Through conversations in the real world and online, I’ve come to the conclusion that podcasts appeal to a wider range of age demographics than any other medium. While not a hard and fast rule, written articles and videos seem to have audiences that fall on one end of the spectrum.
It might be the fact that any kind of device makes accessing podcasts relatively simple. It could also be that simply hearing someone talk is an easy point of contact, or that even passive listening still communicates information.
Ultimately, I believe there is a real oral tradition within fly fishing. Not to downplay literature or art, but the spoken word reflects the spur of the moment on-stream, campfire, or drive home discussions that makes fly fishing what it is. That is something anyone at any age can appreciate.
Here are five episodes from five fly fishing podcasts that I think are worth your time:
2 Guys and a River – Strange Sightings While Fly Fishing
Topics like this are what made 2 Guys as popular as it was/is. Although Steve and Dave turned the microphones off late this summer, their four years’ worth of content is still available. Listening to them revisit interesting, bizarre, and profound things they’ve seen while fly fishing is fun on its own. But this episode, like so many of theirs that focused on peripheral matters of fishing, helps you slow down and enjoy your time on the river a little bit more.
Anchored with April Vokey – Jason Schratwieser on the Relevancy of the IGFA
The perception among most anglers is that the IGFA is either A) all about offshore fishing, or B) the organization that keeps track of records… including such specific criteria as “largest longear sunfish caught on 4 pound tippet in Nebraska by a female under 18.” Both are interesting, and both can be controversial in their own right. As usual, April Vokey engages with the issues, the organization, and a person to present a perspective worth hearing.
Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast – Bass Fly Tying Materials
Rob Snowhite’s no-nonsense approach to fly tying and fly tying materials is incredibly helpful. He certainly isn’t opposed to utilizing products specifically made and marketed to anglers, but he also promotes creativity in sourcing materials. That leads to unique patterns and some savings. Bass patterns use up a lot of materials that aren’t usually cheap, so this information is very beneficial if you tie big bugs.
The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast – Drift-Boat Etiquette on Crowded Water with Wade Fellin
Living on the east coast, I don’t have a lot of experience with the potential drama surrounding boat launches and river etiquette. But I’ve absolutely felt the real tension from personal conversations and social media posts. Catching fish matters, but not at the detriment of being a decent human being. This interview is practical and candid, and should be listened to by guides and clients alike.
Tailer Trash Fly Fishing – 
“A Beer With” Mike Johnson
Although this episode is a departure from their normal format, the conversation between Larry and Mike still had all the component parts of a usual session in the Tailer Park. Fly fishing was the hub of the conversation, but the spokes that extended out from it covered a wide range of topics. Life, humor, friendship, New Glarus, and a little bit of fishing here and there make this a really fun listen.
Here are ten other podcast and episode recommendations: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
And, of course, I think that the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is worth listening to.
Do you have a favorite fly fishing podcast or episode? Please let me know in the comments below.
That is exactly how I found out about Tailer Trash Fly Fishing – so thank you!