830 | Calvin Tull on Fly Fishing & Spey Casting - Atlantic Salmon
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 10/20/2025
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#861 Show Notes: Presented By: Grant Woolridge carries one of the most influential river-boating legacies in the West. As the great-grandson of Glen Woolridge, Grant grew up around the Rogue River and the early innovations that made modern jet boating possible. In this episode, he shares stories passed down through generations—stories that shaped how anglers and boaters access wild rivers today. We dig into early wooden boats, the evolution of jet technology, and why Wooldridge Boats continues to balance innovation with durability and safety. From historic runs through Blossom Bar to...
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860 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/860 Presented by: , , , Today, I sat down with Marcus Bohlin of Nam Products to talk through the things Scandinavian anglers think about differently. Rod length. True line weight. Leader diameter. Presentation. We get into why a 14-foot 7-weight can actually feel easier to fish on rivers like the Deschutes, how Baltic salmon behave compared to Atlantic salmon and steelhead, and why Sweden keeps coming up as a place more anglers should be paying attention to. We also dig into Nám’s leaders, why six-piece two-hand rods make more sense than...
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Show Notes: Presented By: , , Tellis Katsogiannos has spent decades at the highest level of fly casting, earning world champion titles while helping shape how modern anglers think about efficiency, control, and simplicity. In this episode, Tellis shares how competitive casting sharpened his understanding of techniques, and how those lessons translate directly to real fishing situations. We also head to Sweden and Atlantic salmon water, where Scandi systems and Spey-style thinking demand precision over power. From line design at Guideline to teaching anglers how to improve without...
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Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/858 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing has a way of pulling you back when you need it most. And for Mike O’Brien, those quiet hours on the water turned into a full-on career shift, from financial services to guiding full-time in Utah. In this episode, we dig into what makes Utah such a sleeper fly fishing destination, why the Provo River is a legit year-round option, and the small tweaks that can turn a slow day into a “how is this even legal” kind of day. We also break down Mike’s go-to winter and shoulder-season setup: the bounce...
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#858 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Josiah shares how subsistence fishing, military service, and conservation work brought him back home to build Bucks and Bones — a guiding program grounded in Hawaiian tradition, ecological responsibility, and world-class sight-fishing for big Hawaiian bonefish. Show Notes:
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Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/857 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most anglers think they know Montana trout fishing until they stumble into the rivers nobody’s talking about. No shuttle lines. No shoulder-to-shoulder boats. No mid-summer hoot owl closures shutting things down. Just cold water spilling off nearly 13,000-foot peaks and trout that still behave like trout. That’s exactly what we’re digging into on this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. I sat down with Lincoln Power of Montana Fly Fishing Lodge to talk about a pocket of Montana that still fishes like the...
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856 Show Notes: Presented by: A fly rod that disappears in your pack but still fishes like your everyday rod sounds like a stretch. In this episode, we dig into why that idea actually works and why more anglers are turning to six-piece rods for travel, backup, and even daily use. Jeff Ditsworth, founder of Pescador on the Fly, joins the show to break down how he rebuilt his rod lineup from the ground up. We talk about better blanks, tighter tolerances, and a new factory producing six-piece rods that feel just as smooth as a four-piece. Jeff also shares stories from a recent trip...
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#856 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Sponsors: Steve Woit has spent years hunting down the stories behind fly-fishing’s most influential figures — including Mary Orvis Marbury, whose Victorian-era writing documented flies and tiers before the modern industry existed. In this episode, Steve walks us through the research discipline behind Fly Fishing Treasures, his deep dive into letters, catalogs, photographs, and tackle provenance that reveal how anglers built a culture long before we arrived. This conversation isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about protecting memory. Steve shows...
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Show Notes: Duane Hada joins Chad Johnson for a thoughtful conversation on what actually creates trophy trout fisheries—and why stocking alone isn’t the answer. Duane breaks down the importance of catch-and-release regulations, managing pressure, and letting fish live long enough to reach their full potential. Drawing from rivers like the White River and the San Juan, he explains how conservation-first thinking shapes not only fish size, but the long-term health of entire fisheries. Beyond fishing, Duane opens up about his life as an artist and how creativity, patience, and...
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#855 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Sponsors: If you’ve ever stood knee-deep in a Western river wondering whether a trout spey rod might change your whole approach, this conversation with Howard Cole will get your wheels turning. Howard’s spent a lifetime shaping flies, shaping cast loops, and shaping anglers at JD High Country Outfitters — and he brings a river-smart perspective on everything from trout spey dry flies to yellow sally emergers. Trout spey tips show up often in this episode, and they sneak into almost every story he tells from the Snake...
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Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort
Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
Few fishing experiences compare to the thrill of pursuing Atlantic salmon on a fly rod. In this episode, Calvin Tull shares his passion for Atlantic salmon fly fishing and the art of Spey casting, offering a glimpse into the patience, precision, and technique that define this timeless pursuit.
From scenic rivers to unforgettable encounters on the water, Calvin reflects on the lessons learned through years of fishing adventures and the subtle details that turn a good cast into a great one. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just beginning your fly fishing journey, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights in this conversation.
02:47 – He talks about how he transitioned from conventional gear to using fly rods and why that change completely reshaped his fishing journey.
05:28 – He recalls the moment he realized the power of the swing while learning to chase shad, describing how it sparked his obsession with fly fishing.
Fly fishing Photo Provided by - Calvin Tull
07:54 – He shares memories of his early mentors and how their patience and instruction helped him refine his casting and reading-the-water skills.
Watch How to Read The Water here.
10:36 – He discusses the excitement of planning his first major salmon trip and the nerves that came with trying something entirely new.
13:12 – He explains how preparation—fly selection, line setup, and practice—can make or break a trip before you ever step into the river.
Rifle Hitch Atlantic Salmon Tubes Photo Provided by Calvin Tull
15:47 – He tells a story about catching his first Atlantic salmon and the pure adrenaline that came with landing that unforgettable fish.
Atlantic Salmon photo Provided by Calvin Tull
18:34 – He laughs about the challenges of learning Spey casting and how it took dozens of tangled lines before things finally started to click.
Watch a 7-minute Spey Fishing Lesson for you! Click it here
21:05 – He opens up about the mistakes most new anglers make and how trial and error taught him lessons no book could ever explain.
24:02 – He shares his favorite types of flies, explaining why he prefers simple, durable patterns that hold up against powerful fish.
An assortment of expertly tied streamer flies, perfect for targeting Atlantic salmon in fly fishing
26:48 – He reflects on fishing local Pennsylvania waters, explaining how each season brings new species and fresh challenges to chase.
29:37 – He talks about how patience and rhythm matter more than technique when you’re learning to feel the water’s flow.
32:10 – He recalls one of his toughest fishing days when nothing went right—and how those experiences often teach more than perfect ones.
Fly fishing in a pristine river surrounded by scenic wilderness — an unforgettable outdoor experience.
38:09 – He opens up about the community aspect of fishing and the importance of sharing stories, tips, and time on the water with others.
41:03 – He explains the subtle connection between casting and mindfulness, saying both require focus, timing, and presence.
Tips on How to Focus and See More Fish - Click here!
43:57 – He shares his love for exploring new rivers and the excitement of not knowing what each cast might bring.
46:44 – He gives practical advice to beginners—keep your gear simple, watch the water, and don’t rush the process.
49:22 – He tells a story about mentoring a young angler and how seeing others grow reignited his own passion for teaching.
52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way.
stunning Coho salmon freshly landed during a fly fishing adventure
52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way.
55:03 – He wraps up by sharing what keeps him returning to the water year after year: the peace, the challenge, and the endless lessons the river offers.
57:36 – He ends on an inspiring note, encouraging listeners to find their own rhythm, stay curious, and never stop learning from the water.