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Episode 320 Will Shaw and Mark Surtees on Fly Casting and Instruction

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of fly casting instruction along with fly casting tips.

Will and Mark have looked at the traditional teaching process and have looked into other sports to learn from them and how they can be transferred into fly casting tuition.

Their modern approach focusses on their pupil and how they can take as much as possible from a lesson and to make the session enjoyable and easy to understand.

I really enjoyed talking with them both as they share some amazing knowledge that will help both instructors and those looking to improve their skills on to a new, more modern platform.

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Episode 319 - Live from the BFFI

In this episode, I'm at an event that is becoming the get together to mark the start of a new season, the BFFI in Staffordshire.

I'm at the event in my new capacity with the magazine but I got the chance to speak with attendees and stall holders about the show and what it means to them.

I've tried to capture the feel of the BFFI and give you some insights into tackle that you might be seeing this year.

If you haven't been before, I hope this episode will take you there!

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Episode 318 - 3 Days of Bonefish

January has been wet, miserable and largely unfishable.

Being able to feel the sun on my face and the company of good people has been a welcome tonic.

I'm in Mexico and have 3 days of wading the flats to see if I can find bonefish, permit or tarpon.

I'll talk you through what happens, tell you a little about flats fishing and let you know if we find any fish.

Hope you enjoy!

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Episode 317 - Rob Hardy - Writing, Reviewing and Fishing

In this episode I catch up with one of my colleagues, at Trout & Salmon Rob Hardy, to talk about his fishing career, dream destinations and the places that mean a lot to him.

I also learn about how he got involved with writing at Trout & Salmon and what goes into the tackle reviews. We also touch on rod tests too.

Since I have got to know Rob I've learnt he is a really good person who is thoughtful, kind and is just like us, a super keen fly angler.

It is always nice for me to let you know a little about someone who will might well recognise from his writing but get the chance to learn a little about them.

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Episode 315 - Steve Cooper - Fly Fairs, Tying and Fishing

I catch up with Steve Cooper, who along with his wife Bridgette, are behind the BFFI show that takes place in February.

I learn what goes into it along with all of the planning involved.

Steve tells me how the show came about and what he learnt from the early days.

He is also extremely passionate about his fly tying business, Cookshill Fly Tying, that came from his early days as a custom fly tyer.

If you're heading to the show in February, this episode will give you an insight into the work involved.

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Episode 314 - River Walks and Streamer Talk on the River Taw

I catch up with friend Fred Brown for bacon sandwiches and a walk along the river.

He now lives in Devon and like me, his home water is the Taw.

I take him to where I spend most of my time fishing as we walk the river and plan trips for next year.

Fred is an extremely talented angler who enjoys both salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing.

He has been fishing streamers for a while now and appears in the excellent River Trout Streamer Fishing Book by Theo Pike.

I get some advice on how to fish them on a few of the pools we walk that I hope you'll find useful.

A river always looks most beautiful when you can't fish it but it didn't matter. 

It was just good to be there.

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Episode 313 - James Gilbraith - Fishing Plans, Social Media, Fly Tying and Life

We've had this nice little tradition going of me speaking with Boo just before Christmas and whether he'll get through it OK.

I thought it might be nice to see if he came through the other side OK and what he is planning for this fishing year.

We also discuss the season that has passed, social media and the realities of book writing.

Boo's view of life is wonderful, one that will make you laugh out loud when you hear.

As ever, we wander down some interesting worm holes in the conversation!

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Episode 312 - Winter Grayling with Ed Thomson

It's between Christmas and New Year and I get a message from Ed asking if I fancy going fishing.

The answer, of course, is yes.

We eat a big breakfast and head to the river.

It is always a pleasure to hear about a piece of water that means so much to them and this episode is no exception.

Ed has a long association with it that you'll enjoy hearing about.

As ever, this is just 2 friends talking about a pastime that means a lot to them.

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Episode 311 - Jani Himanko - Surf Board Streamers, Dry Flies and Big Trout

My guest, Jani Himanko, is based in Finland. He tells me about the fishing in the area including the incredible story of the huge trout that leave the lakes to feed on the coarse fish that come into the river to spawn.

I hear about the patterns he and his friends have devised to tackle these fish.

I also learn about his life as a fishing guide and why he decided to open a fishing lodge, Kellankoski, and what goes into the running of it to ensure guests have a great stay.

Jani, is a great guy who speaks with honesty, integrity and openness about all aspects of his fishing life. 

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Episode 310 - A New Chapter

I don't really like talking about myself, I find other people much more interesting. 

In recent months though, my life has taken a big change in direction and I really wanted to share with you what has happened and why I made this decision.

In this special, turning the tables on Pete Tyjas, I talk with Ben Jailler about why I took the job as editor of Trout & Salmon magazine, what the role involves, my plans for this much loved title and the closing of Fly Culture, something that has been incredibly special to me.

As ever, I am completely open and transparent about every aspect and hope you learn why I took my dream job.