The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

In this lesson, Peter explains why the double haul is useful for adding distance to the cast and taking pressure off your casting arm and wrist. Then he demonstrates exactly what you need to do for a successful double haul, from the right timing to the proper length of your haul. You'll learn why this is not just a cast for saltwater anglers, too. Once you've got the basics down, it's time to put Pete's lessons to work by practicing on your own lawn.

Over on OrvisNews.com we have a regular series called ASK A FLY FISHING INSTRUCTOR. Here is one of the more popular videos on casting into the wind. OrvisNews.com reader Dave S. asked: I think I have a pretty decent casting motion, but the biggest issue I have is in the wind. I always get that tailing loop, and my leader knots up. I think it's more pronounced in the wind because I strain harder. What practice tips can you give me to help? In this video, Peter demonstrates how to beat the wind by casting lower, angling the rod tip, and even making the cast backwards. Peter  has been a fisherman all his life, and he has a degree in outdoor education from Johnson State College. He's also a seriously good caster, and during his years working for Orvis he has seen it all.

This week I give you a 10-step plan for getting a kid into fly fishing.  These are proven methods based on my experience and that of others I've talked to in the course of researching a book called Family Friendly Fly Fishing that I'm working on.  I've also added three additional tips for getting teenagers into fly fishing. In the fly box items this week we talk about the old 10 o'clock to-1 o'clock casting technique, casting into the wind with big poppers and other bass flies, attaching a new fly line to backing that's already on a reel using a loop, and the correct size sink tip fly line to buy. and "new school" vs. "old school" fly fishing 

This week I talk about swinging, and get your mind out of the gutter because it's not that kind of swinging.  This is a family show. We discuss the art and science of swinging flies for trout, salmon, and steelhead, one of the most relazing and elegant way of covering lots of water.  It doesn't work all the time and in every type of water, so listen to the podcast to find out where and when to do it--and how to choose the right fly.   In the Fly Box questions this week we talk about using a 7-weight rod for trout, what an individual can do to make a trout stream better, invasive species, and how to catch bass in southern rivers in summer.  Plus a note about an exciting new upgrade to our fishing reports where you can get a text message every time your favorite waters are updated.

In this week's fly box, I mention a tip on mending line that I just got from a guide, a recommendation for how to choose a rod for nymphing, and 10 tips for reeling in and playing fish. For the main part of the podcast, I give some recommendations for high summer fishing--for having more fun, getting in more fishing time, and broadening your horizons. Do you have a topic sugggestion? Join our podcast forum at www.orvis.com/podcastfeedback  

This week in the Fly Box section, we talk about rod actions, line sizes, sunscreen, and dry flies in high water. In the main event, we'll give you some tips on summer dry flies, as summer is prime time for fishing on the surface. We have a new way to contact the podcast and share your podcast ideas. Go to www.orvisnews.com/podcast.aspx sign on with your Facebook login, and particpate in our online forum!

In the fly box section this week we discuss a couple tackle maintenance items (cork grips and fly lines) and some tips on how to learn from some "old school" techniques. In the main part of the podcast, we learn more about hatches and how to deal with them, especially on how to collect insect specimens and what to do with them once you've obtained them.

In this week's podcast we have a great phone call from Molly with some exciting news and in The FlyBox a tip on further refining your casting practice.  For the main event, we explore the topic of moving from novice to intermediate fly fisher with some tips on how to get there.

In honor of the The American Museum of Fly Fishing's Graceful Rise Exhibit, we're celebrating Women in Fly Fishing this week. Tom is out, so we've asked Paul Fersen to read his story "Of Blue Damsels and Bamboo Girls".  Read more about the Graceful Rise Exhibit at http://www.orvisnews.com/Women-in-Fly-Fishing.aspx

This week in the fly box we address the color red in flies, post-flood fishing conditions, and what to do if you only have a few hours to fish. For the main event I give a brief guide to the major aquatic insects, how to identify what's hatching, and some strategies for fishing different types of insect hatches.