Trout Wrangler Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Dylan, founder of Shakedown Streams, a fly-fishing lifestyle brand inspired by the Grateful Dead.

We kick things off with Dylan's fishing journey—where it began, and when fly fishing became a central part of his life. From there, we dive into the origins of Shakedown Streams: what sparked the idea, and why the Deadhead vibe felt like the perfect fit for building a unique brand in the fly-fishing community.

Dylan shares the toughest challenges of starting a brand from scratch, the story behind the Grateful Dead–fly fishing crossover, and his thoughts on why that connection resonates so strongly with anglers—especially in light of the recent Simms collaboration.

We also talk about his favorite fishing destinations so far, memorable road stories, and some surprising merch orders from people he never expected. Dylan teases some exciting projects in the pipeline for Shakedown Streams and closes things out by picking five tracks for the Trout Tunes Playlist.

This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear.

@Shakedown_Stream

⁠https://shakedowns-stream.myshopify.com/⁠

Join me as I recap the RISE Fly Fishing Festival in Asheville, NC—and share interviews with two amazing guests:

• Shelton Steele from Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, a unique riverside destination in Asheville

• Nate from Borne From Blue Lines, a lifestyle brand that embodies the spirit of fly fishing and conservation

   

  ⁠https://www.wrongwaycampground.com/⁠

   

  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bornefrombluelines/?hl=enc

On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we have Hunter from the Blue Hen Podcast on to talk about his fly fishing journey, the outdoors, and the similarities between bow hunting and fly fishing.

We kick it off with how Hunter got into fly fishing and what made him want to start a podcast. From Delaware streams to Western adventures, we talk about how fly fishing shaped his identity, and the importance of giving space to voices in the fishing community who might not always be front and center.

Hunter shares what it's been like juggling content creation with his own time on the water, the challenges of growing an audience, and what he's learned from the guests who've left the biggest impact.

We also dig into the future of fly fishing media, what it means to create something for the right reasons, and what keeps both of us going when podcasting gets tough.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to ⁠riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear.

@Bluehenoutdoors on Instagram and tiktok

https://www.youtube.com/@BlueHenOutdoors

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-hen-outdoors-podcast/id1809660546

In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Matt, a passionate Charleston-based angler whose redfish obsession runs deep. We talk about how his fishing journey began and what led him to fall in love with fly fishing in the Lowcountry.

Matt gives us a flood tide report and shares whether he's ever given in to the temptation of chasing tailing reds under the moonlight. We also explore how Charleston's rapid growth and the rise in fly fishing popularity are impacting the local fishery.

We dive into Matt's unique history with skiffs and side consoles, what he's learned through years on the water, and his favorite features on his new Beavertail. He offers advice for beginners navigating the Lowcountry's technical waters and shares what it's been like transitioning into fatherhood—and raising the next great poler.

We close it out with Matt's Mount Rushmore of redfish flies, his craziest fishing story, and of course, his five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit ⁠riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save 10%.

 In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Cameron Mortenson, the voice behind The Fiberglass Manifesto, a platform that helped redefine the way the fly fishing world looks at fiberglass rods.

Cameron shares the unexpected origin of his passion project—starting with a $30 Eagle Claw rod—and how it snowballed into a community-driven blog and cultural touchstone for "glass geeks" around the world. We dive into the evolution of the site, what fuels its blend of gear reviews, rod-maker spotlights, and travel stories, and why fiberglass continues to attract a loyal following in an age dominated by fast-action graphite.

We also talk about vintage vs. modern blanks, which rod builders Cameron has his eye on, and what's coming next for the Fiberglass Manifesto in terms of content, gear, and collaborations.

As always, Cameron shares five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist and wraps it up with a few shoutouts and final thoughts for the glass-curious listener.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit⁠ riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 to save 10% at checkout.

@TheFiberglassManifesto

⁠https://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/

In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I talk with Justin, the founder of Historic Coast Outfitters, a Florida guide service blending a resort-style experience with old school fish camp vibes.

Justin shares his fishing journey, what brought him to Florida, and how he crafted such a unique vision for the brand. We break down the diverse experiences Historic Coast offers—from inshore and offshore trips to fly fishing, eco tours, and even cast-and-blast outings—and how his team balances it all.

Adam also paints a picture of what a typical inshore skiff or bay boat trip looks like, the most sought-after species in their waters, and how conservation and education are part of every client's experience. We also chat about his favorite moments with celebrity clients, the launch of Historic Coast Hangouts, and what's next for the brand in terms of destinations and species.

As always, Justin closes out with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist and some final thanks.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit ⁠riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save 10%.

⁠https://www.historiccoastoutfitters.com/⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@historiccoastoutfitters⁠

@HistoricCoastOutfitters Instagram

 In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Adam, founder of Lowco Rods, a veteran-owned company crafting high-performance saltwater fly rods with Lowcountry roots and salt-tested durability.

We kick things off with Adam's story—his time in the military, growing up in Georgia, and how those life chapters shaped the mindset behind building a brand like Lowco. From the name to the materials, every piece of the company speaks to a deep pride in the culture and ecosystem of the Southeast.

We break down each of Lowco's rod families, including the Marsh MX, Salt Series, Salt Pro, and the eye-catching Queen Anne's Revenge. Adam explains what makes each rod unique, how they're dialed for specific saltwater applications, and how customer feedback plays into constant innovation.

We also talk about the challenges of running a small business—what's been hard, how he's adapted, and how being a veteran has influenced his leadership style, craftsmanship, and community-first approach.

As always, Adam shares 5 killer tracks for the Trout Tunes Playlist and drops a few hints about what's next for Lowco Rods.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Check them out at⁠ riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 to save 10% at checkout.

⁠https://lowcorods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopAtv_6-wxsFJsTDuM-TCMpLUKTiilVKo78DP0bhpfclobc4C1r⁠

In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I chat with Christian, the creative mind behind Make Time For Fishing, a YouTube channel and brand dedicated to inspiring people to carve out space for the outdoors.

Christian shares what it's like being a newer fly angler, what's been hardest to learn so far, and the parts of the journey he's loved most. We talk about the inspiration behind Make Time For Fishing, what led him to launch his YouTube channel, and how he comes up with, films, and edits his content.

We also dive into his recent Maine striped bass trip, his go-to flies for stripers, and the story behind his winning fish at the After Work Fish Club Red Spot Round-Up. Plus, he shares his favorite fish to catch, his dream destination trip, and a sneak peek at future videos and adventures.

As always, Christian wraps up with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist and some final thanks.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit⁠ riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 to save 10% at checkout.

@Maketimeforfishing

⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/MakeTimeForFishing⁠

 In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by the crew from Emerging, the official podcast of the Costa 5 Rivers program by Trout Unlimited, created to amplify the voices of college fly fishing clubs across the country.

Launched in Fall 2020, Emerging has grown into a platform that not only connects more than 80 college clubs but also inspires action through storytelling, conservation, and student leadership. We dive into what sparked the idea to start the podcast, the mission behind it, and how it continues to shape the next generation of fly anglers.

We talk about the impact they've seen—through regional events, conservation work, and community-building—as well as some of the coolest episodes, most meaningful collaborations, and wildest fishing stories. From Grateful Dead fly fishing crossover content to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that have come from the show, this episode celebrates the power of youth in fly fishing.

The crew shares 5 songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist, their Mount Rushmore of Dead songs, and what's next for Emerging and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program in the upcoming school year.

This episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast brings you two powerful stories from opposite ends of the fly fishing spectrum — one about chasing legends, and one about surviving the unexpected.

First, I sit down with Monte Burke, author of Lords of the Fly and Leaper, to talk about his deep dive into the Homosassa tarpon scene, the colorful personalities who defined it, and what that fishery's rise and fall says about anglers, conservation, and obsession. Monte also shares what draws him to a story, how he balances hardcore angling with universal themes, and what fisheries he'd love to explore next in his writing.

Then, I talk with Zain, whose viral TikTok and news story about being bitten by a rattlesnake while fly fishing in the Carolinas caught my attention. He takes us through the entire day — from the bite itself, to getting help with no cell service, to recovery and the lessons he learned. Zain also shares advice for anyone fishing or hiking in snake country, plus some gratitude for the first responders who helped save his life.

As always, both guests share five songs each for the Trout Tunes Playlist, along with some final thoughts and thanks.

🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit ⁠riversmith.com⁠ and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save 10%.