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Episode 262 - James Gilbraith - Anarchy Pie

It's become a nice little Christmas tradition where I catch up with writer and fly angler James Gilbraith about the state of the fishing world.

We look at seasons past, present and look to the future too.

I talk with him about fly selection, fishing clubs why fishing should be fun.

He also reads a section from one of his books that will resonate and make you laugh out loud too.

As ever, he takes an amusing look at life that will help you settle into Christmas and is best enjoyed with a mince pie and drink of your choice.

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Episode 261 - Zoe Dupuy on Trout, Grayling and Bonefish

In this episode I welcome Zoe Dupuy along to the podcast.

We look at Zoe's journey from Scotland to Hampshire and her love for both sailing and fishing.

We explore the similarities between the sailing and fishing communities, the challenges of accessing prime fishing locations in Hampshire and introducing friends to the sport. 

Zoe tells me about the influence of media in the fishing community, the need to attract younger generations to fly fishing and shares her dream destinations, including Norway and Cuba, where she has had memorable fishing experiences.

As ever, free to download and enjoy!

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Episode 260 - From Wales to Siberia and Beyond with Robin Smith

In this episode of the podcast, I speak  with award-winning documentary director of photography Robin Smith. 

We discuss Robin's journey from life in London to rural living in the lower Wye Valley, his experiences with fly fishing, the iconic River Wye and the Monnow, as well as the challenges of balancing family life with a passion for fishing and how it fits with his busy work schedule.

We look at his working life and the serendipitous moments that led him to filmmaking while he shares his proudest moments, and the challenges faced while filming elusive species like the Amur tiger in Siberia. 

As well as natural history programs Robin has worked with Jeremy Wade and Robson Green too.

This is a slightly longer podcast than normal that looks at fly fishing but ends up being a conversation about a whole lot more.

Free to download and enjoy.

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I welcome Steve Cullen back for this episode to discuss the evolving landscape of fly fishing. 

We explore innovations in rod design, the importance of camaraderie in fishing, and the impact of social media on anglers' perceptions and behaviours. 

We also touch on ethical considerations in fishing and the changing dynamics of fishing photography, emphasising the need for respect towards fish, the environment and the influence of signal crayfish on trout feeding habits.

We take a look on the state of rivers, hatches, pollution concerns, and are reminded of some of the old fishing magazines too.

This is an interesting insight into the fly fishing world that I think you'll find interesting.

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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.

Free to download and advert free.

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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.