Into the Backing

A recent change in government regulations has made fishing for steelhead from a boat illegal in Washington State. The change is the result of poor steelhead returns and an attempt to find a compromise between the guides, anglers and fish. A substantial amount of guides and anglers are upset about the new law and how it was implemented, so I asked longtime salmon and steelhead guide and spokesperson, Bob Kratzer to sit down with steelhead biologists John McMillan and Bob Hooton to sort through some of the facts and controversy.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so be sure to listen until the end and let us know your thoughts on the Anchored Outdoors Facebook and Instagram pages.

It can be a tricky task trying to balance fly fishing and ethical marketing. And while it’s nothing new, the conversation has never been quite as polarising as it is when it involves influencers. Right, wrong, or otherwise, there’s a stigma around this new-age marketing tactic that pops up in comment sections and tackle shops around the world. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with Kirk Deeter, Tom Larimer and Bridget Fabel to weigh out why there’s so much contention around the topic.

It’s hard to ignore the contention that follows any conversation about fishing on redds. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, photographer Adam Barker, and Howard Horton from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to see if we could get to the bottom of why it’s frowned upon. We discuss the science behind fishing on redds, why it isn’t illegal in many parts of North America, and why the topic is such a hot one for the fly fishing community. Be sure to listen until the end and let us know your thoughts on the Anchored Outdoors Facebook and Instagram pages.

As a relatively new hunter, I was curious to learn more about the grip and grin debate that I often see surface on social media. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with experienced hunters Britt Longoria, Tyler Freel and Mark Hall to hear their thoughts. We discuss how and why our photos matter, if the hunting industry is unnecessarily inflammatory, and if something as simple as a social media post can shift regulations and legislation. Be sure to listen until the end and let us know your thoughts on the Anchored Outdoors Facebook and Instagram pages. Into the backing is an Anchored Outdoors production.

This month’s episode has been brewing since the conception of the Anchored podcast in 2014. Over the last six years, we’ve discussed various concerns about the impact of hatchery fish in wild systems. Every time such an episode airs, it stimulates debate between "pro-hatchery" and "anti-hatchery" anglers. So, for years I've been asking hatchery advocates to give me the name of someone they wanted to hear from. The name they gave me was biologist Ian Courter.  I'd arranged to meet with Ian, as well as the Wild Fish Conservancy’s Dr. Nick Gayeski and past Anchored guest and biologist John McMillan earlier this year. Flights were booked and conference rooms scheduled before Covid inevitably pushed this episode back. While we couldn’t get Nick on the call, John and Ian agreed to sit down for the first time to publicly share their viewpoints.  Outline of this Episode  [2:55] What is a hatchery fish? [7:11] Why do people take such an extreme stance on this issue? [26:44] What would Nick Gayeski say about the issue? [28:49] How much money do hatchery fish cost? [33:23] Scientists have done a poor job of studying the different ways that hatcheries are managed [38:44] Lack of differing life histories affects the hatchery fish population [52:03] What about the Montana example? [1:03:02] We need big experiments to collect data [1:10:43] When hatcheries are used for a few years they can jumpstart a fishery [1:22:28] What can be done to solve these problems? If you haven’t already, check out my new website www.anchoredoutdoors.com There you’ll find all of your favourite Anchored guests and free exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.

My guests today include big game specialist and Sportfishing captain Vic Levett, Australian fishing guide Justin Duggan, and steelhead guide and photographer Adrienne Comeau, who also happens to be a life-long vegetarian. In this episode of Into the Backing we tackle the argument of whether catch and release fly fishing is truly beneficial to fish, or if it’s unnecessary torture for our own fun.  Outline of this Episode: [4:35] Is catch and release fishing selfish? [10:05] Catch and release fishers are often advocating for a better fishery [13:03] Do catch and release fishers have a greater impact on a fishery? [15:30] Why torture an animal for fun? [28:23] We anthropomorphize animals [34:40] Catch and release numbers can’t compare with commercial fishing [41:04] Can fish really feel pain? [44:53] There are reasons to let fish go [51:246] If you take the anglers out of the picture you will kill the fisheries

Today our round table guests include Master caster Peter Morse, professional photographer and avid angler David Anderson, and guide and entrepreneur Josh Hutchins. On this episode, we explore whether there is such a thing as too easy when it comes to fishing. We also consider the definition of fly fishing and discuss our opinions on whether fishing is a sport. Join us for this stimulating conversation between friends and fishing experts. If you haven’t already, check out our new website www.anchoredoutdoors.com There you’ll find all of your favourite Anchored guests and free exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.   Outline of This Episode [1:15] Is there such a thing as too easy in fishing? [9:15] It all comes down to individual preference [13:55] Are you fishing to eat or fishing for sport [19:48] Nowadays there is a faster progression [26:06] Why is there a controversy? [34:02] Is fly fishing a sport?  [43:22] We all like easy [45:55] Does easy equal boring?

We’ve got all sorts of discussion coming your way in this monthly series. Between pro-hatchery and anti-hatchery biologists, social media influencers and old-school industry types, catch and release anglers and meat hunters… We’re putting some hot topics on the table for you to form your own opinions. Be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss out on episode one, where we keep it light with a friendly debate about if there’s such a thing as too easy in fishing. Subscribe to the podcast here.