The Articulate Fly

Episodes - Complete Archive (1,000+ Episodes)

7
Jan. 21, 2026

S8, Ep 7: Casting Foundations and Fishing Frameworks: Insights with Mac Brown

Episode Overview Casting 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...
Guest: Mac Brown
6
Jan. 20, 2026

S8, Ep 6: From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts

Episode Overview In 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 ...
5
Jan. 17, 2026

S8, Ep 5: Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits: January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward

Episode Overview East 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 opp...
Guest: Ellis Ward
4
Jan. 16, 2026

S8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa

Episode Overview In 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 Ri...
Guest: George Costa
3
Jan. 15, 2026

S8, Ep 3: Fishing Adventures and Fly Innovations: A New Year with Blane Chocklett

Episode Overview Blane 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-breakin...
Jan. 9, 2026

BONUS: Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan Ruch

Episode Overview In this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Brendan Ruch, the innovative tier behind the Nut Job, to explore every dimension of this game-changing swim fly pattern. From its accidental birth on Logjam Live to its current status as a go-to predator pattern for serious smallmouth and trout anglers, Brendan walks through the complete evolution of the fly. The conversation covers Central Pennsylvania waters where the pattern has proven...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
2
Jan. 8, 2026

S8, Ep 2: January Fishing Forecast: Weather Patterns and Musky Tips with Matt Reilly

Episode Overview The Articulate Fly kicks off 2026 with the first Southwest Virginia Fishing Report featuring guide Matt Reilly, who breaks down winter musky strategies for navigating January's unpredictable conditions in Southwest Virginia's river systems. Matt explains how musky concentrate in specific locations during cold water periods (upper 30s to low 40s) and why cloudy, warm days create ideal winter fishing opportunities. The conversation covers tactical approaches for fishing through...
Guest: Matt Reilly
1
Jan. 7, 2026

S8, Ep 1: Show Season Strategies: Mac Brown on Learning vs. Entertainment in Fly Fishing

Episode Overview In this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and casting instructor Mac Brown discuss strategies for maximizing educational value at fly fishing shows nationwide. With the 2026 show season approaching, they share tactical advice on how to approach casting and tying demonstrations, turning entertainment into genuine skill development. Mac Brown, who teaches at major shows from Marlborough to Lancaster, explains why focusing on the caster's hand moveme...
Guest: Mac Brown
106
Dec. 21, 2025

S7, Ep 106: Last Minute Gifts and Winter Tips: George Costa's Holiday Fishing Insights

The Articulate Fly wraps up 2025 with the final Central PA Fishing Report featuring George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College. In this fly fishing podcast episode, George breaks down post-spawn winter trout behavior and current conditions across Central Pennsylvania's streams as anglers navigate the holiday season. With streams running low and clear following recent rain and snowmelt, George explains why deep nymphing is producing the best results right now, targeting winter lies where ...
Guest: George Costa
105
Dec. 18, 2025

S7, Ep 105: Changing the Narrative: Robbie Kroger’s Mission with The Origins Foundation

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash welcomes Robbie Kroger, founder and Executive Director of The Origins Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about hunting advocacy, wildlife conservation and the sustainable use model that's shaping the future of global conservation efforts. Guest Expertise: From Wetland Scientist to Conservation Advocate Robbie Kroger brings an unconventional background to hunting advocacy. With a PhD in wetland ecology and aquatic biogeochemistry from ...
104
Dec. 13, 2025

S7, Ep 104: Layer Up and Fish On: Mac Brown's Guide to Winter Fishing Comfort

The Articulate Fly's final Casting Angles segment of 2025 delivers essential cold weather fly fishing strategies from host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown, owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish in the Great Smoky Mountains. As winter conditions settle across the country, Mac shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on layering techniques and gear selection that keep anglers comfortable and effective on the water when temperatures drop into the 20s and below. Learn Mac's counterintuitive foo...
Guest: Mac Brown
103
Dec. 12, 2025

S7, Ep 103: Staying Warm and Catching Fish: Matt Reilly's Winter Fishing Strategies

The Articulate Fly wraps up 2025 with the final Southwest Virginia Fishing Report featuring New River musky guide Matt Reilly, who shares essential winter musky fishing strategies and cold weather survival tactics in this fly fishing podcast. As water temperatures drop to the critical 42-43°F threshold post-Thanksgiving, Reilly explains how musky transition into the deepest, slowest-moving winter holes on Southwest Virginia rivers. Learn a proven technique for locating winter musky by observi...
Guest: Matt Reilly
102
Dec. 11, 2025

S7, Ep 102: Wrapping Up 2025: Product Drops and More from The Chocklett Factory

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary streamer innovator Blane Chocklett to discuss his groundbreaking new hook line with Ahrex, designed specifically for modern articulated fly patterns and the Game Changer platform. Blane Chocklett's Hook Design Revolution Blane Chocklett reveals how he completely reimagined hook sizing and design to solve the challenges fly tiers face when building articulated streamers. Rather than continuing to adapt existing...
101
Dec. 4, 2025

S7, Ep 101: Chasing Muskies: Ellis Ward's Insights on Seasonal Shifts and Fishing Strategies

In this East Tennessee Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with guide Ellis Ward to discuss the seasonal transition from brown trout to prime musky fishing on the French Broad River. Ellis breaks down why December is a great time to chase musky in East Tennessee, explaining how low water conditions create unique presentation opportunities and how recent rain is settling the river into its winter patterns. With baby number three arriving this week, Ellis shares hi...
Guest: Ellis Ward
100
Nov. 26, 2025

S7, Ep 100: Home Waters and Gratitude: Mac Brown's Thanksgiving Fishing Insights

In this Thanksgiving edition of Casting Angles, fly fishing podcast host Marvin Cash and veteran casting instructor Mac Brown reflect on the blessings of local fishing opportunities and why fishing closer to home makes you a better angler. The conversation explores how pursuing multiple species—from trout and smallmouth bass to the often-overlooked musky fishery at Cheoah Reservoir—sharpens overall angling skills and reveals untapped potential in your own backyard. Mac emphasizes that winter is ...
Guest: Mac Brown
99
Nov. 21, 2025

S7, Ep 99: Winter's Approach: Matt Reilly's Tips for Catching Musky in Low Water

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing, where he breaks down late fall musky fishing tactics on the New River during challenging low water conditions. Matt shares essential techniques for clear water musky fishing, including stealth approaches with long casts, downsizing presentations and speed retrieval strategies that trigger strikes even when fish are boat-shy. The episode also deli...
Guest: Matt Reilly
98
Nov. 15, 2025

S7, Ep 98: The Fight for Our Future: Land Tawney on Grassroots Advocacy and Public Lands

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Land Tawney, outdoorsman, conservationist and co-founder of American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, to discuss the future of public lands conservation and effective grassroots advocacy strategies. With nearly 30 years of conservation leadership experience, including his transformative tenure at Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Land brings unparalleled expertise to this critical conversation about protecting our outdoor h...
97
Nov. 14, 2025

S7, Ep 97: The Winter Transition: George Costa's Tips for Central PA Anglers

Join The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast for a timely Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop in State College. As late fall transitions into winter, George breaks down current conditions across Central PA's streams and provides essential guidance for navigating spawning season responsibly. With rivers running low and clear, he shares proven techniques including nymphing with smaller mayfly patterns, deploying egg patterns in deeper runs and timing your stream...
Guest: George Costa
96
Nov. 13, 2025

S7, Ep 96: The Art of the Dry: Mac Brown's Winter Fishing Insights

In this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown from Mac Brown Fly Fish in Bryson City, North Carolina, for another Casting Angles segment exploring an often-overlooked winter fishing strategy: dry fly fishing in cold weather conditions. Mac reveals why winter dry fly fishing deserves more attention, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains where low, clear water and selective trout make stealth presentations with dries surprisingly effecti...
Guest: Mac Brown
95
Nov. 4, 2025

S7, Ep 95: Navigating the Bite: Ellis Ward's Guide to Catching Big Browns

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for an East Tennessee Fishing Report with guide Ellis Ward, covering exceptional streamer fishing conditions on the South Holston River. Ward breaks down the perfect storm of factors creating explosive brown trout action: pre-spawn behavior, shad kills from dissolved oxygen events and ideal atmospheric conditions that produced multiple fish over 20 inches in single sessions. This fly fishing podcast delivers expert troubleshooting for ...
Guest: Ellis Ward
94
Oct. 31, 2025

S7, Ep 94: Rain Dance Revelations: George Costa on Central PA's Fishing Forecast

Join The Articulate Fly's latest Central PA Fishing Report as host Marvin Cash checks in with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College for critical fall fishing updates. With much-needed rain finally arriving in central Pennsylvania, George breaks down how the changing water conditions are transforming local trout streams. Streamer fishing is heating up as flows increase and water gains color, creating ideal conditions for aggressive fall trout. George reports consistent olive hatches ...
Guest: George Costa
Oct. 30, 2025

BONUS: Designing the Perfect Glide: Chase Smith and the Spiral Spook

Discover the Spiral Spook: Innovation in Topwater Fly Fishing Join Marvin Cash on The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast as he interviews Chase Smith, inventor of the innovative Spiral Spook fly pattern. Chase bridges conventional and fly fishing by adapting the classic walk-the-dog action into a deadly topwater fly for bass and other predator species. Expert Design Insights from Chase Smith Chase shares his journey from conventional fishing to creating one of fly fishing's most unique topwater...
93
Oct. 29, 2025

S7, Ep 93: Rainy Day Strategies: Mac Brown on Fishing High Water and Stained Conditions

In this Casting Angles segment of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown tackle high water fishing strategies as fall rains transform river conditions across the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions. Fresh from teaching in Arkansas during challenging turnover conditions, Mac shares critical techniques for bank fishing during elevated flows, explaining why staying out of the water lets anglers cover 8-10 times more productive water than wading. ...
Guest: Mac Brown
92
Oct. 25, 2025

S7, Ep 92: Last Call for Fishing: Brendan Ruch Discusses Fall Conditions and Future Plans

Join The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for the season finale of The Ruch Report, where host Marvin Cash and Brendan Ruch deliver critical late fall fishing insights from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Ruch, a respected smallmouth bass guide and fly tier, breaks down the challenging low, clear water conditions dominating the region and explains how fish behavior shifts as topwater season ends. Despite late summer-like water levels continuing into fall, Ruch reveals a key pattern: smallmouth are group...
Guest: Brendan Ruch