The Fly Culture Podcast

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Episode 258 - Aaron Day from Vintage Fishing Tackle

In this episode, I talk with Aaron Day from Vintage Fishing Tackle about his journey from training to be a butcher to a business owner in the fishing tackle industry along with everything in between. 

We discuss Aaron's fly fishing career from fishing a stream in Kent to reservoir fishing near his home in Northampton.

I learn about his business ethos, the huge range of rods he sells and the resurgence of bamboo too.

He has boundless enthusiasm for what he does and enjoys everyday of work. If you've not seen the amount of rods and reels he has on offer you'll be amazed!

As ever, this is a free podcast to download and enjoy.

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I felt the need to spend some time standing in a river. 

I'm joined by my dog and look at what it means to have him along, the compromises you might have to make but how you can easily make it work.

I talk about the set-up I use, how I make it work and how I might adapt it as the day progresses.

It doesn't have to be complicated and I put everything to the test using some experience, water craft, gut instinct and a little bit of luck too.

I also talk about my worries and concerns over social media and the affect it can have on a fishing day.

Recorded exactly as it happens, I hope you enjoy this edition of the podcast.

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I welcome James Harrold along to this episode where he shares his experiences of owning and running a trout fishery, the challenges faced, and the entrepreneurial spirit required to adapt and thrive in the fishing industry. 

He tells me about the transition from moving away from trout to coarse fishing, the emotional impact of closing the trout fishery and why he had to do it.

His fishery recently appeared on the Mortimer and Whitehouse TV show and I learn what goes into making just 13 minutes of TV.

We also talk about his yearly pilgrimage to South Uist, a place that means so much to him.

James is an interesting, open and engaging guest who speaks with great insight into fishing.

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I met Ben on a river recently. I was taken by his great skill as I watched him work his way along the water.

I asked him along to the podcast to find out a little more about his fishing career and to pick up some tips too.

We ended up discussing a lot of topics that are both thought provoking and interesting.

Ben talks with great depth and clarity and I'm pleased we have someone like him in our community. It is a better place as a result of it.

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I make the drive over to visit Charles Innis at the Half Moon Inn, Sheepwash in Devon.

We talk about his relationship with the inn that goes back to the 1950s when his family took it on as a fishing hotel.

He tells me about his love for the Torridge, looking after guests and running the inn with his brother.

Charles is honest about the good and the not so good times and how a newspaper article made a huge difference to the business.

Now in his 80s he is still deeply involved with the fishing there and shares his deep knowledge and understanding of the river that means so much to him.

I had some rough questions planned but I just pressed record and let the conversation flow in whatever direction it took.

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In this episode, I speak with Wayne McGee, a fishing guide and lodge owner in Alaska. 

Wayne shares his journey from a childhood passion for fishing to operating a fishing lodge in the pristine wilderness of Alaska. 

He discusses the various species of fish available and the challenges of running a remote lodge. 

Wayne also reflects on the importance of family in the business and the joy of introducing guests to the beauty of Alaska's fishing environment.

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I made a promise to myself never to fish competitively after trying it over 25 years ago.

This changed when I entered a friendly competition run by my friends Jethro and Rodney from Fluffchuckers.

The event was run at Chew Valley Lake and the idea was to try and catch as many species as possible.

I'm joined by author and Fly Culture contributor, Ben Jailler, who was captain of the good ship Fly Culture and knows the lake a bit.

Join Ben and me in the boat as we talk, fish and have some fun.

Tune in to find out whether or not I enjoyed trying to be a competitive fly angler.

Free to download and enjoy. 

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In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Trevor Hayman, a seasoned fly fishing guide, to discuss various aspects of fly fishing, particularly on Chalk Streams. 

We explore the challenges of the current fishing season, the intricacies of hatch patterns, and Trevor's guiding philosophy. 

The conversation delves into the psychology of guiding and the journey to becoming a guide, and the importance of skill development. 

We also touch on tackle preferences, the significance of fly lines and leaders, and dream fishing destinations, particularly in the American West. 

Hope you enjoy listening to this episode.

As ever, the podcast will remain free to download!

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In this episode of the Fly Culture podcast,  Pete engages in a captivating conversation with Richard Miller, exploring his extensive fishing experiences, the evolution of fishing hotels, and the current state of river hatches. 

Richard shares his journey from fishing small streams in Dorset to targeting sea trout and salmon, highlighting memorable moments at the Half Moon Hotel. 

The discussion also touches on the impact of Airbnb on fishing accessibility and the thriving Dorchester Fishing Club, which boasts a long waiting list. Richard concludes with a musical recommendation, showcasing his diverse taste in music.

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In this episode, I speak with Barry Ord Clarke about his journey in fly fishing and tying, the balance between passion and profession, and the evolution of fly fishing culture. 

We discuss Barry's new book, 'The Featherbender's Advanced Fly Tying Techniques', which combines print and digital resources to enhance the learning experience for fly tiers. 

Our conversation also touches on the importance of community, the decline of local tackle shops, and the growing interest in fly tying among younger generations.