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

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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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Pennsylvania guide Brendan Ruch, who shares expert techniques for challenging summer fishing conditions.

With waters running low and clear across PA, Ruch reveals why subtle surface presentations are outfishing aggressive popper techniques, demonstrating Matt Miles' proven method of creating slack movement that mimics injured insects without spooking selective fish.

Learn specific cicada shimmy strategies that trigger strikes when fish are being "sippy" and discover Ruch's go-to subsurface patterns including the Single Nut Job on size 2 hooks and MFC's mini-Sex Dungeon in olive and tan colorations that are producing consistent results. Ruch provides detailed sizing and weight specifications for these productive smallmouth patterns while explaining how to adapt your approach when fishing pressure increases in limited access areas.

Whether you're dealing with similar low water conditions or looking to refine your surface fishing techniques, this episode delivers actionable insights from a guide who's consistently putting clients on fish during tough summer conditions.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

Related Content

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

S7, Ep 57 - Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa

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

S7, Ep 50 - The Art of the Follow: Streamer Strategies and Fishing Tales from East Tennessee

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In this must-listen fly fishing podcast episode, host Marvin Cash welcomes back Blane Chocklett, the inventor of the revolutionary Game Changer platform, for another installment of The Chocklett Factory series.

Blane Chocklett, renowned fly designer, guide and author, reveals his most anticipated fly tying materials set to revolutionize the tying bench this fall and winter season.

Discover breakthrough innovations including flexible crustacean eyes that solve traditional mono eye problems, premium foam products for superior terrestrial patterns and specialized brush systems designed specifically for Game Changer applications.

Learn about finesse brushes for ultra-realistic patterns, support brushes for hybrid tying techniques, jerk changer brushes for lifelike baitfish action and complete body part systems for cicadas, shrimp and crawfish imitations.

Hear about Blane's collaboration with Mississippi State University and other institutions on acoustic tagging research aimed at establishing protective regulations for jack crevalle through scientific research.

Get the inside scoop on upcoming product releases including ready-to-tie kits that provide everything needed to master the Game Changer platform, making these advanced techniques accessible to fly shops and new tiers alike.

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

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 41 - Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch

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Join The Butcher Shop podcast host Marvin Cash for an exclusive deep dive into fly line design and manufacturing with Josh Jenkins, R&D Manager at Scientific Anglers.

Josh Jenkins brings mechanical engineering expertise and years of hands-on experience developing fly lines for America's leading manufacturer. As SA's sole engineer, Jenkins oversees product development, manufacturing optimization and quality control for the company's entire line portfolio.

Discover the complete fly line manufacturing process from core selection through PVC coating application. Learn how Scientific Anglers revolutionized the industry by moving from tapered cores to level cores with tapered plastic coatings. Understand the collaboration process between pro staff anglers and engineers that drives new product development.

Explore specialized line development for musky fishing, including running line diameter optimization for powerful strip sets and color contrast improvements for low-light visibility. Get insights into new sinking line densities and the evolution from basic streamers to modern oversized flies.

Learn production realities including minimum viable quantities (200-300 lines annually), development timelines from concept to retail and the technology evolution from mechanical cam systems to computer-controlled manufacturing that enables rapid prototyping.

Ready to understand what makes premium fly lines perform? This episode delivers insider knowledge every serious angler needs.

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 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

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

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00:00 Introduction

05:19 From Idaho to Scientific Anglers

07:19 Role of R&D Manager at SA

08:57 Insights into Fly Line Manufacturing

14:11 Rise of Specialty Fly Lines

15:31 Collaboration with Pro Staff

19:23 Technology and Innovations in Fly Lines

23:33 Changes in Fly Design and Technique

26:59 Impact of Fly Lines on Rod Design

31:12 Timeline for Bringing New Lines to Market

32:54 Development Process for Musky Gen 2

35:18 Upcoming Products and Innovations

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

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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 .

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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 .

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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

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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.

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Follow Brendan on Facebook and Instagram.

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