The Fly Culture Podcast

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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.

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Tim Schulz, a fishing guide and author, talks with me abut his experiences fishing in Michigan and Montana along with his latest book 'A Cast Away in Montana'

We talk about the diverse fishing opportunities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, including trout, salmon, and steelhead. Tim shares his love for fishing with dry flies to rising trout and the thrill of sight fishing. He also discusses his preference for bamboo rods and the personal connection he feels with them. 

Tim enjoys guiding both experienced anglers and beginners, and he emphasizes the importance of putting the client's experience first. 

We look at the process of writing his book and story of a man going to Montana without a serious plan and the adventures that unfold. 

We talk about the emotional experience of writing the book and the nervousness of releasing it to the public. 

Tim reads an excerpt from the book, highlighting his quest to catch a grayling in the Big Hole River. 

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as me.

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Join me and my friend John Aplin for a days fishing on a chalkstream in Dorset.

This is a tiny stream where landing your fly in some tricky areas is a fun challenge. 

The bow and arrow cast is the easiest way to get your fly in the right spot. Careful wading, a slow approach and you might be in the game.

This was a fun days fishing that passed far too quickly as John and I talk about the stream he has known for 40 years and what the fishing in this area means to him.

I hope you'll enjoy coming for a day with us.

Totally unscrpted and unedited, everything is recorded as it happens.

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Alex Redhat, a Ukrainian living in Germany, shares his passion for fly fishing and his experiences fishing for various species. 

He discusses how he got into fly fishing and the different types of fish he targets, including trout, grayling, pike, carp, and asp. 

He tells me about his fishing experiences in Germany and Poland, as well as his involvement in the Ukrainian fly fishing community. 

I learn about his experience with Arctic Silver Fly Fishing rods and the unique concept behind them. He explains how the rods are designed to use minimal energy while still allowing for high-quality casting. 

Alex also talks about his scientific background and how it influences his approach to fly fishing. He shares his love for observing fish and how he likes experimenting with fly patterns.

This a wonderful talk with a fascinating person.