movement allows effective coverage of these spots with minimal manipulation—critical when you get only one cast to pressured fish. Doug discusses adapting fly weight by pairing different grain sink tips with varied lead eye sizes, creating everything from dredging presentations to near-surface swims.

The episode includes a bonus discussion of the Home Slice—Doug's weightless Home Invader variation for tarpon and permit. Using plastic eyes instead of lead, the Home Slice swims right-side-up and has proven deadly for backcountry species. Doug also shares his current permit experiment: fishing floating crab patterns over sargassum weed mats with explosive visual strikes.

Whether you're chasing Yellowstone browns, smallmouth bass or backcountry permit, this episode delivers actionable insights from a pattern designer who's refined his craft for 30 years. Doug's willingness to share detailed techniques—from leader formulas to retrieve cadences—makes this essential listening for serious streamer anglers.

Thanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

BONUS: Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ Maddin

BONUS: Shack Nasties and the Drunk & Disorderly: A Winter Chat with Tommy Lynch

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

S6, Ep 38: Shoal Bass Shenanigans and Fly Tying Philosophies with Georgia's Fletcher Sams

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00:00 Introduction

02:36 The Birth of the Home Invader

08:47 Materials and Tinkering

11:35 Tying Techniques and Common Mistakes

14:49 Fishing Techniques and Strategies

22:20 Adjusting to Water Conditions

24:50 Animation Techniques for the Fly

30:32 Adapting the Home Invader for Tarpon

33:20 Multi-Purpose Applications

In this East Tennessee Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Ellis Ward for timely fall fishing insights and essential drift boat etiquette.

Ward breaks down why mouse patterns are producing exceptional results right now, explaining how recent field harvests push rodents to the water and trigger aggressive feeding windows even during bright moon phases.

The conversation delivers practical drift boat etiquette for new boat owners, emphasizing communication over rigid rules when navigating crowded tailwaters and boat ramps.

Ward shares strategic timing advice for mousing success, noting how water clarity, moon phases and agricultural schedules all factor into peak activity periods.

He also previews the upcoming musky season and explains his approach to maintaining solitude on busy East Tennessee and North Carolina rivers.

Whether you're targeting trout with mouse patterns or learning to navigate drift boat dynamics, this fishing report provides actionable intelligence for fall fishing on Tennessee tailwaters.

S6, Ep 98 - Navigating Late Summer Waters and Mousing Tactics with Ellis Ward

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

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

S7, Ep 32 - Swim Flies and Trout Tactics: An East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward

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

With low, clear water conditions dominating Central PA streams, George breaks down the technical adjustments anglers need to make right now—long leaders, lighter tippets and smaller flies are essential for success. Learn which patterns are producing in these challenging conditions, from terrestrial dry droppers with hoppers, beetles and crickets to productive hatches like Tricos, Isos and October Caddis on waters like Penns Creek. George reveals the key depth strategy for finding fish in current conditions, targeting deeper slots of one to two feet where trout are holding.

Get the inside scoop on approaching steelhead season with fish already stacking at tributary mouths, plus details on TCO's fall fly tying classes and steelhead instruction.

Whether you're fishing Central PA's freestone streams or planning your steelhead tactics, this report delivers actionable intelligence for October fishing conditions.

Related Content

S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa

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

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

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

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash reconnects with guide Mac Brown for another Casting Angles segment focused on North Carolina's delayed harvest season.

With the first Saturday in October marking the start of DH fishing across Western North Carolina waters, Mac shares tactical insights for success throughout the fall and winter.

He explains how stocked trout behavior evolves rapidly—while "junk food" patterns work during the initial week, fish quickly become educated and demand more sophisticated presentations. Mac reveals his preferred approach: small dry flies (size 18-20) paired with wet fly droppers, which outperform the indicator rigs that 95% of anglers rely on.

He emphasizes egg patterns as consistently productive throughout winter as trout focus on spawning activity and recommends fishing them without suspension devices for direct contact.

The conversation covers why stocked fish look up due to hatchery feeding habits, the importance of natural presentation sink rates versus heavy tungsten beads and how to differentiate your tactics as fishing pressure increases.

Mac also announces his upcoming class and show schedule.

Related Content

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

S6, Ep 136 - From Arkansas to Appalachia: Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

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

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

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly podcast as he explores the intricate world of Atlantic salmon fly tying with Pennsylvania-based expert Tom Herr, who has spent over 35 years mastering both classic Victorian patterns and innovative freestyle artistic designs.

Tom Herr shares his remarkable journey from a self-taught 10-year-old tying yarn flies with his mother's sewing thread to becoming a recognized authority in Atlantic salmon fly tying. Discover how he transitioned from classic featherwing patterns like the Green Highlander and Jock Scott to creating stunning freestyle artistic flies inspired by unexpected sources, including an iconic Marilyn Monroe photograph.

Master essential fly tying techniques including Tom's signature pinch technique for precise material placement and thread control. Learn about specialized tools like the Regal Revolution and Italian Cotarrelli T-Rex vises, plus Tom's homemade burnishing tool for creating glass-smooth silk bodies. Understand the challenges of sourcing authentic Victorian materials and discover viable substitutes for rare feathers and traditional components.

Explore the difference between traditional married-wing patterns and modern hair-wing alternatives that provide an accessible entry point for aspiring salmon fly tiers. Tom reveals advanced techniques like creating curled married wings using household items and shares insights into synthetic materials from companies like Semperfli that replicate historical components.

Learn about fly fishing development in one of America's traditional angling regions, where Tom developed his skills on local streams before expanding to destinations like New Brunswick's Miramichi River and Alaska's Bristol Bay. Discover how the presentation philosophy passed down from his father continues to influence his approach both on the water and at the tying bench.

Discover how Tom uses his artistic salmon flies to support organizations like Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery and local charities. Learn about the therapeutic power of fly fishing and fly tying for veterans and cancer survivors, and understand how skilled anglers can make meaningful contributions to their communities through their expertise.

Ready to explore the artistic side of Atlantic salmon fly tying? This episode provides both technical instruction and inspiration for tiers looking to expand their skills while making a positive impact.

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

S4, Ep 4 - Matt O'Neal of Savage Flies

S6, Ep 91 - Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey

S6, Ep 124 - Fly Tying with Chase Smith

S6, Ep 73 - From Gear Dude to Fly Tying Guru: Adam Hortenberry's Journey and the Rhode Island Fly Bash

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00:00 Introduction

07:09 The Beginnings of Fly Tying

14:52 Transition to Salmon Flies

18:24 The Evolution of the Salmon Fly Tying Community

23:17 Ethical Considerations in Fly Tying

33:43 Essential Tying Techniques

38:19 Giving Back Through Fly Tying

45:12 Upcoming Events and Charities

The Articulate Fly podcast delivers another essential Ruch Report featuring expert guide Brendan Ruch, who shares critical fall bass fishing strategies while navigating his new role with Megabass.

In this timely episode, Ruch addresses the pivotal question of when to transition from topwater flies to ned rig techniques during fall fishing, revealing that low water conditions and extended warm weather are keeping topwater action alive well into autumn.

Learn about the most effective ned rig-style flies for bass, including detailed insights on Mini Boogeyman patterns from Montana Fly Company and Changer Craw designs that fall vertically under slack line and create erratic jigging actions that trigger strikes.

Ruch explains the specific setup and presentation techniques that make these crayfish-imitating flies so deadly for fall bass, plus shares valuable updates on current water conditions, including extremely low levels due to extended dry conditions.

The episode also covers Ruch's upcoming appearances at the renowned Bobbin the Hood event, where Golden Tickets are selling fast, and provides scheduling updates for anglers hoping to book guided trips.

Whether you're targeting numbers or trophy bass, this report delivers actionable intelligence for maximizing your fall fishing success.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

Related Content

S7, Ep 74 - Beyond the Popper: Subsurface Strategies with Brendan Ruch

S7, Ep 77 - Fall Fishing Forecast: Navigating Low Water and Technical Tactics with George Costa

S7, Ep 67 - Chasing Smallmouth: High Water Strategies with Brendan Ruch

S6, Ep 41 - Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch

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