The February Room A Fly Fishing Podcast

In preparation for this interview, we clicked the link to "Mending the Line" on the laptop. A captivating series of events unfolded in the opening scene. Then we were transported to a fly shop in Montana. Instantly, the hook was buried and it required the patience of a spring creek angler to hit "pause"...this was one of those cinematic events better experienced on the silver screen!

We are honored to be joined by Director Joshua Caldwell and Writer Stephen Camelio for a behind the scenes look at the filmmaking process from brainstorming to the box office. Starring Sinqua Walls, Brian Cox, Perry Mattfeld and Wes Studi, "Mending the Line" hits theaters June 9th and takes viewers on the tumultuous journey of a marine wounded in Afghanistan, his ensuing struggles with the traumatic aftermath and the discovery of fly fishing's therapeutic virtues.

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We all know the risk of picking up hitchhikers, but we may be transporting nefarious passengers without even knowing it. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that have the potential to due lasting harm to our watersheds. Fisheries across the country have been permanently damaged by these critters, several of which have been traced back to maritime mishaps in the Great Lakes region. Across Montana and the Upper Midwest, fisheries and recreational managers are aligned with concerned citizens to prevent further spread of these noxious invaders.

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Battered, bruised, and begging for more, Lauren returns from her first roosterfishing adventure in Baja! The stoke level is atmospheric as she shares insight into the pre-trip preparations that made all the difference in organizing and executing a successful saltwater adventure with her friends. No Lauren story is complete without a bad accent and we have one of those for you too!

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We all know the old adage "If you want to get to know a guy, sit down over a Kinky Muddler"...we did just that with Tom Latourelle of Bespoke Bugs. A former custom furniture maker, Latourelle's background as a craftsman is evident in the design, shape, and movement of the flies that he creates for his clients. Tom was kind enough to invite us over to his house for a one-on-one glue sniffing session as he spins a technical baitfish patterns for Baja.

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In the premier of the TFR Video Series, we drop the kids at school, skip work, shirk household chores and set course for a local trout stream in hopes of extending the summer hopper season just one more day! Watch this on thefebruaryroom.com or subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel.

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Our first "vessel of freedom" was a used aluminum Willie boat dad bought off a guy in 1984. She served our family, friends, and clients for 30 years on adventures throughout the PNW. Between the gunnels, we tallied a catalog of euphoric experiences that spawned into lasting memories. However, the story of our old drift boat would've never been told had things gone just a little more sideways on her early voyages.

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Brace yourself for inspiration!!! Meet Lydia and Lil D from Fly Girl Global, a worldwide network of young ladies united by their love of fly fishing. These angler-advocates advance the sport via international zoom meetings to tie flies, swap fishing stories, and organize efforts to clean up waterways across the globe. Thanks to Fly Girl Global, flyfishing’s future is so bright, we gotta’ wear shades!

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Come March, a gathering of Missoula-based fishing guides resembles a scene from "Night of the Living Dead". Montana winters can grind a guide down, but Jason Brininstool has managed to keep a smile on his face. Jason flees for the tropics to work as a PADI Scuba Instructor or hosts trip to far flung destinations like Cuba and Columbia. Jason's positive attitude has attracted a cadre of loyal clients who trust him with adventures far beyond the rivers of Western Montana. This has made his off-season all the more interesting and one particular foray to Xcalak, Mexico formed a forever-memory and serves as a reminder to never judge a guide by their boat.

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The problem with this podcast, like working at Baskin Robbins, is that we're constantly being introduced to new flavors of fly fishing that we yearn to sample. When we first heard of "The Crash", our smallmouth senses began to tingle and we went straight to the source for insight into a remarkable feeding frenzy that occurs on Wisconsin's namesake river. Kyle Zempel of Black Earth Angling Co. abides and explains "The Crash" and other fishing opportunities that we now have to go add to our North Woods itinerary.

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For many would-be female fly anglers, the pathway to the river is barricaded by dollar signs. The perception alone, that entry into fly fishing costs thousands in gear, inhibits many working moms, their children, and students from dipping into the budget to splurge on a new hobby. Enter Julia Mitchell and Temma Roby. These big-hearted friends founded "Rising to the Fly" in an effort to break this perception and remove the financial barrier to the sport. Whether in need of waders, rod, or a float tube, Rising to the Fly is a resource for all women who aspire to fly fish but can't justify the costs.

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