The Articulate Fly
The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly

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The Articulate Fly Fly Fishing Podcast regularly releases interviews with national and regional personalities covering fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing travel. We also regularly release fishing reports for the novice and experienced fly angler. Whether you just loved a River Runs Through It or you are a streamer junkie, a dry fly addict, a swinger or a nymph head, we have you covered! To learn more, visit www.thearticulatefly.com.

Recent Episodes

S8, Ep 7: Casting Foundations and Fishing Frameworks: Insights with Mac Brown
JAN 21, 2026
S8, Ep 7: Casting Foundations and Fishing Frameworks: Insights with Mac Brown
Episode OverviewCasting instructor Mac Brown joins host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another Casting Angles conversation, this time focused on the upcoming Edison Fly Fishing Show and the casting education landscape. This episode offers serious fly anglers essential insights into proper casting fundamentals, debunking common myths about distance casting and the overemphasis on double hauling in favor of loop control and efficiency. Mac and Marvin discuss their collaborative teaching approach at major fly fishing shows including Marlborough and Edison, where Mac teaches alongside legends like Gary Borger and Glenda Powell. The conversation emphasizes foundational casting mechanics that can eliminate 85-90% of common casting problems, the critical importance of systems thinking in fly fishing and the distinction between efficient movement patterns versus exhausting casting movements. Whether you're preparing for saltwater fishing or simply want to cast more efficiently with less effort, this episode provides the framework for building a solid casting foundation that makes learning advanced techniques far easier.Key TakeawaysHow to eliminate up to 90% of your casting problems by mastering foundational mechanics rather than chasing advanced techniques like the double haulWhy loop control and loop efficiency are the true keys to distance casting, with proper technique often outperforming hauling attemptsWhen to prioritize learning line shooting and efficient loop formation over the overrated double haulHow to cast more efficiently by incorporating full arm movement instead of relying on wrist-only casting that leads to fatigue and other issuesWhy having a systematic process framework prevents anglers from collecting unrelated data points from videos and demos that create more problems than solutionsTechniques & Gear CoveredThis episode focuses entirely on casting fundamentals and educational methodology rather than specific gear. Mac and Marvin emphasize loop control, loop efficiency and proper line shooting as the foundation of effective casting. They discuss the importance of power, path and pause, full arm incorporation versus wrist casting and the efficiency of movement patterns. The conversation challenges the American obsession with double hauling, noting that proper roll casting technique can achieve greater distance than poor hauling attempts. For saltwater applications where most fish are caught at 55 feet and closer, mastering these fundamentals proves far more valuable than advanced techniques built on a weak foundation.Locations & SpeciesWhile this episode doesn't focus on specific fisheries or waters, Mac references saltwater fishing applications where understanding realistic casting distances matters most. The discussion acknowledges that the majority of saltwater fish are caught at 55 feet and closer, making efficient short to medium-range casting far more practical than extreme distance work. The conversation takes place in the context of major East Coast fly fishing shows (Marlborough, Massachusetts and Edison, New Jersey) where anglers from across the region gather to improve their skills. Mac's upcoming teaching schedule spans coast to coast, including stops at Bellevue and Lancaster, reflecting the national scope of casting education needs.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat's more important for distance casting than the double haul?Loop control and loop efficiency are the true foundations of distance casting. Mac emphasizes that the double haul is overrated in America, with anglers believing it's the "Holy Grail" they're missing. In reality, proper roll casting with efficient loops can outperform average hauling attempts. The key is learning when to shoot line and form efficient loops first, with the double haul only benefiting anglers once those foundational skills are mastered.How can I cast more efficiently without getting fatigued?Incorporate your entire arm instead of relying solely on wrist movement. Mac notes that wrist-only casting leads to fatigue, carpal tunnel issues and exhaustion on the water. The efficiency of movement, once anglers understand proper mechanics, makes casting smoother and less physically demanding. Marvin emphasizes letting the rod do the work rather than trying to overpower the cast.Why do so many anglers struggle despite watching videos and attending demos?The fly fishing community has failed to provide anglers with complete systems and frameworks. Instead, people collect unrelated data points from internet snippets, YouTube videos and demos without understanding how everything fits together. Mac and Marvin stress the importance of process-oriented thinking with a framework that covers everything from gear preparation to landing fish, rather than isolated techniques that don't connect to a larger system.What distance should I really be focused on for saltwater fly fishing?Most saltwater fish are caught at 55 feet and closer. Rather than obsessing over extreme distance casting, anglers should focus on efficient, accurate casts at realistic fishing ranges. This shifts the priority from learning advanced techniques to mastering foundational loop control and line shooting that work effectively at practical distances.Related ContentS7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting TechniquesS7, Ep 16 - Simplifying Complexity: Effective Teaching Strategies in Fly Fishing with Mac BrownS6, Ep 10 - Casting Angles with Mac BrownS6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac BrownAll Things Social MediaFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!
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10 MIN
S8, Ep 6: From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts
JAN 20, 2026
S8, Ep 6: From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts
Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Tim Flagler to explore his lesser-known culinary journey and preview his extensive 2026 hosted travel schedule. While most fly fishers recognize Tim from his renowned tying videos and work at Tightline Productions, this conversation reveals his parallel passion for cooking and food that parallels his fly tying expertise. The discussion traces Tim's evolution from childhood family meals at the Jersey Shore through his mother's and grandmother's influence to his current fascination with Asian cooking techniques, particularly Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. Tim shares cooking philosophy centered on sourcing quality ingredients, constant tasting during preparation and proper knife skills while detailing his upcoming 2026 adventures including golden dorado fishing on Argentina's Ibera Marsh, trophy brown trout on the Limay River, northern pike and bull trout in British Columbia's Northern Rockies and steelhead on Lake Erie. The conversation also touches on Tim's ongoing fly tying innovations focused on creating mottled, natural-looking patterns that better imitate the mottled appearance of living aquatic insects.Key TakeawaysHow Tim's family food traditions at the Jersey Shore mirror the collaborative, process-driven approach he brings to fly tying and teachingWhy sourcing the best possible ingredients and tasting constantly throughout preparation are the two most critical elements of successful cookingHow to book Tim's 2026 hosted trips to Argentina for golden dorado and trophy brown trout, British Columbia for northern pike and bull trout or Lake Erie for winter steelheadHow Tim is incorporating mottled, multi-colored patterns in his fly designs to better imitate the natural mottled appearance of living aquatic insects that signals protein to feeding troutTechniques & Gear CoveredTim discusses his ongoing fly tying evolution focused on creating mottled appearances in patterns rather than solid single colors, based on close observation and video documentation of living aquatic macroinvertebrates. He explains how blotches of different colors signal life and protein to feeding fish, making these techniques potentially more effective than traditional solid-colored flies. The conversation touches on trout spey casting as one of Tim's seminar topics at upcoming Fly Fishing Shows. Tim also draws parallels between cooking and fly tying, emphasizing that both crafts require quality materials, proper tools (sharp knives in cooking, quality hackle and partridge in tying) and understanding fundamental techniques before attempting complex work.Locations & SpeciesTim's 2026 hosted travel schedule spans diverse fisheries across multiple continents targeting various species. In Argentina, he hosts trips to the Ibera Marsh for golden dorado, classic Patagonia rivers including the Chimehuin, Collon Cura and Limay for trout, and a six-day camping float on the Limay River targeting trophy brown trout. His North American destinations include Spruce Creek in Pennsylvania, the Kootenai River in northwest Montana for rainbows, British Columbia's Northern Rockies for northern pike, bull trout, lake trout, rainbows and grayling with four fly-outs during the week, and Lake Erie tributaries for steelhead during winter. These trips span April through late fall, offering opportunities from early season trout through late-season steelhead in varied water types from spring creeks to wilderness rivers.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow did Tim develop his culinary skills beyond basic family cooking?Tim's mother was an intuitive cook who didn't rely on recipes but understood ingredient combinations and seasoning, providing his foundational training. His older brother worked as a chef at Jersey Shore seafood restaurants and became a major influence, along with the brother's chef friends. Tim spent summers as a teenager cooking collaboratively with friends at the Jersey Shore, experimenting with whatever ingredients were available and learning through trial and constant tasting.What cooking philosophy does Tim recommend for anglers wanting to improve their skills?Start simple with repeatable recipes rather than attempting overly complex dishes, similar to learning a pheasant tail nymph before a full-dressed Atlantic salmon fly. Focus on sourcing the best possible ingredients, use proper sharp knives for different applications, taste constantly throughout the cooking process and avoid non-stick cookware in favor of carbon steel, stainless or cast iron. Tim emphasizes that getting quality ingredients and trying not to mess them up is the key to great cooking.What fly tying innovations is Tim currently developing?Tim is incorporating mottled color patterns in his flies based on close observation and video documentation of living aquatic macroinvertebrates. He noticed that natural insects display blotches of different colors rather than solid single hues, and this mottled appearance signals life and protein to feeding fish. He's developing techniques to create this mottled look in his patterns, which he believes represents the next evolutionary step toward more natural and effective fly designs.What hosted travel opportunities does Tim offer for 2026?Tim has limited openings remaining for April golden dorado fishing on Argentina's Ibera Marsh and a six-day Limay River camping float for trophy brown trout. His trips also include classic Patagonia trout rivers, Spruce Creek Pennsylvania throughout the season, Montana's Kootenai River, two weeks in British Columbia's Northern Rockies for pike, bull trout, lake trout and grayling with wilderness fly-outs, and five-day Lake Erie steelhead trips. Most trips are substantially booked but interested anglers should contact Tightline Productions for current availability.SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS6, Ep 132 - Fly Tying and Destination Travel with Tim FlaglerS7, Ep 2 - Nomadic Waters and the Allure of Amazonian Peacock BassS6, Ep 97 - Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg SenyoS4, Ep 4 - Matt O'Neal of Savage FliesAll Things Social MediaFollow Tim on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction05:26 Family and Food Traditions12:19 Influences and Inspirations15:27 Cooking with Friends24:15 Exploring Global Cuisines31:14 Keys to Successful Cooking38:26 Upcoming Travel Adventures
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47 MIN
S8, Ep 5: Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits: January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward
JAN 17, 2026
S8, Ep 5: Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits: January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward
Episode OverviewEast Tennessee guide Ellis Ward delivers his first fishing report of 2026 on The Articulate Fly podcast, covering winter tactics for both post-spawn trout and low-water musky fishing. Ward breaks down strategic adaptations required for fishing extremely low and clear water conditions that have dominated the region through early January, affecting both tailwater trout fisheries and musky rivers like the French Broad. The episode emphasizes post-spawn trout streamer fishing opportunities in late January and February, when trophy fish are feeding aggressively to recover after the fall spawn. Ward also discusses current musky conditions under challenging low and clear water, requiring downsized presentations and pinpoint casting to specific holding pockets, with the transition to pre-spawn musky anticipated in March. Additionally, Ward covers his intensive bucktail processing operation, having accumulated over a thousand deer tails for custom musky flies following the end of deer season. With water levels dictated by minimal tailwater releases and fish becoming increasingly spooky in gin-clear conditions, Ward explains timing windows for visiting anglers looking to capitalize on prime post-spawn trout streamer fishing and upcoming pre-spawn musky opportunities.Key TakeawaysHow to capitalize on post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing in late January through February when trophy fish are feeding heavily to recover after the fall spawnWhy low and clear water musky fishing requires downsizing presentations and focusing on precision casts to specific structure rather than covering water broadlyWhen to book trips around optimal moon phases and weather windows during the transitional period between post-spawn trout streamer fishing and March pre-spawn musky activityHow to execute sidearm casts to tight cover and confined holding areas when backcast limitations and spooky fish demand tactical adjustments in extreme low waterTechniques & Gear CoveredWard emphasizes post-spawn brown trout streamer tactics as prime winter opportunities, with late January and February offering some of the highest ceilings for trophy fish on streamers as they feed aggressively after the fall spawn. For musky fishing under current low and clear conditions, Ward discusses downsized fly presentations that facilitate better casting opportunities to tight cover with limited backcasts. The conversation details targeted approaches to four-by-four pockets, requiring anglers to identify specific holding structure rather than covering expansive zones. Ward discusses his extensive bucktail processing operation, managing approximately a thousand tails stored in two chest freezers and working through the dyeing and preparation process during winter. Equipment discussion includes the practical considerations of fishing in extreme cold with nitrile gloves and hand warmers while maintaining the dexterity needed for presentations in sub-30-degree weather, particularly important for anglers targeting post-spawn trout during early morning sessions.Locations & SpeciesThe French Broad River serves as the primary musky water, with Ward noting how extremely low and clear conditions require tactical adjustments throughout the winter period. East Tennessee's tailwater systems are emphasized for post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing, with Ward specifically noting that late January and February represent prime months when the ceiling is quite high for trophy trout that have completed their fall spawn and are feeding heavily. The interconnected nature of water management affects both systems, as minimal dam releases on tailwaters correlate with low water on musky rivers. Target species include brown trout during the post-spawn period and musky, with Ward noting the transition to pre-spawn musky fishing anticipated in March. Winter conditions feature fluctuating temperatures from the high 20s to occasional 50-60 degree days, with recent rainfall helping water levels but clarity remaining exceptionally high throughout the low-flow period.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy is late January through February considered prime time for post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing?These months represent the post-spawn period for brown trout, which spawn in fall and early winter. After the spawn, trophy brown trout feed aggressively to recover, creating exceptional streamer fishing opportunities. Ward specifically notes that January and February are prime post-spawn brown trout streamer months where the ceiling is quite high for catching large fish. Anglers willing to fish in cold conditions with nitrile gloves and hand warmers can encounter fish that are actively feeding and responding well to streamers.How should anglers adjust musky tactics when fishing extreme low and clear water conditions?Downsize fly presentations and focus on precision over coverage. In very low water, target specific four-by-four pockets rather than working entire banks, as fish concentrate in limited holding areas. Use sidearm casts to get under branches and tight to banks where limited backcasts restrict traditional presentations. Slow everything down and be prepared to make multiple casts to productive zones. While fish are still moving and following flies, the challenging conditions require tactical patience even when hookups remain inconsistent.When is the optimal time to target different species in East Tennessee during winter and early spring?Late January through mid-February targets post-spawn brown trout on streamers, with the second half of February offering prime dates around favorable moon phases. March shifts focus to pre-spawn musky as water temperatures begin rising, presenting different tactical opportunities. Ward emphasizes booking trips during these transitional windows when weather variability creates both challenges and rewards, noting that anglers fishing in 28-degree weather during the post-spawn trout period may encounter exceptional opportunities they wouldn't see later in the season.Why does bucktail processing happen during winter and what's involved in the operation?Deer season ends January 4th, creating an annual surge of raw material that must be processed before spoilage. Ward manages approximately a thousand tails across two chest freezers, working through skinning, cleaning and dyeing operations during winter when guide trips slow and fly tying season peaks. Efficient processing requires several hours per session to maintain quality control while balancing family commitments and remaining guide availability.Related ContentS6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis WardS7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis WardS6, Ep 139 - Exploring East Tennessee's Changing Waters with Ellis WardS7, Ep 50 - The Art of the Follow: Streamer Strategies and Fishing Tales from East TennesseeAll Things Social MediaFollow Ellis and Flyzotics on Instagram.Follow Ellis on YouTube.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!
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12 MIN
S8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa
JAN 16, 2026
S8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa
Episode OverviewIn this first Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report of 2026 on The Articulate Fly podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with George Costa for a winter conditions update across the region's premier trout waters. George breaks down the technical nymphing and streamer tactics that are producing fish in low, clear flows as cold temperatures settle into central Pennsylvania. With snow in the forecast and a significant cold snap ahead, George covers current conditions on the Juniata River, Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek, explaining why the J is fishing at seasonal flows with good color while Spring, Penns and Fishing Creek remain challenging with low, clear water. The conversation reveals where trout are concentrating in deeper pools, how to adjust presentations for winter conditions and what anglers should expect over the coming weeks. George also previews upcoming winter fly tying classes at TCO shops and the Edison Fly Fishing Show, making this episode essential listening for Pennsylvania anglers planning their winter outings or looking to sharpen their skills indoors.Key TakeawaysHow to adjust nymphing presentations for low, clear winter water by keeping bugs down deep and moving them slowly through concentrated holding areas.Why the Juniata River is currently the best bet for Pennsylvania winter trout fishing with seasonal flows and good color compared to other regional waters.When to use streamers in winter conditions by fishing them low and slow rather than with aggressive retrieves.How technical winter fishing requires proper layering and thermal gear to stay comfortable during long sessions in deeper pools where fish are holding.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe primary techniques discussed are technical winter nymphing and low-slow streamer fishing tailored to challenging low-clear water conditions. George emphasizes getting nymphs down deep into the pools where trout concentrate during cold weather, maintaining slow drifts that match the fish's lethargic winter metabolism. Streamers are producing when fished deep and slow rather than stripped aggressively, with George noting his recent success moving decent fish on this approach. The conversation touches on the importance of proper winter layering—thermals, multiple sock layers and cold-weather gear—to fish effectively during extended nymphing sessions in frigid conditions.Locations & SpeciesThis report covers central Pennsylvania's top trout fisheries including the Juniata River (locally called "the J"), Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek. The Juniata is fishing at seasonal flows with good color, making it the standout winter destination, while Spring Creek and Fishing Creek remain low and clear, requiring more technical approaches. Winter trout are holding in deeper pools across all waters as temperatures drop and snow moves into the region. The low-clear conditions make these Pennsylvania limestone and freestone streams more challenging but rewarding for anglers who dial in proper depth and presentation.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat are current water conditions on central Pennsylvania trout streams in early January 2026?The Juniata River has seasonal flows and good color, making it the best current option. Spring Creek and Fishing Creek remain low and clear, requiring more technical presentations. A cold snap with snow is forecast, which will push water temperatures down and concentrate trout in deeper holding water.What techniques work best for winter trout fishing in low, clear water?Technical nymphing is the primary approach, focusing on getting flies deep into pools where fish concentrate and moving them slowly through the drift. Streamers can also produce when fished low and slow rather than stripped aggressively. Dry fly opportunities will be minimal over the coming weeks.Where should anglers focus when fishing central Pennsylvania waters in winter conditions?Concentrate on deeper pools where trout hold during cold weather. With low, clear water, fish are less distributed and more concentrated in prime lies. The Juniata's better flows and color make it easier to approach fish compared to the ultra-clear conditions on Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek.How should anglers prepare for fishing in upcoming winter conditions?Layering is critical—wear thermals, multiple socks and proper cold-weather gear to stay comfortable during technical nymphing sessions. With temperatures dropping into the low range and snow forecast, proper preparation allows you to fish effectively when presentations require patience and extended time on the water.Related ContentS6, Ep 138 - Central PA Fishing Report with George CostaS7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George CostaS7, Ep 36 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly ShopS6, Ep 30 - Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly ShopAll Things Social MediaFollow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!
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4 MIN
S8, Ep 3: Fishing Adventures and Fly Innovations: A New Year with Blane Chocklett
JAN 15, 2026
S8, Ep 3: Fishing Adventures and Fly Innovations: A New Year with Blane Chocklett
Episode OverviewBlane Chocklett joins The Articulate Fly for the first Chocklett Factory of 2026, covering his latest innovations in predator fly design and upcoming event schedule. In this fly fishing podcast episode, Blane discusses his recent Fly Fisherman magazine cover featuring the Jerk Changer, a game-changing articulated streamer designed for trophy predator species including smallmouth bass and musky. The conversation explores Blane's 2025 season highlights, including record-breaking fish on the TFO Moment rod and his emotional Cuba trip honoring the late Flip Pallot. Blane unveils his 2026 product line including new popper and slider heads, finishing heads for streamers, articulated terrestrial patterns and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. He also previews his appearances at Bobbin the Hood in late January and Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest in March, emphasizing the community-focused nature of both events. This episode provides serious predator anglers with insights into cutting-edge fly design, new rigging options and opportunities to learn directly from one of fly fishing's most innovative tiers and designers.Key TakeawaysHow the Jerk Changer's unique articulation and triggers make it effective for virtually every predatory fish species from smallmouth to musky.Why Blane's new finishing heads (shovel heads, realistic heads) give streamers different water-pushing actions while remaining lighter and more castable.When to use popper and slider head variations for top water presentations targeting smallmouth, saltwater species and other predators.How Blane's new realistic body parts and support discs allow tiers to match exact baitfish profiles like shad, bunker, glass minnows and chubs.Why events like Bobbin the Hood and Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest offer unique opportunities for intimate learning and celebration of fly fishing legends while supporting conservation through ASGA.Techniques & Gear CoveredThis episode focuses heavily on predator fly design innovations rather than on-water techniques. Blane discusses the Jerk Changer articulated streamer pattern, which differs from the standard Game Changer platform by incorporating additional triggers and articulation points that attract large predatory fish. He mentions fishing the Jerk Changer with the TFO Moment rod and catching trophy smallmouth bass and record-size fish in 2025. The conversation covers upcoming product releases including popper and slider heads for top water fishing, various finishing heads (shovel heads and realistic heads) that create different streamer actions, articulated stonefly and terrestrial patterns using new bug heads and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. Blane also references developing new SA fly lines optimized for casting large articulated patterns. For tiers, he emphasizes modular design kits that allow creation of heads from scratch or use of pre-molded components.Locations & SpeciesWhile this episode is primarily product and event-focused rather than location-specific, Blane mentions his Mad River Musky School. He references his smallmouth bass fishing where the Jerk Changer has proven effective on trophy-size fish. His recent Cuba trip emphasized saltwater species in Caribbean waters, though specific targets aren't detailed in this conversation. The techniques and flies discussed—particularly the Jerk Changer, top water poppers and sliders and articulated streamers—are designed to work across diverse predator fisheries from freshwater bass and musky to saltwater species like tarpon, snook and various predatory gamefish.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat makes the Jerk Changer different from the standard Game Changer?The Jerk Changer incorporates different triggers and articulation than the regular Game Changer platform. Blane developed it to add movement and visual triggers not traditionally found in fly patterns. It has proven effective across virtually all predatory species and was featured in Fly Fisherman magazine after Blane caught multiple bucket-list record-size fish on the pattern in 2025.What new products is Blane releasing for 2026?Blane's 2026 product line includes popper and slider heads in multiple variations for top water fishing, finishing heads (shovel heads and realistic heads) that give streamers different actions in the water, new bug heads for articulated stoneflies and terrestrial patterns, realistic body parts and support discs for matching exact baitfish profiles and a collaboration with AHREX on Game Changer hooks. Products will be showcased at Bobbin the Hood and rolled out throughout the year.What is the atmosphere like at Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest?Tie Fest is intentionally designed as an intimate, laid-back social gathering rather than a traditional trade show. It's more of a celebration and party atmosphere where attendees can have extended conversations with saltwater fly fishing legends, hear roundtable stories about how mentors like Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot influenced the sport, watch instructional demos and participate in conservation fundraising for ASGA. The event takes place March 21 at Carter Andrews' property in Vero Beach.How can fly tiers customize Blane's new finishing heads?Blane's new products are designed with modularity in mind—tiers can purchase pre-molded heads for convenience or use component kits to build heads from scratch. This "made it myself" option maintains the satisfaction of complete DIY construction while still benefiting from Blane's engineered shapes and forms. The kits include realistic body parts that shape flies to match exact baitfish profiles, allowing tiers to dial in specific forage like shad, bunker, glass minnows or chubs.Related ContentS2, Ep 114 - All Things Game Changer with Blane ChocklettS7, Ep 61 - The Chocklett Factory Unleashed: New Flies and Other Goodies with Blane ChocklettS7, Ep 9 - Inside The Chocklett Factory: New Fly Tying Products, Bobbin and More with Blane ChocklettS7, Ep 73 - The Chocklett Factory: Sneak Peek at New ProductsAll Things Social MediaFollow Blane on Facebook and Instagram.Follow The Chocklett Factory on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!
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16 MIN