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Welcome to the Trout Wrangler Podcast, your premier destination for everything fly fishing in North Carolina and the surrounding states. Hosted by Ryan Geraghty, an avid angler with a passion for exploring the diverse waters of the Southeast, this podcast is dedicated to bringing you the best in fly fishing knowledge, tips, and stories.
97 Episodes
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In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, Ryan sits down with Kevin from East Cape Boats to talk boat design, shallow-water performance, and how decades of building skiffs have shaped one of the most respected brands on the flats. Kevin shares the story behind how East Cape Boats got started, the original mission of the company, and how his perspective on boat building has evolved over more than 20 years in the industry. The conversation breaks down the differences between East Cape's various skiffs, including how hull design impacts shallow draft, stability, and overall angler experience. They dive deep into how East Cape boats handle rougher conditions, especially larger platforms like the Vantage and EVO hulls, and how those models have progressed over time — including a full-circle moment discussing one of the early Vantage hulls built for Ryan's former high school fishing club. Kevin also shares his personal favorite boat in the current lineup and gives an inside look at a new drift boat project East Cape has been developing for trout anglers. Being a Western North Carolina native, Kevin talks about testing boats on local rivers and how freshwater fisheries are influencing future designs. The episode wraps with a look ahead at what's coming next from East Cape Boats, a curated Trout Tunes playlist, and final thanks and plugs. Whether you're a flats angler, backcountry explorer, or a trout fisherman curious about crossover boat design, this episode is packed with insight straight from the source. FREE MONTH OF TROUT ROUTES PRO https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6...
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, Ryan sits down with Nigel, founder of Sea Suite, to explore the powerful intersection of outdoor adventure, mental clarity, and business growth. Nigel shares where his fishing journey began, when he first picked up a fly rod, and how time on the water ultimately inspired him to build a business centered around clarity, leadership, and intentional thinking. The conversation breaks down what Sea Suite is, who it's for, and why blending fly fishing, surfing, and strategic business work creates breakthroughs that traditional boardroom settings often can't. Ryan and Nigel dive into what a typical Sea Suite day looks like—from early mornings on the water to focused strategic work in the afternoon—and how those experiences are tailored for both seasoned executives and people newer to fly fishing or surfing. They also discuss balancing structured planning with the unpredictability of nature, the concept of "flow," and real moments where participants experienced clarity-changing breakthroughs. The episode wraps with a deeper look at how fly fishing positively impacts mental health and decision-making, where Nigel sees Sea Suite headed in the coming years, five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist, and final plugs. FREE MONTH OF TROUT ROUTES PRO https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6...
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sam, the founder of Space Coast Flies and Community Fly Supply, to talk about building fly fishing community from the ground up. Sam shares where his fishing journey began, when he made the jump to fly fishing, and how that passion eventually turned into not one—but two—fly fishing brands. We dig into the origin stories behind Space Coast Flies and Community Fly Supply, the inspiration for opening a brick-and-mortar fly shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and what it takes to grow a fly shop that truly puts community first. We also get into fly tying and sourcing, customer-favorite patterns, hosting fly-tying nights and casting clinics, and how events help grow the sport at a local level. Sam opens up about the challenges and surprises of moving from an online brand to a physical shop, his vision for the future, and advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own fly shop or fly design brand. We wrap things up with five songs for the Trout Wrangler Playlist, plus final plugs and shoutouts. If you're passionate about fly fishing, small business, and building authentic outdoor communities—this one's for you. FREE MONTH OF TROUT ROUTES PRO https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6au6z3i3 @Spacecoastflies @CommunityFlySupply https://www.spacecoastflies.com/
On this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we're joined by Erik, a key part of the team behind Trout Routes and OnX, to talk about the intersection of fly fishing, technology, and access. We start with Erik's personal fishing journey — where it all began, how he got into fly fishing, and what ultimately led him down a path that blends time on the water with digital mapping tools anglers rely on every day. Erik breaks down what Trout Routes is for anglers who may not be familiar with the app, including how it helps fishermen find legal access, understand stream classifications, and plan trips more efficiently. We also dig into what led him to work with Trout Routes and OnX, and how those platforms complement each other. From there, we talk features — Erik shares his favorite tools inside Trout Routes, the features he personally uses the most, and a real-world moment where having Trout Routes Pro made a major difference on the water. We also look ahead to the future, discussing whether there's anything exciting or "crazy" coming down the pipeline in 2026, and explore the idea of offline navigation when cell service and Apple Maps fail — something every angler has experienced at least once. As always, we wrap things up with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist, followed by final thanks and plugs. Trout Wrangler Podcast, Trout Routes, Trout Routes Pro, OnX, fly fishing apps, fly fishing access, public fishing access, fly fishing technology, trout fishing podcast, fly fishing podcast, digital mapping fishing FREE MONTH OF TROUT ROUTES PRO https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6au6z3i3 @ErikJohnsen @TroutRoutes
On this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Randall, a professional bass angler who's spent most of his career behind a spinning rod and baitcaster — but has added a fly rod to the mix. We kick things off with Randall's fishing background and what originally motivated him to start fly fishing after a successful career in professional bass fishing. He reflects on the tournaments he's won, the pageantry and pressure of the Bassmaster Classic, and what it's like competing at the highest level of the sport. Randal breaks down the tournament trails he's fishing this year, why he chose them, and how balancing tournament fishing with running a charter business has shaped his approach on the water. We also get into one of our shared opinions — why Lake Norman might just be one of the least favorite lakes to fish, despite living so close to it. From there, we shift gears to charter fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast. Randall talks about the flats boat he'll be running this season, what makes the Port St. Joe fishery so unique, and how it differs from other areas along the panhandle. We wrap up with some fun hypotheticals and stories — including Randall's two-minute crash course for a brand-new fly angler on the bow, his favorite Florida species to target on fly, memorable client trips, and a few wild guiding stories. As always, we finish with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist, followed by final thanks and plugs. @RandallTharp https://randytharp.com/
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Simon Valencia, one of the minds behind Current Culture Fly, to talk fly fishing, teaching, community, and life on the bay. We start with Simon's fishing journey — where it began, when he transitioned to a fly rod, and how living in multiple places with very different fisheries helped shape his approach to fly fishing. From there, Simon breaks down his current home waters, explaining what makes his part of the bay unique and why it offers such a special fishery. We dive into the inspiration behind Current Culture Fly, its mission, and the community Simon and his crew are building in Richmond and beyond. Simon shares how they balance introducing total beginners to fly fishing while still pushing experienced anglers to grow and refine their skills. Teaching is a major focus of this episode — from Simon's key casting fundamentals for first-time anglers to stories from the water, including memorable trips, wild experiences, and guiding interesting clients. We also talk about the current state of the striped bass fishery, how it compares to New England, and what concerns anglers should be paying attention to. We wrap things up with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist, followed by final thanks and plugs.
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down to talk about the journey into fly fishing and the exciting process of opening a brick-and-mortar fly shop in Philadelphia. We start with how our guest first got into fishing, when the transition to a fly rod happened, and what originally sparked the idea of opening their own fly shop. From there, we dive into plans for potentially setting up shop right in downtown Philly and how location plays a role in accessibility, community, and growth. A big focus of this episode is community — how the shop plans to highlight local fly tyers, involve the surrounding angling scene, and create a space that feels welcoming and inclusive. We also talk about what the shop aims to offer that other fly shops in the area don't, and what excites them most about owning and operating a physical fly fishing storefront. We wrap things up with five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, followed by final thanks and plugs
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we welcome Louis back to the show for a return appearance to talk boat builds, custom skiffs, and what life has looked like since his last time on the podcast. We kick things off by catching up on how business has been going and breaking down several new boats Louis has sold and built since we last spoke, including some unique setups and standout modifications. Louis walks us through the process of building a bass boat version of a skiff, what made that project different, and whether he's had a chance to fish it with the owner yet. We spend time digging into the Bird of Prey build — what makes that boat special, the thinking behind running dual micro Power-Poles, and why smaller anchors sometimes make more sense than the biggest options available. Louis also shares some of the wildest customization requests he's seen recently. Outside of the shop, we talk about whether he's had time to get back on the water himself, what fishing has looked like lately, and we wrap things up with Louis' five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist. @Macuch_Craft on instagram https://www.macuchcraft.com/
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Hunter, a Florida-based fly angler, trip host, and the voice behind the Captains Collective Podcast. We kick things off with Hunter's early fishing roots and what pushed him to transition from conventional tackle to fly fishing. From there, we talk about what makes his corner of Florida unique compared to other fisheries around the state, and how local waters have shaped his approach to fishing and guiding. Hunter opens up about his background in ministry and how that chapter of his life influenced his decision to start podcasting, build community, and eventually run hosted fishing trips. We dig into the Drifter Club trips he's been a part of, where those adventures have taken place, and the species they've chased along the way — plus where he'd like to take the group next. We then transition into the Captains Collective Podcast — why Hunter started it, the meaning behind the name, and how storytelling has become such a central part of what he does. Hunter shares guests who've had a lasting impact on him, what helped the podcast grow, and the moment he realized this could become more than just a side project. We wrap it up with Hunter's five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, plus final thanks and plugs. Instagram: @hunter_leavine Official Website: captainscollective.com Main Instagram: @captainscollective Podcast on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts – Captains Collective Fishing Podcast Podcast on Spotify: Listen on Spotify – Captains Collective Fishing Podcast YouTube Channel:@captainscollectivefishingp9998
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Rob, the angler and guide behind Fishing On The Move Aruba — one of the island's most respected flats and inshore guiding services. We break down his fishing journey, what inspired him to start guiding, and how growing up in Aruba shaped the way he approaches both fly and spin fishing. Rob walks us through the origin of Fishing On The Move, what the name represents, and how he crafts unique, flexible experiences for clients targeting species like permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, and more. We also talk sustainable fishing practices, trip lengths, tidal considerations, fishing regulations, and what traveling anglers should know before stepping onto the flats. From local insight to unforgettable stories, Rob shares some of his most memorable client trips, the hardest lessons he learned fishing in Aruba, and whether he's ever guided athletes or celebrities on the island. Plus — Rob adds 5 songs to the growing Trout Tunes Playlist on Spotify. Thanks for listening, and big shoutout to Riversmith for supporting the show. https://www.fishingonthemove.com/ @Fishingonthemove297 @Saltyrob297
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Vince, an angler, trip host, and one of the minds behind SWC. Vince walks us through his fishing journey — where it began, when he transitioned to the fly rod, and how Florida's diverse fisheries shaped him as an angler. We dig into his hosted trips, the destinations he takes anglers to, the species they target, and the fisheries he loves most outside of his home waters. Vince also shares the one piece of gear he never leaves home without, plus a few dream destinations he hopes to host in the future. Then we shift into the story of SWC — how the company started, why it began, the shops they're currently in, and what the long-term vision looks like for the brand. We finish with five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist and final thanks and plugs. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith — use code WRANGLER10 at checkout. Instagram: @vstegura Instagram: @swc_fishing https://www.skinnywaterculture.com
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Galen, the founder of Asheville Fly Fishing Company, to dig into the story behind one of Western North Carolina's most respected guide operations. Galen walks us through how the business began, what the original vision was, and how it has grown into a go-to outfitter serving anglers across WNC and Tennessee. We break down the diverse fisheries of the region — from wild trout streams to smallmouth rivers to the elusive musky waters — and what makes the Southern Appalachians unlike anywhere else. Galen shares how he selects and trains guides, what trip types he recommends for beginners vs. experienced anglers, and how seasonality, water levels, and local conservation shape the guiding experience. We also get into what he wishes more anglers understood about WNC fishing, future trip types he'd like to offer, and one of his most memorable days on the water with a client. As always, the episode wraps with five songs for the Trout Tunes playlist and final plugs. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith — use code WRANGLER10 at checkout. @AshevilleFlyFishingcompany
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Juan — known online as BigFishCol — a master fly tier, saltwater angler, and one of the most creative minds in modern fly tying. We dive into his fishing roots, his transition to the fly rod, and the detailed approach behind the patterns he's become known for. Juan breaks down the purpose behind his unique dual-cork-section rod setup, shares the story behind his latest fishing trip, and talks about his favorite species to chase both inside and outside of Florida. His fly-tying content is some of the cleanest and most educational on the internet, so we dig into how he keeps ideas fresh, avoids falling into "generic pattern mode," and continually pushes creativity. We also talk EP fiber techniques, alternative tying materials that save money, and what would make the Mount Rushmore of saltwater flies. The episode wraps up with Juan's picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist and final plugs. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Use code WRANGLER10 at checkout.
In this loaded Holiday Gear Guide episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast Season 2, Ryan breaks down some of the best fly-fishing, outdoor, and lifestyle deals of the season. From apparel to rods, sunglasses to coolers, gift cards to daily deals — this is the full rundown of what's worth grabbing and where the best value is across the fishing industry. Ryan highlights partners, his personal favorite picks, budget recommendations, and stocking-stuffer ideas for every type of angler.
Welcome back to Episode 61 of The Trout Wrangler Podcast! Today, Ryan sits down with Kirk Marks — award-winning angler, writer, photographer, filmmaker, and the creative mind behind some of Flylords' most beautiful storytelling. Kirk joins us from Kent Island, Maryland, where he splits his time between chasing fish, crafting wild meals, and documenting fishing culture with a camera and a pen. We get into everything — his fishing beginnings, how food and fly fishing collided in his life, what species define his home waters, how he balances shooting photos while actually fishing, and the stories behind his work with Flylords, including A Journey Upstream and other film projects. If you love fly fishing, filmmaking, wild game, photography, or the intersection of all three — this is a must-listen. Stick around for Kirk's Five Songs, and Ryan's final thanks and plugs. https://www.instagram.com/kirkymarks/ https://flylordsmag.com/author/kirkmarks/
In Episode 60 of The Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Tripp, joined by Nick Davis and Jim — the minds behind 828 Flies, 843 Flies & Outfitters, and 239 Flies. This crew has built one of the most unique multi-region fly shop lineups in the Southeast and Gulf Coast, and today we unpack the full story of how it all came to life. We start with Tripp's fishing journey and when he made the switch to the fly rod. Then we dive into the creation of 828 Flies, exploring how Nick and Jim helped shape the shop's identity around the iconic Western NC area code and the tight-knit mountain fishing culture. From there, we head south to the Lowcountry to discuss how 843 Flies & Outfitters came to be — why Charleston was the perfect next step, and how the 843 identity reflects that fishery and community. We finish by digging into 239 Flies, what makes the Southwest Florida fishery so unique, and how drastically different it is from 828 and 843 despite sharing a saltwater focus. The guys walk through how they handle seasonality, tides, storms, gear recommendations, and the realities of helping anglers navigate multiple fisheries. We wrap up with Tripp's five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, presented by Afuera Coffee. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Use code WRANGLER10 at checkout. Instagram: @828flies Website: https://828flies.com 843 Flies & Outfitters Instagram: @843flies Website: https://843flies.com 239 Flies Instagram: @239flies Website: https://239flies.com
On today's episode of The Trout Wrangler Podcast, we're joined by Chris, founder of Buttery Brown Bourbon, to talk about the intersection of two timeless passions — fly fishing and fine bourbon. Chris shares how his fly fishing journey began and what inspired him to create a bourbon brand rooted in the culture of the "buttery brown" trout. We dive into the story behind the brand name — a tribute to both the buttery brown trout and the smooth, brown, buttery liquid — and explore how those two worlds blend together in the identity of Buttery Brown Bourbon. We also discuss the balance between bourbon craftsmanship and fly-fishing storytelling, how the brand authentically connects with both audiences, and the challenges that come with building a boutique bourbon label with a strong outdoor narrative. Finally, Chris gives us a look at what's next for Buttery Brown Bourbon — from potential collaborations and limited releases to future fishing and lifestyle experiences tied to the brand — before wrapping up with his five Trout Tunes playlist picks, presented by Afuera Coffee. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and premium fly-fishing gear. The Day I Disremembered Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DPeZm4IwHM
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Jake Hutcheson to talk about his journey from building rods to creating content full-time in the fly fishing world. Jake shares how his fishing journey began, how he first picked up a fly rod, and the lessons he's learned along the way. We dive into his early days of rod building, competing in tournaments, and how each of those experiences shaped his creative process today. He opens up about the decision to quit his job and chase the dream of working full-time in fishing — the risks, rewards, and what he's learned about staying authentic in the ever-changing world of social media. Jake also talks about balancing creativity, fishing, and the challenges of building a personal brand in today's digital space. We wrap up the show with Jake's five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, presented by Afuera Coffee. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear.
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Joe from Columbia PFG to talk about his journey through fly fishing, creative work, and the conservation side of the outdoor industry. Joe shares how his time at the University of Georgia helped shape his passion for content and storytelling and how it eventually led him to his current role with Columbia PFG. We dive into Columbia's recent collaborations — including the hit Paul Puckett collection — and talk about what's next for the brand, from future artist partnerships to upcoming conservation-focused projects. We also cover the wildly popular College Tailgate Series that's been popping up at some of the biggest college football matchups across the country. Joe gives us an inside look at the behind-the-scenes planning, what makes these events so special, and whether fans can expect to see them continue into bowl season. And, of course, we wrap up the episode with a little Georgia football talk and Joe's five picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, presented by Afuera Coffee. This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear.
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Nate from Waterman Outfitters, a Florida-based angler, designer, and advocate for conservation. Nate shares how his fishing journey began on his home waters in Florida and when he first picked up the fly rod to chase saltwater species. We dive into the story behind Waterman Outfitters — what inspired him to start the brand, his apparel design process, and how he creates gear that's both functional and stylish. Nate also shares his top UV protection essentials for staying safe under the Florida sun, beyond just sunscreen. From partnering with Bobby Lane and Bobby Lane Jr. to creating a line that bridges freshwater and saltwater anglers, Nate talks about how Waterman Outfitters found its unique space in the fishing community. We also discuss his support for Project Sea Safe and why conservation of Florida's fisheries should matter to every angler. Nate recaps his recent experience fishing the Poonfecta Tournament with Louis, including how Louis's boats performed under pressure, and we wrap up the conversation with his favorite restaurant in Crystal River and five Trout Tunes picks, presented by Afuera Coffee. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith — visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on premium rod holders and gear. Social Links: Follow Waterman Outfitters → @watermanoutfitters Shop apparel → watermanoutfitters.com RYSFLIES25 at checkout to save 25%
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