The Guys Fishing Weekly

This week, Ed and Reid talk with JJ Naico, guide and owner of Down 2 Fish out of New Mexico.

They discuss JJ’s story and journey from the Florida high-octane life to the more measured pace of fly fishing the San Juan River. JJ shares his journey into fly fishing and his decision to become a full-time guide. Through that JJ has found and continues to foster a sense of community in the fly fishing world, highlighting the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of certain fly shops and anglers on the river.

The hosts and JJ discuss the importance of teaching and mentoring others in fishing and the joy they find in helping others with their “pursuits”.

Overall, JJ's story showcases the spirit of adventure and pursuit that fishing brings to his life. Don’t miss out on all this and plenty of laughs along the way!

This week, Ed and Reid chat with aquatic biologist, fly shop owner, and friend of the show, Peter Stitcher of Ascent Fly Fishing. They dive into the incredible strength Peter found in the fly fishing community during some of his toughest times. Peter shares his journey of starting Ascent Fly Fishing and how it blossomed into a community-first organization, both locally and internationally.

They also explore his belief that men need each other and that by coming together, they can support and uplift one another. Peter emphasizes the importance of being seen and acknowledged, rather than feeling the need to fix each other's problems.

The conversation was fun and sometimes heartfelt, and the guys can’t wait to tackle those 26-inch cutthroats Peter mentions. Don’t miss out on this one!

This week, Reid and Ed talk with FFI Fly Tyer of the Year, Garrett Lesko of Oregon Fly Tying. Garrett is an expert in fly tying and fly fishing, having forgotten more about the sport than the Guys know. He educates the Guys on the diverse fishing opportunities in Oregon, fly tying, fishing off the jetty, and shares his opinions on the industry's trajectory.

They discuss Oregon Fly Tying, a website run by Garrett and his friend/mentor, Garren Wood. The conversation highlights the importance of clubs and community involvement in fly fishing, as well as the art and science of fly tying. Together, they plan an incredible trip through Oregon that would make most bucket lists cry, and even share a delicious sandwich shop recommendation. Garrett also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right community and bringing new people into the sport. Overall, Garrett's passion for fishing and dedication to fly tying shine through in the conversation. Don’t miss out on our fishiest episode yet!

This week, Ed and Reid have a chat with Joshua Torrez, the founder of Afuera Outdoors. His organization aims to bring minorities, especially Latinos and indigenous communities, into the joy of outdoor activities.

Joshua is enthusiastic about promoting diversity in outdoor activities and giving back to the community. He shares his wonderful experiences in organizing events like fishing and skiing for kids, focusing on mentorship and sharing knowledge. One of his favorite community projects they put on is Dia de Pesca, where they provide fishing poles and arrange fun fishing events for families.

He also shares his personal love for fishing, which has been a bonding activity with his father and now with his daughter. He emphasizes the importance of introducing children to outdoor activities to help them connect with nature and develop new skills.

For Joshua, community is all about the blend of food, music, and people. He highlights the importance of protecting our environment and encourages everyone to stand up for what they believe in. His passion shines brightly and is truly infectious throughout the conversation.

This week, Reid and Ed interview Ray Cameron, the man behind Pop's Flies. Pop's Flies, a collection of fly patterns and recipes, is a story that extends beyond fly fishing, encompassing family connections, mental wellness, and adventures across the Rocky Mountains. Ray discusses the legacy of fly fishing in his family and how his attempt to tie flies opened the door to his father passing on the tradition. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and the bonds formed through shared interests. Ray shares a heartwarming story about recreating a photo of his grandfather fishing in the same spot decades later, this time with his own son.

Ray also delves into his passion for helping men with mental health challenges, emphasizing how fly fishing and other outdoor activities can be therapeutic. He stresses the need for open conversations about mental health and normalizing such discussions. He reminds us of the importance of checking in on each other. Sharing his favorite fishing memories, Ray also offers advice on encouraging the younger generation to embrace outdoor activities. Plenty of great insight through it all and lots of laughs along the way!

Takeaways

In this week's discussion, Ed and Reid are joined by artist and outdoorsman Kevin Onsrud from Casting Feathers & Fur. Kevin, once a teacher and now a mentor, talks about his outdoor activities, love for fishing, artistic journey, and the advantages of community involvement and hobbies after retirement.

Kevin narrates the evolution of his art, starting from tying flies, illustrating them, and now crafting art and logos.

The conversation delves into topics like fly fishing in the Driftless area, the camaraderie within the fishing community, the emotional and spiritual rewards of fishing, and the significance of active participation in a community. Kevin also reminisces about his favorite fishing memory and imparts wisdom to his 20-year-old self. Overall, the discussion was enlightening and thoroughly entertaining.

In this week's discussion, Reid and Ed chat with Colten Tidwell, the owner of Wild Orca, a company specializing in fly fishing rods and gear. Colten is passionate about community and ensuring everyone has a better fishing experience than anticipated. From exceptional packaging to no-questions-asked customer service, Colten and Wild Orca embody the spirit of fly fishing.

In the conversation, we delve into how Colten conceptualized Wild Orca, the adventures he's embarked on throughout his life, and his understanding of community. He stresses that community is fostered through shared interests, genuine care for others, and openness to new connections. He recounts fishing trips with his father and a playful tradition they have—the "Skunk Bandana," a consolation prize for catching the fewest fish. We even get chased by a badger (what is it about this sport and getting chased by wildlife?!).

All this and plenty more laughs along the way!

Takeaways

This week, Ed and Reid chat with Diogo and Peter from Frequent Flyers Fishing. They discuss the camaraderie among fishing buddies, the thrill of exploring the northeast USA, and the bond they've formed over the past few years. Diogo and Peter share their passion for camping and the exhilaration of fishing in challenging locations, as well as the tranquility that comes with focusing on a catch. They fondly recall their weekend trips to the Adirondacks and Catskills, where they first fell in love with fly fishing. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their encounters with wildlife, the importance of conservation, and future plans for their YouTube channel. It's a conversation filled with stories and laughter!

Takeaways

In this conversation, Ed and Reid interview the gregarious Joe Hemelt from Colorado Drifters in New Castle, Colorado. Joe spills the beans on how he and his lovely wife breathed life into Colorado Drifters, a cozy corner for coffee, a fly shop, and soon, a brewery, all aimed at serving the heart of the local community and uplifting other local businesses. The guys discuss how their drive for building up the community of New Castle aligns with their vision of creating third spaces and the importance of community, service and how fishing can bring people together. Joe shares heartfelt anecdotes about how fishing has been a beacon during stormy periods in his life, including during the COVID pandemic and deaths in the family. The conversation ebbs and flows around fishing escapades with loved ones and the importance of camaraderie among men. All this and plenty of laughs along the way!

Takeaways