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%
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Eli from Fly High Eli, a talented creator, guide, and storyteller whose work has been featured in both The Drake Magazine and the Fly Fishing Film Tour. Eli shares where his fly fishing journey began, how the Fly High Eli name came to life, and what the brand represents on a deeper level. We talk about the creative process behind his acclaimed films, what goes into scouting and producing new projects, and how he balances family life with fishing and content creation. He also dives into the lessons he's learned while building a brand in the outdoor space, the transition from guiding to content creation, and how he uses time on the water with his kids to teach life lessons through fishing. We also chat gear — including Eli's favorite Free Fly Apparel pieces he never leaves home without — and what's next for Fly High Eli over the next few years, from new adventures to future collaborations. We wrap up the episode with Eli'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 premium rod holders and gear. Follow Eli on Instagram → @flyhigheli Watch his films on YouTube → Fly High Eli
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we sit down with Joe, a Massachusetts-based fly guide and Boston Harbor striper charter captain, to talk about his fishing journey, chasing fish along the New England coast, and what life looks like when the season winds down. Joe shares how he first got into fly fishing, what inspired him to start guiding, and how his business has grown over the years. We talk about the ins and outs of running striper fly charters in Boston Harbor — from finding bait and reading tides to handling the hustle of a short coastal season. Joe also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his second venture, The Agave Co, and how he balances business, fishing, and family life through the off-season. We wrap up the episode with 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. @Fishboston @Captjoegugino
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Florida-based artist and angler Travis Luther to talk about his journey in both fishing and art. We kick things off with Travis' fishing story and how growing up around water in Florida shaped his love for the outdoors. From there, we dive into his art—whether he's painting custom designs on Yeti products, wallets, and pocketbooks, or letting his imagination run free on canvas. Travis shares how customer requests guide some of his work, while other pieces start with his own vision blending hunting, fishing, and lifestyle scenes. He also talks about whether he's ever done sports or music-themed pieces, the stories behind some of his favorite works, and what it's like creating art for high-profile clients. Outside of fishing and art, Travis opens up about his hobbies, and what he'd spend a day doing if he wasn't holding a brush or rod. We wrap it up with his picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist, plugs for his work, and what's next on the horizon. Check out Travis' work at travislutherart.com Travis Luther Art and follow him on Instagram at @travislutherart Instagram. 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, I'm joined by Jake, the creative mind behind Fish and Grits—a fishing lifestyle brand that blends saltwater culture, humor, and standout apparel. We kick things off with Jake's fishing journey: where it all started, and how saltwater fly fishing grabbed hold of him. From there, we dive into the origin of Fish and Grits—what inspired him to start the brand, the meaning behind the name, and how he's carved out a space in the fishing apparel world. Jake shares how he creates the hilarious sayings and designs that set his gear apart, the role social media has played in the brand's growth, and the art of making memes that actually hit the mark. We even dig into his "Almost Friday" posts and how he picks the perfect photos that always seem spot-on. We wrap things up with a look at Jake's life beyond fishing and apparel, and of course, he adds five songs to the Trout Tunes playlist. Check out Fish and Grits at fishandgrits.us and follow along on Instagram @fish.and.grits. This one's a fun mix of fishing, creativity, and plenty of laughs. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save on rod holders and gear.
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we're covering two important topics for anglers this fall: protecting yourself from the sun and the upcoming North Carolina delayed harvest stockings. First, we talk about the realities of long days on the water—UV exposure, the importance of the right gear, sunscreen tips, and why protecting your skin should be just as much a part of your fishing setup as rods and flies. Then we shift gears to the latest stocking updates for North Carolina's delayed harvest streams. With cooler weather and fresh fish being added, this is the time to start planning trips across the mountains and foothills. I'll break down what anglers can expect and which stretches to keep an eye on. And of course, we wrap it all up with my college football picks and predictions, presented by Afuera Coffee—because fall in the South means trout fishing and football go hand in hand. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save 10%.
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Joel Stoehr—an artist, teacher, and passionate striper fisherman. We start with Joel's fishing journey and how stripers became a core part of his life on the water. From his love for fly fishing to what keeps him chasing these powerful fish, Joel shares what makes the striper game so special. We also dive into Joel's artistic background—how painting and sculpture shaped his path before transitioning into teaching and design. He explains how he balances art, education, and administration while still keeping an active creative practice. Joel talks about his favorite piece of artwork, his unexpected feature in a David Goggins book, and even shares his perspective as a witness to the infamous "Manhole Cover Zyn" story with Javi and Marsh Bum. Of course, we wrap up with Joel's picks for the Trout Tunes Playlist and final plugs. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 at checkout to save 10%. https://www.joelstoehr.art/
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Ketter to dive into his fly fishing journey, building a media presence, and balancing fishing with content creation. We kick things off with how and when his fishing journey began—and whether it started with a fly rod from the start. From there, we talk about the waters of Minnesota, comparing freestone rivers, tailwaters, and spring creeks, and what makes each one unique. We dig into what sparked his idea to start a YouTube channel and podcast, how he manages editing, posting, and staying consistent on multiple platforms while still holding down a job, and which video has been his favorite to make this year. Ketter also shares his favorite part of podcasting, where he's seen the most social media growth—YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram—and what his hobbies look like outside of fishing. From hunting trips to talking sports, this episode covers a little bit of everything. This one's packed with perspective on fishing, media, and keeping the balance. This episode is brought to you by Riversmith USA, Bajio Sunglasses, Free Fly Apparel and Temple Fork Outfitter https://www.youtube.com/@ketteratthecabin @Ketteratthecabin Instagram and TikTok
Join me as I recap the RISE Fly Fishing Festival in Asheville, NC—and share interviews with two amazing guests: Shelton Steele from Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, a unique riverside destination in Asheville Nate from Borne From Blue Lines, a lifestyle brand that embodies the spirit of fly fishing and conservation https://www.wrongwaycampground.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bornefrombluelines/?hl=enc
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I'm joined by Chase, the founder of Slayfest—a lifestyle brand born "on the banks of the rivers in the hot Southern Oregon summer." What started as time on the water evolved into a community-driven brand that brings hunting, fishing, and storytelling together under one banner. We talk about how Chase built Slayfest from the ground up, what their "Fishing is Fishing" tagline means, and how the aesthetic stays authentic yet fresh on the water. From Southern Oregon to Montana, Slayfest represents a wide range of anglers, and we dig into how those landscapes shape the content and apparel they create. Chase shares some awesome behind-the-scenes stories—including one about tying a fly from a buck he harvested—and we talk about the importance of storytelling in building a brand that connects with people beyond just the cast. We also dive into the Slayfest community, where the crew is coming from, and what's next for the brand—new drops, potential meetups, and big plans on the horizon. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear. https://slayfest-fishing.square.site/
On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, we're joined by Paul Puckett, an incredible fly-fishing artist, musician, and podcast host. Paul's work has become iconic in the fishing world, blending art, culture, and the passion for angling. We start by talking about Paul's fishing journey and whether Charleston has always been home or if his roots began elsewhere. From there, we dive into how his art evolved from childhood doodles into trout paintings and eventually the fly-fishing art we know today. Paul shares the moment his career took off while helping open a fly shop, transforming his passion into a profession. We discuss his creative idea of painting clients' catches instead of traditional mounts and how that concept came to life. You'll also hear the story behind some of his most popular pieces like "Scarface with a trout" and "Pulp Fiction with rainbow trout"—and why he loves merging pop culture with fishing. We even get into one of my personal favorites, the Baby Billy Bonefish, and talk about his love for The Righteous Gemstones. We shift gears to Paul's podcast journey, the challenges and surprises of starting a show, and then dive into his other passion: music. Is he still touring and playing gigs or keeping it local in Charleston? Finally, Paul opens up about his life outside of art and fishing, including his Boston Terrier, and gives us a sneak peek into upcoming projects he's excited about. Stick around until the end for Paul's 5 songs for the Trout Wrangler Playlist—you won't want to miss those picks! This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and gear. https://www.paulpuckettart.com/ @Paulpuckettart
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Johnny, founder of Blackwater Revival Guide Service, to talk about chasing fish through the winding rivers and estuaries of South Carolina's Lowcountry. We kick things off with how Blackwater Revival came to life and dive into the meaning behind the name. Johnny shares what it's like guiding in places like Winyah Bay, a fishery shaped by blackwater rivers, shallow flats, and a rich cultural connection to the outdoors. We talk Lowcountry lifestyle, the unique skiff Johnny runs (a 17-ft Mitzi that drafts under 8 inches), and the incredible redfish and speckled trout fisheries the region has to offer. He also breaks down the seasonal rhythms of the area and how conservation shapes every trip he runs—from catch-and-release practices to supporting watershed initiatives. Johnny shares stories from the water—everything from epic redfish battles to moments that remind you why the backwater holds a special kind of peace. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Head to riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save on rod holders and accessories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzwF72B2F2w
Had a schedule change today so I just talked about some awesome events going down this month and beyond and some general updates @Afterworkfishclub https://www.wrongwaycampground.com/events/25/rise-
In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, I sit down with Tavares, founder of Magnolia Fly, a creative platform blending fly fishing visuals, veteran perspective, and a drive to connect anglers through storytelling. We start with how his fishing journey began, and how his brand got the name Magnolia Fly. Tavares shares the meaning behind his tagline, "Fly Fishing Content That Inspires and Connects Anglers," and how that mission has shaped his work—from photography to video to brand collaborations. We dig into his time as an Air Force veteran, the coolest places he's been stationed, and how those experiences influenced his approach to fishing and storytelling. Tavares also gives us the backstory on Funky Drummas, one of the most original and underrated pages in the fly fishing content world. Later in the episode, we talk about his favorite places he's fished both in and out of the U.S., his dream story to tell next through the lens, and some standout collaborations he's been a part of. To close, he drops five songs for the Trout Tunes Playlist and gives a few final thanks and shoutouts. 🎣 This episode is brought to you by Riversmith. Visit riversmith.com and use code WRANGLER10 to save at checkout.