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From Alaska to PA Smallmouth | TCO Flycast Ep. 7 - Jake Villwock
Monday, May 4, 2026 • Duration 01:10:39
In this episode of the TCO Flycast, we sit down with guide, author, and fly designer Jake Villwock to talk smallmouth bass. From reading conditions in unpredictable spring weather to building flies that solve real problems on the water, Jake breaks down the mindset and tactics behind consistently finding fish.
We dig into Jake’s background from commercial fishing roots to Alaska, and how that path led to building Relentless Fly Fishing and writing Smallmouth Bass Flies: Top to Bottom. This one covers everything from fly design and seasonal strategy to why observation beats any “perfect plan.”
If you want to better understand how smallmouth actually feed and how to adapt on the water, this is a must-listen.
Topics include:
Early season smallmouth patterns and water temps
Reading fish behavior vs sticking to a plan
Pre-spawn movement and aggressive feeding windows
Jake’s path from Alaska to guiding in PA
Building Relentless Fly Fishing
Fly tying progression and problem-solving design
The story behind the Roamer and other patterns
Writing Smallmouth Bass Flies: Top to Bottom
Bridging the gap between trout and bass fishing
Topwater, subsurface, and bottom presentations
Travel, fly fishing culture, and hosted trips
Jake's New Book - Favorite Flies for Smallmouth Bass: 50 Flies from Local Experts:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/favorite-flies-for-smallmouth-bass-50-flies-from-local-experts
Smallmouth Bass Flies Top To Bottom: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/smallmouth-bass-flies-top-to-bottom
Book a Guide Trip with Relentless: https://www.relentlessflyfishing.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Current Smallmouth Season Report05:30 Growing Up in a Commercial Fishing Family09:46 College: From Accounting to Entrepreneurship12:29 Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania & Joining TCO14:42 Starting Relentless Fly Fishing Full-Time16:03 Building the Guide Service & Becoming Established18:18 Where Relentless Guides Today19:34 The Story Behind the Name "Relentless"23:13 How Jake Got Into Fly Tying27:27 Evolving Fly Design & The Roamer31:26 The Roamer's Origin Story33:53 Writing the First Book: Smallmouth Bass Flies Top to Bottom37:27 Imposter Syndrome & Finding Your Voice as an Author40:50 Fishing the Water Column: What "Top to Bottom" Means44:24 Hatches, Dry Flies & Smallmouth Acting Like Trout45:41 Overnight Float Trips & Riverside Cooking47:23 What Doors the Book Opened49:03 Fly Shows & Networking Led to Brazil52:30 Hosting a Trip to the Amazon for Peacock Bass54:08 The New Book: Favorite Flies for Bass57:07 Fly Design Inspiration from Spin Fishing1:02:15 Jake's Hunting & Archery Journey1:05:17 Competitive 3D Archery & the Fishing-Archery Overlap1:07:49 How to Find & Book with Relentless Fly Fishing1:09:27 Fly Tying Masterclass Video & Where to Buy the Books
Bill sits down with Dusty Wissmath to talk about teaching fly fishing, hosting trips around the world, and building a lifelong connection to the sport.From growing up in Missouri to working in East Africa and eventually building one of the most respected fly fishing education programs in the country, Dusty shares the path that shaped his perspective on teaching, conservation, and travel.This episode dives into casting mechanics, why the right words matter when teaching, how to approach bucket list trips like Patagonia and Belize, and why fly fishing should feel like an invitation rather than a barrier.Topics include:-How Dusty got started in fly fishing-Working in wildlife biology and conservation in Africa-Transitioning into teaching and building a fly fishing school-Why language and teaching style matter in casting-Becoming a fly fishing instructor-Hosted trips to Montana, Iceland, Patagonia, and Belize-How to choose the right destination and guide-The importance of setting goals on fishing trips-Conservation, fish handling, and catch and release-Writing a fly fishing book and making the sport more accessibleChapters: 00:00 Intro and guest introduction 00:01:15 Dusty’s background and early fishing in Missouri 00:02:10 Family influence and early fly fishing 00:02:31 Trips to Wyoming and Montana 00:03:38 College and wildlife biology path 00:04:40 Career shift into finance 00:05:15 Moving to East Africa for conservation work 00:06:24 Mountain gorilla research and tourism impact 00:08:20 Life working in Africa 00:09:32 Transition back to the U.S. and Pennsylvania 00:10:05 Starting a fly fishing school 00:12:08 Discovering a passion for teaching 00:13:09 Teaching beginners while guiding in Wyoming 00:14:31 Mentorship from Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff 00:15:54 Why words matter in teaching casting 00:18:13 How to become a fly fishing instructor 00:19:26 Why you should never “throw” a cast 00:21:08 Teaching beginners vs experienced anglers 00:23:22 Casting is the easy part 00:24:25 Traveling and learning new fisheries 00:25:32 Hosting trips around the world 00:27:28 Building relationships in the industry 00:29:26 Why you shouldn’t wait to take a trip 00:32:00 Setting expectations with guides 00:33:14 Defining your goals on a fishing trip 00:34:20 Montana overview 00:41:39 Iceland overview 00:45:54 Patagonia overview 00:52:28 Belize overview 00:55:18 Couples trips and non-fishing activities 01:02:19 Dusty’s book and writing process 01:05:11 Making fly fishing more accessible 01:08:57 Choosing the right teacher 01:10:10 Conservation and fish handling
Steelhead might be one of the most challenging fish you can target on the fly.In Episode 5 of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with John and Kyle to break down their recent trip to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This episode dives into the reality of chasing one of fly fishing’s most elusive species.The group spent five days fishing rivers like the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, and Calawah. With constantly changing conditions, heavy rain, and long days on the water, they discuss what it really takes to find success swinging flies for steelhead - and why expectations need to be realistic.They also cover gear, river strategy, casting adjustments, and the mental side of Spey fishing, along with stories from the trip including close calls, landed fish, and lessons learned along the way.If you’ve ever thought about heading west to chase steelhead, this episode gives you a real look at what to expect.Topics include:• Expectations vs reality of a steelhead trip• Swinging flies vs conventional gear for steelhead• Breaking down large rivers on the Olympic Peninsula• Steelhead behavior and holding water• Spey casting tips and common mistakes• Sink tips, fly selection, and presentation• The importance of time on the water• Gear considerations for cold, wet conditions• Fishing with guides vs DIY trips• Travel logistics and trip planningWhether you're planning your first steelhead trip or just curious about the experience, this episode offers an honest look at chasing fish of a lifetime.Thanks for watching the podcast! The best way to support these episodes is by hitting like and subscribe and shopping at TCO for your fly fishing needs:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/Chapters:0:00 Intro – Olympic Peninsula steelhead trip overview1:06 Guest introductions – John and Kyle2:10 Expectations for steelhead fishing3:17 “Fish of 2,000 casts” mindset Swinging vs conventional gear discussion Travel to Washington and ferry logistics Visit to Grundéns and gear testing insights Arrival in Forks and first impressions Comparing first and second steelhead trips Rivers fished – Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah First day on the water – expectations vs reality Gear setups and Spey rod discussion Wade fishing the Hoh River First fish – Dolly Varden / bull trout Early success on conventional gear Fishing between swing runs Why conventional gear helps understand fish behavior Big fish lost in heavy structure Building confidence after hookups Moving to Gig Harbor guides – Blake and Aaron Rain, conditions, and importance of gear Waterproof gear and staying dry River conditions and water clarity First steelhead hooked on the swing Changing flies and presentation adjustments Sink tips, depth, and fly control Spey casting adjustments and technique Imperfect casts and why they can work Momentum shift – multiple fish hooked Key run where multiple fish were found Kyle hooks a steelhead on the swing Fighting and landing the fish Bill hooks up shortly after Landing a steelhead on a hobo Spey fly Additional species – sea-run cutthroat Food and accommodations on the trip Boat safety and river hazards DIY anglers and risks on the river Changing river systems and structure Overall experience beyond fishing Cold weather and staying warm Drying gear and travel logistics Dealing with tough fishing conditions Final thoughts on expectations vs reality Other fishing opportunities in the region Travel back to Seattle Kyle’s closing thoughts on steelheading John’s advice for learning Spey fishing DIY vs guided trips Outro and final thoughts
Susquehanna River Smallmouth Fly Fishing Tactics | TCO Flycast Ep. 4 - Mike Rosa
Season 1 · Episode 4
Monday, March 9, 2026 • Duration 55:52
Smallmouth bass might be the most underrated species in fly fishing.
In Episode 4 of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with Susquehanna River guide Mike Rosa to talk about everything smallmouth bass. From seasonal patterns and river structure to topwater eats and streamer retrieves, this episode breaks down how to successfully target smallmouth on the fly in Pennsylvania.The Susquehanna can be intimidating. In many places it’s over a mile wide and full of structure, islands, ledges, and boulder fields. Mike explains how he approaches the river, how fish move throughout the year, and how anglers can start breaking down big water.The conversation also covers seasonal tactics, fly selection, and how smallmouth behavior changes from pre-spawn through summer and into fall.If you’ve only focused on trout fishing, this episode might make you rethink what a fly rod is capable of.Topics include:• How to break down a massive river like the Susquehanna• Seasonal smallmouth patterns from winter to fall• Streamer techniques and why fish often eat on the pause• Topwater smallmouth tactics in summer• Fishing structure like boulders, ledges, and seams• Fly gear setups for river smallmouth• Susquehanna conservation and fish population recovery• The Bass Thumb Fly Fishing TournamentWhether you fish from a kayak, raft, drift boat, or on foot, this episode is packed with practical insights for anglers interested in smallmouth on the fly.Chapters:0:00 Intro – Mike Rosa and smallmouth fly fishing1:09 Trout vs smallmouth on the fly3:55 Why smallmouth fishing is so addictive6:07 Breaking down the Susquehanna River8:40 Smallmouth seasonal patterns10:47 Summer fishing and topwater tactics12:23 Fishing high water and river conditions Fly rod and line setups for smallmouth Reading structure on big rivers Streamer retrieves and eating on the pause Average size of Susquehanna smallmouth Susquehanna river health and fish populations Wading vs floating the river The Bass Thumb Fly Fishing tournament Crayfish patterns and fishing techniques Topwater smallmouth tactics Fishing dirty water conditions Best time of year to catch big smallmouth Outro and where to find Mike Rosa
Thanks for watching! Let us know what topics you'd like to hear about next in the comments!
In Episode 3 of the TCO Flycast, John Parisi returns to take a deep dive into trout behavior and how it shapes your approach on the water. We break down the three major factors that drive fish movement and feeding: flow, water temperature, and clarity. The conversation moves through seasonal changes from winter and post-spawn behavior into spring hatches, summer terrestrials, and fall patterns. John also covers species differences, stocked versus wild trout, fishing pressure, and how to adjust your presentation based on conditions. If you want to fish smarter and make better decisions before you step into the stream, understanding trout behavior is the foundation.
Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water!
TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990.
More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations
Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop
Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop!
TCO Bryn Mawr
834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Euro Nymphing Setup, Leaders, Casting and Drift | TCO Flycast Ep. 2 - John Parisi
Episode 2
Friday, February 6, 2026 • Duration 52:39
In this episode of the TCO Flycast, John Parisi breaks down euro nymphing from the ground up. We cover rods, reels, line and mono rigs, leader formulas, fly selection, casting mechanics, drift control, and strike detection.
This episode focuses on euro nymphing setup and technique. Trout behavior will be covered in the next episode.
Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water!
TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990.
More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations
Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop
Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop!
TCO Bryn Mawr
834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
TCO Reading
2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609
TCO Boiling Springs
2 East 1st Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
TCO State College
2030 East College Ave, State College, PA 16801
TCO Muncy
Spey & Saltwater Fly Fishing + Fly Shop Life at TCO | TCO Flycast Ep. 1 - Chris Frangiosa
Season 1 · Episode 1
Thursday, January 22, 2026 • Duration 42:53
In this episode of the TCO Flycast, we sit down with Chris Frangiosa to talk Spey fishing, saltwater fly fishing, and how he got started in fly fishing, along with his path into the fly fishing industry at TCO.
Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
Support this podcast by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing needs. With an online store and five Pennsylvania locations, we’re here to help you get on the water!
TCO is North America's leading independent fly shop, trusted by anglers across the globe since 1990.
More about TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/pages/our-locations
Website: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TCOFlyShop
Stop by your local TCO Fly Shop!
TCO Bryn Mawr
834 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
TCO Reading
2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609
TCO Boiling Springs
2 East 1st Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
TCO State College
PA Smallmouth Bass Spring Recap, Summer Strategy & Gear Talk | TCO Flycast Ep. 9 - Mike Rosa
Episode 9
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 47:11
In this episode of the TCO Flycast, Bill catches back up with Susquehanna River guide Mike Rosa for a full recap of a strange, unpredictable spring — and a look ahead at summer smallmouth strategy. Mike breaks down why this year threw every pattern out the window: a brutal winter freeze, cold water lingering into spring, and fish that wouldn't show up on schedule.
We dig into how Mike adapted — skipping the tributaries early to chase big fish in the main river, fishing oversized flies slow when nothing else worked, and reading a river that stayed high and off-color for months. From there we get into the summer transition: gear changes, leader tricks, grass and shade structure, and how a guide's daily game plan shifts from sunrise topwater to midday hunting.
Mike also shares his full rod and line lineup for the Susquehanna, a barrel swivel trick every angler should be using, an update on his guide lodge on the river, and advice for anyone wanting to try smallmouth fishing for the first time. We close out talking about the upcoming Bass Thumb Tournament and why fishing early in the day matters more than people think.
If you fish the Susquehanna — or want to start — this one's full of real, in-season insight you won't find anywhere else.
The best way to support this podcast is to choose TCO Fly Shop for all your fly fishing gear needs. Find our online store here:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep9_mike_rosa
Renowned Fly Tyer and 23-Year Army Veteran | TCO Flycast Ep. 8 - Son Tao
Episode 8
Friday, July 3, 2026 • Duration 01:11:51
Son Tao joins Bill at the TCO Reading shop for a wide ranging conversation about the path that brought him to fly fishing. Son came to the United States as a four year old refugee from Vietnam, served 23 years in the Army with multiple combat deployments, and found his way into fly fishing during his recovery, eventually through Project Healing Waters. He talks about how a single conversation on Hammer Creek planted a seed that took 16 years to grow, how his accidental start on social media turned into one of the most respected voices in fly tying, and why he still walks into a fly shop just to talk to the people behind the counter.
We get into the engineer and artist behind the vise, his guiding philosophy, what makes Pennsylvania such a humbling fishery, and a closing message for any veteran who might be struggling.
The best way to support our content is by choosing TCO for all your fly fishing gear. You can find our online store here: https://bit.ly/4eZHOCm
Chapters:0:00 Introduction & Episode Overview1:52 The 3 Major Trout Behavior Factors (Flow, Temp, Clarity)3:40 Species Differences: Browns, Rainbows, Brookies, Cutthroat7:04 Stocked vs Wild Trout Behavior8:53 Winter Trout Behavior (Post-Spawn Browns)10:34 Best Winter Feeding Times11:28 Fishing Around Ice & Winter Water Types12:43 Late Winter / Early Spring Transition14:14 Spring Behavior: High Water & Fish Distribution15:31 Fishing Shallow Water in Spring17:16 Regional Hatch Timing (SE PA vs State College vs Catskills)18:26 Big Rivers vs Small Streams19:55 Targeting Sporadic Risers22:23 Summer Behavior & Rising Water Temps24:10 Refuge Pools & Summer Holding Water25:04 Night Fishing & Terrestrials29:59 Prime Water Temperatures (50–62°F)31:47 Fall Transition & Pre-Spawn Behavior33:36 Spawning Season & Avoiding Reds35:11 Post-Spawn Streamer Fishing36:57 Reading USGS Flow Graphs41:04 Leader Length & Water Clarity Adjustments43:42 Fishing Pressure & Trout Behavior47:59 Barometric Pressure & Weather Effects50:28 Trout Migration & Exploring New Water52:52 Rainbow Trout Seasonal Behavior53:53 Urban Fly Fishing54:22 Fly Selection for Pressured Fish55:42 Subtle vs Flashy Nymphs in Clear Water
Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
1203 Lycoming Mall Circle Muncy, PA 17756
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction and Euro Nymphing Part 1 Overview
(02:00) - John Parisi Background and TCO Fly Shop Role
(03:05) - What Euro Nymphing Is and How It Works
(04:35) - Why Euro Nymphing Has Grown in Popularity
(05:40) - Why Euro Nymphing Can Catch More Trout
(07:35) - Choosing a Euro Nymphing Rod Length and Weight
(10:05) - Using a Standard Fly Rod to Euro Nymph
(12:05) - Reel Selection and Full Cage Benefits
(14:20) - Euro Nymphing Fly Lines Explained
(16:50) - Mono Rig vs Euro Line Systems
(18:05) - Leader Formulas and Material Choices
(21:10) - Micro Leaders and Thin Leader Setups
(22:50) - Euro Nymphing Fly Selection and Confidence Patterns
(25:15) - Matching Flies to Hatches and Seasons
(27:05) - One Fly vs Two Fly Euro Rigs
(29:00) - Euro Nymphing Casting Mechanics
(31:05) - Water Loading and Tight Stream Casting
(34:05) - Presentation and Entry Control
(35:20) - Casting Distance and Effective Range
(36:30) - Drift Control and Depth Management
(38:10) - Reading Water and Covering Runs
(40:10) - Rod Angle and Leader Angle Effects
(43:15) - When to Change Flies
(44:20) - Hook Set Technique and Strike Detection
(47:35) - Rapid Fire Questions and Episode Wrap Up
Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
2030 East College Ave, State College, PA 16801
TCO Muncy
1203 Lycoming Mall Circle Muncy, PA 17756
Chapters:
(00:00) - Welcome to the TCO Fly Cast
(01:30) - How Chris Got Into Fly Fishing
(03:00) - Joining TCO and Growing the Business
(05:00) - What Makes a Great Fly Shop
(08:20) - Expertise, Research and Product Knowledge
(11:20) - Time on the Water vs Online Research
(13:40) - Best and Worst Parts of Working in a Fly Shop
(17:40) - Elitism in Fly Fishing
(19:05) - Favorite Types of Fishing
(22:00) - One Trip Left Dream Destinations
(23:45) - Fly Fishing Pennsylvania Locally
(24:40) - Getting Started with Two-Handed and Saltwater Fishing
(27:00) - Swinging Flies and Hook-Set Myths
(29:40) - Permit Fishing Fundamentals
(33:50) - Winter Fly Fishing Reality
(35:25) - Rapid-Fire Customer Questions
(38:20) - Stocked Trout, Wild Trout and Warmwater Fishing
(41:20) - Final Thoughts and Invitation
Thanks all for watching! Leave us a comment with the topics or questions you’d like us to cover, and your question could be featured on the next podcast!
01:26 A Cold Winter and a Slow, Unpredictable Spring
02:15 Skipping the Tributaries for the Big Susquehanna
03:23 A Trout Fishing Detour During High Water
04:42 The Triple Deceiver: Mike's Dirty Water Go-To
06:02 Frog Season Starts Early and Never Stops
07:38 Why a Tough Puzzle Makes Guiding More Fun
08:34 Pre-Spawn to Post-Spawn: This Year's Timeline
10:24 Tributaries vs. Main River Right Now
11:27 Ice-Scarred Trees From a Brutal Winter
12:34 Slowing Down and Sizing Up in Tough Conditions
19:40 The Barrel Swivel Trick Every Angler Should Know
21:33 Night Fishing on the Susquehanna
23:17 Previewing the Bass Thumb Tournament
24:30 Last Year's Tournament: Chasing Big Fish, Not Numbers
25:12 Sight Fishing vs. Blind Casting Grass Lines
27:09 Sizing Down Streamers for Summer
28:13 Retrieve Tricks and the Half & Half
29:49 Crayfish Colors for Every Water Clarity
31:11 40+ Floats Later: Lessons From a Wild Spring
36:02 Sage Rod Lineup for the Susquehanna
38:58 Fly Lines for Wind and High Water
41:18 Why an 8-Weight Rules This River
41:42 An Update on the Guide Lodge
43:31 Advice for Beginners Trying Smallmouth
46:05 Creek Fishing Nostalgia
46:56 Final Words: Beat the Heat, Fish Early
28:22 Cigars on the river
29:12 Learning to tie from books
32:03 The engineer's eye for a fly
34:44 From artist to fly tier
37:05 When is a fly finished
39:17 Why he doesn't sell flies
40:22 Tying for the conditions
41:52 Better tier or better angler
43:46 Photography on the water
45:21 From film to digital
47:20 The three second rule
50:35 Measuring success on your own terms
52:18 Answering every question
54:40 The human connection of a fly shop
56:06 Guiding in Pennsylvania
58:33 Guiding mixed experience groups
01:01:18 How Pennsylvania ranks as a fishery
01:02:17 The 24 inch brown that ended the day
01:03:39 Favorite species to target
01:05:31 Catering gear to the species
01:06:21 Advice for the first timer
01:08:01 His favorite fly ever tied
01:09:37 A message for veterans
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