Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another essential Ruch Report with smallmouth bass guide Brendan Ruch, fresh from successful trips to Michigan waters with Schultz Outfitters and western Pennsylvania streams.

Despite challenging mid-Atlantic conditions with high, dirty water disrupting traditional topwater fishing, Brendan shares proven strategies for adapting to stained water conditions using copper flash patterns, tan and olive brown crayfish imitations and downsized presentations on slower flats.

Learn critical hook removal techniques for tongue-hooked smallmouth bass, including the proper hemostat method that significantly reduces bleeding and improves fish survival compared to hand removal.

Brendan reveals why copper flash outperforms pearl in stained water, how to adjust your pre-spawn Nut Job patterns for varying flow conditions and tactical approaches for fishing both flats and faster water when visibility is compromised.

This timely summer fishing report provides actionable insights for smallmouth anglers dealing with fluctuating water levels and challenging conditions, plus essential fish care techniques that every responsible angler should master for successful catch and release.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

Related Content

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

S1, Ep 97 - All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz

S7, Ep 40 - Exploring the Carp Game: Techniques and Tales with Corey Haselhuhn of Schultz Outfitters

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

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

Join Marvin Cash on this episode of The Butcher Shop as he explores one of saltwater fly fishing's most revolutionary patterns with Captain Ben Whalley, a Maine striped bass guide and a keeper of Bob Popovics' innovative tying methods.

Captain Ben Whalley brings unparalleled insight into Bob Popovics' techniques, having developed a close mentorship with the legendary fly designer before his passing. As a professional striped bass guide fishing Maine's challenging waters, Whalley has refined these patterns for diverse saltwater conditions.

Discover the fascinating history behind the Beast Fleye's development, from Bob's initial 14-inch prototype that earned its name for being "a beast to cast." Learn essential tying fundamentals including bucktail selection, mono extension techniques and the critical reverse-tying method that creates the fly's distinctive breathing action.

Master the art of sparse tying with matchstick-diameter material proportions, understand how to create proper taper through staged construction and learn tackle setups from floating lines for surface feeds to 400-grain fast-sink heads for deep current fishing.

Get proven presentation strategies including stop-and-go retrieves that trigger strikes, plus tactical advice for fishing rocky ledges versus open water situations.

Ready to elevate your saltwater fly game with this game-changing pattern?

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Ben on Instagram .

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube .

Shop on Amazon 

Become a Patreon Patron 

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

Check out our consulting options !

00:00 Introduction

06:11 Meeting Bob Popovics

08:14 The Birth of the Beast Fleye

20:30 Triggers and Techniques

33:30 The Role of Synthetics

40:22 Adapting to Different Fisheries

46:54 Common Mistakes to Avoid

51:09 Final Thoughts and Tips

58:01 Fly Drop Information

The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast returns with another Chocklett Factory update featuring legendary fly designer Blane Chocklett, creator of the revolutionary Game Changer platform and founder of The Chocklett Factory fly company.

Blane Chocklett brings decades of guiding experience and fly tying expertise to this comprehensive update on his latest innovations. As the mastermind behind Game Changer flies that have transformed cold water, warm water and saltwater fly fishing, Chocklett shares insights from his extensive travel schedule and product development work.

Discover the behind-the-scenes development of multiple new fly patterns hitting the market, including craw changers, hellgrammite changers, leech changers and nymph changers. Learn how Chocklett's new production facility will scale output by 10 times while maintaining his exacting quality standards.

Explore the enhanced swimming action of the new mop tail changer, which combines the Game Changer platform with a mop tail for irresistible movement. Understand how realistic fly movement and triggering qualities drive fish to eat, even in neutral or negative feeding situations.

Get exclusive details on Chocklett's collaboration with TFO on the new Moment saltwater rod series, designed for targeting giant fish with high line speed, tight loops and pinpoint control. Learn about his custom Ahrex hook development project featuring hooks designed specifically for tying Game Changers for optimal fly performance.

Ready to upgrade your fly fishing arsenal with proven patterns from one of the sport's most innovative minds? This episode delivers actionable insights for serious anglers targeting everything from smallmouth to tarpon.

S2, Ep 114 - All Things Game Changer with Blane Chocklett

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

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

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

Follow Blane on Facebook and Instagram .

Follow The Chocklett Factory on Instagram .

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

Check out our consulting options!

Join Marvin Cash on this tactical episode featuring smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. With high water keeping anglers off their home waters, Brendan shares his expertise on optimizing Lamson three-pack reel setups for serious smallmouth fishing, breaking down the perfect trio of fly lines for varying conditions. Learn how to match fly lines to your rod's action, discover why intermediate lines require seasonal swapping to avoid sticky summer performance and master the game-changing Titan Sink Tip Type 3 for high water streamer fishing.

Brendan reveals his color selection strategy for smallmouth flies, detailing when to fish black and olive patterns with copper flash in green water versus natural white and ginger combinations for clearer conditions.

Whether you're targeting smallmouth in spring runoff or summer low water, this episode delivers actionable insights on line selection, fly color theory and seasonal adaptation strategies that will immediately improve your smallmouth bass fishing success across varying water clarity and temperature conditions.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

Related Content

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

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

S7, Ep 19 - Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt Reilly

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

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. As summer heats up, Brendan shares his insights on adapting smallmouth strategies, particularly focusing on topwater techniques and the importance of scaling down baitfish sizes for summer flows.

Listeners will learn about the effectiveness of using smaller, slim-profile baitfish flies and the benefits of experimenting with larger flies in faster water. Brendan emphasizes that anglers shouldn't shy away from using five-inch flies, especially in high-gradient rivers, while also discussing his preferred methods for fishing topwater, including creating a wake with various poppers.

The conversation also dives into Brendan's recent research and development efforts, including a new single hook version of the popular Nut Job. He shares tips on tying and fishing this innovative pattern, which has been performing well even in challenging conditions.

This episode is filled with practical advice and engaging discussions that will inspire anglers to make the most of their summer fishing adventures.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash is joined by Fletcher Sams, the innovative mind behind the Tweaker. Fletcher shares his journey into the world of visual eats and swim bugs, delving deep into the creation of the Tweaker, the fishing problem it addresses and the unique design features that make it effective.

Listeners will discover the inspiration behind the name and the challenges Fletcher faced in developing a fly that could navigate tight, brush-filled creeks while maintaining a weedless presentation. He discusses the intricate details of the fly's construction, including the importance of hook selection, head design and the use of buoyancy to enhance performance.

The conversation also covers tips for tying the Tweaker, common mistakes to avoid and the nuances of fishing this innovative pattern. Fletcher emphasizes the importance of visual engagement while fishing and shares his preferred tackle setup for maximizing success on the water.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for fly tyers and anglers alike, offering a fascinating look into the creative process behind one of the most exciting streamers out there today.

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

Check Out Fletcher Tying the Tweaker

All Things Social Media 

Follow Fletcher on Instagram .

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube .

Support the Show 

Shop on Amazon 

Become a Patreon Patron 

Subscribe to the Podcast 

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck? 

Check out our consulting options!

Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:42 The Origin of the Tweaker

00:08:48 Influences on Design

00:10:03 Bite Triggers and Action

00:15:33 Constructing the Tweaker

00:21:57 Proportions for Different Sizes

00:28:18 Choosing the Right Beads

00:30:54 Selecting Quality Deer Hair

00:34:11 Deer Hair Proportions Explained

00:35:05 Head Design and Function

00:50:05 Common Mistakes in Tying

00:51:54 Tools for Tying Success

00:53:09 Fishing the Tweaker

01:01:51 Line Preferences for the Tweaker

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Russ Maddin at the vise for a lively discussion about the iconic Circus Peanut. As Russ ties this innovative pattern, he shares the fascinating backstory behind its creation in the early 2000s, highlighting the guiding challenges that inspired its design. Listeners will learn about the unique two-hook construction that helps keep fish hooked longer, a game-changer for streamer fishing enthusiasts.

Russ dives deep into his approach to streamer fishing, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques based on water conditions and fish behavior. He offers valuable insights into fly selection, including his favorite materials and setups for different scenarios. The conversation also touches on the evolution of fly lines and how advancements in technology have changed the way anglers present their flies.

Throughout the episode, Russ shares practical tips for retrieving the Circus Peanut effectively, including the importance of varying cadence and keeping the line straight. He also discusses common mistakes that novice tiers make and how to avoid them, ensuring that listeners walk away with actionable advice to improve their tying game.

This episode is a treasure trove of information for fly anglers looking to refine their skills and learn more about one of the most versatile streamer patterns in the sport.

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

All Things Social Media

Follow Russ on Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:56 The Circus Peanut's Origin Story

00:05:01 Influences Behind the Design

00:09:45 The Purpose of the Circus Peanut

00:24:00 Modern Materials for Tying

00:28:05 Favorite Hook and Bead Combinations

00:45:05 The Importance of Line Selection

00:48:48 Matching the Biomass

00:57:06 Techniques for Retrieving the Peanut

01:11:32 New Developments in Fly Tying

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for another exciting Ruch Report. Brendan shares his latest fishing adventures, recounting a rollercoaster day on the water filled with unpredictable weather and some impressive catches. The duo dives into the intricacies of fishing under changing conditions, discussing the various techniques and strategies that proved successful during Brendan's outing.

As they prepare for an upcoming weather front, Brendan provides insights into how the shifting temperatures and water levels will impact fishing. He also addresses a listener's question about preferred knots for terminal tackle setups, explaining his choices for smallmouth fishing and the reasoning behind them. From perfection loops to blood knots, Brendan shares his expertise to help listeners refine their fishing techniques.

Listeners will also learn about Brendan's go-to leader formulas for topwater and streamer fishing, along with tips for adapting to different fishing scenarios. As summer approaches, Brendan discusses his availability for guided trips and the excitement of cicada fishing, inviting anglers to reach out for a chance to fish with him.

This episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their smallmouth game this season.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for a new Ruch Report. The duo dives into the recent weather challenges in Pennsylvania, discussing how the heavy rains have impacted fishing but also set the stage for a promising post-spawn bite. Brendan shares his experiences from the past week, where he navigated through a mix of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, revealing the unique conditions that led to some interesting fishing strategies.

Listeners will gain valuable insights as Brendan explains the nuances of fishing during this transitional time, including the importance of using bright flies in stained water and the challenges of hooking fish that are nipping at the fly. The conversation also explores Brendan's favorite summer crayfish patterns and his approach to fishing them, emphasizing the significance of bottom contact and the techniques that can lead to hookups. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and camaraderie that will inspire you to hit the water.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

Learn to Tie Brendan's Nut Job

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reunites with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report, filled with fishing tales and a touch of humor. Brendan shares his recent adventures on the river, including a successful day of fishing despite some unpredictable weather. The duo lightheartedly discusses everything from imaginary convenience store chimichangas to Easter treats, setting the stage for a fun and engaging conversation.

As they dive deeper, Brendan reflects on the current spawning conditions, noting that while some fish are starting to spawn in certain waters, mass spawning events are still on the horizon. He also shares insights into his favorite fishing techniques, focusing on the effectiveness of his custom streamer, the Nut Job, which he’s been using with great success on both type three and intermediate lines.

Listeners will appreciate Brendan's detailed breakdown of his preferred rod, line and leader setup for fishing the Nut Job, emphasizing the advantages of using streamer-specific rods for better control and manipulation of the fly. The episode also highlights Brendan's latest video collaboration with Schultz Outfitters, showcasing updated techniques and materials for tying the Nut Job.

With plenty of practical tips and a light-hearted atmosphere, this episode is a must-listen for anglers looking to enhance their skills and enjoy the smallmouth season. Plus, Brendan announces the winner of the Prettiest Nut Job Contest, adding a fun twist to the episode!

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

All Things Social Media

Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Support the Show

Shop on Amazon

Become a Patreon Patron

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.

Advertise on the Podcast

Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?

Check out our consulting options!