April Vokey, Author at Anchored Outdoors https://anchoredoutdoors.com/author/aprilvokeyicloud-com-au/ Anchored Outdoors - Fish, Hunt, Forage, Homestead Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:02:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-AnchoredLogo-favicon-1-1-32x32.png April Vokey, Author at Anchored Outdoors https://anchoredoutdoors.com/author/aprilvokeyicloud-com-au/ 32 32 Troubleshooting Spey Casting by Fixing the Bloody L and Creep https://anchoredoutdoors.com/troubleshooting-spey-casting-by-fixing-the-bloody-l-and-creep/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=troubleshooting-spey-casting-by-fixing-the-bloody-l-and-creep Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:15:09 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16750 There are a number of casting faults that most new Spey casters tend to make, but today we're going to focus on two of the most common culprits: The Bloody L and the Creep.

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]]> Have you ever felt like your fly line had a mind of its own, landing in a pile or twisting through the air like a striking snake? I remember the frustration that ensued when I first started Spey casting. At times it took all my power not to throw my rod in the water and simply walk away from it all for good.

There are a number of casting faults that most new Spey casters tend to make, but today I’m going to focus on the two I see most often: The Bloody L and the Creep. I strongly advise watching the video below (I’ll link it here as well) to get a visual, but I’ll provide some text for context.

Understanding the Bloody L

I’m sure you’ve seen it before. You’re casting your line, and instead of it extending straight as it should, it takes on a sharp bend resembling the letter’ L’ as it leaves the water. This is often the result of a term we call the Bloody L, which is a common Spey casting error where the D-Loop fails to align the anchor parallel to the forward cast.

The name derives from the layout of the line in an “L” shape on the water, and the result is a forward cast that lacks energy to roll over properly. This is typically caused by setting the anchor in an improper position prior to the sweep, or an incomplete or shortened sweep which fails to carry enough energy into the D-Loop.

In an ideal scenario, you’d want a straight line, forming a perfect 180-degree angle in front of you. So, what causes your line to make this L shape? It might be because the starting point of your cast is too far downstream, or you’re moving your rod too slowly, causing your line to drag in the water. Furthermore, if you dip your rod down after lifting it up, you’re asking for trouble.

The Creep: A Stealthy Saboteur

Moving on to the creep – this isn’t your window-peeking weirdo. In simple terms (because, believe me, the conversation around creep can go deep), this is an ill-timed forward motion of your rod tip before committing to the forward cast. This premature move squanders the tension that’s crucial for a sleek cast, often leading to a loss of rod load. Whether it’s a minor inch forward or a more noticeable movement, creeping can alter your cast’s trajectory, throwing a wrench in your rhythm.

So how can you avoid these situations? Here are practical steps to correct these common issues, ensuring more accurate and efficient casts.

Fixing the Bloody L

To iron out the Bloody L, focus on setting your anchor point (where your leader meets the fly line) close to your body. Keep your sweeps crisp and consistent, maintaining tension as you circle up into the correct trajectory. Remember – if your anchor is too far downstream, or you’re dipping or sweeping too slowly, you’re setting yourself up for that dreaded Bloody L.

Avoiding the Creep

Avoiding the creep boils down to maintaining constant tension and the right trajectory from start to finish. Think of your casting motion like throwing a baseball or shooting a bow – it’s all about pulling back, not easing up, to keep that energy and tension right where it needs to be.

Practicing “Perfect” Posture

The other thing to remember is that your posture plays a pivotal role as well. Here, hunching forward or leading with your head can complicate your drift, making it challenging to execute a fully open stroke. So, stand tall, relax those shoulders, and focus on smooth acceleration and alignment – from your feet all the way to your rod tip.

Improve Your Casting With This FREE Mini-Course

That’s a very basic overview, but I’m hoping you’ve already skipped right past this article and gone straight into the video (and my free online mini-course) below! Whether you’re an experienced caster or just starting out, addressing these issues head-on can dramatically improve your spey casting skills. For anyone eager to delve deeper into spey casting, my mini-course has got you covered. From swinging and etiquette to the intricacies of grip, stance, and, of course, troubleshooting the Bloody L and Creep, we cover it all. Check it out here, and let’s get those lines flying true and the fish biting. See you soon!

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]]> Are You Ready for This Winter’s Steelhead Fishing? https://anchoredoutdoors.com/are-you-ready-for-this-winters-steelhead-fishing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=are-you-ready-for-this-winters-steelhead-fishing Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:27:15 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16615 The overlap between Summer and Winter steelhead can cause major confusion about when, where and how to fish. Here’s a look at some of the ways you can be better prepared this winter while swing fishing for steelhead from the bank.

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]]> While most people hang up their waders when the interior rivers turn to ice, the fishing season is just beginning for many of us in the Pacific Northwest. Many anglers have waited all year to pull their fishing gear out of storage. Winter steelhead fishermen and women are some of the most passionate anglers out there. Keeping on through snowy days, icy guides, wet under-layers, cold thermoses and frozen reels—they’re a dedicated bunch.

However, all too often I see fishermen make some critical mistakes when transitioning from summer-run to winter-run steelhead fishing. The summer steelhead fisheries wind down around November — right at the same time the first winter steelhead begin entering the system. This overlap between the two strains can cause major confusion about when, where and how to fish. Here’s a look at some of the ways you can be better prepared this winter while swing fishing for steelhead from the bank.

Where To Fish For Them

The first step to becoming a better angler for any species is by developing a thorough understanding of the specific fish you’re targeting. While summer and winter steelhead are the same species, there are some major biological differences between the two strains. You’d be right if you guessed that winter-run steelhead enter the freshwater in the winter months and summer-run steelhead mostly enter in the summer, but there are other distinctions that translate directly into how we fish for them.

Winter fish come into the river in a sexually mature state, meaning they’re ripe with eggs and sperm by the time they migrate from the ocean to the river. This maturity plays a role in their migration timing as it forces them to dominate tributaries within 100 miles or so of the ocean. Simply put, they don’t have the time to venture any further upstream.

Cold water and their advanced reproductive state decrease their metabolism, making slow pools and deep troughs their choice of holding water. Winter-runs need to conserve energy and they do so by choosing water that will require as little energy expenditure as possible.

Fly Materials

The water that winter steelhead prefer to hold in plays a substantial role in fly choice. To tempt steelhead in deep, slow moving water you need flies with weight and action, but it can be tricky to give a fly much movement in these conditions. This makes fly materials an important consideration. Natural materials like rabbit, marabou, ostrich and rhea all come to life in the water regardless of current speed.

That said, some of these natural materials absorb water slowly and take a little time in the river before they are fishing right. However, flies comprised of “fluffy” feathers and furs (especially if the hide is left attached) are heavy once they’re saturated. This is beneficial when trying to get the fly to sink, but it can make casting difficult. When compared to sparsely-clad summer-run patterns, winter flies don’t cast as well on subtle tapers and long leaders.

Lines and Sink Tips

For years it was thought that only aggressive summer fish would readily take a fly. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that people believed winter steelhead could be caught that way as well. This misconception was largely in part to the gear being used at that time. While variations of two-handed rods were available, fly lines had yet to evolve into what they are today. Lines were mostly designed with a long taper and, even though silk lines had the ability to sink, they weren’t conducive to turning over large flies. The introduction of compact shooting heads and interchangeable sink tips gave anglers a major advantage—now they could actually present the fly to the fish.

These days the most popular shooting head is the Skagit style. Specifically developed for winter steelhead in Washington’s deep, fast Skagit River, the Skagit head’s condensed weight distribution transfers energy down the sink tip and leader, easily turning over a large profile fly. This short, easy-to-cast head was revolutionary for winter steelheaders.

It’s important to note that Skagit lines are designed to be cast with sink tips. New Skagit casters do themselves a disservice when fishing dry flies or subsurface patterns without an extended tip. While casting a Skagit line without a tip is still possible by lengthening the leader, it’s often more work than necessary. Fishing a longer line, such as a Scandi style, is usually the most practical solution in these cases.

As a side note, there are many anglers who choose to use their winter fishing setups while fishing for summer-run fish. Apart from being clunky and noisy in low-water conditions, they can also be counterproductive when trying to catch fish that are near the surface. Because the Skagit line is usually fished with a tip, I often see people fishing underneath the fish. There are exceptions, of course: Bright sun and heavy pressure can push salmon and steelhead deeper in the water column. But, typically, Skagit lines and sink tips are best suited to winter fisheries.

Casting Angles

It is always interesting to hear different steelhead guides’ viewpoints on whether to cast directly across the river, slightly upstream or on a downstream angle. The truth is that this subject is far too situational to really try and standardize. As a general rule, casting directly across from yourself means that the fly will swing through the current slower than if it were cast on a downstream angle. Remember, the key with winter steelhead is to leave the fly in the water for as long as possible to give the fish as much time as possible to take. There are a multitude of ways to get the fly to do this. From mending to stepping strategically, every presentation will vary depending on structure, current, depth, water clarity, pressure and more. When you rid yourself of the habit of mindlessly fishing the same way every time you’ll notice a difference in your catch rate.

Hatcheries

It’s important to note that coastal rivers often have hatcheries. A hatchery fish typically has its adipose fin removed as a juvenile. These fish are marked because they are put into the system for anglers to kill and eat. The uptick in catch and release practices may confuse new steelheaders, but it is actually more damaging to the environment if hatchery steelhead are released. So please roll up your sleeves, learn how to bleed a fish and keep your BBQ propane tank full. For a great hatchery steelhead recipe, just sub out the salmon for steelhead.  Enjoy!

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 232: David Zielinski on Cicada Madness https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-232-david-zielinski-on-cicada-madness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-232-david-zielinski-on-cicada-madness Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:39:55 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16274 In this episode, I sit down with Dave Zielinski who recently released his book, Cicada Madness. This is the first book dedicated to the patterns, techniques, and more importantly, the science of locating the best hatches of these insects.

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]]> Anchored Podcast:

Dave Zielinski has fished periodical and annual cicada emergences for decades on waterways in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. He recently released his book, Cicada Madness, which is the first book dedicated to the patterns, techniques, and more importantly, the science of locating the best hatches of these insects.

In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about Dave and his passion for these incredible bugs. Be sure to stay tuned for the last half of today’s show, as we’ve included Dave’s awesome presentation that he gave for our members last month. If you haven’t checked out the show on YouTube yet, this is definitely a great episode to watch. You can find my channel by just typing in Anchored with April Vokey. See you there!

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]]> Catch More Steelhead and Salmon With These 7 Expert Tactics https://anchoredoutdoors.com/catch-more-steelhead-and-salmon-with-these-7-expert-tactics/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=catch-more-steelhead-and-salmon-with-these-7-expert-tactics Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:50:00 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16236 In this opening chapter, we're going to cover 7 fundamental tactics that can make a world of difference in your fishing experiences. Whether you're an expert angler or a beginner, there are tips here for everyone.

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Hello, fellow anglers! April here, and I’m thrilled to kick off the first chapter of my Mini-Spey Course. This series is all about sharpening your skills and understanding the nuances of casting to these magnificent fish. 

In this opening chapter, we’re going to cover 7 fundamental tactics that can make a world of difference in your fishing experiences. Whether you’re an expert angler or a beginner, there are tips here for everyone. So, grab your notebook, and let’s explore the best strategies for steelhead and salmon fishing.

Swinging Technique: Start from the Top

Unlike nymph fishing for trout, where you typically start at the tail and work your way upstream, swinging for steelhead and salmon is a different approach. Here, we start at the head of the run and gradually move downstream. Depending on the water conditions, you’ll want to cast across yourself, allowing the current to naturally swing the fly towards the shore. It’s all about mastering that movement of the fly, making it irresistible to the fish.

Respect Your Fellow Anglers

Remember, fishing etiquette is a big deal in our community, so never jump in right below another angler. If you arrive at your desired spot and find it’s already taken, you have a couple of options: patiently wait it out or head upstream to find a new place. We’re all here to enjoy the serenity and thrill of fishing, not to step on each other’s toes. So, let’s respect each other’s space and time on the water.

How to Work a Run: Consider These Factors

The approach you take to work a run can significantly impact your success. With this, there are a few key factors you should always keep in mind: the water temperature, its clarity, and even the position of the sun. 

In murky waters, it’s wise to slow down your pace, giving your fly ample time to be noticed between each swing. On the other hand, in clear waters, you might want to cover more ground, taking larger steps between swings. Every detail counts when you’re trying to be noticed by these incredible fish.

Understanding Steelhead: Winter vs Summer Runs

As you know, steelhead are amazing creatures, but there’s a lot more to them than just the timing of their river entry. One key difference lies in that winter-runs enter the rivers fully mature and ready to spawn, often sticking close to the ocean. In contrast, summer-runs make their entrance earlier and in an immature state, venturing further upstream. 

Why is this important? Because this difference greatly influences their behavior in the water. Winter-runs, found in cooler waters, tend to be more lethargic, favoring deeper and slower waters. Summer-runs, however, are quite the opposite. They’re more active and often found in faster runs and tailouts.

Choosing Your Fly: Match It to the Season

The type of fly you choose should be in line with the seasonal behavior of the steelhead. In the cold winter months, use flies that have more movement, such as those made from rabbit or marabou, because they move well in the sluggish winter water. In the summer, you can go smaller and choose flies that are more bug-like. Summer steelhead are more likely to chase after your fly, giving you a little more flexibility in your selection.

Safety First: Gear Up Properly

Safety can’t be overstated. First and foremost, make sure your waders have a tight belt to prevent water from filling up in case you fall. To this point, your choice of boots matters, too. I prefer aluminum cleats for better grip, but there are other options like felt soles or even DIY cleats. Also, remember to pinch your barbs – it’s not just safe; it’s the law in many places. And whatever you do – don’t forget your sunglasses for eye protection!

Wind Direction and Casting Safety

Before casting, always check the wind direction. I usually use my hair or a piece of marabou to see which way it’s blowing. If it’s subtle, look for other indicators. The key is to cast off the side where the wind is blowing downstream. Trust me! This little tip can save you from some unpleasant accidents.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, the essentials from Chapter 1 of my Mini-Spey Course. Remember, it’s all about understanding the fish, respecting your surroundings, and ensuring your safety. Ready for more tips and techniques? Become a member of Anchored Outdoors and join me on this exciting journey. Happy fishing!

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 231: Part Two, Jack Dennis on A River Runs Through It, Rookie Anglers, Money and Evolution in Fly Fishing https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-231-part-two-jack-dennis-on-a-river-runs-through-it-rookie-anglers-money-and-evolution-in-fly-fishing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-231-part-two-jack-dennis-on-a-river-runs-through-it-rookie-anglers-money-and-evolution-in-fly-fishing Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:20:55 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16199 Part two! Jack and April discuss making money in the fly fishing industry, rookie anglers, the evolution of fly fishing’s accessibility, A River Runs Through It, and more.

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]]> Anchored Podcast:

Jack Dennis is a long-time guide, author, television personality, and one of the early pioneers of fly-fishing. In the second part of this two-part episode with Jack, we discuss making money in the fly fishing industry, rookie anglers, the evolution of fly fishing’s accessibility, A River Runs Through It, and more.

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 231: Part Two, Jack Dennis on A River Runs Through It, Rookie Anglers, Money and Evolution in Fly Fishing appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

]]> Fly Tying Hackle: Techniques for Every Angler https://anchoredoutdoors.com/fly-tying-hackle-techniques-for-every-angler/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fly-tying-hackle-techniques-for-every-angler Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:10:24 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16185 Mastering hackle techniques can elevate your fly tying game, ensuring your flies are not just visually appealing but also highly effective in attracting those elusive fish.

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Mastering hackle techniques can elevate your fly tying game, ensuring your flies are not just visually appealing but also highly effective in attracting those elusive fish. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced tier, these tips are sure to come in handy. So, let’s jump right in!

The Fold Method

The fold-back method is a real lifesaver, especially when you’re working with fluffy, difficult-to-manage feathers like marabou. By folding both sides of the fibers back to meet at the stem, and with a little help from some spit or water, you’ll have a clean, exposed stem that’s easy to wrap forward. Remember, each wrap should be snug to ensure a neat finish.

Scissor Folding

Precision is the name of the game with scissor folding. It’s the go-to technique for stubborn feathers and those instances where you need a clean, exposed stem. A slight angle placement, a series of satisfying clicks, and voila, you’ve got a feather that’s ready to be wrapped, offering an aesthetic and manageable touch to your fly.

Peeling Method

Some feathers, like guinea and mallard, can get a little unruly when folded because they crisscross and refuse to lay smooth. Here’s where the peeling method shines. By peeling one side of the feather, you’re left with a neat, manageable piece that wraps snugly, giving your fly that professional touch. This technique is a game-changer, ensuring each wrap is both aesthetic and functional, creating a perfect presentation every time.

Dealing with “Fluff”

Fluff can be a challenge, but not when you know some tricks. With just a bit of water or spit, even the fluffiest of feathers can be tamed to lay down flat. It makes wrapping a breeze, and in the water these feathers pulsate beautifully, mimicking the natural movement of aquatic creatures. It’s a quick fix that not only aids in the tying process but significantly boosts the fly’s performance in water.

Stem Rolling

It’s astonishing how a simple finger adjustment can transform a sloppy-looking fly into a masterpiece. The stem rolling trick is all about rolling your fingers as you wrap the hackle, ensuring it lays flat and wraps snugly. This technique elevates the precision and aesthetics of every wrap, instilling confidence in every cast you make. It’s a small adjustment that makes a world of difference, enhancing both the fly’s appearance and its effectiveness in the water.

Watch it Here

Ultimately, mastering these hackle techniques ensures every fly you tie is not just a piece of art but a highly effective tool in your fishing arsenal. Now that you’re armed with these tricks, it’s time to put them into practice. Check out the video below for a full visual of each technique. Happy fishing!

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 230: Part One, Jack Dennis on the American Sportsman Show, One Fly, and the Royal Humpy Fly https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-230-part-one-jack-dennis-on-the-american-sportsman-show-one-fly-and-the-royal-humpy-fly/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-230-part-one-jack-dennis-on-the-american-sportsman-show-one-fly-and-the-royal-humpy-fly Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:32:36 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16164 Jack shares how he got his start in the fly-fishing industry, some of the most famous names in the business, his television series, the annual One Fly competition, his renowned Humpy fly, and more.

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]]> Anchored Podcast:

Jack Dennis is a long-time guide, author, television personality, and one of the early pioneers of fly-fishing. In this two-part episode with Jack, we discuss how he got his start in the fly-fishing industry, some of the most famous names in the business, his television series, the annual One Fly competition, his renowned Humpy fly, and more.

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 230: Part One, Jack Dennis on the American Sportsman Show, One Fly, and the Royal Humpy Fly appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

]]> The Evolution of Tube Flies in North America https://anchoredoutdoors.com/the-evolution-of-tube-flies-in-north-america/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-evolution-of-tube-flies-in-north-america Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:19:23 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16149 Fly designs sure have transformed over the last couple decades. That's where tube flies enter the scene, bringing a bunch of advantages along with them.

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]]> Fly fishing is a sport that’s always on the move. We’re constantly learning from the past, tweaking things, and making them our own. Take a look at how fly designs have transformed, for instance. That’s where tube flies enter the scene, bringing a bunch of advantages along with them.

What is a Tube Fly?

Simply put, a tube fly isn’t tied onto a traditional hook shank. Instead, it’s constructed around a tube, onto which you can attach your choice of hook. And while this sounds simple enough, the list benefits are lengthy.

Advantages of Tube Flies

As I mentioned, there are lots of reasons to use tube flies. Here are a few of my favourites:

● Versatility in Hook Size: With a tube fly, you’re no longer married to a fixed hook size. Whether you’re chasing steelhead or chinook salmon, you can easily swap hooks to suit your target.
● Adjustable Hook Placement: Depending on the fly’s length and where you expect fish to strike, you can position the hook optimally.
● Stackable Design: Need a longer fly? Just stack multiple tubes together to achieve your desired length.
● Interchangeable Colors: By stacking different colored tubes, you can quickly adapt to the fish’s preferences.
● Weight Customization: Whether you pre-fit your fly with a tungsten bead or add weight on the go, tube flies give you that flexibility.
● Durability: With tube flies, once the hook dulls or gets damaged, replace the hook, not the fly.

Modern Tools and Materials

With the rise of tube fly popularity, tools adapted. No longer do you need a specialized vise. With the right adapter, your regular vise is all you need. As for materials, the market offers a plethora, from brass to plastic tubes. And while there’s a wealth of options out there, remember: they all work, and the fish won’t spot the difference.

Using a Tube Fly

Now, let’s talk about how you can use it. Tube flies offer anglers a unique advantage because they provide flexibility. Here’s how it works:

● Select Your Tube: First, choose the type and size of tube you want to use. Tubes come in various materials, sizes, and colors, so you can tailor your selection to the fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’re fishing in.
● Tie in Your Materials: Like traditional flies, you can add your choice of fly materials to the tube. This includes things like feathers, fur, and synthetic materials that imitate the natural prey of the fish you’re targeting.
● Attach the Hook: Once you’ve chosen your tube, you attach your hook to it. The type of hook you use can vary depending on your preference and the species you’re after. This step allows you to easily change hooks if needed.
● Fishing Techniques: Now, you’re ready to fish! Tube Flies can be used with a variety of fishing techniques, such as stripping, swinging, or trolling, depending on your goals and the conditions. They often have a unique swimming action in the water, which can be very effective at attracting fish.

So, even if you’re new to fly fishing, tube flies are worth knowing about because they can make your fishing experience more versatile and exciting, allowing you to adapt to different situations and increase your chances of a successful catch.

The Tube Fly Verdict

At the end of the day, tube flies are not just a trend; they represent a significant leap in fly fishing innovation. They offer unparalleled versatility, better catch-and-release practices, and even cost savings in the long run. So next time you’re at your tying table, give tube flies a whirl. Whether you’re targeting steelhead, salmon, or even marlin, they might just be the game-changer you’re looking for.

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 229: Jake Jordan on Big Game Fly Fishing, STH Reels and the World Class Angler https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-229-jake-jordan-on-big-game-fly-fishing-sth-reels-and-the-world-class-angler/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-229-jake-jordan-on-big-game-fly-fishing-sth-reels-and-the-world-class-angler Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:36:43 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16081 How Jake got his start, fly fishing for tarpon before it became overly popular, fishing for marlin and what makes them special, Mako reels, and more.

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Jake Jordan is a renowned fly-fishing guide and instructor who’s been in the fishing business for over seventy years. Founder of STH Reels and World Class Angler, an early fly shop in the Florida Keys, Jake has been at the forefront of many changes in the big game world. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how he got his start, fly fishing for tarpon before it became overly popular, fishing for marlin and what makes them special, Mako reels, and more. Reach Jake at http://www.jakejordan.com/ or via phone at 1-305-872-6060.

Prefer to watch? Tune in on YouTube:

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 228: Dec Hogan on a Passion for Steelhead https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-228-dec-hogan-on-a-passion-for-steelhead/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-228-dec-hogan-on-a-passion-for-steelhead Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:46:29 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=16033 Dec discusses fishing in the PNW in the 80’s and 90’s, the introduction of Spey rods and lines to America, the toll certain career paths take, and more.

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Dec Hogan… where should I begin? Dec has been on my podcast guest list since before I even launched the show. A full-time steelhead guide from the 80’s and the author of one of my favourite books, A Passion for Steelhead, Dec certainly has a story to tell. In this episode of Anchored, we get to know more about Dec—the person—and his life before, during and after guiding. We discuss fishing in the PNW in the 80’s and 90’s, the introduction of Spey rods and lines to America, the toll certain career paths take, and more.

Prefer to watch? Tune in on YouTube:

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 227: Johnnie McClure on Fly Fishing the Madison River https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-227-johnnie-mcclure-on-fly-fishing-the-madison-river/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-227-johnnie-mcclure-on-fly-fishing-the-madison-river Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:49:02 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=15990 Johnnie shares how he landed in Montana, the ins and outs of fishing the Madison, streamer fishing, colour changes and more.

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]]> Anchored Podcast: I first heard of Johnnie McClure when I announced our 2023 member’s trip to Montana. I’d committed to dates that aligned with our filming of Kelly Galloup’s Masterclass for Anchored Outdoors (which I hope most of you are already members of). As word spread through our community, so too did the request that I get Johnnie on the show. Thankfully, I was able to steal an hour with Johnnie once we were off the water.   Though Johnnie has fly fished since he was a kid, it wasn’t until 2003 that he began working at the Slide Inn in Montana. He’s since become a guest favourite and is in regular demand for anglers both new and old. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how he landed in Montana, the ins and outs of fishing the Madison, streamer fishing, colour changes and more. While on the subject of streamers, we’ve just launched our latest class with Kevin Feenstra and it’s one you won’t want to miss. In this 54 chapter class, you’ll learn when, where and how to fish baitfish, as well as how to tie them. If you’re ever lost looking in your streamer box, this class will help give you the confidence and knowledge to decide which fly to tie on. More importantly, you’ll learn how to fish it. Not all streamers are created equal, and many are designed with different presentation tactics in mind. Use code EarlyBird40 for a hefty 40% discount and mega early bird bonuses, including a free one year membership, which is packed with value, and access to both Kevin’s Baitfish and Mia and Marty Sheppard’s Winter Steelhead classes for life. The coupon is set to expire at the end of the week, so don’t miss out. Visit https://courses.anchoredoutdoors.com/courses/kevin-feenstra-on-baitfish to unlock the class and its perks now. Connect with Anchored

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]]> Anchored Podcast Ep. 226: Conway Bowman on Staying Young and Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks https://anchoredoutdoors.com/anchored-podcast-ep-226-conway-bowman-on-staying-young-and-fly-fishing-for-mako-sharks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anchored-podcast-ep-226-conway-bowman-on-staying-young-and-fly-fishing-for-mako-sharks Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:56:25 +0000 https://anchoredoutdoors.com/?p=15911 Conway shares his adventurous lifestyle, how he became known as THE fly fishing guide for mako sharks, why mako’s may just be the ultimate gamefish and more.

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Conway Bowman has been on my list of podcast guests since this show first began. Nine seasons later, it’s finally happened! In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Conway to learn more about his adventurous lifestyle, how he became known as THE fly fishing guide for mako sharks, why Mako’s may just be the ultimate gamefish and more.

Prefer to watch? Tune in on YouTube:

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