As a 21 year old Vietnam veteran, Bob Popovics gravitated to fly fishing for striped bass and the people who chased them from shore. These guys became his family and the collective passion became a maelstrom for the north east striper fishermen. The power behind this fish was real and in 1965 a fishing club called the Salt Water Fly Rodders of America was formed. They exchanged information, established the criteria for world record catches (which would be handed over to the IGFA in 1978) and had chapters throughout the country extending to California and Australia. The chapters ran out of steam in 1977, but was revitalized in 1987. It was then that Popovics started weekly meetings and fly tying sessions at his house. Upstairs in a small room 50 fly fishermen would crowd over Bob’s fly tying vise and the creativity exploded. Lefty Kreh called Popovics the greatest fly tier of all time! Bob’s imagination was vibrant, and his designs became the flies of choice for the variety of fish caught in the North East surf.
His two books, Pop Fleyes and Fleye Design are a confirmation that Lefty’s statement was spot on and many felt the same. Above all, it's Bob’s heart, personality, and love for his fellow anglers will stand the test of time!! He is beloved by all…. And one more thing, Lefty’s last wish to Bob was, “Help preserve the history of salt water fly fishing!” With this interview and what Popovics has saved, I know Lefty would be very proud of his brother, “Bobby."
Episode 113: Dr. Fred Troxel - Dentist, Artist, & Fanatic Fisherman
Episode 112: Capt. Andy Thompson - The Sheriff
Episode 111: Capt. Al Dopirak - Homosassa's Greatest
Episode 110: Capt. Butch Constable - Jupiter's Finest
Episode 109: Rachel Finn - the Artist
Episode 107: Capt. Sarah Gardner - "Fly Girl"
Episode 106: George Sawley - The Wild One
Episode 105: Capt. Nick Stanczyk - Stanz Fishing
Episode 104: Mitch Howell - The Gentleman
Episode 103: Capt. Jarad Boshammer - Life of "Dingo"
Episode 102: Betsy Bullard - The "Swamp Witch"
Episode 101: Capt. Ed Walker - Life On The Gulf of Mexico
Episode 100: Chris Wittman - Captains for Clean Water
Episode 99: Kyle Holt - Trout Fishing The Roaring Fork Valley
Episode 98: Dan Lahren - "Dangerous Dan"
Episode 97: David Denholm - The Brotherhood
Episode 96: Steve Herter - The Purist
Episode 95: Capt. Conway Bowman - Makos on Fly
Episode 94: Dr. Ross Boucek - The Mad Fish Scientist
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The MeatEater Podcast
Bear Grease
Live Wild with Remi Warren
Outside Podcast
Cal’s Week in Review