Great Lakes Dude #13 | Sight Fishing for Smallmouth and Salmon with Phil Cook - Fishing Tools, Backeddy Sales
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 06/27/2025
795 | Missoula Fly Fishing with Jake Hensley - Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Rock Creek
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#795 Show Notes: Presented by: We head to western Montana with Jake Hensley to talk about Missoula fly fishing. With nearly 20 years of guiding experience, Jake breaks down the essentials of fishing the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Rock Creek - three of Missoula’s most iconic rivers. We cover how to rig for high water, why dry-dropper setups are so effective, and what makes floating Rock Creek such a game-changer. Whether you’re new to the area or planning your tenth trip, Jake’s got real tips to help you fish smarter and enjoy more of what Missoula has to offer. Show Notes:...
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794 | Lani Waller's Untold Story with Brother Jack Waller
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#794 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey into the life of one of steelhead fishing's most influential figures, Lani Waller. Through his brother Jack Waller, we hear untold stories about Lani’s early years, his deep connection to rivers, and the life-changing events that shaped him. From a childhood trauma that led him to the fly rod to the plane crash that forever changed his path, Jack shares what made Lani more than just a great angler. He was a true steward of the sport. If you’ve ever been moved by a...
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793 | Fly Fishing the Tongass in Alaska with Kevin Main – Tongass on the Fly, Steelhead, Cutthroat
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
793 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , When you think of Alaska, you probably picture places like Bristol Bay or the Kenai Peninsula. But tucked away in southeast Alaska is the Tongass National Forest, a wild, untouched rainforest full of remote streams where you could be the only angler for miles around. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Kevin Main from Tongass on the Fly spends his days guiding fly anglers through some of the most untouched rivers of Southeast Alaska. In this episode, find out why fly patterns matter more than just covering ground in certain times of the year,...
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792 | Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews (Episode 536 Re-Release)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#792 Show Notes: Sponsors: Join us in one of our biggest episodes as we journey into a world that combines the thrill of the outdoors with a passion for conservation. This episode offers an intriguing dialogue featuring Craig Mathews and Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia Founder and an iconic figure in the outdoor world; unraveling their love for fly fishing, their unique backstories, and their shared principles around the sport and beyond. This is a replay episode from 2023 and also one of our most downloaded episodes so it's great to listen to it again. Show Notes: ...
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791 | Smallmouth Bass Fishing with Wesley Hodges - Virginia
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/791 Presented By: , , , . Sponsors: Https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode, we sit down with Wesley Hodges, a decorated military veteran turned premier fly fishing and hunting guide in Virginia. Wesley shares the wild journey that led him from a cane pole in Texas to discovering fly fishing at a Boy Scout camp, to a life-changing decision made in a tiki bar in Ecuador. What followed was the creation of Virginia’s first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge—an operation that now runs year-round across some of the most remote...
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790 | Steelhead Fly Fishing on the Muskegon River with Kevin Feenstra (Episode 13 Re-Release)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#790 Show Notes: Sponsors: We're bringing back one of the classics for this special summer re-release — an early episode that quickly became a listener favorite. Originally Episode 13, this conversation with Michigan guide Kevin Feenstra is packed with insights on swinging flies for steelhead on the Muskegon River. Kevin breaks down his approach to fishing year-round, how he reads the water, and what makes the Muskegon such a unique place to chase steelhead. He also shares some of his thoughts on fly patterns, presentation, and how fish respond to changing water temps. If you’re...
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789 | Henry Winkler on the Fonz, Fly Fishing, Happy Days and Barry – Episode 334 Re-release
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
789 Show Notes: This summer, we’re diving back into the archives to bring you a classic episode: Episode 334 with the one and only Henry Winkler. Henry, the actor, author, producer, and passionate angler, joins us to talk about fly fishing, his legendary career, and his inspiring life story. We dive into his experience turning down Grease, landing his role on HBO’s Barry, and how he’s thrived while living with dyslexia. Plus, we explore his books, movies, and the surprising ways fly fishing and acting connect. Get ready for a conversation full of heart, humor, and wisdom. Show Notes: ...
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788 | Fly Fishing Stillwaters & Euro-Nymphing with Norman Maktima (Episode 348 Re-Release)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#788 Show Notes: Sponsors: This summer, we’re bringing back a favorite from the archive—originally released as episode 348, this conversation with Norman Maktima is packed with stillwater insights. Norman, a Team USA fly fishing competitor and guide at High Desert Angler, shared a deep dive into stillwater strategies—from euro-nymphing tactics to lake structure, fly line selection, and subtle boat positioning tips. Whether you're working leeches, chironomids, or just trying to improve your game, Norman brings the technical know-how with a grounded, fishy vibe. We also hear about...
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787 | Top Travel Tips for DIY Fly Fishing with John Hunt
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#787 Show Notes: Presented by: We chat with John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club to talk about some top travel tips for DIY fly fishing, from organizing your gear to navigating rental car challenges in places like Mexico. We also dive into what makes hosted trips worth it, how to break into saltwater fishing, and what a day in the life looks like at their Colorado and New Mexico lodges. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first out-of-town fishing trip, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you prepare, travel smarter, and enjoy your time on the water. ...
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786 | Bonefishing Hawaii with Mike Bressler – Fly Fishing Oahu
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Presented By: , , , . BoneFishing in Hawaii might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saltwater adventures, but for Marine veteran Mike Bressler, it's become both a calling and a way of life. In this episode, we head to the island of Oahu to uncover what makes Hawaii’s flats fishery so unique—and so challenging. From bonefish (known locally as ō‘io) to golden trevally, Mike shares what it’s like to guide in one of the Pacific’s toughest but most rewarding destinations. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip or dreaming of...
info_outline#776 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/776
Presented By: Patagonia, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Visit Idaho
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, Jeff is joined by industry rep Phil Cook, one of the most respected fly anglers in the region. Phil shares his journey from growing up fishing Michigan’s Au Sable River to leading Backeddy Sales, where he represents top fly fishing brands. They talk about the evolution of Great Lakes fly fishing—from streamer innovations to smallmouth bass tactics, the rise of Atlantic salmon, and hunting Cohos in skinny water. Phil reveals his passion for sight-fishing, his approach to gear testing, and why movement, research, and Google Earth are anglers' best tools.
They also dive into fishing philosophy, rod design, cutting-edge materials, and even the upcoming cicada hatch—Phil’s next big adventure. It’s a deep and fishy chat that celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and time on the water.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/776