Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast

You might recognize Jerry’s name. He’s an icon in the world of fly rod crafting, particularly known for his five-sided bamboo rods. Jerry dedicated many years as a skilled artisan working with bamboo while he was in Montana, where he crafted rods during in between hatches. Alongside his brother, he has gained fame as an author. Rob anticipated that Jerry would be a typical trout enthusiast in Montana, but to his surprise, Jerry resides less than two hours north of him in Maryland and specializes in warm water species from his kayak. This is Jerry’s opportunity to share his journey in fly fishing on this program. You will quickly discover that Jerry pursued his passions in life concerning fishing and adventure. Even though he is semi-retired, Jerry continues to create rods in his garage. The latter part of the episode delves into the mortality of the aging pioneers in fly fishing. If you have an interest in catching memories, this episode is perfect for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Rob and Caitlin head north to Maine for a getaway in Kennebunkport. Their host for the week is Jake, the owner of Garden Street Bowl [https://www.gardenstreetbowl.com]. Rob intends to catch stripers, while Caitlin is eager for fresh seafood. This episode features wild tales, including stowaway coyotes, unusual thrift shop discoveries, and seagull on the menu. Rob interviews various individuals he encounters along the way, discusses the pros and cons of food options, enjoys the scenic beach views, and searches for a particular birch beer. He explains how striped bass behave consistently along the east coast, how they follow schools of bait and respond to weather changes, and the best times and places to catch them. This summer in Maine has seen little rainfall, a hurricane from a few years back changed the beach landscape, and the water temperatures are higher than usual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Rob makes his way back to the remnants of the lodge where he was employed from 2002 to 2003. This lodge, established in 1954, was situated on a spring-fed artificial lake. The lake was stocked with fish in the 1950s, and trout were introduced in 2002. Rob managed the Orvis fly shop and served as a guide on both the lake and the tailwater. The local community surrounding the lake was not particularly welcoming to the new lodge owners and viewed them as interlopers Just as the lodge was gearing up for its grand opening in the summer of 2003, it was tragically set ablaze by arsonists. Caitlin’s friend has access to the lake through the Mountain Lake Club. While the ladies relaxed under a beach umbrella, Rob fished in his old favorite spots. He experimented with a range of flies that he didn’t have before the lodge met its unfortunate end. Tune in as Rob shares tales from his recent fishing trip, reminisces about the past, and discusses the Washington Pos [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/07/30/amid-lodges-embers-bitterness-and-fear/0de168dd-3d21-44e5-9960-93ada41fe054/]t article covering the fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

For the last thirty years, Rob has admired the writings of Nick Lyons. He considers Nick to be one of the top guests on his podcast; without the impact of Nick's work, this podcast wouldn't have come to life. Nick joins Rob to talk about his experiences in fishing and his late friend Ed Van Put’s posthumous book, A Flyfisher's Revelations. Ed passed away in 2024. He wrote several books focused on the history of the Catskills and fishing. He meticulously documented his fishing experiences over thirty years, noting what he caught, the timing, weather conditions, fly patterns, and more, which serve as the foundation for this book. Ed discusses his straightforward approach to fly fishing, how to effectively present well-tied flies to a trout that’s rising, the history of classic trout flies, and much more. The press release for the book mentions:  A FLYFISHER'S REVELATIONS [https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510783348/a-flyfishers-revelations/] is a captivating and provocative practical memoir, long awaited by legions of the author's fans. Ed has been a passionate and highly successful fly-fisherman and conservationist for more than half a century. Now, drawing on decades of carefully kept diaries and journals, his book is both the chronicle of a life devoted to fly-fishing and a unique sharing of detailed tips, tactics, strategies, and personal anecdotes that reveal why he has earned the reputation for unparalleled successes. He tells which flies have produced most effectively; how to choose and tie flies that work best; when and how to fish the dry or wet fly, nymph, midge, or streamer; the importance of approach and presentation. There is a special chapter on the Adams, his favorite fly and one on which he has taken more than 70% of the trout he caught on a dry fly. He also offers insight into the beauty, humility, and quiet rewards of a life spent in the embrace of nature and the pursuit of wild trout.  This book is an essential read for all fly-fishers, novice and advanced. Rob intends to visit Nick in person before the end of summer, making a stop in Livingston Manor to fish in Ed’s beloved waters. Produced by Jason Reif. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The second part of Rob and Producer Jason's journey along the West Branch of the Delaware River. They drift for two days, traveling from Deposit to Balls Eddy, fish the evening hatch, then sleep in the back of their cars. Rob narrates his observations of the cold river and its environment as he takes in the sights around him. Trout are feeding, rise forms dimple the surface, and the duo cast imitations of caddis and mayflies to the rising fish throughout their trip. The first day features windy weather and  bad shore lunch. The second day sees calm wind currents, a reduction in anglers on the river, another dodgy lunch, and a beautiful sunset. The third day turns out to be a washout as a massive thunderstorm stalls over the mountains. Rob says goodbye to Jason and makes his way to New Jersey to meet up with his girlfriend and her cousins. He hadn’t anticipated spending the afternoon by the trout streams of the Garden State. Old Lady Forever [https://www.instagram.com/oldladyforever/?hl=en]Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]