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Episode 335 - Neil Smith  A Passion for Rivers

In this episode, I catch up with Neil Smith an angler and guide based in the North West of the UK.

I learn about the fishing he enjoys and why along with hearing about the rivers he likes to fish.

Neil also talks about the issues with cormorants and how he was involved with the reintroduction of grayling into a local stream and how they are thriving.

You'll sense the passion and love for fishing that Neil has that will come across in this episode.

I hope you enjoy!

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Episode 334 - Catching up with an old friend.

I first met Duncan Wilcox 12 or so years ago. He hired me as a guide but we got on so well that we ended up fishing a lot together.

At the time, he was based in Devon but moved to Spain and has had a base in New Zealand for 25 years.

In this episode, you'll hear us catch up, talk fishing and I hear a little about Duncan's fishing exploits.

This was an impromptu recording that happened on the river during a hatch we had high hopes for.

I hope you'll enjoy this episode.

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Episode 333 - Amwell Magna and the River Lea

What only feels like yesterday but was a number of years ago now, I was a member of Amwell Magna Fishing Club based on the River Lea in Hertfordshire.

I made the long drive and was lucky enough to catch the mayfly hatch.

I speak with members about what has changed since I last fished there and catch a few fish too.

Feargal Sharkey was there and tells me what anglers can do to protect their waterways, we had lunch provided by Michelin Starred chef, Chris Galvin and I also hear about the Scotch Egg origins from pastry maestro Roger Pizey from Fortnum and Mason.

We caught fish but the day was about much more than that and captures a little of what fly fishing means to all of us.

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Episode 332 - A Day in the Life

In this episode I take you with me for the day in my new role at Trout & Salmon.

You'll join us on a rod test on the river with Rod Hardy and guest for the review, Roger Fagan.

Without giving too much away, you'll hear what goes into the test and how it is put together.

I get to spend a few hours fishing with Rob before heading over to the Orvis store in Stockbridge to host one of our gatherings.

I catch up with Ollie from the store and some of the guests too before making the short trip to a campsite to spend my first night of the year in my van.

I wake up a little bleary eyed ahead of fishing with Richard who I work with for a fried breakfast and a days fishing.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

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Episode 331 - Steve Bircumshaw - A Passion for Fly Fishing

I catch up with Steve to talk about his fishing time line right up to the present.

I learn about when he first picked up a fly rod and the impact it had on his life.

Steve also does some guiding and works in the Mallon and Green tackle shop and often appears on their social media.

He is a skilled angler who shares some great tips about fishing and fly tying.

He also tells me about his life as a musician that you'll enjoy hearing about.

Steve is one of the good guys who I really enjoyed talking with.

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Episode 330 - Being a Guide for the Day

In this latest episode I come out of retirement to take Malcolm fishing after I was persuaded to offer a Lot in the Wild Trout Trust Auction.

The day takes place on my home water, the Taw in Devon.

Malcolm and I talk about the fishing, his fishing career and the places he likes to cast a fly.

As ever, this is recorded exactly as it happens with no re-takes or edits.

Come and join me for a day on the river!

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Episode 329 - Tweed Salmon Festival 2026

The drive from Devon to attend the festival was a long one but worth it.

I got the chance to meet some amazing people who care deeply about bringing people into fishing, caring about the fish and the waters they swim in.

I based myself in the Yeti bar, a converted removal lorry but also walked around the festival to speak with demonstrators, tackle companies and those attending too.

This isn't a trade show though. It is about encouraging youngsters to explore the world of fishing and to give them a taster of why we all love it so much.

Eoin Fairgrieve is an extraordinary man. Someone who has boundless enthusiasm, passion and drive for our pastime.

He has pulled off a wonderful event, made sure everyone had a good time and somehow also produced a journal to accompany the event.

I have done my best to capture a little about what it was all about that I hope you'll enjoy listening to.

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Episode 328 - Pit Stop Fishing

I had to head to Hampshire on a non-fishing errand.

I decided to pack my gear and if I got away in good time, I'd stop in Wiltshire and make a few casts.

I only decided to pack my mic at the very last moment and have recorded the few hours on the river exactly as it happened. 

It is a stream of consciousness that talks about the fishing but ends up being a lot more and I think reflects how lifted we get by standing in a river catching a few trout.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

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Episode 327 - Will Shaw & Mark Surtees on Fishing, Fly Casting and Instruction Part 2

I'm pleased to be welcoming back Will and Mark back to the podcast for the 2nd part of their trilogy of interviews that circle around fly casting information for anglers but also for instructors too.

We start with an amazing story from Will on a huge fish he lost recently on a dry fly and how we cope with a loss like this.

We discuss about the difference between stalking fish and fishing the water and how that effects how we look at catching a good fish and whether we snip off and head home or not.

Our conversation moves into casting where there is some great tips for those wishing to improve but some ground-breaking theories on the teaching process when it comes to fly casting.

If you are an instructor or starting on this path, it is essential listening.

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 327 - Will Shaw & Mark Surtees on Fly Casting and Instruction

I'm pleased to be welcoming back Will and Mark back to the podcast for the 2nd part of their trilogy of interviews that circle around fly casting information for anglers but also for instructors too.

We start with an amazing story from Will on a huge fish he lost recently on a dry fly and how we cope with a loss like this.

We discuss about the difference between stalking fish and fishing the water and how that effects how we look at catching a good fish and whether we snip off and head home or not.

Our conversation moves into casting where there is some great tips for those wishing to improve but some ground-breaking theories on address the teaching process when it comes to fly casting.

If you are an instructor or starting on this path, it is essential listening.