In this episode, Richard and John sit down with rod maker Chris Sparkman.  Chris is a retired math teacher and a talented rod maker.  We held this recording back a few weeks to coincide with the 2024 edition of the Rod Makers at Grayrock conclave.  We have a couple of other rod makers lined up; so be sure to check back for some more great listening!

In this episode of the Backcast Podcast, John and Richard are joined by John Walters.  John has been deeply involved in conservation for well over 20 years.  Whether leading TU at the local and state levels, serving as a director for the Anglers of the Au Sable or serving on the state’s Nature Resource Commission; John is at the conservation forefront of our rivers and woods and of the wildlife therein.  John is a great conversationalist and is always a fun guest.

In this episode of the Backcast Podcast we delve into the complexity of the legal system, the world of fishing and more with our special guest, George Mertz, a circuit court judge and passionate outdoor enthusiast. George takes us on an enlightening journey through his unique experiences both from the bench and riverside, offering insights into technology’s impact on court transparency, the joys and challenges of fly fishing, child engagement in outdoor activities, and in-depth tales of trout conservation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the BackCast Podcast!  We're excited to offer you a special off cycle episode with our film making friend Robert Thompson.  

Our regular listeners may recognize RT’s name from his film The River.  We’re especially pleased to be one of the first stops on his “film tour” celebrating the release of a new streaming offering called Night of the Hex II.

"As June arrives in the Midwest, it ushers in the emergence of the "Michigan Mayfly" or Hexagenia Limbata. This prolific hatch comes off at night and with it brings out the biggest trout to gorge on these bugs.  This is truly a unique fishing experience and can offer an angler both heartbreak and the possibility of a trophy brown trout, often in a single night. 

Follow five Midwestern fly fisherman, through various obstacles, as they chase this hatch and hunt these large brown trout under the cover of dark.

"Night of the Hex II" offers a glimpse into the fly fishing culture on Michigan's Au Sable river and what goes into fishing a hatch that is so unique, it has rarely been photographed."

Preview/Rent/Buy on Vimeo - http://vimeo.com/ondemand/noth2

Catch up with RT on Instagram @thirdyearff

We're back with an out of cycle treat for you.  Our guest for this episode is Amy Trotter who serves as the CEO for MUCC, the nation’s largest, most effective state-based conservation organization. Having served in this role since December 2018, Amy has been serving as Deputy Director since 2015 and on MUCC staff since 2007. She is responsible for carrying out the strategic objectives of the organization in all its phases: policy/program; outreach/education; communications; administrative and fundraising. Trotter provides staff leadership and development opportunities for up to 12 full-time staff and oversees the business operations, works with the MUCC Executive and Conservation Policy Boards and leads the annual budget development (~$1.4 million operating budget).

This is a fun and informative conversation; we hope you enjoy it!

After an unplanned absence; we’re back!  Richard & I are joined this week by Craig Porter. Aside from being a neighbor and friend; Craig was the Director of Photography and Video for the Detroit Free Press.  As you may imagine, Craig has seen a lot in the course of his photo journalist career!  We hope you’ll enjoy hearing Craig’s stories.  You may also check out some of his video shorts about the Au Sable here.

This week Richard and I chat with Ken Szabo.  Ken is the editor and publisher of Grouse Tales. Grouse Tales is the “official” newsletter of the Loyal Order of Dedicated Grouse Hunters.  The newsletter is a work of passion that Ken has been producing for 47 years.  Listeners interested in information or joining may email Ken at [email protected]

This week, Richard and I are joined by veterinary doctor Paul Mesack.  Paul is an avid outdoorsman and ran a very successful veterinary practice for many years in Grayling.  Paul sits down with us to talk about getting your dog ready for bird season and other items that are relevant to owning a dog in the Northwoods.  Paul is a fantastic gentleman and we hope you’ll enjoy this episode.

Richard and I are joined this week by Glen Blackwood.  Glen is our Regional Director of Development for the Ruffed Grouse Society.  He also sits on the Board of the Voelker Foundation.  When he is not tending to those duties, Glen also operates The Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company a wonderful fly shop and bookstore out of Rockford Michigan.  On top of that; Glen was recently named as the Fly Fishing columnist to Sporting Classics Magazine.

For this episode, Glen tells us about recent RGS/AWS developments, an update from the Voelker Foundation and a little Northwoods recon to get you fired up for bird seasons.  We always enjoy our visits with Glen and hope you will, too!

Our guest, this week, is a gentleman named David Boerema.  David started the Voyager Canoe Trip program.  The Voyager Canoe Trips offer young men an opportunity to get away from the everyday world they live in.  This opportunity to learn about tools of the trade, include identifying stars such as the North Star, direction (orienteering), learning survival skills, methods on how to make camp or prepare a meal in all conditions.  The experience provides a fundamental understanding of why conventional wisdom is not always the safe choice, and that true understanding comes from learning, reading, listening.  This produces a healthy respect for the world in which they will live in.

David and his team have positively impacted a large number of young people.  For more information on David’s program, check out the Voyager’s website at https://www.voyagerscanoetrips.com  Within the site you’ll find loads of information, along with their latest newsletter and some great photos!