Millie Paini grew up mountain biking and rock climbing, taking up fly fishing in her mid-twenties. A sought-after casting instructor, Millie co-owns TroutHunter on the Henry’s Fork. She resides near Last Chance, Idaho, enjoying both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

In this episode of Anchored, we share personal updates and reminisce about past careers and experiences in the fly fishing industry. We cover the challenges and rewards of running a fly shop, the complexities of obtaining an outfitter license, and Millie's journey as a female ambassador in the industry. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Millie's business, the effects of climate change on local conservation efforts, and our comparison of why our daughters may prefer not fishing.

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Mac Brown is the owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish and Fly Fishing Guide School in Western NC. Mac pioneered the first full-time fly fishing guide service in the region and was instrumental in establishing the Upper Nantahala River's Delayed Harvest. As an educator, Mac served as an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University, shaping the next generation of anglers and fostering the area's competitive fishing scene.

Author of "Casting Angles," Mac is a Master Casting Instructor and a Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Famer. Recognized by FFI with prestigious awards, including the Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, Mac's contributions extend beyond teaching to product development and media presence. Active in fly fishing shows and youth coaching, Mac's legacy is rooted in decades of dedication to the sport and its community.

In this episode of Anchored we discuss advanced fly casting, trick casts, fly fishing’s evolution and so much more.

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Ryan Brod is a seasoned writer whose essays have graced the pages of numerous prestigious publications. Recently, he achieved another milestone with the publication of his first book, "Tributaries." However, Ryan's connection to the outdoors runs deep. Growing up surrounded by the hunting and fishing culture of the Belgrade Lakes region, he learned about fishing from his father, a generational guide. This upbringing shaped his path, leading him to become a Maine Guide in his early twenties.

Today, Ryan shares his passion for both storytelling and the natural world as a teacher of first-year writing and creative nonfiction at the University of New England. His experiences range from guiding inexperienced New Yorkers on frozen lakes to pursuing giant tarpons in the waters of Florida. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss fishing in Maine, how to fly fish from a canoe, fishing for carp in tidal waters, what makes us hunters (as anglers), choosing passion over profit in this day and age, and more.

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Mike Schultz, affectionately known as “Schultzy,” is the Owner of Schultz Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, a hub for Southern Michigan angling, instruction, and destination travel. Growing up in Michigan, he developed a connection with the outdoors, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in the fly-fishing industry.

Spending countless hours on the water each year, Schultzy has honed his expertise in Midwestern waters and beyond. While his primary focus remains on the warm-water fishing havens of Southern Michigan, his angling adventures have taken him to exotic locations around the world.

Driven by a passion for conservation, Schultzy has played a pivotal role in founding annual fundraisers like the Huron River Single Fly and Huckin’ for the Huron, in collaboration with the Huron River Watershed Council. These events support the preservation of Michigan’s Blue-Ribbon Smallmouth stream, the Huron River.

Outside of his angling pursuits, Schultzy resides in Dexter, Michigan, nestled along the banks of The Huron River with his wife, Allie, and their sons, Tanner and Dylan. With a commitment to sharing his passion for fishing and conservation, Schultzy continues to inspire anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike—myself included.

In this episode of Anchored, we discuss the process of opening his fly shop in Ypsilanti, tactics for catching smallmouth bass on the fly, the effects of water temperature, tackle, and more.

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Aaron Goodis's journey with fly fishing began at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong passion for the sport. While he possesses a comprehensive understanding of various facets of fly fishing, his primary focus lies in chasing Steelhead across the remote and local rivers of British Columbia. From the renowned Dean River to the formidable Thompson, Aaron's quest for these elusive fish is unwavering. Beyond his love for angling, Aaron is a devoted landscape, fly fishing, and adventure photographer based in Vancouver, BC.

In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how Aaron got involved in the Spey scene in the early years, his struggle with Crohn’s disease, getting his casting certification, grieving dead river systems, and more.

Find Aaron at:

His website: www.aarongoodisphoto.com

On instagram here.

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/aaron.goodis.photography

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This week’s episode is a bit of a departure from the norm, but I’m happy to stand behind it nonetheless. When friend and past podcast guest, Louis Cahill, reached out and suggested we sit down together with Andrew Grillos, I knew it was going to be a special conversation. So, in this episode of Anchored, the three of us gathered to discuss a topic that's close to our hearts: men’s mental health in the world of fly fishing.

The conversation is admittedly a bit scattered, but I think that adds to its authenticity. Throughout our discussion, we shared personal stories, insights, and reflections on the unique mental health challenges that men in the fly fishing community often face. From the pressures of maintaining a tough exterior to the stigma surrounding seeking help, we covered a lot of ground.

But amidst the conversation, there's a clear message that I hope resonates with Anchored listeners: You're not alone. No matter what you're going through, there's always someone out there who's willing to listen and help. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

So, as you listen to this episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own mental health journey. And if you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life, both on and off the water.

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Join me for a quick conversation with Charles Gaines, an iconic outdoor writer, and the ingenious creator of paintball. In this episode, we delve deep into the pages of Charles' extraordinary career, exploring his contributions to outdoor literature and the unexpected twist of fate that led to the birth of the worldwide sensation, paintball. From his early days as an outdoor enthusiast to becoming a celebrated author, Charles Gaines' story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation.

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Matt Harris is a London-based photographer who started his angling journey at an early age — now at 58, he’s more hooked than ever. Matt's love for fly-fishing has led him on hundreds of extraordinary adventures across the globe, from Russia's Arctic Circle to the Amazon jungle, Australia’s Northern Territories... there’s hardly a fly fishing destination he hasn’t visited.

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, we discuss… everything. From snooty fishing, remote jungle escapades, today’s fishing media, Atlantic salmon in Norway and Russia, even my wedding weekend on the Bulkley ten years ago. We cover it all in this week’s episode and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

You can find Matt’s latest book, "THE FISH OF A LIFETIME,” at https://thefishofalifetime.com.

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In this episode of Anchored, I had the pleasure of hosting Lucy Bowden, the visionary founder of Fishing For Everyone, established in 2005. Hailing from Britain, Lucy is not just an angling coach but a passionate angler who discovered her love for the sport at the tender age of five. What sets Lucy apart is her unwavering belief that fishing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or ability. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and encouraging inclusivity within the angling community is truly inspiring. As a prominent female angler, Lucy has become a beacon for women in the sport, motivating countless individuals to take up fishing. Her founding principle was simple yet profound: to provide everyone with the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing in a safe and supportive environment. 

We discuss Lucy's remarkable journey, making silly decisions in our twenties, private land, coaching, stillwater fishing in the UK, and the empowering ethos behind Fishing For Everyone.

I'd like to take a moment to highlight Skip Morris' latest publication, "Top 12 Nymphs for Trout Streams: How, When, and Where to Fish Them." This exceptional book delves into the realms of fly-fishing and fly-tying, guiding readers through twelve outstanding nymph-flies and offering insights on how to effectively catch trout in creeks, streams, and rivers. Each nymph-fly is accompanied by a vivid color photograph, with Skip Morris providing detailed information on its imitation, purpose, and behavior in the water. Morris doesn't just stop there; he shares invaluable tips on how to fish each fly efficiently, including the optimal depth, the best times for fishing, and various proven fishing methods. The book also includes a section to aid in selecting the right fly for specific conditions and choosing the most effective method for presenting it to trout. For both novices and seasoned pros navigating the intricate world of trout flies, Skip Morris' expert guidance simplifies the process. This book not only informs but also entertains, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about fly-fishing. To explore and enhance your fly-fishing experience, consider checking out the book through this purchase link: Top 12 Nymphs for Trout Streams. 

 https://www.skip-morris-fly-tying.com/top-12-nymphs-for-trout-streams-how-when-and-where-to-fish-them-2nd-edition.html

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Do you remember the first time you saw Hank Patterson on screen? I certainly do. I didn’t know what exactly I was watching, but I was laughing and left wanting more. Travis Swartz’s character, Hank Patterson, is a self-proclaimed world renowned fly fishing guide and instructor who exudes confidence in scenarios he knows very little about. His comedy pokes light-hearted fun at some of the more debatable topics in fly fishing, allowing all of us to make fun of ourselves in some form or another.

In this episode of Anchored, Travis and I discuss his life as an actor and producer before turning to fly fishing humour, how the Hank Patterson character came to be, how he approaches comedy in our sport, and the film he and I made close to a decade ago. On that note, I’ll see if I can find an old copy and will post it on my YouTube channel. If you’re not a subscriber, I hope you will be soon! Find me at www.youtube.com/aprilvokey

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Dave Zielinski has fished periodical and annual cicada emergences for decades on waterways in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. He recently released his book, Cicada Madness, which is the first book dedicated to the patterns, techniques, and more importantly, the science of locating the best hatches of these insects.

In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about Dave and his passion for these incredible bugs. Be sure to stay tuned for the last half of today’s show, as we’ve included Dave’s awesome presentation that he gave for our members last month. If you haven’t checked out the show on YouTube yet, this is definitely a great episode to watch. You can find my channel by just typing in Anchored with April Vokey. See you there!

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