In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Blane Chocklett — tier, guide and founder of The Chocklett Factory — for a wide-ranging conversation covering conservation, product launches and what's ahead for one of fly fishing's most recognized innovators. Blane offers a firsthand recap of Tie Fest, the ASGA-backed conservation fundraiser held at Carter Andrews' property, where proceeds are funding a five-year jack crevalle acoustic tagging research program. He reflects on the community of guides, brands and fly fishing legends who showed up in honor of figures like Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics and Flip Pallot, and confirms the event will return in 2027.

The conversation then pivots to one of the most eagerly anticipated product releases from The Chocklett Factory: the commercially tied Feather Changer. Blane walks through the design history of this Game Changer platform variant — including the pivotal conversation with Bob Popovics that sparked the fly's development — and explains why natural feathers give the Feather Changer a swimming action and water column behavior that synthetic materials can't replicate. He also previews cicada patterns timed to summer emergences, along with new shrimp patterns rounding out the 2026 lineup. Blane closes with a look at his upcoming travel calendar, including a smallmouth bass filming project for Fly Fisherman magazine in Pennsylvania, a conservation visit with On the Fly Outfitters in Brunswick, Georgia and planned trips to Baja and northern Saskatchewan for northern pike.

• Why the Feather Changer occupies a unique position in the Game Changer platform by blending natural and synthetic materials to achieve a swimming action and water column depth that neither approach achieves on its own
• How a bathtub test and a conversation with Bob Popovics directly led to the development of the Feather Changer as a solution to buoyancy problems with deer body hair Game Changers
• Why the Feather Changer's profile versatility — mullet, sculpin, dace and beyond — makes it one of the most species-adaptable flies in the Game Changer lineup
• How The Chocklett Factory's 2026 product rollout (Feather Changers, cicadas, shrimp patterns) is timed around spring and summer fishing and cicada emergences across the country
• Why smallmouth bass deserve their place as a premier fly rod species and how decades of guiding them directly shaped many of the flies now central to the Game Changer platform
• Why ASGA's jack crevalle acoustic tagging research program represents the kind of targeted, funded conservation work the fly fishing community is uniquely positioned to support

The episode is primarily a product and conservation update rather than a technique-focused installment, but Blane provides substantive insight into the design logic behind the Feather Changer. He explains how natural feathers interact with laminar flow differently than synthetic materials — diverting water in a way that creates exceptional movement without bulk and allows the fly to settle into the water column at depths that buoyant materials like deer body hair cannot reach. The Feather Changer is discussed in the context of pre-spawn smallmouth bass fishing in Pennsylvania rivers, where its realistic swimming profile and soft landing characteristics are particularly relevant. Blane also previews cicada patterns designed for surface fishing during both annual and periodic hatches, and shrimp patterns aimed at the saltwater and flats side of his expanding lineup. Brand mentions include Yeti, Patagonia, Costa, Scientific Anglers, TFO and Nautilus in the conservation context, and Schultz Outfitters is cited as an example of a shop that has built extensively on the Feather Changer platform for Midwest smallmouth.

The Feather Changer uses natural feathers instead of synthetics to exploit laminar flow around the fly's body, producing an exceptional swimming action that includes movement without movement. Unlike more buoyant Game Changers, feathers allow the fly to settle deeper in the water column without added weight, solving the buoyancy problem that came with earlier deer body hair variants. The result is a fly that holds a realistic silhouette, lands softly and triggers strikes across a wide range of species.

Blane traced the fly's origin to a conversation with Bob Popovics after a trip to Arkansas where deer body hair Game Changers were proving too buoyant. Popovics suggested natural feathers as a solution — mentioning the Semper Fli — and Blane tied the fly immediately, tested it in a bathtub, filmed the result and sent the video back to Popovics. From that exchange, the Feather Changer was born, blending the tradition of natural feather flies with the modern articulated Game Changer platform.

The headline release is the commercially tied Feather Changer, now available through The Chocklett Factory's online shop and dealer network after sourcing and quality challenges were resolved. Cicada patterns timed to summer annual and periodic emergences are also in the pipeline, alongside shrimp patterns for saltwater applications. Blane describes 2026 as a major year for the brand across all product categories.

Tie Fest is an annual saltwater fly fishing and conservation fundraiser organized through ASGA (American Saltwater Guides Association) and hosted at Carter Andrews' property. The event gathers guides, brands, tiers and industry figures to raise money for targeted research initiatives — in this cycle, a five-year jack crevalle acoustic tagging program in which individual tags cost $500 each. The event honors the legacies of Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics, Flip Pallot and others, and is supported by brands including Yeti, Patagonia, Costa, Scientific Anglers, TFO and Nautilus.

Blane argues that smallmouth bass were formative for many of fly fishing's greatest innovators — Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, Bob Clouser — and that more than 30 years of guiding them on mid-Atlantic rivers directly produced many of the Game Changer platform's foundational designs, including the Craw, the Feather Changer and the Jerk Changer. He sees the upcoming Fly Fisherman magazine film project as an overdue recognition of smallmouth's place as one of the premier fly rod species, particularly for anglers throughout the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest.

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

S7, Ep 42 - Celebrating Legacy and Conservation with The Chocklett Factory

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In this Chocklett Factory episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary fly designer and guide Blane Chocklett for a wide-ranging conversation covering two central topics: the mechanics and design philosophy behind Chocklett's support disc and spreader dam system, and the upcoming Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest conservation event in Vero Beach, Florida. Blane explains how his support discs — available in round and oval profiles ranging from 6mm to over 20mm — create the water diversion that drives the serpentine, side-to-side swimming action that defines Game Changer articulated flies. Rather than relying solely on fiber tips to generate movement, the supports actively redirect water flow around the body of the fly, producing a realistic fish-like swimming motion that passive designs cannot replicate. Blane also walks through the practical tying advantages: faster construction, easier material distribution, built-in profile tapering and greater fly longevity. The second half of the conversation turns to Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest, a conservation-focused event benefiting the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA), set for March 21 in Vero Beach at Carter Andrews's property. Blane shares the vision behind the event — honoring legends like Lefty Kreh and Bob Popovics while cultivating the next generation of anglers — and previews an intimate lineup that includes Andy Mill, Rob Fordyce, Hillary Hutcheson, Carter Andrews, Chase Smith and Fletcher Sams, among others.

1. How water diversion around the body of an articulated fly — not just fiber-tip movement — produces a true serpentine swimming action that triggers more strikes.
2. Why Chocklett support discs in graduated sizes (6mm through 20mm+) allow tiers to build precise, tapered profiles for different baitfish silhouettes without excess material.
3. How to choose between round disc supports (cylindrical/sucker profiles) and oval supports (taller, narrower bunker or shad profiles) to match specific forage.
4. Why the Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest model — small, intimate, conservation-focused — delivers meaningful angler access to fly fishing legends that larger industry shows cannot replicate.
5. How supporting ASGA through events like Tie Fest funds the fisheries science that policymakers need to protect saltwater species populations long term.

The core technical discussion centers on Chocklett's support disc and spreader dam system as a mechanism for achieving active water diversion and realistic swimming action in articulated flies. Blane explains that while Bobby Popovics' reverse-tie bucktail approach relied on fiber tips for passive movement, inserting support discs into the body of a Beast-style or Game Changer fly forces water to divert around the structure, initiating true left-to-right serpentine motion. The system uses two disc geometries — round supports for cylindrical profiles (suckers) and oval supports for taller, narrower silhouettes (bunker, shad) — in graduated sizes from 6mm to over 20mm, allowing tiers to stair-step profile width from tail to shoulder for a natural taper. Practically, the supports eliminate the need to reverse-tie bucktail and guess fiber length, dramatically simplifying the tying process while also extending fly longevity by preventing bucktail collapsing and thinning out over time. Materials referenced include bucktail, synthetic fibers and TFO rods (Blane is a TFO brand ambassador).

The episode's fishing-specific travel content focuses on the Alabama Gulf Coast, which Blane describes as a highly underrated saltwater destination where clear Florida-influenced water meets the nutrient influence of the Mississippi Delta. He fished this area out of FlyWay Charters with guide Sam (based near the Community Fly Supply shop), targeting redfish, black drum, tripletail, jack crevalle and sheepshead. The Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest event at Vero Beach, Florida, adds another saltwater context — the Indian River Lagoon and Treasure Coast area known for tarpon, snook and permit, ecosystems that ASGA's conservation work is specifically designed to protect. The episode's conservation framing extends to the broader health of saltwater species populations across coastal fisheries, with Blane connecting healthy fisheries to the long-term viability of saltwater fly fishing as both a sport and a guiding profession.

When a support disc is placed inside the body of an articulated fly, it forces water to divert around the structure rather than flowing straight through the fibers. That diversion initiates a side-to-side, serpentine movement that mimics the natural swimming motion of a baitfish — something fiber-tip movement alone cannot produce. The key mechanism is active water redirection, not passive fiber flutter.

Round supports create a cylindrical cross-section ideal for sucker or cigar-shaped baitfish profiles. Oval supports produce a taller, narrower shape suited to bunker, shad or other laterally-flattened forage. By selecting the appropriate geometry and stepping up through graduated sizes from tail to shoulder, tiers can build a precise taper that matches the specific baitfish they are trying to imitate.

Traditional reverse-tie bucktail construction tends to collapse and thin out over time, degrading fly performance. Support discs maintain the shape and fiber position for the life of the fly. They also eliminate the need to reverse-tie and guess at fiber length, making even distribution around the hook much easier and faster — a meaningful benefit for tiers who don't spend hours at the bench every week.

Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest is an annual event — revived after Lefty Kreh's passing — held at Carter Andrews's property in Vero Beach, Florida, that combines a day-long outdoor festival with a benefit dinner. Proceeds support the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA), which funds fisheries science and advocacy needed to influence policy protecting saltwater species. Blane frames it as both a celebration of the sport's legends and an investment in its future.

The Alabama coastline sits at a confluence of clear, Florida-influenced water and the productive, nutrient-rich influence of the Mississippi Delta, producing diverse species opportunities in a relatively uncrowded setting. Target species include redfish, black drum, tripletail, jack crevalle and sheepshead across multiple seasons. Blane characterizes it as highly overlooked and a strong destination for anglers seeking variety outside of better-known Gulf and Atlantic coastal fisheries.

S7, Ep 42 – Celebrating Legacy and Conservation with The Chocklett Factory

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

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

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

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

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Mike Schultz joins The Butcher Shop to deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the Swingin' D, one of predator fly fishing's most effective swim patterns for targeting smallmouth bass in Michigan rivers. This detailed conversation traces the pattern's evolution from its early 2000s origins through modern 2.0 variations, exploring the critical role of Larry Dahlberg's diver head design in creating the fly's signature side-to-side action. Mike shares the problem he was solving—creating a fly that would hang and move horizontally rather than just vertically like traditional leech and crayfish patterns. He walks through material selection spanning over 15 years of refinement, from the original beads-and-wire construction to today's shank-based articulated designs. The discussion covers tactical presentation details including optimal water temperatures (45-50°F+), rod and intermediate line selection, retrieve cadences and the importance of fishing at proper angles to achieve maximum action. Mike also provides updates on Schultz Outfitters' new e-commerce platform and upcoming events including the fourth annual Bobbin the Hood.

1. How to achieve unpredictable horizontal swim action by properly selecting and seating Rainy's diver heads, which create side-to-side darting movement that mimics wounded baitfish when fished at 45-degree angles on intermediate lines.
2. Why the Swingin' D fills a critical gap in predator fly boxes by suspending in the strike zone and allowing precise depth control through strategic weighting with lead wraps or tungsten scud bodies balanced against the buoyant foam head.
3. When to fish the Swingin' D most effectively—peak performance occurs in 45-50°F+ water during late March through May when smallmouth are aggressive and feeding in shallow 2-4 foot zones.
4. How to construct durable 2.0 versions using The Chocklett Factory shanks, Senyo micro shank connections, Ahrex XO 774 rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front to prevent hook failures and maximize hookups.
5. Why proper head selection and orientation matters—wider heads with substantial collars produce aggressive side-to-side action for cold water while narrower heads swim tighter for warmer conditions.

Mike emphasizes the Swingin' D's effectiveness stems from proper presentation on intermediate lines using 7-8 weight rods like the G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 or his signature NRX+ Swim Fly. The fly excels when fished at 45-degree angles from a moving boat, using erratic strip-and-pause retrieves that allow the Dahlberg diver head to create horizontal darting action. Keeling techniques using .020-.030 lead wire or Hareline tungsten scud bodies balance the buoyant foam head to achieve desired depth penetration. Mike details construction using articulated shanks (The Chocklett Factory, Senyo micro shanks), Ahrex XO 774 universal curve rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front, incorporating materials like Senyo's Predator Wrap, Whiting hen saddles, mallard flank and Blane Chocklett's rattle boxes. Leaders run 4-7 feet terminating in 15-16lb fluorocarbon tied with loop knots to the fly with no swivels. The pattern's versatility allows customization through flash colors, head widths and weight placement to match conditions ranging from high spring flows to lower summer levels.

The Swingin' D was developed specifically for Michigan's small to medium-sized rivers where smallmouth bass are the primary target during the critical late March through May peak season. Mike's guiding focuses on shallow water zones of 2-4 feet depth where the fly's horizontal swimming action excels at triggering aggressive strikes. The pattern proves most effective when water temperatures climb from 45°F into the optimal 50-60°F+ range and bass feed actively in current seams, log jams and structure. Pike frequently intercept the fly, necessitating heavy 15-16lb fluorocarbon tippet to prevent bite-offs. While designed for Michigan's specific smallmouth fisheries, the swim fly principles and Dahlberg head mechanics translate to other predator fishing scenarios where anglers need flies that suspend and dart horizontally in the upper water column.

The Swingin' D fills the gap between vertically jigging flies like leeches and crayfish by incorporating Larry Dahlberg's diver head design, which creates horizontal side-to-side darting action when fished on intermediate lines at proper angles. The foam head provides buoyancy that allows the fly to suspend and hang in the strike zone, while strategic weighting controls depth. This mimics wounded baitfish behavior that triggers aggressive strikes, particularly during the peak spring season when smallmouth are actively feeding in shallow water.

The 2.0 version uses articulated Chocklett Factory and Senyo micro shanks, eliminating the wire-kinking problems of original beads-and-wire construction. Rear hooks switched from the B10S (which bends out easily) to the Ahrex XO 774 universal curve in sizes 2-4, while the front maintains the reliable Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hook. Materials include Senyo's Predator Wrap or translucy brushes, Whiting hen saddles, mallard flank and Blane Chocklett's new rattle boxes which seat more securely than traditional glass rattles. Liberal use of Wapsi brushable super glue throughout construction creates indestructible flies that survive multiple fish and wood contacts.

While the Swingin' D can catch fish as cold as 40-45°F, peak effectiveness begins when water temperatures reach 50°F and above, typically during the third to fourth week of April in Michigan. The prime window runs from late March through May into early June—Michigan's peak smallmouth season—when water levels are still elevated but warming and bass are aggressive. In February's coldest water, traditional leeches and peanuts outperform swim patterns, but as temperatures climb into the 45-50°F range, the Swingin' D's horizontal action becomes increasingly deadly.

Balancing the buoyant foam head with proper weight achieves desired depth and swim action. For immediate water penetration, wrap .020-.030 lead wire (10 wraps of .025 is a good starting point) on the front Gamakatsu 2/0 hook bend, then coat with flexible resin like RaidZap or Solarez to protect it and allow on-stream adjustments by breaking away sections. For heavier applications in deeper or faster water, Hareline's tungsten scud and shrimp bodies in small or medium sizes provide concentrated weight while maintaining the fly's suspended character. The goal is creating a fly that dives quickly on the strip but hangs and suspends on the pause, maintaining position in the 2-4 foot strike zone where Michigan smallmouth feed most aggressively.

Mike recommends 7-8 weight rods designed specifically for streamers, particularly the G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 (his most popular client rod at $595) or his signature NRX+ Swim Fly, both 8'10" in length with tips engineered to animate swim flies effectively rather than throw floating lines like traditional saltwater rods. Pair these with intermediate sinking lines—Airflo Sniper Four Season fast intermediate or SA Titan Full intermediate. Hand-tied leaders run 4-7 feet (shorter for less experienced anglers, longer for advanced casters) terminating in 15-16lb fluorocarbon, with Mike favoring Hatch's pike-resistant fluorocarbon tied to the fly with a loop knot. No swivels are necessary if the head is seated properly and straight, which eliminates line twist issues.

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

S1, Ep 97 - All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz

S7, Ep 33 - Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch

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

S6, Ep 97 - Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg Senyo

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00:00 Introduction

04:23 The Swingin' D Origins

11:52 Enhancements and Innovations

17:28 Evolution of the Swingin' D

30:16 Fly Presentation Techniques

49:02 Upcoming Events and Promotions

Blane Chocklett joins The Articulate Fly for the first Chocklett Factory of 2026, covering his latest innovations in predator fly design and upcoming event schedule. In this fly fishing podcast episode, Blane discusses his recent Fly Fisherman magazine cover featuring the Jerk Changer, a game-changing articulated streamer designed for trophy predator species including smallmouth bass and musky. The conversation explores Blane's 2025 season highlights, including record-breaking fish on the TFO Moment rod and his emotional Cuba trip honoring the late Flip Pallot. Blane unveils his 2026 product line including new popper and slider heads, finishing heads for streamers, articulated terrestrial patterns and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. He also previews his appearances at Bobbin the Hood in late January and Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest in March, emphasizing the community-focused nature of both events. This episode provides serious predator anglers with insights into cutting-edge fly design, new rigging options and opportunities to learn directly from one of fly fishing's most innovative tiers and designers.

1. How the Jerk Changer's unique articulation and triggers make it effective for virtually every predatory fish species from smallmouth to musky.
2. Why Blane's new finishing heads (shovel heads, realistic heads) give streamers different water-pushing actions while remaining lighter and more castable.
3. When to use popper and slider head variations for top water presentations targeting smallmouth, saltwater species and other predators.
4. How Blane's new realistic body parts and support discs allow tiers to match exact baitfish profiles like shad, bunker, glass minnows and chubs.
5. Why events like Bobbin the Hood and Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest offer unique opportunities for intimate learning and celebration of fly fishing legends while supporting conservation through ASGA.

This episode focuses heavily on predator fly design innovations rather than on-water techniques. Blane discusses the Jerk Changer articulated streamer pattern, which differs from the standard Game Changer platform by incorporating additional triggers and articulation points that attract large predatory fish. He mentions fishing the Jerk Changer with the TFO Moment rod and catching trophy smallmouth bass and record-size fish in 2025. The conversation covers upcoming product releases including popper and slider heads for top water fishing, various finishing heads (shovel heads and realistic heads) that create different streamer actions, articulated stonefly and terrestrial patterns using new bug heads and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. Blane also references developing new SA fly lines optimized for casting large articulated patterns. For tiers, he emphasizes modular design kits that allow creation of heads from scratch or use of pre-molded components.

While this episode is primarily product and event-focused rather than location-specific, Blane mentions his Mad River Musky School. He references his smallmouth bass fishing where the Jerk Changer has proven effective on trophy-size fish. His recent Cuba trip emphasized saltwater species in Caribbean waters, though specific targets aren't detailed in this conversation. The techniques and flies discussed—particularly the Jerk Changer, top water poppers and sliders and articulated streamers—are designed to work across diverse predator fisheries from freshwater bass and musky to saltwater species like tarpon, snook and various predatory gamefish.

The Jerk Changer incorporates different triggers and articulation than the regular Game Changer platform. Blane developed it to add movement and visual triggers not traditionally found in fly patterns. It has proven effective across virtually all predatory species and was featured in Fly Fisherman magazine after Blane caught multiple bucket-list record-size fish on the pattern in 2025.

Blane's 2026 product line includes popper and slider heads in multiple variations for top water fishing, finishing heads (shovel heads and realistic heads) that give streamers different actions in the water, new bug heads for articulated stoneflies and terrestrial patterns, realistic body parts and support discs for matching exact baitfish profiles and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. Products will be showcased at Bobbin the Hood and rolled out throughout the year.

Tie Fest is intentionally designed as an intimate, laid-back social gathering rather than a traditional trade show. It's more of a celebration and party atmosphere where attendees can have extended conversations with saltwater fly fishing legends, hear roundtable stories about how mentors like Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot influenced the sport, watch instructional demos and participate in conservation fundraising for ASGA. The event takes place March 21 at Carter Andrews' property in Vero Beach.

Blane's new products are designed with modularity in mind—tiers can purchase pre-molded heads for convenience or use component kits to build heads from scratch. This "made it myself" option maintains the satisfaction of complete DIY construction while still benefiting from Blane's engineered shapes and forms. The kits include realistic body parts that shape flies to match exact baitfish profiles, allowing tiers to dial in specific forage like shad, bunker, glass minnows or chubs.

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

S7, Ep 9 - Inside The Chocklett Factory: New Fly Tying Products, Bobbin and More with Blane Chocklett

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

Follow Blane on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow The Chocklett Factory on Instagram.

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In this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Brendan Ruch, the innovative tier behind the Nut Job, to explore every dimension of this game-changing swim fly pattern. From its accidental birth on Logjam Live to its current status as a go-to predator pattern for serious smallmouth and trout anglers, Brendan walks through the complete evolution of the fly. The conversation covers Central Pennsylvania waters where the pattern has proven deadly on big smallmouth and trout, particularly during spring high water conditions. Brendan details his craft fur-based approach, explaining how the synthetic material provides superior castability and a distinctive glide bait action compared to traditional hen saddle patterns. The discussion moves from vise to water, covering everything from material selection and proportioning to advanced retrieve techniques that maximize the fly's strip-and-stall bite trigger, making this essential listening for any angler pursuing large predatory fish on the fly.

1. How to tie a swim fly with predictable glide bait action using craft fur instead of expensive hen saddles, resulting in easier casting and better material availability
2. Why positioning rubber legs on top of the shank rather than on the sides creates critical parachute action that allows the fly to suspend and trigger strikes during the pause
3. When to adjust tungsten bead weights between 3/16" and 7/32" based on current speed to keep the fly in the strike zone without losing the neutral buoyancy that makes the pattern effective
4. How introducing slack through rod tip manipulation and strategic mends maximizes the fly's side-to-side glide within a confined 12-inch zone where fish are holding
5. Why dark colors like olive-and-black with copper flash outperform bright patterns in off-color spring water, while yellow-orange combinations excel as visibility improves

The episode centers on Brendan's systematic approach to fishing articulated swim flies with emphasis on strip-and-stall retrieves that create glide bait action. He details using rod tip manipulation—upward jerks, downward strips, lateral movements combined with mends—to introduce slack that allows the Nut Job to kick side-to-side within a tight zone. Tying techniques focus on craft fur density and proportioning, including ripping tips rather than cutting to preserve bulk, using finesse chenille as a low-drag core and positioning 4-8 rubber legs to create suspending action. Brendan discusses hook configurations ranging from size 2 Trout Predator to 1/0 hooks paired with 15-25mm shanks connected via Maxima Chameleon 25lb, with tungsten bead options from 3/16" to 7/32" for varying current speeds. Line selection covers Type 3 sink tips for early season high water transitioning to intermediate lines as flows normalize, paired with fluoro leaders built from 30-35lb stepping down to 16-20lb tippet.

The Nut Job has proven effective across East Coast waters, with Brendan's primary focus on Central Pennsylvania smallmouth fisheries where the pattern excels during high water conditions typical of March through May. He references success on the West Branch of the Delaware targeting trout with smaller versions of the pattern and discusses adaptations for musky fishing and striper applications along coastal waters. The fly's design addresses the challenges of fishing swollen spring rivers with off-color water, where heavy tungsten keeps patterns in the zone while craft fur provides visibility. Brendan emphasizes the pattern's effectiveness during pre-spawn and post-spawn transitions when predatory trout and smallmouth are aggressively feeding on baitfish, making it particularly deadly during early spring runoff and late spring clearing conditions when fish are looking up in the water column.

The Nut Job uses craft fur instead of hen saddles for the front head, providing easier casting than soaked feather patterns while maintaining excellent action. The synthetic material flows through water similarly to natural materials but offers better availability and lower cost than quality hen saddles, which have become scarce and expensive since COVID. The craft fur butts create density at the tie-in point similar to the Bad Hair Day streamer, while rubber legs positioned on top of the shank add critical parachute action for suspending behavior.

Introducing slack is essential—the fly needs to move no more than 12 inches (roughly twice its length) before pausing to allow the side-to-side glide. Brendan recommends various techniques including upward jerks followed by mends, downward rod tip drops during strips and lateral movements combined with upstream or downstream mends. The goal is creating hard, short movements followed by pauses where the fly suspends and kicks, mimicking an injured baitfish rather than simply stripping the fly back to the boat in long pulls.

Use 7/32" tungsten beads during early spring high flows when you need to get the fly deep quickly and keep it in the zone. Switch to 3/16" beads or keel-weighted hooks as flows normalize and fish start looking higher in the water column—lighter weights allow for longer pauses and better neutral buoyancy. If the fly sinks too fast and you can't stall it effectively, you're too heavy for the conditions. The sweet spot is maintaining depth without sacrificing the suspending action that triggers strikes.

For off-color, green-brown spring water, olive-and-black with a few turns of copper polar chenille over the finesse chenille core dominates—this dark pattern is visible to fish even when anglers can't see it. As water clears to a few feet of visibility, yellow or yellow-with-orange veil (Brendan calls it "flame boy") becomes deadly due to its luminescent glow underwater. In clear conditions, natural combinations work well: white, cream, tan, medium olive, dark olive and camel in various two-tone arrangements—there's rarely a bad combination among these colors.

For musky, use a hook-shank-hook configuration with a 4/0 short shank in back, 35mm big game shank in the middle and 5/0 up front for an 8-inch fly with a 2.5-inch marabou tail. A translucey fiber body and a micro Buford under the craft fur tie-ins on the head increase profile on these larger patterns since you're using the full length of the craft fur sheet. For stripers, tie a single-hook style version with two shanks (15mm rear, 20mm middle) connected with Maxima and a 6 mm bead, finishing with an Ahrex 1/0 minnow hook to avoid having two hooks in the fish's face—this creates a peanut bunker-sized profile.

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

S7, Ep 31 - Nut Jobs and Quesadillas: A Spring Fishing Update with Brendan Ruch

S7, Ep 33 - Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch

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

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00:00 Introduction

05:32 Inspiration Behind the Design

11:56 Crafting the Perfect Pattern

15:59 Material Selection and Techniques

20:23 Weighting and Proportions

24:30 Hook and Shank Combinations

31:01 Common Mistakes to Avoid

33:46 Fishing Techniques for Success

42:38 Exploring Color Variations

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary streamer innovator Blane Chocklett to discuss his groundbreaking new hook line with Ahrex, designed specifically for modern articulated fly patterns and the Game Changer platform.

Blane Chocklett reveals how he completely reimagined hook sizing and design to solve the challenges fly tiers face when building articulated streamers. Rather than continuing to adapt existing hooks to his platforms, Chocklett collaborated with Ahrex to create hooks optimized for gap, shank length and wire gauge from the ground up.

Discover why traditional hook sizing creates problems for articulated patterns and how Chocklett's millimeter-based system (8mm to 80mm) eliminates the guesswork. Learn how proper hook gap prevents interference from brush bodies and bucktail and maintains optimal hookup ratios. Blane explains the critical relationship between shank length, vertebrae systems and the three-dimensional swimming action that makes Game Changers so effective.

Chocklett shares firsthand testing results from jack fishing expeditions where he locked down 100-pound backing on 35-42 inch fish to test the hooks' tensile strength. The forged construction proved its mettle under maximum pressure, giving confidence for everything from trout to tarpon.

Learn about the special promotion running through January 1st, where purchases over $100 enter you for prizes from Nautilus, TFO, SA, Costa and more. Blane discusses his dealer-first philosophy and upcoming appearances including Bear's Den, Lefty's Tie Fest and his 2026 teaching schedule.

Ready to upgrade your streamer tying? These hooks are available now through The Chocklett Factory, Chocklett Factory dealers and Hareline nationwide.

Follow Blane on Facebook and Instagram.

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Join Marvin Cash on The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast as he interviews Chase Smith, inventor of the innovative Spiral Spook fly pattern. Chase bridges conventional and fly fishing by adapting the classic walk-the-dog action into a deadly topwater fly for bass and other predator species.

Chase shares his journey from conventional fishing to creating one of fly fishing's most unique topwater patterns. Learn how he solved critical design challenges including weight distribution, foam construction and hook positioning to achieve authentic spook action on a fly rod.

Discover the precise retrieve technique required for walking the fly—short, sharp strips just three inches long with rod tip on the water. Chase reveals why leader material matters, explaining why soft monofilament outperforms fluorocarbon and stiff materials. Get the complete leader formula: 2 feet of 50-pound to 2 feet of 35-40 pound, finishing with 2 feet of 20-pound soft mono.

Chase breaks down the complete construction process, from embedding weights in foam bodies to creating the signature spiral wrap. Learn about material selection including EVA foam, Gorilla Glue clear coating and wide-gap offset hooks that dramatically improved hookup ratios. Understand the precision required—weight placement within millimeters affects the entire action.

Get Chase's preferred setup: 55-millimeter bone-colored spooks on 6-7 weight rods with floating lines with aggressive tapers. Discover why smaller sizes catch more fish and how to adapt the pattern for varying conditions. Chase shares his 90% commitment to bone color and explains the strategic advantage of downsizing.

The most common mistake anglers make is stripping too long. Chase emphasizes the critical importance of short, sharp strips—just a wrist flick of three inches. Learn how to initiate the walk with fast strips then vary tempo for different actions. Understand why loop knots are essential and how tippet diameter affects glide.

Ready to add this deadly topwater pattern to your predator fly arsenal? Tune in for Chase's expert insights on creating and fishing one of fly fishing's most innovative surface patterns.

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 124 - Fly Tying with Chase Smith

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

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

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

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00:00 Introduction

09:16 The Design Process

15:33 Evolution of the Fly

21:26 Common Mistakes to Avoid

27:00 Mastering the Action

32:49 Upcoming Projects

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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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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