Send us a text

Episode 267 - Eoin Fairgrieve and Colin Macleod Talk Fishing and Festivals

I catch up with Eoin and Colin to see how they feel fishing is looking, what their plans are for 2025 and their passion for salmon.

We also take a look at the previous season, how it compared with the last few years and why as anglers, we are the eternal optimists.

They are also behind the upcoming Tweed Salmon Festival that takes place over the 5th and 6th of April.

I learn how the planning is going, the ethos of the event, along with management too.

There is a lot to see and do for those who are newcomers to fishing right up to the most experienced.

Colin will also be playing a concert on the Saturday evening.

The festival is totally free and I was really pleased to hear from members of our community wanting to do some good for our pastime.

Send us a text

Episode 266 - Andrea Larko on Fishing and Art

I caught up with Andrea to learn a little about her life and how it revolves around fishing.

We look at the streams she fishes in Pennsylvania, the joy of blue lining, brook trout and making sure you pick the right fishing friend.

I talk with her about her art and get an understanding of the work that goes into it and how it felt to sell her first piece.

We also discuss the determination needed to be successful in the fishing industry and the many hours of work that go on behind the scenes.

I really enjoyed our conversation and hope you will too.

Free to download!

Send us a text

Episode 265 with Caspar Killick

My guest for this episode, Caspar Killick, lives close to his local stream in Wales and tries to get there most days during the summer.

He will also pack his Land Rover with his rods and a tent and might head to the far north of Scotland or even further in search of fishing adventures.

He tells me where he has been and some of the places he's been to including a trip that he is currently planning.

He is also an avid reader of fishing literature and shares some of his favourite titles with me.

He describes himself as a 'maker of things' that rolls into his day job of restoring vintage and classic cars.

Caspar also talks passionately about the environment and the things he has seen change over the years.

As ever this is a free to download podcast to enjoy! 

Send us a text

Episode 264 with Peter Arfield

I catch up with Peter to talk about a wide range of subjects that he answers in his own, inimitable and humorous way.

He talls me about how he first started fishing the Wye in Derbyshire and the lessons he learnt while observing the trout in the clear water.

We talk casting and why he decided to take a qualification and the impact it had on his fishing.

Many will know of his tackle shop that was in Bakewell and I learn how it started and the challenges he faced.

Please forgive the slight issues with sound that I hope don't detract from an interesting and amusing interview.

Free to download and enjoy!

Send us a text

Episode 263 - Alex Brown on Fishing, The Mountains and Van Life

In the latest episode, I speak with Alex Brown from his home high in the Pyrenees about fishing in the area, how it ties in perfectly with his camper van and how he ended up in Spain.

We look at how a camper van can work perfectly with fly fishing and I make a confession about my plans for 2025 that may see me going this route.

He also runs Advanture magazine that has a similar ethos to Fly Culture. I learn how this came about and we talk about what goes into running a publication based around your lifestyle.

Alex is an articulate, thoughtful guest who has a great affinity with that outdoors that you'll enjoy hearing about.

Free to download and enjoy.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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!

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.