The Fly Culture Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Episode 308 - Jack Westbury on Grayling Fishing

Those clear, cold days aren't far off now and with that in mind, I caught up with angler Jack Westbury to pick up some tips regarding fishing for grayling.

I learn a lot as he tells me about leader set up, spacing of flies, controlling the drift and manipulation of flies.

We also cover tackle choices and his preference for longer rods.

We discuss his trout fishing too, including long leaders and micro drag.

Being based in Derbyshire, he spends a lot of time at the fly fishing shop, Mallon and Green. We talk about how Marie and John have made the shop the hub of the local fishing community.

Jack talks great sense that I'm sure you'll gain something useful from.

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Episode 307 - Friends, Grayling and Falling Barometers

Grayling days are sociable for me.

They start with breakfast, fishing talk and catching up with friends.

On this episode, I fish with my friend Paul Procter.

We were planning to fish and just chew the fat. 

At the last moment, I ran back to my van, grabbed my mic and we captured the day and our thoughts exactly as it happened.

We didn't plan or rehearse what we'd say preferring to speak about things we'd noticed that I hope might be interesting and of use.

I really enjoy days like these with good people, taking it in turns to fish and laughing.

Come fishing with us for the day!

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The Fly Culture Podcast Episode 298

Fly Culture trip to Trentino, Italy

I'm really pleased to be back in the mountains of Trentino with another group of anglers.

There was a mix of returnees and 3 new members of the team who'd not been before.

In this episode, I take you on the water, talk with the guides and those on the trip to give you a feel of the varied fishing we experience.

As ever, these trips turn into being something more than the fish. It is about old friends, new friends, early morning coffee, fly tying and Tiramisu for breakfast.

This was a memorable trip for all the right reasons. 

Sit down, take a listen and join us for a few days on the rivers of Trentino.

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I talk with Jim Curry about his fishing season, how fishing looks right now and the growth areas of our sport.

He also talks what it is like to work for the fishing brand Guideline along with new products, the company ethos and how they prefer to stick with a range until they think there is a new technology that will help them improve upon it rather than just making cosmetic changes every few years.

This is a really interesting look inside a brand that is open, revealing and a fun listen.

As ever, Jim didn't ask to come onto the podcast I heard they were doing some interesting things and wanted to learn some more about them.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

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Sometimes an event can have a profound effect on our lives and make us question the direction we are taking.

I talk with Mark Roberts about such an event that made him quit a secure teaching job to follow his passion for fly fishing. 

His day to day work involves selling flies, coaching and guiding but he is hoping this will develop into something extra that will help others to get outside and experience our pastime.

He also shares the story of his capture of a 4lb+ grayling that many of us dream of.

This is a deeply moving story that I hope you will enjoy hearing about.

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I catch up with Adam to see how fly fishing looks through the eyes of an angler in his twenties.

The conversation turned into something a whole lot more as I discovered that I was talking with someone who has a deep understanding of fly fishing, the behaviour of fish along with the environment too.

I learn about why he likes to fish lighter flies for grayling, where to look for them on a new water, his rule of 3, why you should tie your own flies and why he loves wild trout so much.

He talks with great eloquence and passion about what fly fishing means to him too.

This is a wonderful episode that highlights how lucky we are to have people like Adam in fly fishing.

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The term 'to influence' is used a little too easily these days although it is definitely correct to use this when describing my guest - Howard Croston.

There is little doubt Howard has had an impact on us as fly anglers either directly or indirectly over the years.

From designing rods for Hardy and Greys for a number of years to the articles he has written giving us an insight into the techniques used at the very highest levels of competition fishing that have helped shape us as fly anglers.

We discuss what goes into rod design, his fly fishing timeline, what it is like not to do well in a competition and how to deal with it to what it feels like to be fly fishing world champion.

This is an honest and open look into the mindset of someone who has a great dedication to our pastime, we're lucky to have him in fly fishing.

Free to download.

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I catch up with Andy Taylor to talk about a wide range of fly fishing topics. We look at the state of small still water scene, grayling on dries, encouraging more people into fishing and the route he took into fly fishing which is a unique one after his father dug some commercial trout lakes.

We talk fly fishing instruction, competition fly fishing and what Andy has learnt from it. 

We also cover fishing tackle and finding the right gear at the right price.

He has also edited fly fishing magazines and we talk a little about what is involved.

This episode covers a lot of ground that I feel sure you’ll enjoy listening too.

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I reached out to Mark Paterson after seeing him embark on a new venture in fly fishing retailing.

I always try my best to support our community especially those trying something a little different.

During this recording and a number of previous phone calls I discovered someone who believes in the highest level of customer service, has sourced interesting products and has a passion for fly fishing.

For me, I got the chance to try a rod brand that I've been wanting to cast for a while, try some super slick fly lines and I learn about a brand of waders that are incredibly durable.

We also discuss social media, the company of friends and I hear about the River Dee.

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There was quite a response from listeners after Martin Smith last appeared on the podcast.

Previously he had talked about taking on water companies after the had continued to pollute his club waters. 

I get an update  on what has happened since that should provide inspiration for the many others who are having to contend with similar issues.

He also talks about fishing clubs and how the one he is secretary of has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

This is a really important podcast that tackles issues that affect all of us as anglers and Martin has practical advice on the subject. I hope you'll get a lot from this episode.