• 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
  • 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
  • 599 | Fly Fishing Pressured Waters with Nick Conklin of Temple Fork Outfitters
    Apr 29 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/599 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory, FishHound Expeditions, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togiak River Lodge What do you do when your favorite spot is packed with other anglers or when you're navigating crowded rivers all day? Today we uncover expert tips on fly fishing pressured waters and gain exclusive insights from Nick Conklin of Temple Fork Outfitters. Learn about choosing the perfect rod for your next adventure, why local shows are game-changers, and the secrets behind TFO's big game rods. If you're a TFO enthusiast like me, you won't want to miss this update on one of the leading rod companies in the industry! Show Notes with Nick Conklin on Fly Fishing Pressured Waters. 2:29 - Growing up in Michigan, Nick Conklin had the privilege of fishing in a 70-acre private lake and exploring the nearby Pere Marquette River. Nick's interest in fly fishing sparked when he was eight after reading an Ernest Hemingway story, leading him to learn fly casting, tying flies, and exploring various fishing opportunities. While Nick's childhood fishing grounds were in Michigan, he's now based in Dallas, Texas, where he continues to explore fishing on the Texas coast. Nick's Journey to TFO 4:31 - Initially involved in outdoor journalism, Nick's passion for fishing and writing led him to TFO. He started with part-time work and eventually moved into various roles, from warranty services to product category management. 6:54 - Nick oversees product design, development, sales, and marketing for the fly fishing division. He collaborates with industry experts, manages trade shows, and engages with dealers and consumers to promote TFO products. Temple Fork Outiftters 7:55 - TFO offers a diverse range of fishing rods, from small trout and panfish rods to heavy-duty boat rods for saltwater fishing. They cover both conventional and fly fishing categories. 9:36 - Nick tells us about their collaboration with Jason Randall on rod projects, including the Drift series. Recommendations for New Fly Fishers Nick suggests starting with a combo kit like the NXT Black Label Kit. Here's a summary of his recommendations and insights: Combo kits provide everything a beginner needs, including the rod, reel, backing, fly line, and leader, making it easier to get started without worrying about individual components. New anglers should consider their budget and what type of fishing they plan to do the most. This helps in choosing the right rod weight and length for their needs. Combo kits often come with a practice fly line, allowing beginners to practice casting without worrying about damaging an expensive fly line. Casting Tips 18:00 - Nick emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from qualified educators or casting instructors who can help beginners navigate the casting process effectively. Local fly shops, fly fishing clubs, and online resources like Google searches can be invaluable in finding resources and communities to support learning. While it may require an investment, hiring a guide can significantly accelerate the learning curve and provide valuable insights into fishing techniques, specific waters, and asking pertinent questions. Fly Fishing Pressured Waters 21:00 - Nick's upcoming book, Fly Fishing Pressured Western Rivers, is scheduled for release by the end of 2024. The book aims to address the challenges of fishing on heavily pressured rivers, particularly in Western regions. Navigating crowded rivers and finding success can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some valuable tips from Nick: Preparation: Focus on organizing gear, practicing casting skills, and refining your approach before hitting the water to maximize fishing time. Observation: Spend time observing other anglers' techniques and approaches to learn from their successes and challenges. Flexibility: Stay open to adjusting your fishing strategies based on seasonal conditions, time of day, and weather to increase your chances of success. Journaling: Keep detailed notes about your fishing experiences, including what worked, what didn't, and any observations about conditions or tactics. Reviewing these notes before future trips can provide valuable insights and improve fishing performance. TFO Rod Lineup Overview TFO offers a diverse lineup of rods catering to various fishing styles and species, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers. They provide high-quality rods at reasonable price points. They offer combo kits that include rod and reel combinations, making it convenient and cost-effective for beginners to get started with everything they need. Choosing the Right Fly Rod for Beginners Here are some key tips and advice for beginners looking to choose the right fly rod: Try Different Rods: Try out a few different rods to find one that fits your casting style and preferences. Focus on Personal Preference: Ignore brand names and logos initially. Instead, focus on how comfortable ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 598 | The Evolution of Fly Casting: Insights from the Golden Gate Casting Club with Jim Dawson
    Apr 26 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/598

    Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Skwala, Togens Fly Shop

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    In this episode, we dive into the rich history of the Golden Gate Casting Club with Jim Dawson, the club's resident historian. Discover the revolutionary impact of a young orphan who reshaped fly casting technology, linking his innovations directly to the tech you use today, like your iPhone. Jim shares captivating stories from the club’s past, including tales about legendary figures like Jimmy Green, whose techniques and inventions propelled fly fishing into the future. Tune in to uncover the roots of modern fly casting and get inspired by the techniques that top anglers have used to dominate the sport.

    Episode Chapters

    (0:00:05) – Introduction to the Golden Gate Casting Club
    Exploring the connection between historical casting champions and modern fly casting technology, with an introduction to the episode's focus on the Golden Gate Casting Club.

    (0:02:13) – The Legacy of Jim Dawson and the Casting Club
    Jim Dawson discusses the historical significance of the club and its impact on fly casting competitions and innovations in the United States.

    (0:03:36) – The Innovations of Jimmy Green
    A deep dive into how Jimmy Green's innovations in rod and line design have influenced modern fly fishing, including anecdotes about his life and contributions.

    (0:07:22) – Mono Running Lines and Their Origin
    Discussion on the origins and development of mono running lines at the Golden Gate Casting Club and their impact on fly fishing technology.

    (0:10:45) – The Role of the Golden Gate Casting Club in Modern Fly Fishing
    Jim elaborates on the club's role in shaping the practices and technologies used in contemporary fly fishing, including spay casting.

    (0:15:00) – Evolution of Fly Casting Techniques and Competitions
    Insights into the evolution of fly casting techniques and the structure of modern casting competitions, highlighting the club's ongoing influence.

    (0:19:55) – Historical Anecdotes and Guest Stories
    Jim shares memorable stories from past club members and significant events that have marked the club’s history.

    (0:23:38) – The Intersection of Technology and Fly Fishing
    Discussion on how advancements in technology have intertwined with fly fishing practices, featuring stories about Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

    (0:27:04) – Q&A: Insights into Fly Casting and Conservation
    Listeners ask questions about fly casting techniques and conservation efforts related to fly fishing, with Jim providing expert answers.

    (0:30:15) – Closing Thoughts and Future of Fly Fishing
    Jim reflects on the future of fly fishing and the role of innovative thinking in sustaining the sport's growth and ecological responsibility.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/598

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 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

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