On this episode of Waypoints, we sit down with one of the most innovative and influential minds in modern fly fishing — the legendary Blane Chocklett. A pioneer in streamer design and the creative force behind the iconic Game Changer fly, Blane has spent decades pushing the boundaries of how we tie, present, and think about flies. From his roots fishing the rivers of Virginia to creating patterns that now travel the globe, his impact on the sport is undeniable. In this episode, we dive into the philosophies that drive his design work, the crossover between conventional and fly tackle, and how movement and action are everything when it comes to triggering aggressive eats from predatory species.

We also dig into the stories behind the flies, Blane’s guiding background, his travel experiences chasing exotic species, and the founding of his own fly design company — The Chocklett Factory. Whether you’re a musky junkie, a trout streamer devotee, or a saltwater angler looking to breathe new life into your fly selection, this conversation is full of insight, creativity, and inspiration. Blane shares thoughts on conservation, mentorship, and what the future holds for innovation in the sport. Tune in for a conversation with a true original — someone who’s not just tied flies, but transformed how we fish them.

After the success of the 2024 Belize and 2023 Baja Bluegrass events, we’re excited to bring the experience back to Belize for 2025. Join us November 4–9 at El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye for a five-night, all-inclusive fishing, beach, and bluegrass getaway—exclusively for 30 couples.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

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- View the official Yellow Dog website

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In this special episode of Waypoints, host Jim Klug sits down with longtime friend, business partner, and fellow saltwater addict Ian Davis to talk about an incredible project nearly a decade in the making. Ian – a renowned angler, illustrator, fly designer, and global trip host – has just released his highly anticipated new book, A Passion for Bonefish. This landmark publication is the result of more than eight years of dedicated work, extensive travel, in-depth research, and conversations with some of the most legendary names in saltwater fly fishing. The book is more than just a technical guide or glossy photo journal. Rather, it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of the most iconic fish in the sport and a celebration of the places, people, and culture that surround the pursuit of bonefish.

As the co-owner of Yellow Dog Flyfishing (a sponsor of Waypoints), Ian brings a wealth of personal experience to the conversation - having chased bonefish across the globe for more than 30 years. In this episode, Ian and Jim dive deep into the evolution of the book, the insights it delivers, and the reasons why bonefish continue to capture the hearts of so many fly anglers. From gear tips and fly selection to destination highlights, conservation concerns, and bonefishing strategy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who love fishing the flats and those that plan to in the future. Whether you’re new to bonefishing or a seasoned saltwater veteran, Ian’s knowledge, stories, and passion for the species shine through in what promises to be one of the most engaging episodes of the season.

After the success of the 2024 Belize and 2023 Baja Bluegrass events, we’re excited to bring the experience back to Belize for 2025. Join us November 4–9 at El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye for a five-night, all-inclusive fishing, beach, and bluegrass getaway—exclusively for 30 couples.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this episode of Waypoints, we travel to the Bay Islands of Honduras to explore one of the most underrated and unknown saltwater destinations in the Caribbean — the island of Guanaja. Jim Klug sits down with Steve Brown, the founder of Fly Fish Guanaja and the visionary behind the Faraway Cayes program, for a deep dive into a 25-year journey that blends pioneering adventure, flats fishing obsession, conservation, and a deep commitment to local communities. From permit and bonefish to the realities of building and operating a remote, Central American lodge operation from the ground up, this conversation explores what it means to create something truly special in a part of the world that is still largely off the radar.

Steve shares his incredible story — from early exploratory missions and reviving a historic fishery, to launching a second ultra-remote camp 160 miles offshore. Listeners will get an inside look at the angling opportunities on Guanaja’s technical flats, the distinct experience of Faraway Cayes, and why both operations offer something rare in today’s flyfishing world: true saltwater wilderness, low pressure, and meaningful purpose. Whether you’re dreaming of tailing permit or curious about how world-class fisheries are discovered, launched, and protected, this episode offers both inspiration and information for every traveling angler.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this episode of Waypoints, host Jim Klug welcomes one of the most respected and impactful voices in the world of fly fishing — Craig Mathews. Known widely as the founder and former owner of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Montana, Craig has spent decades immersed in the rivers, tributaries, and backcountry waters of Yellowstone National Park and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. A former Chief of Police turned conservationist, fly shop owner, author, and advocate, Craig’s journey is as remarkable as the landscape he’s dedicated his life to protecting. With a career rooted in wild trout, groundbreaking fly design, and environmental stewardship, Craig reflects on his early years in the Park, the founding and rise of his iconic fly shop, and the countless innovations and conservation efforts that have defined his legacy.

Jim and Craig dive into an expansive conversation covering everything from the challenges of launching a fly shop in the 1980s to the evolution of Yellowstone’s trout populations and the gear that Craig still swears by. They discuss the origins of legendary fly patterns, Craig’s early trips to Belize when it was still British Honduras, and his central role in the founding of 1% for the Planet. Craig shares firsthand stories of protecting public access at Three Dollar Bridge, restoring native trout, and why he believes anglers today must take responsibility - and step up - when it comes to protecting the waters they love. Whether you’re a seasoned Yellowstone veteran or planning your first visit, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom, humor, and inspiration from one of the true giants of the sport.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

On this episode of the Waypoints podcast, we head to the remote and spectacular flats of South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands to sit down with longtime outfitter and flats fishing pioneer Bibo Jayne. Known for his decades of experience exploring and guiding the waters of “Big South,” Bibo has helped put this lesser-known destination on the map for serious saltwater anglers. In this in-depth conversation, listeners will get a firsthand look at the evolution of fly fishing on South Caicos, from Bibo’s early days exploring the fishery with an airboat to his newest angling partnership with the recently-opened Salterra Resort.

Throughout the episode, Waypoints host Jim Klug and Bibo discuss everything from travel logistics and ideal gear setups to seasonal fishing conditions, species diversity, and what makes the bonefish of South Caicos truly special. Bibo also shares his personal journey, conservation philosophy, and the vision behind his guiding operation - South Caicos Flyfishing. Whether you’re planning your next saltwater adventure or simply want to learn more about an exciting and unspoiled fishery in the Caribbean, this episode delivers a deep dive into what makes South Caicos such a unique and rewarding destination.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

This is a fun one! In this special episode of Waypoints, Jim Klug is joined by longtime friends and  industry legends Brian O’Keefe and Bryan Gregson for a lively and insightful conversation that dives deep into the roots and the history of flyfishing. What started as a late-night, beer-fueled conversation at a recent consumer show gathering in Denver quickly turned into a bigger realization: many of today’s younger anglers — even those who live and breathe the sport — have little to no knowledge of the icons and pioneers who laid the foundation for modern flyfishing. So, we decided to do something about it.

This episode was created as a tribute and a history lesson — a fun, freewheeling discussion that shines a light on 30 legendary figures who helped shape the sport as we know it. From influential authors and pioneering guides to gear innovators, conservationists, and destination fishing trailblazers, this episode covers a wide spectrum of personalities who left an undeniable mark on flyfishing during the 20th century. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or newer to the game, this one is both entertaining and educational — a must-listen for anyone who cares about the history, evolution, and culture of our sport.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this episode of Waypoints, we return to the heart of one of the most important — and complex — conservation stories in the world of flyfishing: the state of Montana’s Big Hole and the rivers of southwest Montana. Nearly two years after the New York Times released an article focusing on declining fish populations throughout the region, recent data from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks suggests that there may be signs of hope and recovery for wild trout. But with mixed messages, differing perspectives, and strong emotions still swirling throughout the guide, outfitting, and recreational angling communities, the real story is far from simple. Joined by  Jim Olsen – Fisheries Biologist for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in the Big Hole River basin – and by Eric Thorson – co-owner of Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose, Montana – host Jim Klug digs into the facts, revisits the concerns, and examines what’s really going on beneath the surface of these legendary waters.

Why should this topic matter to anglers from outside of Montana and across the country? Because what happens in the Big Hole doesn’t stay in the Big Hole. These rivers are ground zero for a larger conversation about climate change, water use, fishing pressure, wild trout resilience, and the future of angling in the American West. Whether you’ve fished these waters for decades, or plan to someday cast a line in Montana, this episode offers critical insight into how science, community, and conservation are colliding in real time — and what that means for the future of wild trout.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this second episode of our two-part Christmas Island series, Waypoints shifts the focus from the history and angling evolution of the atoll to hands-on fishing specifics. Host Jim Klug continues his conversation with Bryant Dunn of Christmas Island Lodge, diving deep into the angling experience itself. They address and answer the most common questions from anglers and travelers — from navigating the atoll’s massive, diverse flats to targeting bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish, and other prized species. They also discuss gear recommendations, fly selection, travel logistics, and how the remoteness of Christmas Island shapes both the fishing and the overall adventure.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to the atoll or dreaming of a return trip at some point in the future, this episode delivers an inside look at what it takes to succeed on the flats of Kiritimati. Bryant and Jim share expert tips on preparing for the conditions, working effectively with local guides, and maximizing every opportunity in one of saltwater flyfishing’s most legendary settings. Packed with helpful advice, destination insight, and deep local knowledge, this conversation is the ultimate guide to gearing up, traveling smart, and making the most of a trip to Christmas Island.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this first episode of a special two-part series, Waypoints heads to the heart of the Central Pacific to explore one of the most legendary destinations in saltwater fly fishing — Christmas Island. Host Jim Klug is joined by Bryant Dunn of Christmas Island Lodge for a deep dive into the rich history of the atoll, the evolution of its world-renowned fishery, and why this remote destination continues to captivate anglers from around the globe. Together, they unpack the fascinating backstory of Kiritimati — from its early Polynesian visitors and strategic wartime role to its emergence as a top-tier flyfishing hotspot.

Listeners can expect an informative and detailed conversation that brings to life the story behind Christmas Island’s rise as a must-visit destination. Bryant and Jim also share insights into the challenges and rewards of running an off-the-grid lodge operation, the role of fly fishing tourism for the local Kiribati economy, and what makes the Christmas Island experience truly unique. Whether you’re planning your first trip to the famous atoll or simply dreaming of casting to bonefish and giant trevally on expansive Pacific flats, this episode sets the stage for an unforgettable look at one of fly fishing’s most iconic locations (with  more to come in Part Two).

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...

In this episode of Waypoints, host Jim Klug sits down with Howard Croston — Global Brand and Product Manager for House of Hardy — to explore the legacy, innovation, and future of one of the most iconic brands in fly fishing. Howard brings a unique perspective to the conversation —not just as a designer of some of the world’s finest rods and reels, but also as a seasoned world champion angler who has tested gear in some of the most remote and demanding destinations on the planet. Listeners can expect an in-depth discussion on Hardy’s 150-year history, the evolution of fly fishing tackle, and how the demands of travel and destination angling influence equipment design and performance.

Beyond the history, Howard shares invaluable insights into rod and reel innovation, equipment selection for serious destination travel, and his personal experiences fishing everywhere from the chalk streams of England to the saltwater flats of the Indian Ocean. He also reflects on the challenges of designing gear that can stand up to big game species, how competition angling has shaped his approach to performance, and why casting skills and gear choice are critical for success abroad. This episode offers a fascinating look into the gear, the travel, and the mindset that define today’s global angler.

Waypoints is brought to you by Patagonia
To bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving.

Built with innovative materials, intuitive features and a refined fit, their Swiftcurrent® Waders are a better wader experience. Repatterned for bulk reduction, reduced seam stress, increased maneuverability and improved repairability, they move better in and out of the water, carry gear more efficiently and keep tools handy. They’re made from recycled materials without intentionally added PFAS—toxic “forever chemicals.

- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Facebook
- Check out our YouTube Page
- View the official Yellow Dog website

...