• Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

  • By: Dave Stewart
  • Podcast
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast cover art

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

By: Dave Stewart
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  • Summary

  • Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Blog interviews the biggest names in fly fishing and fly tying today. He digs out all of the best fly fishing tips and tricks to help you understand how to choose the right gear, find fish, present the fly, discover new patterns and more. Find out about new rods, lines, techniques, knots, tying tools and unheard of tips along with great stories about life and the times of some of the most knowledgeable guides, shop owners, and fisherman from around the world. Season 1 covers all things steelhead fishing. Better understand topics like spey casting, nymphing vs. swinging flies, intruders, finding fish, conservation and finding new waters. In Season 2 we switch to a focus on trout fishing with topics like euro nymphing, entomology and much more. Come join us for the current season and share the stories and great memories told by amazing people.
    Copyright: Wet Fly Swing Media - Your Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Resource | 2017 - 2021
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Episodes
  • 597 | Cicada Madness: Cracking the Code of Epic Cicada Emergences with David Zielinski

    597 | Cicada Madness: Cracking the Code of Epic Cicada Emergences with David Zielinski
    Apr 24 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/597 Presented By: TroutRoutes, Guide Book, Skwala, FishHound Expeditions Are you interested to know how to target one of the craziest hatches that will make national headlines this year? Today, Dave Zielinski is back on the podcast to give his best tips on fishing the Cicada hatch, including how to predict when and where to find them and how to have success when you're out on the water. Time for some cicada madness with a sprinkle of boat building! Show Notes with David Zielinski on Cicada Madness. 1:27 - It's great to have David back on the show after our last episode where we delved into boat building. Today, though, we're shifting gears to focus on cicadas. 5:24 - Dave Zielinski's book, Cicada Madness, explores the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns essential for understanding and enjoying epic cicada emergences. Periodical cicadas emerge in synchronized cycles, akin to mayfly hatches Cicada Madness: The Rare Cicada Emergence of 2024 10:31 - This year, a rare and significant event involving two distinct broods of periodical cicadas is set to occur. The emergence is expected to impact between 17 to 20 states, spanning from the bottom of Wisconsin to the coastal areas of Alabama and Louisiana. The Cicada Lifecycle 15:48 - Cicadas have a 13 or 17-year lifecycle, spending most of their time underground as nymphs. The adult cicadas emerge to mate, lay eggs, and then die, continuing the cycle. The trigger for emergence is when the ground soil reaches around 64 degrees Fahrenheit at about eight inches deep. This happens rapidly over a few days in early summer when days are longer and the soil warms up due to increased sunshine. Success on the Water with Cicadas 24:48 - Success in cicada fishing hinges on understanding the bug's lifecycle and emergence timing. Fish only start targeting cicadas when enough of them accidentally fall into the water, signaling to the fish that it's a food source. Dave emphasizes the importance of knowing where and when to be on the water. His book delves into detailed experiences and strategies for effectively targeting and fishing during cicada emergence. Cicada Fishing Techniques and Patterns 27:19 - Dave's book features 59 cicada patterns, including annual, periodical, and regional variations. Cicada fishing is often non-technical, favoring dry fly fishing techniques, although some fish prefer drag-free drifts while others go for actively moving cicadas. Fishing near mature trees where cicadas congregate is effective, as they often get knocked down by wind or during mating flights. Target areas where cicadas are likely to fall into the water, such as under trees or along riverbanks where the bugs lose elevation and hit the water. 33:41 - Trouts are avid cicada eaters and can consume them without getting full, making them a prime target during cicada emergences in trout waters. Carp are particularly enthusiastic about cicadas despite being bottom feeders. Other fish species like smallmouth bass, weird fish, and even catfish can also be caught on cicada patterns, although their response may vary based on factors like spawning cycles or food availability. Cicada Madness: Key Tips for Cicada Fishing 36:34 - Cicadas are true bugs, belonging to a group of insects with beaks that extract nutrients from plants, similar to leaf hoppers. Worldwide, there are over 3000 species of cicadas, each with a distinctive appearance characterized by stout bodies, bulging eyes, six legs, and two pairs of wings. Here are a few key tips as you gear up for cicada fishing: Research and hunt for cicadas in areas where they're expected to emerge. Be observant of your surroundings. Listen for the distinct sound of cicadas and watch for bird activity that may indicate their presence. Use large foam cicada patterns without popping or twitching them, as cicadas hitting the water tend to lay silently, mimicking a natural scenario for fish to strike. Understand the lifecycle and behavior of cicadas. Dave highlights two favorite cicada fly patterns that you can check out online for inspiration: 17-Year Itch Cicada Chuck Kraft Excaliburs Preparation Tips for Cicada Season If you're gearing up for cicada season, Dave suggests the following: Buy the Book: Get Dave's book for brood maps and scouting tips. Online Resources: Utilize online resources to gather information about cicada sightings in your area. Reach Out: Contact universities and entomology departments for expert insights and locations. Talk to Locals: Connect with people who have experienced cicada emergences before for valuable knowledge. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on news articles and scientific reports to stay updated on cicada predictions and hotspots. Down Home Boatworks 51:00 - While Dave hasn't designed new boats recently, he continues to sell plans. Dave also offers plans for free to schools and non-profits interested in boat-building projects. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/597...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 596 | Predator on the Fly: Mako Shark Fly Fishing with Conway Bowman

    596 | Predator on the Fly: Mako Shark Fly Fishing with Conway Bowman
    Apr 22 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/596

    Presented By: Northern Rockies Adventures, TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company

    Try to imagine what a 200-pound shark hooked up on the end of your fly rod and jumping 20 feet out of the water would feel like. Hooking sharks on the fly is what today's guest specializes in.

    In this episode, Conway Bowman is going to take us into his wild world of mako shark fly fishing. Find out where to find these fish, how to pop your fly to these giants, and the thrilling experience of fighting a top predator on a fly rod.

    Show Notes with Conway Bowman on Mako Shark Fly Fishing.


    2:00 - Conway Bowman's passion for fishing began at a young age. He grew up around the water and spent summers in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. His journey into fly fishing for Mako Sharks began when a friend suggested it, leading Conway to explore offshore waters until he finally hooked his first Mako.

    7:55 - Despite not seeing himself as a rockstar in fly fishing, Conway's focus on targeting Mako Sharks has made him a recognized figure due to his unique approach and expertise.

    The World of Mako Shark Fly Fishing

    8:60 - Between 2007 and 2013, the demand for Mako Shark fly fishing surged, leading Conway to expand his operation and hire additional guides.

    At one point, there were a few guides besides Conway involved in Mako Shark fly fishing, but due to the physical demands and logistical challenges, he became the primary figure in the field.


    The Mako Shark: The Ultimate Game Fish

    Makos are true predators, actively tracking and attacking live prey, which adds to the thrill of targeting them on the fly. They are known for their acrobatics, being the only sharks that can jump up to 20 feet out of the water.

    18:00 - Depending on the size, landing a Mako shark can range from 15 minutes to over three hours. When landing, a release stick is used to safely handle the fish, applying pressure to release them.

    24:00 - Conway primarily uses poppers when fly fishing for Makos. Other species like leopard sharks and blue sharks can also be targeted with poppers, especially off the beach for leopard sharks.

    Mako Shark Life History

    26:00 - Mako Sharks typically arrive in Southern California around May to breed, with large females giving birth to 5-10 live pups.

    Pups stay in the safer Southern California waters until they're a few hundred pounds, feeding on smaller fish like tunas and barracudas. As they grow to 300-400 pounds, their diet shifts to larger prey like seals and sea lions.

    During colder months, Makos migrate, possibly to regions of Mexico, before returning in waves from April to November, with peak presence from June to August

    Best Time to Visit for Mako Shark Fly Fishing

    28:22 - Conway recommends mid-May through August and then October through November for Mako Shark fly fishing in Southern California. July is considered prime time for Mako Shark fishing.

    Gear for Mako Shark Fishing

    Conway uses specialized equipment tailored for handling these powerful predators. Here's a breakdown of the gear he uses:

    Rod: Starts with a 14-weight rod and then uses custom-made one-piece rods for larger Makos above 200 pounds.
    Reels: Various big game reels suitable for marlin or tuna fishing, with 800 yards of backing.
    Casting Technique: Uses an anchor cast technique, avoiding false casts, to efficiently get the fly from point A to point B within 30 feet.
    Fly Design: Employs a tube fly that slides up and down the leader, ensuring easy release and retrieval without leaving a big hook hanging from the shark's mouth.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/596
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    52 mins
  • In the Bucket #4 | Tales from Behind the Lens: Dano and Darcy on Snowboarding, Fly Fishing, and the Art of Photography

    In the Bucket #4 | Tales from Behind the Lens: Dano and Darcy on Snowboarding, Fly Fishing, and the Art of Photography
    Apr 19 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/595

    Join us in this episode of In the Bucket where Dano Pendygrasse and Darcy Bacha, renowned snowboarding photographers, dive into the vibrant world of fly fishing through their lenses. Discover how their decades of experience in snowboarding have shaped their approach to capturing the serene beauty of fly fishing. Dano and Darcy discuss the transition from the adrenaline of snowboarding shoots to the tranquil riversides, reflecting on the artistry and patience required in both disciplines. They share personal stories and professional insights on making passions into careers, the challenges of photography in extreme conditions, and the unexpected joys of exploring new waters. Whether you're a fan of their snowboarding work or looking to improve your fishing photography skills, this episode offers a unique perspective on embracing change and finding new passions.

    Episode Chapters

    (0:00:05) – Introduction to Guests - Introduction of Dano Pendygrasse and Darcy Bacha, discussing their backgrounds as iconic snowboarding photographers who have transitioned into the realm of fly fishing photography.

    (0:05:22) – The Link Between Snowboarding and Fly Fishing - Exploring how skills and experiences from snowboarding photography have influenced their approach to capturing the essence of fly fishing.

    (0:14:39) – The Shift from Snowboarding to Fishing - Darcy and Dano discuss their personal reasons for shifting their focus from the dynamic world of snowboarding to the more serene and reflective activity of fly fishing.

    (0:22:10) – Photographic Techniques in Extreme Conditions - Techniques and challenges faced while photographing in various environmental conditions, from icy mountains to humid riverbanks.

    (0:30:45) – Balancing Passion and Work - A discussion on the importance of maintaining passion in your work and the balance between professional photography and personal fishing time.

    (0:41:33) – The Evolution of Photography Gear - Insight into the evolution of photography equipment over the years and how advances have affected their work in both snowboarding and fishing photography.

    (0:51:17) – Stories from the Field - Engaging stories from their careers that highlight unexpected moments and the personal growth they experienced through their professional journeys.

    (1:03:50) – Future of Photography with AI and Technology - A conversation about the potential impacts of AI on professional photography and their views on the future of capturing images in natural environments.

    (1:15:28) – Advice for Aspiring Photographers - Practical advice for up-and-coming photographers on how to succeed in the competitive field of sports and outdoor photography.

    (1:27:45) – Closing Thoughts - Final thoughts and reflections on the importance of following your passions, whether in the wilds of nature or through the lens of a camera.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/595
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    1 hr and 34 mins
Sports & Outdoors
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