The Articulate Fly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the final Central PA Fishing Report of the year. As winter takes hold, George shares insights into current water conditions, with temperatures dropping into the low to mid-40s. He discusses the transition of fish into deeper, slower waters post-spawn and the effectiveness of slow nymphing and streamer fishing during this period.

The conversation touches on the impact of a recent cold snap on Steelhead Alley, where fishing conditions have been challenging due to ice and snow. George offers advice on selecting streams in Central PA, emphasizing the importance of experience and personal preference, whether you're after numbers or size.

Listeners are encouraged to send in questions, with a chance to win Articulate Fly swag and enter a drawing. As the holiday season approaches, George highlights TCO Fly Shop's winter classes and sales, inviting anglers to brush up on their skills. Marvin and George extend warm holiday wishes to all, reminding everyone to enjoy the festive season and look forward to more fishing adventures in the New Year.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the year with Ellis Ward, delivering the final East Tennessee Fishing Report of the season. As they discuss the current fishing conditions, Ellis shares his recent experiences on the water, including musky fishing on the French Broad and the challenges posed by sediment in Watauga Lake. Despite the obstacles, Ellis notes the excellent musky fishing and the resilience of musky habitat post-Hurricane Helene.

The conversation shifts to tactics for fishing deeper, slower waters for larger tailwater trout, with Ellis offering insights into streamer fishing and the importance of presentation. He emphasizes the need for patience and understanding fish behavior, whether using large streamers or smaller, sparsely tied patterns.

As the episode concludes, Marvin and Ellis announce the winner of the season's drawing, with Jared McCabe winning a full day trip with Ellis. They also discuss Ellis' upcoming availability for trips and the anticipated release of his bucktails. Marvin reminds listeners about the benefits of joining their Patreon community, including discounts on bucktails and guide trips.

As the year draws to a close, Marvin and Ellis extend warm holiday wishes to all, encouraging everyone to enjoy the festive season and look forward to more fishing adventures in 2025.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with John Leraas, the owner of Tailwaters Fly Company, the newest fly shop in East Tennessee. Tailwaters caters to the serious fly angler and fly tier, and John shares his fly fishing journey, the allure of East Tennessee as a fishing destination and his vision for the shop. John recounts his earliest fishing memories from the Pacific Northwest and his eventual transition to fly fishing, influenced by mentors from the Puget Sound Fly Fishers and Triangle Fly Fishers.

John discusses the challenges and rewards of opening a fly shop, emphasizing the importance of community and the unique offerings of Tailwaters, including a vast selection of fly tying materials and niche products. He highlights the rich ecosystem of guides and fly fishing enthusiasts in the region, as well as the diverse fishing opportunities available in East Tennessee, from wading for big brown trout to striper fishing in Boone Lake.

The episode also touches on the impact of Hurricane Helene on the local fishing community and encourages listeners to support the region by visiting and booking guide trips. Marvin and John discuss the future plans for Tailwaters, including the development of an online store and potential events and instructional content.

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

00:00 Introduction

09:50 Moving to East Tennessee

14:18 Opening the Fly Shop

16:50 Navigating Challenges After Helene

22:48 Creating the Shop's Atmosphere

31:09 Overview of Local Fisheries

36:46 Shop Location and Hours

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. Matt shares his recent experiences on the water, navigating the challenges of a significant cold front that brought gusting winds and snow. Despite the harsh conditions, Matt remains focused on musky fishing, discussing the impact of fluctuating temperatures on fish behavior and offering insights into how anglers can adapt to these changes.

Matt delves into the nuances of musky fishing in winter, emphasizing the importance of understanding fish metabolism and movement patterns. He offers valuable advice for those looking to tie their own musky flies, recommending starting with simpler patterns like the Buford and Optimus Swine, and highlighting the significance of quality materials, particularly bucktail, in fly tying.

The conversation also touches on the upcoming fishing opportunities in Southwest Virginia, with Matt mentioning available musky days and the excitement of the spring cicada hatch. As the episode wraps up, Marvin and Matt encourage listeners to support local communities affected by Hurricane Helene by visiting and shopping in the region during the holiday season.

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 dives into an insightful discussion with Mac Brown for another installment of Casting Angles. Mac discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by winter fishing and the importance of adapting to what the river offers.

Mac emphasizes the significance of adjusting techniques to suit the season, particularly with the recent stockings in Western Carolina. The duo explores the concept of "taking what the river gives you," highlighting the diverse strategies anglers can employ to maximize their success. From egg patterns to unorthodox presentations, Mac shares valuable insights into navigating the unique behaviors of both hatchery and wild fish.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace a flexible approach, leveraging multiple presentation tools and adapting to different fishing conditions. Marvin and Mac discuss the importance of having a progression process, especially when fishing with friends, to quickly determine the most effective techniques. They also touch on the impact of hatchery operations in North Carolina, providing updates on the delayed renovations and current stocking efforts.

As the episode concludes, Marvin and Mac urge listeners to support local communities affected by Hurricane Helene, encouraging them to explore fishing opportunities in Western North Carolina, East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. With the holiday season in full swing, they extend warm wishes to all, looking forward to reconnecting in 2025.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Blane Chocklett for an engaging installment of The Chocklett Factory. Blane shares his whirlwind travel adventures from 2024, including memorable events in Maine and Louisiana. He highlights his involvement with the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA) and their efforts to protect saltwater fish, particularly through initiatives like The Albie Project and new research on jack crevalle.

Blane reflects on the impact of legendary fly tiers like Bob Popovics and Lefty Kreh, emphasizing their influence on modern fly fishing. He shares personal stories and the importance of preserving their legacy through upcoming events. The conversation also touches on Blane's exciting new products from The Chocklett Factory, including innovative fly tying materials and apparel, set to ship in 2025.

Listeners are invited to explore upcoming shows and schools, with Blane highlighting his participation in events like Bobbin' the Hood and collaborations with industry partners. As the episode concludes, Marvin and Blane extend warm holiday wishes, encouraging anglers to enjoy the season and look forward to the New Year.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with George Costa for the latest Central PA Fishing Report. As winter settles in, George shares his recent fishing adventures, including a chilly but exciting trip with Austin from Virginia Trophy Guides. Despite the cold and wind, the sight of big muskies made the trip memorable.

George provides a detailed update on the current conditions in Central Pennsylvania, highlighting the cold, windy weather and recent snowfall. He discusses river conditions, noting that while the water remains low and clear, upcoming precipitation could improve flows. Anglers are reminded to be cautious of spawning fish on redds and advised on effective nymphing strategies, including egg patterns and small mayfly imitations. Streamer fishing is also recommended, with post-spawn fish eager to chase.

The conversation shifts to the steelhead season, where recent rains have boosted activity on the Alley. George shares insights into the bustling holiday season at TCO Fly Shop, inviting listeners to explore their holiday gift guide and take advantage of sales and new products. He also highlights upcoming winter fly fishing classes and encourages anglers to reach out for travel advice.

Listeners are encouraged to submit their questions for a chance to win Articulate Fly swag and participate in a special drawing in early 2025. George wraps up by sharing the shop's location and inviting everyone to visit TCO Fly Shop in State College or any of their Pennsylvania locations.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Ellis Ward for an engaging East Tennessee Fishing Report. As the holiday season approaches, the duo discusses the excitement of musky fishing in the cold, with Ellis sharing recent experiences on the water. Despite the chilly weather, Ellis recounts the thrill of introducing a first-time musky angler to the excitement of the chase, even if no muskies were landed. He emphasizes the importance of getting out there, reminding listeners that fish can't be caught from the couch.

The conversation shifts to the current conditions on the Watauga and South Holston rivers. Ellis provides an update on the slow clearing of the Watauga, likening its turbidity to chocolate milk, and discusses the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for anglers. Meanwhile, the South Holston's unusual tinge is compared to a limestone creek, offering a different kind of fishing experience.

Ellis dives deep into the intricacies of streamer fishing, responding to a listener's question about the best fly line. He shares his preference for the Rio Outbound Short, highlighting its durability and versatility across the water column. The discussion covers the nuances of line configurations and their impact on fly presentation, providing valuable insights for those looking to enhance their streamer game.

As the episode wraps up, Marvin encourages listeners to submit their questions for a chance to win Articulate Fly swag and prizes from Ellis Ward. Ellis updates listeners on his availability for fishing trips and shares details about his bucktail offerings, available through his website and Tailwaters Fly Company. For those looking to support the show and gain exclusive benefits, Marvin highlights the community opportunities available on Patreon.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Mac Brown for an insightful discussion on transitioning from late fall to early winter fishing. As the temperatures drop, Mac shares his expertise on how these seasonal changes affect trout behavior and fishing strategies. The duo explores the nuances of winter fishing, emphasizing the importance of targeting slower water and deeper pools as trout seek warmer environments. Mac highlights the joy of midge fishing during the winter months, recounting experiences on the Davidson River and offering practical tips on fly selection and presentation.

Listeners gain valuable insights into how weather patterns influence fish activity, with Mac advising anglers to pay attention to temperature changes and sunlight exposure. The conversation delves into the intricacies of fishing freestone streams during the colder months, with Marvin sharing his preference for stonefly nymphs as a reliable winter tactic. Both Marvin and Mac emphasize the importance of patience and persistence when fishing in the winter, encouraging anglers to slow down and thoroughly work each pool.

As the episode progresses, Marvin and Mac discuss the upcoming fly fishing shows and the unique opportunity they present for anglers to enhance their skills. Mac shares his excitement about teaching alongside Christopher Rounds in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and highlights the value of investing in high-quality instruction. The episode concludes with Marvin encouraging listeners to support local communities post-Helene and take advantage of the winter fishing opportunities in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Marvin and Mac extend warm wishes to all listeners, reminding them to cherish the seasonal transitions and enjoy the rewards of winter fishing.

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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