Into the Backing

In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Greening, Nate Pamplin, and Dave Hansen to dive into the complex issue of pinniped predation and its impact on fisheries. Dr. Spencer Greening, an Indigenous scholar and ecologist, brings cultural and ecological insights into the balance between marine life and traditional fisheries. Nate, a fisheries and wildlife policy expert, sheds light on management st...

A listener named Ben recently sent in a great question about one of the most debated topics in fly fishing: line weights. He shared his own experience of buying a high-end 5-weight rod, only to find out a year later that it performed best with a heavier line—essentially making it a 6-weight setup. His frustration? The industry’s blurred definitions and the confusion it causes for anglers trying to...

In this episode of Into the Backing, we discuss the advantages of both the single and double handed rod. From swinging flies for steelhead to using them for something as niche as fly fishing for musky, we cover it all in this month’s session. Join me to sit down with author and former sales rep Jerry Darkes, guide and instructor Jeff Liskay, and BackPacker’s Fly Shop manager Jake Wright for a frie...

In this episode of Into the Backing, we tackle a complex and polarizing issue: native fish vs. introduced fish. That phrase has always sounded odd to me, so I figured there must be more to the controversy. As it turns out, much of the online debate stems from miscommunication and assumptions about region-specific fisheries that are close to our hearts. Sometimes, though, it’s a clash of science, p...

Today, we're kicking off season two with a relatively light-hearted conversation about Euro Nymphing and its perception in the fly fishing industry. A hot topic around the fly-tying counter, Euro Nymphing is viewed by some as the most effective form of fly fishing, while others argue it’s not fly fishing at all. I thought it would be interesting to invite some of fly fishing's strongest personalit...

It can be a tricky task trying to balance fly fishing and ethical marketing. And while it’s nothing new, the conversation has never been quite as polarising as it is when it involves influencers. Right, wrong, or otherwise, there’s a stigma around this new-age marketing tactic that pops up in comment sections and tackle shops around the world. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with K...

A recent change in government regulations has made fishing for steelhead from a boat illegal in Washington State. The change is the result of poor steelhead returns and an attempt to find a compromise between the guides, anglers and fish. A substantial amount of guides and anglers are upset about the new law and how it was implemented, so I asked longtime salmon and steelhead guide and spokesperso...

It’s hard to ignore the contention that follows any conversation about fishing on redds. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, photographer Adam Barker, and Howard Horton from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to see if we could get to the bottom of why it’s frowned upon. We discuss the science behind fishing on redds, why it isn’t illegal in many parts of North Americ...

As a relatively new hunter, I was curious to learn more about the grip and grin debate that I often see surface on social media. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with experienced hunters Britt Longoria, Tyler Freel and Mark Hall to hear their thoughts. We discuss how and why our photos matter, if the hunting industry is unnecessarily inflammatory, and if something as simple as a soc...

This month’s episode has been brewing since the conception of the Anchored podcast in 2014. Over the last six years, we’ve discussed various concerns about the impact of hatchery fish in wild systems. Every time such an episode airs, it stimulates debate between "pro-hatchery" and "anti-hatchery" anglers. So, for years I've been asking hatchery advocates to give me the name of someone they wanted...

My guests today include big game specialist and Sportfishing captain Vic Levett, Australian fishing guide Justin Duggan, and steelhead guide and photographer Adrienne Comeau, who also happens to be a life-long vegetarian. In this episode of Into the Backing we tackle the argument of whether catch and release fly fishing is truly beneficial to fish, or if it’s unnecessary torture for our own fun. ...

Today our round table guests include Master caster Peter Morse, professional photographer and avid angler David Anderson, and guide and entrepreneur Josh Hutchins. On this episode, we explore whether there is such a thing as too easy when it comes to fishing. We also consider the definition of fly fishing and discuss our opinions on whether fishing is a sport. Join us for this stimulating conversa...

We’ve got all sorts of discussion coming your way in this monthly series. Between pro-hatchery and anti-hatchery biologists, social media influencers and old-school industry types, catch and release anglers and meat hunters… We’re putting some hot topics on the table for you to form your own opinions. Be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss out on episode one, where we keep it light with a fri...