TCO Flycast

George Daniel learned at Joe Humphreys' side, won a US National Fly Fishing Championship, wrote Dynamic Nymphing and Strip Set, and now runs the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program at Penn State. He also used to manage our State College shop, and he came back to where it started for this episode of the TCO Flycast.We get into what makes Central PA water so challenging, the Penn State program that was just ranked #1 in the country, and how George actually fishes today: four rods, all four-weights, a handful of patterns, and a single fly most days. He also pushes back on fluorocarbon for dry flies, makes the case for the mop fly, and explains why he watches an angler's hands instead of the fish.Shop flies, gear, and guided trips at TCO Fly Shop:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_george_danielCHAPTERS00:00 George Daniel in State College01:53 Growing up in Potter County03:33 Meeting Joe Humphreys at 1606:24 Early mentors: Dan Shields and Dave Rothrock07:57 Competitive fly fishing and Team USA11:31 Writing his first book14:31 Penn State's #1 ranked fly fishing program15:53 What makes Central PA water so challenging18:21 Inside the Penn State fly fishing course21:51 Why George bans phones in class23:49 Habitat work at Colyer Lake26:31 How George practices: quality over quantity28:13 Filming yourself to find your weaknesses32:53 Smallmouth, muskie, and the beginner's mindset36:13 Dry fly fishing in Central PA39:58 Long leaders and the fluorocarbon debate42:05 "Don't hire me for four days"43:13 Four rods, all four-weights44:32 Streamers: jigging vs. traditional48:10 George's minimalist streamer box49:55 The mop fly51:06 Nymphing: the Euro guy's third favorite52:16 Watch their hands, not the fish55:18 Dry dropper and suspension nymphing56:24 Where to start when you walk up to a run57:18 The biggest nymphing mistake: fishing too deep58:00 Why one fly beats two59:48 Waltz worms and fly design by subtraction1:02:58 George's new book1:05:48 Photography and seeing the water1:08:42 Fall fishing advice#tcoflycast #flyfishing #paflyfishing

We took TCO Flycast on the road to Swanton, Maryland to sit down with Tom Martin, owner and head guide of Heavy Water Anglers, about 40 minutes from the PA line.Tom started guiding on the Salmon River, trained at Sweetwater Guide School, spent eight seasons guiding in Alaska, and has been running trips on the Savage River and North Branch of the Potomac since 2008. He takes us through a full season month by month: trout Spey in March, shallow spring browns, grannom and sulphur hatches, summer tailwater fishing on the Savage, nine-inch streamers out of a drift boat, and more.We also get into trout Spey as an easier way into steelhead swinging, his hosted trips to Forks and the White River, and why so many Camp Hill and Boiling Springs anglers make the drive every year.Book a trip with Heavy Water Anglers:https://heavywateranglers.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tco_flycast_ep13_tom_martinShop gear, flies and Spey setups at TCO Fly Shop:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep13_tom_martinSubscribe for more TCO Flycast episodes, fishing reports and how-to videos!Chapters00:00 Welcome to Heavy Water Anglers in Western Maryland00:52 Tom's background: Salmon River to Sweetwater Guide School04:02 What guide school and Alaska taught him05:51 A month-by-month calendar for Western Maryland07:05 March: trout Spey on the North Branch10:34 Streamer timing and cold winter tailwaters12:51 Tell your guide what you want13:45 April: blue quills, grannom and the first dry fly fishing16:12 Summer on the Savage River17:50 Gear and planning around your goals19:30 Building a multi-day lodge trip20:50 Where Heavy Water Anglers is located21:56 The PA connection: Camp Hill, Boiling Springs and State College22:30 Beginners, families and advanced anglers23:55 How Tom found Western Maryland at 1626:05 Alaska, home water and fishing around the world30:45 Fall: getting back into prime time31:47 How the dams shape these tailwaters33:28 Why they stop fishing when trout hit the redds35:28 Salmon River swing season and December musky37:14 Trout Spey as a gateway to steelhead38:53 Hosted trips to Forks and the White River41:25 Why Western Maryland is worth the drive42:08 Nine-inch streamers out of a drift boat43:37 Trout size and the 16-inch wild fish44:32 How to book with Heavy Water Anglers#tcoflycast #flyfishing #troutfishing

In episode 12 of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with TCO guide and night fishing specialist Frank Landis to break down how to hunt predatory brown trout after dark in Central Pennsylvania. Frank guides and teaches full time and logs around 50 nights on the water a year, and he walks through the whole playbook: conditions, gear, spot selection, fly choice, and the mindset it takes to fish water you can't see.Whether you've thought about night fishing but never tried it, or you're chasing the biggest trout of your season, this one covers it end to end.What we get into:Why trout move and feed at night, and how the river wakes up after darkReading water temps, low water, and the moonHeadlamp colors, and using a flashlight to tell if fish were even feedingRods, lines, leaders, and why Frank ties nearly everything in blackThe "Cat" pattern and how it came to beHook sets, landing big fish fast, and staying safe in the darkChapters:0:00 Intro and why night fishing1:30 Meet Frank: guide, teacher, night fishing specialist2:56 How Frank got into night fishing6:38 Why trout feed at night8:48 Where to fish after dark11:51 Know your water and stay safe14:56 Conditions: water, temps, and the moon18:54 Rods, tippet, and fishing in close22:00 Timing your night and the season26:14 Headlamps and reading fish with light29:52 Swinging flies and covering less water33:18 The night fly box37:00 Frank's "Cat" pattern41:04 How trout eat in the dark44:17 Casting blind without hooking trees47:19 Leader setup48:40 Rods, reels, and lines worth buying51:03 A 23-inch brown at 4 a.m.53:47 Hook sets and landing fish fast57:13 Follow Frank, plus night fishing out WestGear Frank recommends for night fishing (he fishes a 6 weight):Fly Line - Scientific Anglers Inifinty Glow:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/scientific-anglers-amplitude-smooth-infinity-taper?variant=37789013639337&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep12_frank_landisEntry rod, Orvis Clearwater 6wt:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/orvis-clearwater-9ft-6wt-4pc-1?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep12_frank_landisMid rod, G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 9' 6wt:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/241-g-loomis-imx-pro-v2-9-0-6wt-4pc?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep12_frank_landisPremium rod, Scott Centric 9' 6wt:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/scott-centric-9-0-6wt-4pc-w-f-butt?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep12_frank_landisFollow Frank:Instagram: @frankflyfishesBook a night trip through the Boiling Springs or State College shops.About TCO Fly Shop:Founded in 1990, TCO is one of North America's leading independent fly shops, with locations in Bryn Mawr, State College, Boiling Springs, Reading, and Muncy. Shop everything online here:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep12_frank_landisSubscribe for more gear talk, fishing reports, and conversations from the TCO Flycast.

Two years in and the TCO Bass Thumb has turned into one of the most talked about smallmouth events on the Susquehanna. In this recap of the 2026 tournament, Bill sits down with Mike Rosa and this year's industry division winner, Ry Carman of Spring Fed Angling, to break down two days of fishing that put up nearly 5,000 inches of smallmouth and raised over $6,000 for Susquehanna Greenways and Project Healing Waters.We get into the winning strategy on the Susquehanna, the morning topwater bite and the afternoon lull, and the final day fish that decided the whole thing. Ry and Mike break down what was working, the vendors and prizes that made it a full weekend, and why this event keeps pulling anglers back year after year.96 anglers. 33 boats. Anglers traveling in from Wyoming, Kentucky and Washington to fish it. If you want in next year, sign up fast, because the people who do it come back.Spring Fed Angling: https://www.springfedangling.com/Stream Bred Anglers: https://www.streambredanglers.com/Chapters:00:00 Welcome and the five TCO shops00:55 Meet the guests: Mike Rosa and Ry Carman02:13 What the Bass Thumb is and who it benefits03:28 The numbers: 5,000 inches and $6,000+ donated05:10 Anglers traveling in from across the country05:55 Why we split the industry and open divisions07:38 Ry's winning team and Susquehanna game plan10:34 The real strategy: don't miss fish, don't lose fish12:39 A broken phone and a stomach bug on day two13:12 Fishing through it off the side of the boat16:01 Bite windows: morning topwater and the lull17:39 Friday's crawfish feed and the fish that were keyed on it18:24 Gear: 8-weights, floating lines and streamers20:53 The biggest fish of the tournament24:22 Prizes and the vendors who showed up27:32 Pizza Boy, the venue and the custom beer29:10 Eyes back on the river: Clouser and stewardship32:18 Ry's final day and the walking bass that won it38:11 Parting thoughts and what's nextSupport the podcast: like, subscribe, and stop into any of our five shops in Bryn Mawr, Boiling Springs, Reading, State College and Bristol.Shop and learn more: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep11_ry_carman_mike_rosa#tcoflycast #smallmouth #susquehanna #paflyfishing #flyfishing

In this episode of the TCO Flycast, Bill sits down with Ross Purnell, editor and publisher of Fly Fisherman magazine, the sport's most authoritative publication. Recorded at TCO Boiling Springs, Ross's home shop, on the exact day he hit 30 years with the magazine. You may not know Ross by name, but if you fly fish, you know his work.Ross walks through the road that got him here: teaching himself to cast with a cheap foam-grip fly rod, learning the sport page by page from Fly Fisherman, buying a Bow River guide business in his early twenties (funded by selling off his comic book collection), and helping build one of the first fishing websites on the planet before the internet went mainstream. That side project eventually landed him inside the magazine he grew up reading.From there we get into the good stuff. Ross tells the story behind Descent, the film where he rappelled into the plunge pools of Yosemite Falls to fish rainbows almost no one has ever cast to. He breaks down how he chooses his far-flung trips, including a 30-hour boat ride to St. Brandon Atoll for giant trevally, permit, and the biggest average bonefish he has ever seen. We talk about how to actually get published in the magazine, why he made personality profiles a priority, and where print goes from here.We close on conservation. Ross explains why AI data centers are now one of the biggest threats to our rivers, the fight over the Roadless Rule, the magazine's long history on issues like Pebble Mine, and the simple things every angler can do locally.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=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=flycast_ep10_ross_purnellSubscribe to Fly Fisherman Magazine ($15/year):https://www.flyfisherman.com/Ross Purnell's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossflyfisher/Fly Fisherman Magazine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyfishermanmagazine/Chapters:00:00 Intro: Meet Ross Purnell of Fly Fisherman Magazine01:35 Rappelling to Fish Wild Rainbows05:50 Happy Canada Day: 30 Years With the Company to the Day07:03 How a Cheap Fly Rod and One Magazine Started It All09:24 Why Fly Shops Still Matter More Than Ever11:07 Selling His Comic Collection to Buy a Guide Business13:26 The Bow River14:30 From Summer Guide to Journalism Degree16:54 Building One of the First Fishing Websites on Earth19:23 The Article That Got Him Hired at Fly Fisherman22:17 The Dot-Com Bubble and Auction Sites Before eBay24:04 Moving to Pennsylvania and Climbing the Ranks26:55 The Longest-Serving Editor in the Magazine's History27:22 How has Fly Fisherman changed over time?29:15 The Biggest Change He Made: Telling People's Stories30:13 The "Secret Sauce" Behind the Sport's Biggest Names32:52 Why It All Comes Back to Education33:41 The Pressure of Being the "Magazine of Record"35:16 Full Autonomy: No Focus Groups, No Corporate Pressure36:12 Print Isn't Dead: Films, Podcasts, and What's Next38:34 Why a Full-Page Ad in Fly Fisherman Means You've Made It40:28 Chasing the World's Most Remote Fisheries43:22 The Trips That Didn't Pan Out45:01 A 30-Hour Boat Ride to St. Brandon Atoll47:38 Giant Trevally, Permit, and Sharks on the Flats51:12 Next Up: The Beartooths and a Film in Brazil53:11 How to Actually Get Published in Fly Fisherman55:06 Finding Fresh Angles on Every Fly Fishing Topic56:25 Conservation: How AI Data Centers Threaten Our Rivers1:00:13 Who's Fighting Back for the Watersheds1:01:27 Pebble Mine and a 20-Year Conservation Fight1:02:25 Simple Conservation Wins Any Angler Can Do1:04:03 The Roadless Rule and What's on the Chopping Block1:04:56 Is the Sport Healthy? Covid, Tariffs, and New Anglers1:06:43 Fly Fishing's Cool Factor and the Price Myth1:09:01 You Don't Need a $1,200 Rod to Start1:09:26 How to Subscribe and Where to Find Their Films1:12:20 Wrap-Up and Thanks

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_rosaBass Thumb Fly Fishing Tournament (July 9-11, benefiting Project Healing Waters & Susquehanna Greenways): https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/bass-thumb-fly-fishing-tournament-2026Streambred Anglers Website: https://www.streambredanglers.com/Mike’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sba_flyfishing/Chapters:00:00 Intro & Recapping the Spring Season01:26 A Cold Winter and a Slow, Unpredictable Spring02:15 Skipping the Tributaries for the Big Susquehanna03:23 A Trout Fishing Detour During High Water04:42 The Triple Deceiver: Mike's Dirty Water Go-To06:02 Frog Season Starts Early and Never Stops07:38 Why a Tough Puzzle Makes Guiding More Fun08:34 Pre-Spawn to Post-Spawn: This Year's Timeline10:24 Tributaries vs. Main River Right Now11:27 Ice-Scarred Trees From a Brutal Winter12:34 Slowing Down and Sizing Up in Tough Conditions14:09 Gearing Up for the Summer Transition15:30 Grass, Shade & Structure: Summer Smallmouth 10117:22 A Guide's Daily Game Plan18:32 Hammocks, Lunch Breaks, and Island Life19:09 Long Leaders for Low, Clear Water19:40 The Barrel Swivel Trick Every Angler Should Know21:33 Night Fishing on the Susquehanna23:17 Previewing the Bass Thumb Tournament24:30 Last Year's Tournament: Chasing Big Fish, Not Numbers25:12 Sight Fishing vs. Blind Casting Grass Lines27:09 Sizing Down Streamers for Summer28:13 Retrieve Tricks and the Half & Half29:49 Crayfish Colors for Every Water Clarity31:11 40+ Floats Later: Lessons From a Wild Spring36:02 Sage Rod Lineup for the Susquehanna38:58 Fly Lines for Wind and High Water41:18 Why an 8-Weight Rules This River41:42 An Update on the Guide Lodge43:31 Advice for Beginners Trying Smallmouth46:05 Creek Fishing Nostalgia46:56 Final Words: Beat the Heat, Fish Early

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/4eZHOCmChapters00:00 Intro01:34 Leaving Vietnam as a refugee03:41 A spinning rod and the river04:31 Answering the call after 9/1105:27 Leading soldiers in combat09:09 Enlisting instead of becoming an officer10:37 The Hammer Creek spark12:36 A bonefish in Hawaii14:29 Finding Project Healing Waters17:26 What Project Healing Waters really does20:10 From participant to volunteer21:32 Winning the national fly tying competition23:46 How the social media took off by accident25:23 Staying authentic with sponsors28:22 Cigars on the river29:12 Learning to tie from books32:03 The engineer's eye for a fly34:44 From artist to fly tier37:05 When is a fly finished39:17 Why he doesn't sell flies40:22 Tying for the conditions41:52 Better tier or better angler43:46 Photography on the water45:21 From film to digital47:20 The three second rule50:35 Measuring success on your own terms52:18 Answering every question54:40 The human connection of a fly shop56:06 Guiding in Pennsylvania58:33 Guiding mixed experience groups01:01:18 How Pennsylvania ranks as a fishery01:02:17 The 24 inch brown that ended the day01:03:39 Favorite species to target01:05:31 Catering gear to the species01:06:21 Advice for the first timer01:08:01 His favorite fly ever tied01:09:37 A message for veterans

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 tempsReading fish behavior vs sticking to a planPre-spawn movement and aggressive feeding windowsJake’s path from Alaska to guiding in PABuilding Relentless Fly FishingFly tying progression and problem-solving designThe story behind the Roamer and other patternsWriting Smallmouth Bass Flies: Top to BottomBridging the gap between trout and bass fishingTopwater, subsurface, and bottom presentationsTravel, fly fishing culture, and hosted tripsJake'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-bottomBook 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” mindset3:55 Swinging vs conventional gear discussion4:17 Travel to Washington and ferry logistics5:24 Visit to Grundéns and gear testing insights7:09 Arrival in Forks and first impressions7:34 Comparing first and second steelhead trips8:31 Rivers fished – Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah10:42 First day on the water – expectations vs reality12:14 Gear setups and Spey rod discussion13:36 Wade fishing the Hoh River14:31 First fish – Dolly Varden / bull trout15:36 Early success on conventional gear17:11 Fishing between swing runs18:30 Why conventional gear helps understand fish behavior19:36 Big fish lost in heavy structure21:13 Building confidence after hookups22:15 Moving to Gig Harbor guides – Blake and Aaron23:12 Rain, conditions, and importance of gear24:23 Waterproof gear and staying dry25:01 River conditions and water clarity26:11 First steelhead hooked on the swing27:15 Changing flies and presentation adjustments28:19 Sink tips, depth, and fly control30:01 Spey casting adjustments and technique31:36 Imperfect casts and why they can work33:17 Momentum shift – multiple fish hooked34:29 Key run where multiple fish were found36:09 Kyle hooks a steelhead on the swing37:04 Fighting and landing the fish38:04 Bill hooks up shortly after39:21 Landing a steelhead on a hobo Spey fly40:10 Additional species – sea-run cutthroat42:10 Food and accommodations on the trip43:55 Boat safety and river hazards45:08 DIY anglers and risks on the river46:21 Changing river systems and structure47:22 Overall experience beyond fishing48:01 Cold weather and staying warm49:05 Drying gear and travel logistics49:33 Dealing with tough fishing conditions51:20 Final thoughts on expectations vs reality52:07 Other fishing opportunities in the region52:32 Travel back to Seattle53:43 Kyle’s closing thoughts on steelheading55:16 John’s advice for learning Spey fishing57:01 DIY vs guided trips57:41 Outro and final thoughts