704 | The Perfect Packable Fly Rod with Jeff Ditsworth - Pescador on the Fly, El Rey, Versa Pack

#704 Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/704 

Presented by: Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/pescador 

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Ditsworth, owner of Pescador on the Fly, to talk about the perfect packable fly rod: their six-piece travel rod.

Jeff, an expert in fly fishing travel, shares insights into his innovative line of rods, including the El Jefe and El Rey, which are designed to make traveling with your fishing gear easier and more efficient. We delve into the common misconceptions about multi-piece rods and explore the exceptional quality and convenience they offer. Plus, Jeff reveals the inspiration behind the creation of the Trout Hero bag for Trout Unlimited and shares his daily routine that keeps him at the top of his game.

Join us as we uncover how this game-changing equipment could transform your fly fishing trips and simplify your travels.

Episode Chapters with Jeff Ditsworth on The Perfect Packable Fly Rod

1:55 - Jeff recalls his first introduction to fly fishing. He used to go camping with his father and grandfather, both of whom owned very old fly rods. His first fishing experiences were on lakes and ponds, targeting species like bluegills and bass.

3:44 - He shares his journey of creating the brand Pescador on the Fly. While traveling for work, he found it cumbersome to carry traditional four-section rods and sought a better travel rod. He spent two years in research and development, eventually launching the brand with the El Cinco, a seven-section rod.

9:54 - We dig into their six-section El Rey rod. Jeff mentions that the rod was recently featured in Fly Fisherman magazine's 2025 gear guide, highlighting its recognition in the industry.

12:35 - We ask him for tips on going on a travel for fishing trips. Jeff emphasizes the importance of traveling with more than one rod as a backup. He mentions the unpredictability of trips, such as rods breaking due to accidents, and suggests bringing a lightweight, compact rod like the six-section rod that fits easily into a backpack. Jeff also suggests varying the types of rods based on the fishing environment, such as bringing different weights for different water sizes and fish types.

14:48 - We get into their El Jefe line that includes rods from zero to 10-weight, available in both four and six-piece configurations. He mentions the affordability of their fishing combos making them accessible to newcomers to fly fishing.

18:42 - Jeff criticizes the industry's tendency to overcomplicate fly fishing with too many options, which can intimidate newcomers. He suggests that simplifying the approach to gear is often sufficient for most anglers.

23:22 - Jeff discusses the origins of the names for the brand and its product lines. He explains that "Pescador" means fisherman, a name inspired by his love for fishing in Mexico and speaking Spanish. "El Jefe" means the boss, and "El Ray" means the king. Jeff also addresses the Econ 101 series, which emerged from his desire to offer durable, non-disposable starter fly fishing kits.

25:49 - We touch a bit on this fishing trip to Ascension. On more recent trips, Jeff has been using their El Jefe rods and reels. He mentions that the El Jefe reels are saltwater capable with fully sealed drags, making them versatile for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

27:11 - Jeff shares some of the new things coming up for Pescador on the Fly.

33:04 - We ask Jeff for his essential gears when going to fishing trips. Besides the six-section rod, he highlights the need for packing flies suited for the location, fly boxes, leaders, tippets, and small accessories like weights and fly line dressing.

He also mentions their Versa Pack, a small, efficient bag that caters to minimalist needs. This pack is ideal for carrying essential items such as a couple of fly boxes, ensuring that the angler is not burdened with unnecessary gear.

35:27 - Jeff highlights the importance of considering weather and location when deciding to use waders or opt for wet wading. He also shares his experience of packing efficiently, often including a suit, waders, boots, and fly fishing gear in his carry-on for both meetings and fishing.

40:18 - Jeff shares a heartfelt tribute to his father that was published in Colorado Trout Unlimited magazine. He also highlights their commitment to exceptional customer service, noting they quickly resolve issues like broken fishing rods, often providing replacements within two days, a stark contrast to industry norms.

42:48 - Jeff discusses his commitment to supporting Trout Unlimited, a prominent organization dedicated to protecting waterways and improving fishing access. One of his significant contributions to TU is the creation of the "trout hero bag." This reusable mesh bag is designed for anglers to collect trash every time they're near water bodies, promoting consistent environmental stewardship beyond occasional cleanup events.

46:09 - We ask Jeff about some misconceptions surrounding six-piece fishing rods. Jeff explains that earlier versions of multi-section rods, like the original six or seven-section rods, were not as high-performing as current models.

48:44 - Jeff shares his regimented morning routine which involves meditation with an app called Calm.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/704