174. The Chill That Didn't Stop The Catch

In this episode of Dads on the Fly, Joshua and Caleb catch up on life, fishing, and fatherhood as the cold weather settles in. The guys talk through recent winter fishing conditions, including how cold temps change both strategy and expectations on the water.Caleb shares the story of what might be the best ever boat ramp fish and the unmatched joy of putting friends on the fish of their lives. The conversation then turns reflective as they look back over the past year, celebrating some wins as dads and acknowledging the growth that comes through both success and challenge.They wrap up by looking ahead to future fishing opportunities and the seasons still to come—on the water and at home. It’s an honest, laid-back episode about friendship, perspective, and why fishing continues to be such a powerful connector for dads.

What happens when you get a narrow window to fish—even if it’s painfully cold? You go. Caleb and Joshua recount a frigid float packed with fish, brotherhood, and one swimmer whose choices still baffle them. They also share a few tips for staying effective (and alive) in winter conditions. A fun, frosty episode you won’t want to miss.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down with Dawson Jordon of @dawsonian.studios to talk about the creative journey that connects his art, the outdoors, and being a dad. Dawson shares how he got into fly fishing, what it’s been like taking his young kids out on the water, and how his art became a way to help others—like when he partnered with Matthew Carter of My Yonder to raise funds for our parents after they were impacted by Hurricane Helene. It’s a conversation about creativity, connection, and finding beauty in the small things.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Find Dads On The Fly online at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

We’re thrilled to welcome back Jim Klug to Dads on the Fly! Jim is the founder of Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, and in this conversation we go beyond destinations and tackle his life as a dad, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how fly fishing has shaped his family journey.We also dive into Jim’s stunning new book, Waypoints: Flyfishing the World — a visual and written celebration of the people, places, and stories that make the sport so meaningful.If you missed our first conversation with Jim, you can catch it on Episode 32 here.This is an episode full of inspiration for dads who love fly fishing, adventure, and making memories that last a lifetime.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down around the fire with our friends Jason Cook and Adam Swartz, who made the trek from eastern North Carolina to spend a couple of days chasing smallmouth with us. While the fish didn’t exactly cooperate, the memories, laughter, and stories shared made the trip more than worth it. We talk about the joy of just going for it—firing up that trip you’ve been dreaming about—and how the best part of fishing is often the people standing beside you.Jason CookAdam SwartzGet your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

This week we sit down with Adam Hudson, co-founder of Blue Line Flies and the voice behind their popular YouTube channel. Adam shares his unique beginnings chasing smallmouth bass on the fly and how those early days shaped the way he approaches fishing today.We dive into smallmouth fly fishing tactics, favorite patterns, and the lessons Adam has learned along the way. And, as always, there’s plenty of laughter as we swap stories and enjoy a fun conversation about life on the water.Whether you’re a seasoned smallmouth angler or just curious about chasing bass on the fly, this episode is packed with practical insights and a whole lot of fun.Check out Blue Line Flies online and on YouTube to see more of Adam’s work and passion for making fly fishing approachable and exciting.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this special episode, Joshua and Caleb are joined by Joshua's son Foster to recap their first-ever fly fishing tournament adventure. They share what it was like to bring a competitive edge to the river, how the pressure changed their usual fishing mindset, and a few unexpected and hilarious moments from the day. Whether you’ve fished a hundred tournaments or never considered one, you’ll enjoy this reflection on what happens when fly fishing meets friendly competition.Check out the hosts of the tournament Haywood Waterways. Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we recap a recent family getaway to the beautiful high country of North Carolina. From casting lines on a quiet lake near Blowing Rock to paddle boarding, swimming, and building boats with our kids, this trip was all about slowing down and soaking up time together. We share stories of hunting for salamanders and crayfish, discovering wild blackberries, and the joy of introducing our kids to the simple wonders of the outdoors. Join us for a laid-back reflection on why sometimes the best adventures are the ones where we’re fully present—with our kids, in nature, and in the moment.Check out the recent film from our friend Fish Hands Franky as he recaps our epic Chandeleur Islands fishing trip: https://youtu.be/2EwxRSwtYMk?si=Y-5v-Qlj2Lz_Cf--New Sponsor: https://rambler.co/Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down with Clark Bartee, founder of High Ground Outfitters, a nonprofit ministry that uses fly fishing as a tool for rest, restoration, and connection—especially for pastors and ministry leaders. Clark shares powerful stories of how God opened doors to start this unique ministry, and how fly fishing has become more than a passion—it's a platform for building trust, encouraging spiritual growth, and offering soul-level refreshment.Whether you're in ministry, love fly fishing, or just need a reminder that God's plans often begin with small steps of faith, this conversation will inspire you to find purpose in the outdoors and rest in the high ground He provides.Learn more about High Ground Outfitters at highgroundoutfitters.org.Instagram: @highground_outfittersGive Clark a call: (336)-963-9271Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/

In this throwback-style episode, Joshua and Caleb are back behind the mics—just the two of them—catching up and reflecting on life lately. From recent fishing trips and outdoor adventures with the kids to lessons learned in the thick of summertime dad life, it’s a casual conversation full of laughs, stories, and the kind of heart behind why Dads on the Fly got started in the first place. So grab a drink, step outside if you can, and join us for a laid-back chat about faith, family, and fly fishing.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our new online store .Want more content? Check out the patreon and help support Dads On The Fly: https://www.patreon.com/dadsontheflyFind Dads On The Fly online and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.dadsonthefly.com/Check out our sponsors:https://troutinsights.com/https://catchcamnets.com/https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://saludabeads.com/