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Welcome to the 200th episode of the podcast!

In this special edition I sit down with Peter Hayes and Don Stazicker to talk about about their latest book, The Flies That Trout Prefer.

We discuss what they found from years of detailed observation and how they shared their findings with readers.

 Peter and Don have drilled down into why trout behave in the way they do, their preferences when feeding and have even explored the eye sight of fish.

They have left no stone unturned and will make you look at fly selection and behaviour of trout in a completely different way.

This couldn't be a better episode to celebrate a small milestone for this podcast.

Buy The Flies That Trout Prefer HERE

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I often ask guests of the podcast for their dream fishing destination. Near the top of the list is, hardly surprisingly, Montana.

I thought it would be interesting to get the inside track from someone who lives there, fishes and guides around the state.

Eric 'Vern" Strader tells me about his love of the area, the fishing across a variety of waters, the hatches along with the fishing culture too.

We get an insiders view of living there, the effect of the TV show Yellowstone on Montana, where guides meet up after work and the strange transactions that take places there!

You may not ever visit Montana but this is a wonderful interview that will appeal to any fly angler.

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I catch up with Geoff Hadley for this edition of the podcast.

We look at the various species he likes to cast a fly at and some tips too.

We discuss his fishing timeline and the recent article he has written for Fly Culture that looks at introducing his 2 sons to fly fishing.

Geoff is hugely enthusiastic about fly fishing and loves to catch any species on the fly.

I feel sure his enthusiasm will rub off on you and inspire you to take a look at species you hadn't though of previously casting a fly to.

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I talk with Dave Smith about his home river, the Monnow and learn a little about what it means to him.

I plan rough questions for these podcasts as I prefer the conversation take the route it follows. 

While recording this episode I discover a truly beautiful story about a difficult time that was aided by fly fishing. It is deeply moving.

I also find out what a Raspberry Trout is and talk fly fishing train wrecks with Dave too.

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I talk with Gordon van der Spuy about his latest book, The Feather Mechanic II.

I learn about how he views fly fishing and tying but also about his approach to life too.

He is a fascinating guest who views fishing through a slightly different lens that will, without a doubt, have you thinking differently about your approach to fishing.
 
It is clear that he has poured part of his soul into producing his latest book that is more than just fly tying recipes, it is a whole lot more.

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I talk with Ben Perrin about the many hours of work that goes into hand making one of his fishing reels. Each one is unique and has a soul.

I also hear about an event that was without a doubt life changing. Ben talks about it the way he does about his reels, with great modesty.

This is a riveting listen that will give you an insight into the process of a true artisan.

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I have had many people contact me and ask if I will  get James Gilbraith back on the podcast. I am pleased to say he has joined me for this episode.

We just talk about fishing, how the outlook for salmon feels, fishing clubs, the state of rivers, AI, how it might affect writers and fly patterns.

As ever, James looks at things in a unique and humorous way that as ever, is a great listen.

There were some slight issues with sound that I hope doesn't detract from your enjoyment of this episode.

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It is great to be back in Italy with good friends, amazing guides and fabulous coffee.

Join us for 3 days of fishing in a mix of streams. There are some amazing fish caught, plenty of laughs and of course, I manage to fall in!

The trip proved that there is more to fishing than the fish. It is about friends, the places we go and things that we experience together.

We'll be running the trip again next year and if you'd like to come along just drop me a line at [email protected]

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I'm joined by Lyn Davies to talk about the rivers he fishes in Wales and the close relationship with fishing that runs through his family.

We talk about day time sea trout and rising trout along with his work as a designer and photographer for fishing books and magazines.

Lyn is a kind and generous person who is extremely modest about his fly fishing career.

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Duncan Philpott lived just a short walk from his home trout stream. 

A change in his life meant he now lives in Sweden where he has to travel to get his fishing fix.

We talk about the differences in the fishing, a huge trout on a dry fly and his work that involves researching disease in trout.

Duncan is also an accomplished photographer who has shot a front cover for Fly Culture and has also written about a lock down rod build.

Duncan is great company who talks with a deep love of our pastime.