The Three Tier Approach and Simplification from a Competition Angler

Host Christian Bacasa talks river-to-saltwater fly fishing with Rick Passek, an angler who built his skills on stillwater and rivers before making the jump to saltwater fishing in Mexico. Rick walks through what actually changes in the transition — reading different currents, adjusting casting for wind and structure, and the gear swaps that make the switch smoother. If you're a river angler curious about saltwater, this is the practical rundown of what to expect.More episodes like this on Spotify: Saltwater Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing TravelConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!

Conservationist John Stallone joins host Christian Bacasa to talk about the often-overlooked role hunters and anglers play in wildlife preservation — funding habitat work, tracking population health, and advocating for public land access. John introduces How for Wildlife, an organization built to give sportsmen and women practical tools for getting involved beyond just buying a license. A good listen for anyone who wants their time on the water to add up to more than a good day of fishing. More episodes like this on Spotify: Fly Fishing ConservationConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast: Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+) Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodges Book a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcast Newsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/ Follow: Instagram https://instagram.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook https://facebook.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest https://pinterest.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube https://youtube.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyfishinginsiderpodcast Tight lines, everyone!

Kip Vieth of Wildwood Float Trips joins host Christian Bacasa to break down smallmouth bass fishing on the Mississippi River. Kip covers how water temperature shifts fish behavior through the season, which fly patterns produce on the Mississippi specifically, and the techniques he relies on as a full-time guide in the area. Whether you're new to river smallmouth or refining your approach, Kip's field-tested insights apply directly to the water. More episodes like this on Spotify: Bass on the FlyConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast: Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+) Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodges Book a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcast Newsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/ Follow: Instagram https://instagram.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook https://facebook.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest https://pinterest.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube https://youtube.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyfishinginsiderpodcast Tight lines, everyone!

James Johnson joins host Christian Bacasa to talk flats fishing in Belize — specifically the precision and visual skills required to target bonefish, tarpon, and permit. James breaks down how to spot fish in skinny water, the casting accuracy the flats demand, and what separates a good flats angler from a frustrated one. Essential listening before any saltwater flats trip. More episodes like this on Spotify: Saltwater Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing TravelConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast: Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+) Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodges Book a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcast Newsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/ Follow: Instagram https://instagram.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook https://facebook.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest https://pinterest.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube https://youtube.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyfishinginsiderpodcast Tight lines, everyone!

Tad Murdock joins host Christian Bacasa with an ambitious goal: catching all 50 recognized salmonid species on the fly. Eight years into fly fishing after growing up bass fishing, Tad has landed around 40 of the 50 so far, and shares what the hunt has taught him about species identification, regional travel planning, and adapting technique across wildly different water types. A must-listen for any angler chasing a life-list goal of their own. More episodes like this on Spotify: Fly Fishing Travel | Trout Fly FishingConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast: Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+) Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodges Book a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcast Newsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/ Follow: Instagram https://instagram.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook https://facebook.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest https://pinterest.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube https://youtube.com/flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyfishinginsiderpodcast Tight lines, everyone!

In this episode, host Christian Bacasa interviews Joel Stoehr about his fly fishing journey and how he keeps his passion alive through new endeavors. Joel shares his background growing up in the Catskills and transitioning from trout fishing to saltwater fishing in New York City. He discusses the challenges and excitement of sight fishing for redfish in Louisiana and tarpon in Key West. Joel emphasizes the importance of trying new fishing experiences to keep the passion for fly fishing alive.Transitioning from trout fishing to saltwater fishing can be a challenging but rewarding experience.Sight fishing for redfish and tarpon offers a different level of excitement and requires precise casting.Trying new fishing endeavors, such as fishing in different locations or targeting different species, can help keep the passion for fly fishing alive.Each fishing experience, whether it's trout fishing, saltwater fishing, or sight fishing, offers its own unique challenges and rewards. Different fishing scenarios require different approaches and techniques.Experience and incremental learning are valuable in improving fishing skills.Targeting different species can enhance fishing skills and knowledge.Reflecting on fishing trips and planning for the next one can keep the passion for fishing alive.Using photography and sketching can help capture and preserve fishing memories.Developing artistic skills can enhance the fishing experience.The double haul technique is important in saltwater fishing.Shooting line accurately is a challenge in saltwater fishing.The constant learning and enjoyment of fishing come from the struggle and the process.Ugly casts can still catch fish and should not discourage anglers.More episodes like this on Spotify: Redfish on the Fly | Saltwater Fly FishingConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!

Dan Hoffman, a former fishing guide and chief of police, shares his journey from guiding to a potential future career. He wrote a book called 'An Alaska Fly Fisher's Odyssey' that explores the relationship between fly fishing and various aspects of life. Dan emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging the transferable skills and attributes gained from being a guide. He advises guides to identify their strengths, seek continuing education, and reach out to former clients for mentorship. Dan also discusses the challenges of navigating the social media landscape and the incredible fishing opportunities in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. In this conversation, Daniel Hoffman and Christian Bacasa discuss fishing in Alaska, specifically in the Cuulik River and other remote locations.Recognize and leverage the transferable skills and attributes gained from being a fishing guide.Identify your strengths and seek continuing education to set yourself apart in a new career.Reach out to former clients for mentorship and guidance during a career transition.Navigate the social media landscape strategically, focusing on platforms that align with your target audience.Explore the incredible fishing opportunities in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. Alaska offers incredible fishing opportunities, with abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.There are different tiers of fishing experiences in Alaska, ranging from do-it-yourself trips to guided fly-out lodges.Research the seasonality of the drainages to ensure you visit during the best time for your target species.Budgeting and saving money in advance can help make an Alaska fishing trip more affordable.Take advantage of online resources, podcasts, and local shops to gather information and plan your trip.More episodes like this on Spotify: Alaska Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Guide LifeConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!

In this episode of the Fly Fishing Insider podcast, host Christian Bacasa interviews Dominic Petruzzi about fishing for predator fish in Pennsylvania, particularly muskie. They discuss the changes in muskie fishing in Pennsylvania over the years and the efforts to improve the muskie population. Dominic shares his experiences and tips for fishing muskie in moving water, emphasizing the importance of understanding muskie behavior and targeting their preferred locations. He also discusses his approach to designing predator flies, focusing on movement and profile. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for anglers interested in pursuing muskie in Pennsylvania. In this conversation, Dominic Petruzzi discusses various aspects of fly fishing for musky. He talks about the importance of gear baits and how to emulate their flash profile in flies. He also emphasizes the significance of triggering fish on multiple levels and checking off boxes to increase angler success. Dominic shares his techniques for reducing weight in flies and utilizing natural materials like bucktail.Emulate the flash profile of gear baits in flies to attract musky.Trigger fish on multiple levels by checking off various factors like moon phase, water quality, and fly design.Reduce weight in flies by using natural materials like bucktail.Utilize flash in fly designs to create different light reflections and attract fish.Consider silhouette and size as important triggers for predator fish.Create ambush opportunities by presenting flies in areas with varying light conditions.Use the Norvise vise for efficient and accurate fly tying.Maintain good thread control and tension for better fly tying results.More episodes like this on Spotify: Predator Fly Fishing: Pike, Musky, GarConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!

In this episode, Christian Bacasa interviews Brett Lowry, the founder of Trout Boat Cap'n. They discuss the importance of seat height in rowing and the benefits of using the Trout Boat Cap'n seat. Brett shares his experience of starting the company and how it has improved the comfort and efficiency of rowing. They also talk about fishing in the Illinois River and striper fishing in the tailwaters. Finally, they discuss smallmouth fishing in the upper Illinois River and the techniques used for a successful fishing trip. In this conversation, Brett Lowry discusses his preferred fishing techniques, including using frogs and poppers for easy casting and engagement. He also highlights the gratification of visual fishing and the sense of accomplishment it brings. Brett then shares insights into the sand bass season in Oklahoma and the differences between sand bass, hybrid, and striper.More episodes like this on Spotify: Bass on the Fly | Fly Fishing Guide LifeConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!

Mike Komara, a competitive fisherman, discusses his experience in competitive fishing and the different levels of competition. He explains that the average competition consists of about 12 anglers, with regional competitions being smaller and interregional competitions being larger. The nationals, which are the biggest and most intense competition, consist of about 48 anglers. Mike also shares his preference for fishing with a single fly, as it allows for more control and reduces the chance of tangles. He discusses the importance of adjusting the casting angle to change the sink rate and depth of the fly. Mike emphasizes the significance of walking the beat before a session to understand the water and the fish's behavior. He also mentions the importance of adapting to changing conditions during a competition.Competitive fishing consists of different levels of competition, with regional competitions being smaller and interregional competitions being larger.The nationals are the biggest and most intense competition, with about 48 anglers.Fishing with a single fly allows for more control and reduces the chance of tangles.Adjusting the casting angle can change the sink rate and depth of the fly.Walking the beat before a session is important to understand the water and the fish's behavior.Adapting to changing conditions during a competition is crucial for success. Adjust fly patterns and presentation techniques to entice fish.Experiment with different flies, sizes, and levels in the water column.Jig streamers can be highly effective, and maintaining contact with the fly is crucial.Keep fly selection simple and focus on fishing close to structure.Confidence in fly selection is key to success.More episodes like this on Spotify: Nymphing & Euro Nymphing | Trout Fly FishingConnect with the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast:Shop: https://ffipodcast.com/collections/all (use code INSIDER10 for 10% off orders $50+)Guides & Lodges: https://ffipodcast.com/pages/guides-and-lodgesBook a Trip (Frontiers): https://ffipodcast.com/pages/frontier-travel-fly-fishing-insider-podcastNewsletter: https://ffipodcast.com/Follow: Instagram @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Facebook @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | TikTok @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | Pinterest @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | YouTube @flyfishinginsiderpodcast | LinkedIn Fly Fishing Insider PodcastDupe A Fish: @dupeafish on InstagramTight lines, everyone!