Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast Dave Stewart

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604

Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, TroutRoutes
Today's episode focuses on an important organization helping to generate billions of dollars to protect our fish species. Join me as I chat with Connor Bevan, the Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association.
Hear how partnerships on Capitol Hill shape the future of fish species preservation. Today you will also find out how you can lend your voice to this cause and ensure our fish populations will thrive for generations.
Plus, we'll also take a thrilling ride to ICAST—the world's largest sportfishing event this July in Florida!
Show Notes with Connor Bevan on American Sportfishing Association.
2:00 - Connor's fishing adventures began in Northern California with his dad. Connor also enjoys fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary and the Delaware River on the East Coast.
The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA)
The ASA is the leading trade association for the recreational fishing industry. They advocate for healthy fisheries and science-based policies. Their efforts contribute to the US economy, with an annual impact of $148 billion.
8:00 - ASA deals with a wide range of issues, but one of their major focuses is reauthorizing the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act).
10:30 - ASA is a link between the sportfishing community and Capitol Hill. They leverage the community's voice to ensure they have a nationwide appeal.
13:00 - Connor says that while there is a common understanding of the need for healthy fisheries, ASA acknowledges that Congress needs to balance various priorities.
It is important to educate decision-makers on the impact of what they do on water quality, fishing, and overall environmental health.
What You Can Do to Help
15:27 - Connor suggests several ways:
Get involved with Keep America Fishing. This is their advocacy platform for anglers to weigh in on different issues both on national and regional levels.
Share any local issues or concerns with ASA. Connor says they are always interested in hearing what's going on at the local level.
Become an active member of the community.

What is the ICAST? 
17:00 - The ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing industry trade show. It's where you can see all the latest products, innovations, and trends in the industry. This year's ICAST 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida from July 16th to July 19th.
19:13 - Connor says that fly fishing's presence at ICAST is growing. Last year they introduced a dedicated floor space for fly companies, and they saw a lot of interest.
26:37 - One of the American Sportfishing Association's big focuses over the last several years has been taking a more preventative look at aquatic invasive species.
The fishing and boating industry launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to improve preventive and management strategies for these invasive species.
28:18 -  The MAPLand Act requires federal agencies to standardize and digitize maps they hold within the agencies. ASA supports the MapWaters Act to similarly direct federal agencies to digitize and standardize that mapping information.
A Day in the Life at Capitol Hill 
35:18 - Connor says that every day is different for him. He spends a lot of time in meetings with legislative staff.
Travel is a big part of the job. Connor attends trade shows and conducts site visits. He also coordinates regularly with their members to discuss issues affecting their businesses.
36:54 - Excise taxes are fees imposed on the sale of fishing gear like rods, reels, and even marine fuel. These funds are then distributed to state agencies based on a specific formula.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604
 

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/603 
Presented by: FishHound Expeditions, TroutRoutes, Stonefly Nets, Togiak River Lodge
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors  
Join us in this fascinating episode as David Coggins, a celebrated author and seasoned angler, shares his global fishing adventures and the stories behind his latest book. Discover the allure of chasing elusive fish in exotic locations and how David merges his keen sense of style with the practical aspects of angling. Whether you're curious about the nuances of fishing in Norwegian rivers or the challenges of catching permit in Belize, David's experiences offer invaluable insights and inspire anglers to dream big and fish with style.
 
Episode Chapters with David Coggins on Global Fishing Adventures
1:32 - David discusses his recent activities and his new book, "The Believer: A Year in the Fly Fishing Life." This book was inspired during the COVID-19 lockdowns as he aimed to maximize his fishing activities before potentially settling down with his girlfriend. However, many of his planned trips were canceled due to the pandemic. Despite these setbacks, he managed to continue fishing and incorporated these experiences into his book.
5:44 - He shares his passion for fly fishing and the personal joys it brings, particularly when introducing friends to the sport. He also talks about the challenging aspects of fishing, like learning new skills and overcoming difficulties, which make the experience rewarding.
11:41 - He highlights the joy of teaching and sharing experiences, particularly in locations like the Catskills. Coggins reflects on the variety of fishing styles among enthusiasts, from those strictly using dry flies to others who are more versatile.
19:26 - Coggins traveled to several dream destinations including Patagonia, Cuba, Belize, and Norway, where he pursued challenging fishing adventures.
23:13 -He talks about his fishing experiences in Belize, particularly the challenges of permit fishing, where he felt the intensity and unpredictability of trying to catch this elusive species.
29:57 - He shares his experiences fishing for steelhead. He mentions the challenges of blown-out rivers and the need to adapt plans, including an instance where they used a helicopter to access the Copper River.
31:22 - David expresses concern over the noticeable environmental changes observed by guides and the impacts on fish behavior, such as the timing shifts in the migration patterns of Stripe bass due to warmer waters. He highlights the work of conservation organizations like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, stressing the necessity for those who love and utilize aquatic environments to contribute actively to conservation efforts.
33:57 - We dig into how he approaches writing for his audience, balancing the needs of both seasoned anglers and newcomers. He emphasizes his role not as a technical expert, but as someone who conveys the emotional and sensory experiences of fly fishing in different locales.
40:44 - He shares some insights from his experience with Tom Rosenbauer and discusses his approach to writing and journaling about fishing. David emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity necessary for capturing the essence of fishing experiences in writing.
46:51 - I ask about his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its implications for creative industries like writing. He acknowledges the fascinating and somewhat frightening aspects of AI technology, such as its potential to imitate human writing styles.
49:23 - We delve into his passion for traditional styles and tailored clothing, relating it to his interests in fishing and outdoor activities. He highlights his preference for durable, classic materials over overly technical, new fabrics, suggesting that style and practicality can coexist without constantly chasing the latest trends.
David also mentions his involvement in writing about men's fashio

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/602
Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Skwala, Waters West, Visit Helena, MT
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude podcast, we're gonna chit-chat and take a journey into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with Capt. Brad Petzke, owner of Rivers North Guide Service. Yes, it's still Michigan. Once you cross that big, long Mackinac bridge and head north from the Lower Peninsula, it almost seems like another state. Once you cross it, things start to get a little more wilderness, a lot less towns and cities and villages, and just a lot of water and opportunities to explore.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/601
Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Skwala, Togens Fly Shop
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
Is it better to purchase a drift boat or a raft for fly fishing? Do you know which of these two options is the better? All-around purchase if you can only get one? And what about rebuilding an old boat? Is this a realistic option to save money and maybe get into your first boat? Today you're going to hear the drift boat versus raft debate and you'll find out how my guest today restored a boat that barely held water.
Adam Hudson is back on the show to take us into his unlikely boat build out story and how he took on this project and, and what happened, how he finished it up and where he is heading. Next, Adam And I debate the benefits of the drift boat versus the raft. We find out which raft he recently purchased that has a hard floor, and we also get his top streamer patterns from Blue Line. Plus, we're gonna hear what it was like to finally row this boat down the Green River. And whether it passed the test, the Battle of the Boats is finally here.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/601

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/600
Presented By: Visit Helena, MT, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
If you could sit down and listen to the person who was invited to develop the movie, A River Runs Through It, would you check it out? Would you listen to the person who literally brought Nipping to the forefront in the US back in the day? What about a person who could rattle on about the brief history of every person in the US who paved the way for the present-day fly anglers and the trajectory that we're on now? Well, today you're in luck because we have Gary Borger back on the show to take a deep dive into the history of fly fishing, to get into tips and tricks, and to hear how he's been doing it for over 60 years. 
Gary Borger, the author of Nymphing, Naturals, and many other iconic fly fishing books, is here to share stories of an old angler and the tips he accumulated over the years of fly fishing around the world. We hear about who invented the double hall and how Gary is connected to that. We find out how he developed into the Fenwick fly fishing schools back in the 70s and how that was a major breakthrough back in the day. And we also find out how his first video was actually the first instructional fly-fishing video ever produced.
Did I mention this was episode 600? So we're celebrating this episode with a Legendary angler, Gary Borger! If you get a chance, head over to Instagram. If you're over there, leave a comment. 600 and just leave 600 wherever you can. We're passing 600 and we're moving along. Big celebration. I always love trying to get a big guest on the show at our milestones. So let's go back in history with one of the best...
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/600

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