707 | The So Fly Fishing Podcast with Mitch Duesling and Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli - Ontario, Belize, Northern Pike

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/707 

Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Four Wheel Campers

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Mitch and Aldo, the dynamic duo behind the renowned So Fly Fishing podcast, one of Canada's top fly fishing shows.

Join us as Mitch and Aldo take us on a journey through Southern Ontario's stunning waters and beyond. They'll share captivating stories from their podcast, offering insights into their favorite trips and the incredible guests they've hosted. Whether you're planning your next big adventure or simply dreaming of the perfect fly fishing escape, Mitch and Aldo are here to provide inspiration and expert advice.

Episode Chapters with Mitch Duesling and Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli on the So Fly Fishing Podcast

1:28 - I had the pleasure to guest on their podcast in April last year about starting and sustaining a fly fishing podcast.

3:44 - We started our chat by getting into their creative journey in the podcasting space. Mitch reflects on the origins of their project, which began as an idea in 2015 and launched its first episode in January 2016. Mitch notes the rise of the creator culture, observing that even young family members aspire to be creators now.

Aldo recalls joining the podcast as a guest on an episode and later becoming a co-host. The team experienced a shift in their production schedule during the Covid lockdown, initially increasing their output to one episode per week due to having more free time. Eventually, they settled into a rhythm of releasing two episodes per month, which they find to be a balanced and sustainable approach.

6:52 - We talk about fishing in Ontario. Mitch and Aldo discuss how Ontario offers a wide range of fishing opportunities due to its large size and diverse ecosystems, from Southern Ontario to the far north. They note that while they have traveled globally, Ontario remains a prime fishing destination for them. Aldo mentions the multi-species fishing opportunities, including smallmouth bass, pike, and musky, particularly in Ottawa. He also remarks on the less populated areas of the province, which offer remote fishing experiences.

9:51 - Aldo shares that time when a listener's invitation led them to Texas for redfishing, highlighting the exciting and memorable experiences that result from this kind of trips. Both Mitch and Aldo emphasize the importance of being open to opportunities and seizing them when they arise.

13:29 - Mitch discusses the shift from audio-only content to video podcasts on YouTube. He notes that more people are engaging with their content on YouTube, likely due to the visual component that video offers. Despite this shift, creating video content presents challenges, such as ensuring guests have the necessary technology to participate visually.

16:00 - We discuss the excitement of having well-known guests on the show, particularly those outside the fly fishing community. They recount a near-success in booking actor Liam Neeson, who declined their invitation but showed interest initially. They dream of featuring other famous personalities, focusing solely on their fishing experiences rather than their celebrity status.

18:39 - I mention our episodes with Yvon Chouinard and Henry Winkler.

19:13 - The hosts discuss their experiences with receiving negative comments or "hate mail" after podcast episodes. Mitch and Aldo acknowledge that early on, they received criticism for swearing too much, which they have since reduced.

21:19 - Aldo and Mitch reveal how they plan and produce their episodes. They rely on a network of sponsors, fly shops, guides, and local connections to secure guests, aiming to maintain a balance between international content and local stories from Ontario.

24:25 - We ask them about their plans for this year. One of the highlights is a trip to Belize in February, where they'll be exploring Ambergris Caye and San Pedro with a mix of DIY adventures and guided tours. Another major milestone for the team is the upcoming 200th episode of their podcast, which they are thrilled about.

26:28 - They share about an annual event called the Southern Ontario Trout Opener Social in April. It serves as a fundraiser aiming to support local river conservation efforts. The event features a cocktail party setup with around 150 attendees, including tying competitions where participants can win a day with a guide. The event has been running for four years and was designed to attract both fishing enthusiasts and non-fishers.

30:25 - Our conversation discusses potential guests and episodes for this year. Aldo expresses a strong interest in having Andy Mill on the show. He admires Andy's work and has been an avid listener of the Mill House podcast, which captures the allure of saltwater fishing.

35:33 - We dig into Aldo's first time travelling to Belize. Mitch also shares his favorite fishing trip so far which was in a river in Northern Ontario because of the available fish species and wild life there.

45:14 - Aldo raises a concern about the potential apprehension of having earlier episodes of their podcast accessible to listeners, particularly if they might not reflect the current quality or style.

46:34 - They share their favorite podcasts. Mitch highlights "Design Matters" with Debbie Millman as his favorite podcast. He praised Debbie's interviewing style, noting her ability to keep conversations engaging and forward-moving.

Aldo recommends "Pivot" with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. He explains that the podcast explores the intersection of business, technology, and everyday life. Aldo appreciates the hosts' approach, as they avoid talking down to listeners.

49:22 - Mitch shares the inspiration behind starting a podcast, highlighting his love for radio and conversation. His interest sparked from listening to "The Ricky Gervais Show," which he considers one of the best podcasts due to its humor and engaging content.

51:40 - We ask for the story about the title of their podcast, So Fly.

52:48 - We share a story about our family's recent trip to Anchorage, Alaska with the team of Fishhound Expeditions. We travelled in our amazing pop up camper from Four Wheel Campers.

56:17 - We ask some random questions like their go-to YouTube channel and podcast platform.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/707