FlyFishingLife

Today I'm joined by filmmakers Jesse Males and Koji Sumalde, the creative duo behind some of the most cinematic storytelling in fly fishing today. Together, they've built a reputation for capturing the people, places, and moments that make our sport so compelling—from remote steelhead rivers to Florida's Nature Coast.
In this episode of Anchored, I’m joined by Adrian Cortes, a passionate steelheader, hand fly tyer, and critical care nurse whose approach to fly fishing is as thoughtful as it is unconventional. Adrian has become known for tying intricate flies entirely by hand—without a vise—and for his deep appreciation of traditional steelhead fishing, bamboo rods, and the history of the craft.
If you’ve ever wondered why one fly works perfectly on one stretch of river but gets ignored on another, this discussion breaks down how insect behavior, habitat, hatches, and trout feeding patterns all connect beneath the surface.
What started as a trip to Yellowstone quickly turned into an obsession with the artistry, history, and mechanics behind fly fishing, eventually leading Jonathan Antunez down a path of studying centuries-old techniques and adapting them to modern waters...
Ben Sippola — also known as Benny-Sip — is a New Zealand-based writer whose work is rooted in rivers, fly fishing, and the spaces in between. A former professional footballer turned coach, he’s now the author of books like Wading in Jandals and A River Runs, and a regular contributor to The Fly Fish Journal.
In this episode of Anchored, we’re doing something a little different. I was recently a guest on the Outside podcast with PaddyO where we discussed some of the more… umm, unconventional aspects of fishing. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Phil Monahan⁠ is a longtime fly-fishing writer, editor, and educator. Phil has spent years translating complex techniques — everything from trout behaviour to knot systems and presentation strategies — into practical, approachable instruction for anglers at every level.
Spencer Siem is a New Mexico–based fly fishing guide known for his deep knowledge of Southwestern waters and his connection to the Feather Thief legacy. Blending technical precision with a reverence for fly-tying history, Spencer approaches guiding as both craft and storytelling.
Mikael Frödin⁠ is a renowned fly fisherman, innovator, and fly designer whose influence spans decades of modern salmon and trout fishing. Best known for his pioneering work with tube flies and his analytical approach to fish behaviour, Frödin blends Scandinavian tradition with relentless experimentation.
Clark “Cheech” Pierce is a fly tyer, educator, and co-founder of Fly Fish Food, one of the most influential fly-tying brands in the industry. Known for his creative patterns, clear instruction, and trademark sense of humour, Cheech has helped modernize fly tying for a new generation of anglers.
Streamer fishing has a reputation for drawing out the biggest and smartest fish, and few people understand that better than Kelly Galloup. With more than five decades in the sport, Kelly has built a legacy as a guide, author, and innovator whose influence can be felt across every corner of modern fly fishing.
In today’s article, we’ll walk through how Kevin applies his “Similar Water Philosophy” on the river, from recognizing winter steelhead water to adjusting sink tips, flies, and casting approaches.