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 de...

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 grouping...

The Articulate Fly podcast delivers another essential Ruch Report featuring expert guide Brendan Ruch, who shares critical fall bass fishing strategies while navigating his new role with Megabass . In this timely episode, Ruch addresses the pivotal question of when to transition from topwater flies to ned rig techniques during fall fishing, revealing that low water conditions and extended warm weather are keeping topwater action alive well into autumn. Learn about the most effective ned rig-styl...

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Pennsylvania guide Brendan Ruch, who shares expert techniques for challenging summer fishing conditions. With waters running low and clear across PA, Ruch reveals why subtle surface presentations are outfishing aggressive popper techniques, demonstrating Matt Miles' proven method of creating slack movement that mimics injured insects without spooking selective fish. Learn specific cicada shimmy strategies that trigger...

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another essential Ruch Report with smallmouth bass guide Brendan Ruch, fresh from successful trips to Michigan waters with Schultz Outfitters and western Pennsylvania streams. Despite challenging mid-Atlantic conditions with high, dirty water disrupting traditional topwater fishing, Brendan shares proven strategies for adapting to stained water conditions using copper flash patterns, tan and olive brown crayfish imitations and downsized ...

Join Marvin Cash on this tactical episode featuring smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. With high water keeping anglers off their home waters, Brendan shares his expertise on optimizing Lamson three-pack reel setups for serious smallmouth fishing, breaking down the perfect trio of fly lines for varying conditions. Learn how to match fly lines to your rod's action, discover why intermediate lines require seasonal swapping to avoid sticky summer performance and master...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. As summer heats up, Brendan shares his insights on adapting smallmouth strategies, particularly focusing on topwater techniques and the importance of scaling down baitfish sizes for summer flows. Listeners will learn about the effectiveness of using smaller, slim-profile baitfish flies and the benefits of experimenting with larger flies in faster water. Brendan emphasizes that anglers sh...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for another engaging Ruch Report. As he navigates the scenic mountains of West Virginia, Brendan shares his recent fishing experiences en route to pick up a new puppy. He discusses the surprising sight of fish on beds and the strategies that have been effective in the current high-water conditions. Listeners will gain insights into the types of flies that are working well, including olive and black patterns with...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for another exciting Ruch Report. Brendan shares his latest fishing adventures, recounting a rollercoaster day on the water filled with unpredictable weather and some impressive catches. The duo dives into the intricacies of fishing under changing conditions, discussing the various techniques and strategies that proved successful during Brendan's outing. As they prepare for an upcoming weather front, Brendan provid...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for a new Ruch Report. The duo dives into the recent weather challenges in Pennsylvania, discussing how the heavy rains have impacted fishing but also set the stage for a promising post-spawn bite. Brendan shares his experiences from the past week, where he navigated through a mix of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, revealing the unique conditions that led to some interesting fishing strategies. Listeners will gain v...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reunites with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report, filled with fishing tales and a touch of humor. Brendan shares his recent adventures on the river, including a successful day of fishing despite some unpredictable weather. The duo lightheartedly discusses everything from imaginary convenience store chimichangas to Easter treats, setting the stage for a fun and engaging conversation. As they dive deeper, Brendan reflects on the current ...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. Despite sitting in a damp truck and facing some chilly weather, Brendan reflects on an exciting three weeks of fishing. He discusses the recent high water conditions and how they impact fish behavior, as well as the anticipated smallmouth spawn in the coming week or so. The duo dives into Brendan's successful outings with clients from Schultz Outfitters, where they enjoyed some fantas...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for an engaging Ruch Report filled with insights on the current Pennsylvania smallmouth scene. Brendan shares his excitement about the pre-spawn bite, detailing the recent fishing frenzy in Pennsylvania and the strategies that led to success. He emphasizes the importance of lighter colored flies and specific materials that have proven effective in enticing bass. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as Bre...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the final Ruch Report of the year with Brendan Ruch of Ruch Angling. Reflecting on a successful first season, Brendan shares his thoughts on the current fishing conditions and his plans for the off-season. As the conversation shifts, Brendan discusses his excitement for the upcoming musky season. Marvin and Brendan also announce the winner of the Ruch Angling swag pack, Frank Landis, and assure listeners that the contest was fair a...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. Brendan shares his experiences from a crisp fall day on the river, discussing how the changing season is impacting fishing spots and tactics. As the fall progresses, Brendan emphasizes the importance of fishing low and slow with weighted flies to maintain bottom contact, a key strategy for enticing fish during this time of year. Brendan shares his favorite fly patterns, includ...

Marvin Cash is joined by Brendan Ruch to discuss the current smallmouth fishing conditions in Pennsylvania as the season transitions into fall. Brendan shares insights about the recent bump in water levels that has improved fishing conditions, leading to a brief pre-spawn-like feeding frenzy. As the weather cools and water clarity increases, Brendan emphasizes the importance of adjusting tackle setups, including using longer leaders and smaller flies to adapt to the clearer water. He also discus...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Brendan Ruch for another Ruch Report. Brendan shares his observations on the current fall transition, including cooler temperatures and wetter conditions. He discusses the challenges and rewards of fishing in low water levels, where every cast can either be grass or bass. Brendan provides tips on bottom bouncing techniques and how to fish in grassy conditions without losing your mind. Listeners will appreciate Brendan's insi...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. Brendan shares updates on the current fishing conditions, highlighting the mixed period of topwater and baitfish fishing. He provides tips on fishing buggy style during the day and baitfish patterns over weeds and boulders in the mornings and evenings. Brendan also discusses the seasonal behavior of baitfish and the importance of adapting fishing strategies accordingly. Don't ...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with Brendan Ruch for another Ruch Report. Brendan shares his recent experiences on the water, discussing the impact of fluctuating weather on fishing conditions. From wearing jackets in the morning to sweltering afternoons, Brendan provides a detailed account of the week's fishing activities, including using baitfish and crayfish patterns, as well as poppers in the afternoon. He also highlights the excitement of seeing damsels ou...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. Brendan shares his recent adventures in Canada, where he enjoyed catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as some pike. They discuss the impact of recent heavy rains on local fishing conditions and the upcoming stream cleanup event with the Delaware River Club. Brendan provides valuable advice for anglers on what to expect as the water levels drop and become fishable a...

Join host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another Ruch Report with Brendan Ruch. In this episode, Brendan shares his sunburnt adventures and insights from a day of popper fishing. They discuss the challenges of summer fishing in the dog days, with temperatures soaring and unique weather conditions affecting the bite. Brendan highlights the hot crayfish bite and the effectiveness of yellow poppers, revisiting his previous stance on blue poppers. They delve into the nuances of fishing in bri...

Join host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Brendan Ruch. In this episode, Brendan reflects on his recent 30th birthday celebrations and shares his unique fishing experiences in Wisconsin with Chris Willen. Despite challenging conditions with blown-out rivers, Brendan explored lake fishing using advanced techniques and electronics. Brendan discusses the current hot weather and its impact on fishing, noting water temperatures reaching up to 91-92 degrees. H...

Join host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Brendan Ruch. Brendan shares his experiences and tips for fishing during the challenging heat waves in Central PA. He discusses the importance of fishing during the fringes of the day and how to adjust your casting techniques to avoid spooking fish in low, clear water conditions. Brendan answers listener questions, including tips for catching fall fish and strategies for targeting smallmouth bass when water level...

Join host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for the latest Ruch Report with the man himself, Brendan Ruch. Brendan shares insights on early summer fishing conditions, including the excitement of fishing streamers in high water and transitioning to the topwater bite as water levels drop. Learn about the best techniques for targeting bass with topwater bugs, including the importance of shade lines and optimal depths for fishing. Brendan also answers listener questions, including a humorous inquiry...

Dive into the world of smallmouth bass fishing with host Marvin Cash as he introduces the inaugural Ruch Report on The Articulate Fly. In this episode, we're joined by smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch to get the latest scoop on river conditions and bass behavior post-spawn. Brendan shares his experiences from a rare day off the water, reflecting on recent weather patterns that have led to high water levels and their impact on fishing. He discusses the shift back to April-like conditions on smaller ...

Embark on a riveting journey into the world of prespawn smallmouth bass with host Marvin Cash as he sits down with Brendan Ruch on The Articulate Fly. Brendan opens up about his evolution from a young angler casting soft plastics to the founder of Ruch Angling. With a deep dive into the tactics that make spring smallmouth fishing exhilarating, he shares invaluable insights into the art of fly retrieval, the allure of the Leggy Boi and the importance of timing and technique in presenting streamer...