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 streamers.
As the conversation flows, Brendan reflects on the mentors who've shaped his journey, from the TCO Fly Shop team to the innovative minds in Michigan. He reveals how gear fishing has honed his fly fishing skills, particularly in crafting and presenting predator flies that mimic wounded prey. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of guiding, the subtleties of smallmouth behavior and the thrill of witnessing savage topwater strikes.
Whether you're a novice casting your first streamer or an experienced angler seeking to refine your craft, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, humor and passion for the sport. So, grab your favorite fly rod, tune in and let Brendan's expertise and stories fuel your next fishing adventure.
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Helpful Episode Chapters
0:00 Introduction
7:22 Fishing with Gear vs. Fly
13:28 Individual Fish Personalities in Summer
15:38 Tips for Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Fishing
30:10 Fly Tying Influences
36:14 Fly Casting Challenges
42:35 Selling Fly Patterns
44:06 Guide Season Overview
S6, Ep 48: Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 47: From Chilled Streams to Chilling at Frank's: Dustin White's Guide to Early Spring in Wyoming
S6, Ep 46: Ellis Ward's East Tennessee Euphoria: Dry Flies and Midge Magic
S6, Ep 45: Matt Reilly's Post-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Topwater Tips
S6, Ep 44: Perfecting the Cast with Mac Brown's Masterclass Insights
S6, Ep 43: PJ Smith Unravels the Driftless Mysteries
S6, Ep 42: Ellis Ward's Tailwater Tactics and Temperature Tantrums
S6, Ep 40: High Waters and Hatch Hopes with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 39: Mac Brown's High Country Hideaways and Warm Water Wisdom
S6, Ep 38: Shoal Bass Shenanigans and Fly Tying Philosophies with Georgia's Fletcher Sams
S6, Ep 37: Streamer Secrets and Dry Fly Dreams with East Tennessee's Ellis Ward
S6, Ep 36: Mac Brown's Spring Hatch Hacks and Windy Day Tactics
S6, Ep 35: George Costa's Easter Treats and Stream Beats in State College
S6, Ep 34: Stories of Lee Wulff with Jack Dennis
S6, Ep 33: Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly
S6, Ep 32: East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward
S6, Ep 31: On the Salt with GotOne
S6, Ep 30: Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 29: Casting Angles with Mac Brown
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