The Guys Fishing Weekly – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, Ed and Reid sit down with Andrew Todd, executive director of Running Rivers and creator of the Flyathlon event series. They delve into Todd's innovative approach to fish conservation through the Flyathlon—a unique blend of trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer. The hosts are eager to participate in this exciting event!

Todd offers valuable insights on native trout preservation, emphasizes the crucial role of community in conservation efforts, and shares his journey from federal scientist to nonprofit founder. The conversation spans a range of topics, from the impacts of climate change on fish populations to the importance of authenticity in pursuing one's passions. We even get a little insight to Todd’s fishing origin story being based on a lie.

Make sure to check out the organization, Running Rivers, and sign up for your local Flyathlon. Maybe even create your own!

This week, Ed and Reid chat with Chase Coyle, founder of Slayfest Fishing Co., an outdoor apparel and graphic design company. Chase shares his journey of becoming a fly fishing entrepreneur and embracing his creative side. He offers insights on finding a new community after losing the brotherhood that comes with playing college football.

As a versatile angler skilled in multiple fishing techniques, Chase discusses his experiences fishing Southern Oregon's diverse waters, including the Rogue and Umpqua river systems. He talks about documenting his growth as a fisherman through his "Chasing Water" series on YouTube and building community in the fishing world. Chase also shares his perspective on creativity in fishing apparel design and offers advice for aspiring anglers and entrepreneurs.

This week, Reid and Ed interview Ray Cameron, the man behind Pop's Flies. Pop's Flies, a collection of fly patterns and recipes, is a story that extends beyond fly fishing, encompassing family connections, mental wellness, and adventures across the Rocky Mountains. Ray discusses the legacy of fly fishing in his family and how his attempt to tie flies opened the door to his father passing on the tradition. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and the bonds formed through shared interests. Ray shares a heartwarming story about recreating a photo of his grandfather fishing in the same spot decades later, this time with his own son.

Ray also delves into his passion for helping men with mental health challenges, emphasizing how fly fishing and other outdoor activities can be therapeutic. He stresses the need for open conversations about mental health and normalizing such discussions. He reminds us of the importance of checking in on each other. Sharing his favorite fishing memories, Ray also offers advice on encouraging the younger generation to embrace outdoor activities. Plenty of great insight through it all and lots of laughs along the way!

Takeaways

• The legacy of fly fishing has been passed down through generations in Ray Cameron's family, starting with his great-grandfather.
• The fly fishing community provides a supportive network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors and the sport.
• Ray emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and encourages open conversations about anxiety and other mental health challenges.
• It is important to talk openly about mental health and normalize the conversation.
• Mentorship and sharing knowledge are essential in preserving the tradition of fly fishing and passing it on to future generations.
• Encouraging the next generation to embrace the outdoors can be done by leading by example and teaching respect for nature.

In this week's discussion, Ed and Reid are joined by artist and outdoorsman Kevin Onsrud from Casting Feathers & Fur. Kevin, once a teacher and now a mentor, talks about his outdoor activities, love for fishing, artistic journey, and the advantages of community involvement and hobbies after retirement.

Kevin narrates the evolution of his art, starting from tying flies, illustrating them, and now crafting art and logos.

The conversation delves into topics like fly fishing in the Driftless area, the camaraderie within the fishing community, the emotional and spiritual rewards of fishing, and the significance of active participation in a community. Kevin also reminisces about his favorite fishing memory and imparts wisdom to his 20-year-old self. Overall, the discussion was enlightening and thoroughly entertaining.

In this week's discussion, Reid and Ed chat with Colten Tidwell, the owner of Wild Orca, a company specializing in fly fishing rods and gear. Colten is passionate about community and ensuring everyone has a better fishing experience than anticipated. From exceptional packaging to no-questions-asked customer service, Colten and Wild Orca embody the spirit of fly fishing.

In the conversation, we delve into how Colten conceptualized Wild Orca, the adventures he's embarked on throughout his life, and his understanding of community. He stresses that community is fostered through shared interests, genuine care for others, and openness to new connections. He recounts fishing trips with his father and a playful tradition they have—the "Skunk Bandana," a consolation prize for catching the fewest fish. We even get chased by a badger (what is it about this sport and getting chased by wildlife?!).

All this and plenty more laughs along the way!

Takeaways

• Wild Orca is hyper focused on quality and attention to detail, and also passing a little joy along the way.
• Fishing trips with friends and family create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Community is built on common interests and a genuine care for others.
• Advice for individuals seeking community: be open, be uncomfortable, and find people with common interests.
• Advice for those building community: paint a clear vision, be welcoming, and empower others.

This week, Ed and Reid chat with Diogo and Peter from Frequent Flyers Fishing. They discuss the camaraderie among fishing buddies, the thrill of exploring the northeast USA, and the bond they've formed over the past few years. Diogo and Peter share their passion for camping and the exhilaration of fishing in challenging locations, as well as the tranquility that comes with focusing on a catch. They fondly recall their weekend trips to the Adirondacks and Catskills, where they first fell in love with fly fishing. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their encounters with wildlife, the importance of conservation, and future plans for their YouTube channel. It's a conversation filled with stories and laughter!

Takeaways

• Frequent Flyers Fishing is a YouTube channel, following the fishing adventures of Diogo and Peter as they learn the sport of Fly Fishing and engage with the community of anglers who love it.
• The fly fishing community is welcoming and supportive, with experienced anglers willing to share their knowledge and help newcomers.
• Camping and fishing trips with friends can be rejuvenating and provide a sense of camaraderie and joy.
• Being present in the moment while fishing and appreciating the experience is more important than catching fish.
• The Frequent Flyers Fishing guys love exploring fishing spots in the Jersey area, particularly in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
• Camping is an integral part of their fishing trips, and they have favorite camping spots where they enjoy the serenity of nature.
• Frequent Flyers Fishing emphasizes the importance of conservation and are passionate about keeping rivers clean and healthy.
• Frequent Flyers Fishing have exciting plans for future videos and collaborations, including more conservation stories and trips to different fishing destinations.

In this conversation, Ed and Reid interview the gregarious Joe Hemelt from Colorado Drifters in New Castle, Colorado. Joe spills the beans on how he and his lovely wife breathed life into Colorado Drifters, a cozy corner for coffee, a fly shop, and soon, a brewery, all aimed at serving the heart of the local community and uplifting other local businesses. The guys discuss how their drive for building up the community of New Castle aligns with their vision of creating third spaces and the importance of community, service and how fishing can bring people together. Joe shares heartfelt anecdotes about how fishing has been a beacon during stormy periods in his life, including during the COVID pandemic and deaths in the family. The conversation ebbs and flows around fishing escapades with loved ones and the importance of camaraderie among men. All this and plenty of laughs along the way! Takeaways

• Colorado Drifters is a Coffee Shop, Fly Shop and Brewery, located in New Castle, CO. Highly focused on local brands and building up the community of New Castle
• Check out Colorado Drifters new location this June 2024 at the former Texaco. Opening the premier brewery in the Valley.
• Finding Community after being in the service is a critical part of transition into retirement. You can find that in the outdoors and giving back.
• Fly Fishing has saved people’s lives and nature has a therapeutic aspect that heals. You can find solace during stressful times out in nature.
• Fishing with our children and the relationship building benefit of getting on the water together. It is important to get out in nature together and the bond that brings along with it.
• Service and giving back to others can be fulfilling and help create a strong sense of community. Fishing with family, especially with children, creates special memories and bonds.
• Young boys growing up with men around them is a huge leg up in life. It is a benefit to be brought under the wing of your elders.
• Male bonding through fishing and outdoor activities is important for mental health and overall well-being.

This week, Reid and Ed talk about the adventures that ensued during their trip to the Arkansas River outside of Nathrop, CO last week. They'll also be discussing Five Things you can do to be a Better Fishing Buddy in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. They'll touch on the topic of 10% - 80% - 10% and how it can help you navigate the lows and truly appreciate the highs of the year. As a sweet finish to the episode, they'll be celebrating Mother’s Day by sharing the things they admire most about their wonderful mothers.

Takeaways

• The adventures and conversations on a GFW are the best part
• Tips for being a better fishing buddy:
• 1. Help Them Celebrate Their Wins
• 2. Check in Regularly
• 3. Listen to What They’re Navigating
• 4. Encourage Professional Help
• 5. Invite them to go Fishing
• Make sure to show your mothers that you love them!

Summary

In this week's chit-chat, our pals Ed and Reid are joined by fellow GFW'ers, Joe and Robb, at the cozy Silver Trout Lodge in Nathrop, CO. They're all set to unravel a fantastic weekend of fishing they enjoyed together, their first impressions about GFW, and of course, there's a hearty dose of laughter sprinkled throughout. You'll get a sneak peek into what their annual fishing trip, a tradition of 28 years, really looks like and how it's blossomed over time. To wrap it all up, they stroll down memory lane, recalling some unforgettable moments like the "Skunky Beer Boat Day" and "The 50 Foot Fall into the River". Don't miss out! Takeaways

• Silver Trout Lodge in Nathrop, Colorado is an excellent place for a Guys Fishing Weekend. It's right near the Arkansas River and Chalk Creek, two fantastic fisheries.
• Fishing trips aren't only about fishing. They're also about hanging out with friends, playing cards, and eating meals together.
• It's good to take a break from everyday life to enjoy nature and have adventures.
• These fishing weekends can help you grow as a person, make good memories, and are a great way to relax.
• Learning from each other is a big part of these trips. The friends you choose to go on these weekends with give valuable insights and perspectives.
• It's important to check in with each other and support each other. Fishing weekends are a time for men to celebrate their wins, share what they are navigating and help each other.
• Even when things get tough, the fun, adventures, and memories make it worth it. It's more than just a fishing trip.

In this week’s chat, our friends Reid and Ed are catching up using a couple of conversation starters that have a way of opening a conversation wide open. Reid has a great trick to make these chats more fun and meaningful. He simply asks, 'What are you celebrating in life right now?' They both agree it's super important to take time to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff in life. But their conversation doesn't stop at celebrations. They also dive into the second question in their series of conversation starters that really make you think: 'What are you navigating in your life right now?' They believe this question is key to forging stronger connections, as it opens up a safe space for folks to share their current struggles and ask for a helping hand if needed. These questions are a secret life hack on how to get a conversation flowing and have a few chuckles along the way. Takeaways

• Asking the question 'What are you celebrating?' can make conversations more positive and allow the speaking pair to take a conversation anywhere they please.
• Focusing on accomplishments and milestones in life can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment.
• Celebrating the achievements of others, such as children, can strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment.
• The question 'What are you navigating in your life right now?' allows for deeper conversations and provides an opportunity for people to share their struggles and ask for help.
• Navigating parenting older kids can be challenging, but it also provides opportunities for growth and meaningful conversations.
• Being informed and making well-informed decisions is important in navigating life's challenges.
• Open and honest communication is key in building strong relationships and fostering deeper connections.