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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.

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Episode 309 - Richard Gorodecky -  The Meteor, The Ditch & The Very Big Trout

This week we have a take over from author Richard Gorodecky who reads a section from his book - Throwing Feathers in the Wind.

He was so popular last time that it only felt right to have him back.

The piece he reads is from a chapter called - The Meteor, The Ditch & The Very Big Trout

It is the story of a big trout. A very big trout.

Buy the book HERE

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Episode 308 - Jack Westbury on Grayling Fishing

Those clear, cold days aren't far off now and with that in mind, I caught up with angler Jack Westbury to pick up some tips regarding fishing for grayling.

I learn a lot as he tells me about leader set up, spacing of flies, controlling the drift and manipulation of flies.

We also cover tackle choices and his preference for longer rods.

We discuss his trout fishing too, including long leaders and micro drag.

Being based in Derbyshire, he spends a lot of time at the fly fishing shop, Mallon and Green. We talk about how Marie and John have made the shop the hub of the local fishing community.

Jack talks great sense that I'm sure you'll gain something useful from.

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Episode 307 - Friends, Grayling and Falling Barometers

Grayling days are sociable for me.

They start with breakfast, fishing talk and catching up with friends.

On this episode, I fish with my friend Paul Procter.

We were planning to fish and just chew the fat. 

At the last moment, I ran back to my van, grabbed my mic and we captured the day and our thoughts exactly as it happened.

We didn't plan or rehearse what we'd say preferring to speak about things we'd noticed that I hope might be interesting and of use.

I really enjoy days like these with good people, taking it in turns to fish and laughing.

Come fishing with us for the day!

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Episode 306 - Chris Galvin - Michelin Stars and Fly Rods

I catch up with Chris Galvin to learn about his amazing life so far along with his passion for fly fishing.

He has been transfixed by water after seeing trout in a stream in Cornwall as a child.

He tells me about how he first picked up a fly rod and where it has taken him over the years.

He is also an extremely successful restauranteur and chef with a Michelin Star. He gives me an inside look at the work that goes into a professional kitchen along with people he has spent time with while being there.

I hear about the pressures involved with the job and how fly fishing has been the perfect alternative to his hectic life.

His love and passion for our pastime comes pouring out. 

He is definitely one of us.

Despite his success, he is an incredibly humble and modest person you're going to enjoy listening to.

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Episode 305 - Philip Pinney - A Fly Fishing Life and So Much More

There are times when you meet someone, hear their story and are amazed by the life they have led.

Philip was born in New Zealand and had a fly rod in his hand from an early age.

Fishing tiny streams with his friends he was never far from a river.

On leaving school, he joined the RAF basing himself in the UK as the stillwater scene was just starting.

He flew Buccaneer aircraft during the Cold War and travelled the world in an aircraft including flying in Top Gun combat tactical performance programs in Nevada, US doing extremely well.

He also taught the then Prince Charles to fly and took him fishing just before his investiture as Prince of Wales. He also tells me about the Queen Mother who was also a keen fly angler.

On leaving the RAF, Philip spent more time fishing the chalk streams of Hampshire and the salmon rivers of Scotland.

He is an incredibly modest person who at 86, has seen and done so many things in a packed fishing career so far!

We sat and talked for an hour, I feel like I only scratched the surface of this amazing story.

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Episode 304 - Charles Jardine - Big News, Fishing and Life

I talk with Charles Jardine about some big news he has shared regarding the work he and his team have done with Fishing For Schools.

It could prove to be life changing for anyone deciding to follow the path they are laying out.

We talk about how he has found fishing the rivers and lakes in his new backyard in Wales and look at the creative process of fly tying.

We also look at parts of his life you may not know so much about including an amusing guiding story!

As you'd expect, Charles is a wonderfully engaging guest who is incredibly modest about what he has achieved in fly fishing.

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Episode 303 Hannah Arends - Black Forest Trout

In this episode I speaks with Hannah Arends, an enthusiastic fly fisher from Germany, who shares her journey into the world of fly fishing. 

She tells me about her best fishing season yet, the balance between family life and her passion for fishing, and the importance of mentorship in her growth as an angler. 

Hannah talks about fly tying and why the pheasant tail nymph is her go-to choice for a day on the water. 

We look at some of her dream destinations and how she has met like-minded people through her use of social media.

Fishing means so much to Hannah and I guarantee you'll smile while listening.

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Episode 302 - A Leap of Faith with Johannes Bulfin.

I welcome Johannes back to the podcast to learn about his new guiding venture, Watershed Fly Fishing, based in Ireland.

We'll hear about how his first season has gone and what he has learnt from it.

Having fished with Johannes I know how talented he is as an angler and learn how he translates this into his guiding along with his ethos.

He tells me about the good days and what they feel like but also about when the rain falls and a change of plan is needed.

I also learn about his techniques for targeting lake run trout.

Johannes is an incredibly modest person who is also open about his feelings of what guiding means to him and what he hopes to give his guests on their day.

It is so nice to speak to a good person trying to make a difference to our pastime.