Advertise on podcast: The Fly Culture Podcast

Send us Fan Mail New podcast with John Horsey I have to admit to being a little star-struck interviewing someone whose words I’ve been reading in Trout Fisherman and other publications for years. I’ve got to know John more recently through his excellent, well-observed articles in Trout & Salmon. In this episode, we talk about his career in fishing, including more than 30 years of guiding. John discusses the importance of Chew Valley Lake and how what he’s learnt there has helped him with his fishing around the globe. We also explore how pike fishing at Chew has added another dimension to his enjoyment of the lake, while allowing him to expand the services he offers as a guide. I learn about dropper length, fly selection and John’s vast experience of fishing, including his time spent competing. I dare you not to laugh out loud when you hear what was included in the goody bags at the Benson & Hedges competitions! This was a really fun conversation with someone I regard as one of the greats of the UK fly-fishing scene.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 353 - Martin Smith on Tackling Water Companies and Pollution In this episode, Martin Smith shares his extensive experience in fishing, environmental activism, and legal battles to protect waterways.  I am hoping his insights inspire listeners to take action at the local level to improve river health and fish populations.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 352 - Dan Osmond - Peace, Trout and Understanding In this episode, I welcome back Dan Osmond to discuss various aspects of fishing, including the impact of climate change on fish populations, the importance of alternative fishing species, and Dan's work with the West Country Rivers Trust.  We explore the resilience of trout, the effects of pollution on rivers, and the engagement of younger generations in angling.  Dan also shares insights into his journey of writing a book about his fishing experiences and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Dan discusses the interplay between environmental challenges and the beauty found within them, reflecting on his writing process and the emotional journey of creating his book.  He shares insights on the discipline of writing, the importance of finding one's voice, and the therapeutic nature of expressing thoughts through writing. Dan reads a powerful excerpt from his book, emphasising the urgency of ecological advocacy and the need for action against climate change.  I hope you enjoy this episode!

Send us Fan Mail  Episode 351 - Tankred Rinder from Deep House to Sunk Lines In this episode, Tankred Rinder shares his journey from music and journalism to becoming a passionate fly fisherman and publisher in Germany.  He discusses his love for still water fly fishing, the process of translating and publishing fly fishing books, and the unique fishing culture in Germany.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 350 - Riverside Ramblings Join me, my dog and good friend Warren as we see off the last day of my trout season on my home river, the Taw, here in Devon. We fish some bamboo, smoke a cigar and pipe and have a good lunch by the river. It wasn't the easiest day but worked out OK in the end but you'll get a feel for the thought process and the fun we have while there. As ever, this is a podcast that is more about the fishing than catching the fish. Hope you enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail Episode 349 - Fly Casting with Will Shaw and Mark Surtees I am pleased to be rejoined by Will and Mark in the 3rd part of the trilogy of interviews regarding fly casting, the teaching process and of course, fishing too. We hear about their recent fishing trips and then dive into fly casting. In this discussion, we talk about practice routines and making sure it is mixed up. We also look at why block-booking lessons makes a lot of sense along with a whole lot more. As with the previous interviews, there is a lot on valuable information that anglers and instructors whether new or experienced can gain from listening.

Send us Fan Mail I sit down on a Yeti cooler with Fred Campbell founder of Hooké, a brand that has made amazing fishing and conservation films along side an ever growing clothing range. I learn about his fishing career, his thoughts on conservation and the shift in focus both he and I have noticed in how our pastime is moving away from the hero shot to the bigger picture of fishing. He tells me about how he formed Hooké and how it has grown without ever losing it's focus on conservation. Fred's story is an inspiring one that, despite it's success, he remains humble and modest. People like Fred are helping shape how fly fishing is being viewed from the outside and we're lucky to have him portray it in such a positive way.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 348 - Visiting the Chatsworth Country Show I head up to Derbyshire to first, catch a few fish and then on to the Chatsworth Country Show where I meet up with many people you'll know, get some fishing tips and advice, hear about some new pieces of tackle and books too. I get the chance to speak with competition angler Susan Sissons who tells me about her return to the England Ladies team, how she got on and what it meant to her. It is a beautiful story. I really enjoy these shows and the chance to catch up with some of the people who are part of our fly fishing world.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 347 - Back on my home water We've had some cooler weather and rain too. I've been watching water heights and make the decision to head back to my home water for the first time in what feels like a long time. I have my dog. Montana, with me and no other plans other than to enjoy this moment. I didn't plan to record anything but am pleased I did as I get the chance to share the time with you in what turns out to be more than just a few hours fishing. As ever, I just speak into the mic and talk from the heart.  I hope you enjoy the time with me.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 346 - Richard Ticehurst - Casting, Fishing and Innovating I catch up with Richard to learn about his fishing career that started by learning to tie flies before heading to the river to catch fish with them with his father in Scotland. I also hear about him packing a fly rod and heading to the coast over 30 years ago. After reading an advert in a certain magazine I know well, Richard ended up in Devon working with John and Simon Gawesworth at their fishing school. This is a wonderful story I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 345 - Big Trout and Surfboards in Finland In this episode I head to Finland with my frinds Paul Procter and Chris Rownes. We fish a series of rivers that connect lakes where baitfish known as bleak head out of the lakes where sizeable brown trout are waiting. Aside from this, there are also some amazing caddis hatches where big, brown trout rise to them. Join us for a few days fishing and hear what happens as 3 friends armed with fly rods tackle these amazing trout.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 344 - Neville Broad - Saltwater in his Veins I talk with Neville Broad about his fly fishing career that is based largely around saltwater fly fishing both here and abroad. I learn about him fishing for various species until he caught his first bass and how it changed everything. During our conversation I get to hear a lot of fishing tips that will prove invaluable for anyone considering trying saltwater fly fishing in the UK or if they'd like to learn a little more.  One of the highlights for me was learning about fishing crab patterns for bass along with his record halibut on a fly too. This is a fascinating look into saltwater fly fishing. I hope you'll enjoy this episode!

Send us Fan Mail Episode 343 - Neil Lobban - Fishing, Casting and Teaching In this weeks episode I catch up with Neil Lobban to learn a little bit about what fishing means to him andfind out his local rivers and how they have been fishing of late. Neil is Chair of AAPGAI and he tells me how he started as an instructor and a little about the ams of AAPGAI and what the organisation is all about. We of course get some casting tips and shoehorn in some tackle talk too. Neil has done a lot for fly fishing, you'll hear about some of the projects he has helped set up over the years. This is a fascinating listen, I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 342  - Yvette Austin - Fly Fishing and a Love of the Outdoors I catch up with Yvette Austin to learn about her fly fishing timeline that includes rivers, lakes and saltwater. From crabbing at the end of a pier to small stillwater, reservoirs and the streams of her home county of Kent, I hear about why she is so passionate about fly fishing. Yvette also talks about her role with the BBC as a presenter. We cover a lot of ground that I know you will find interesting.

Send us Fan Mail Episode 341  Fishing Bamboo with David Spencer I speak with David Spencer about his passion for bamboo fly rods. We look at the differing ways into this sub-genre of fly fishing via artisan builders like Luke Bannister, Edward Barder or Callum Gladstone among others or by searching auction sites or vintage tackle dealers to find a rod that might be perfect or needs some TLC if you are able to tackle the task. We also discuss fly line selection for your new rod and and also how to care for bamboo rods too. David has also organised a bamboo gathering in August that you'l hear about too. If you've ever been bamboo curious this might be the gateway you've been looking for!