The Fly Culture Podcast

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Episode 341  Fishing Bamboo with David Spencer
I speak with David Spencer about his passion for bamboo fly rods.
We look at the differing ways into this sub-genre of fly fishing via artisan builders like Luke Bannister, Edward Barder or Callum Gladstone among others or by searching auction sites or vintage tackle dealers to find a rod that might be perfect or needs some TLC if you are able to tackle the task.
We also discuss fly line selection for your new rod and and also how to care for bamboo rods too.
David has also organised a bamboo gathering in August that you'l hear about too.
If you've ever been bamboo curious this might be the gateway you've been looking for!

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Episode 340 - A Long Hot Summer
It's been a while since I've fished my home water, the Taw, due to the warm weather we've been having.
Water temperatures have been too high to cast a dry to a trout so I've been standing in saltwater casting to mullet and after a conversation with my friend Warren, we decided to see if we could catch some carp on the fly.
I made a last minute decision to pack the mic hoping I had enough battery power and share the day with you.
It starts slow but as the day progresses we see some carp, work out the best method to catch them and have a fun time on the water.
This was a spur of the moment trip but I'm pleased we did it.

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Episode 339 - The Italian Job Friuli 2026
I'm thrilled to once more be back in Italy with a group of anglers.
The weather is hot, the water is cold but the trout are rising and everyone is excited.
You'll join us to hear about the fishing and how we experience the 3 days of fishing.
I speak with the guides and also learn a little more about the Danubian and Marble Trout.
For me, these trips are special and getting the chance to share all of the wonderful moments is special.
Sit down and join us for the latest instalment of the Italian Job!

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Episode 338 - Marnie Lovejoy - Chair of The Grayling Society
I catch up with Marnie who is fresh from the river after catching a few fish before we recorded this episode.
I speak with her about her new role as Chair of the Grayling Society, her passion for this fish and what her plans are for the future.
Marnie talks me through her fishing timeline, the mentors she has had and what fishing means to her.
I learn that The Grayling Society is run totally by volunteers and why supporting the society by joining makes such a huge difference.
We talk about the grayling being 'the canary in the coal mine' and how additudes have changed to them in more recent time.
Marnie is an engaging guest who has a clear, modern vision for the society.

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Episode 337 = Mayfly Road Trip
I load the van with a sleeping bag a few rods and head off to fish the Test, stay at a campsite and fish the Wylye the next day.
It is early June and the mayfly are still about but the weather has shifted from the mini heatwave to wind and rain.
On the Test, I fish with Neil Mundy who invited me along for the day. He tells me about his passion for stalking trout in clear water on both rivers and lake and the incredible charity work he does.
The next day, I fish with Warren McCarthy on the Wylye. We start by fishing a small carrier stream with some surprising results before fishing the main river.
The weather is tricky but we manage to find a few rising fish and I crack and tie on a nymph too!