Ep. 4: Mike Lutes - Co Founder, Badger Tenkara

In Episode 4 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, we check in with Mike Lutes to see what his post Badger Tenkara fixed-line fly fishing experiences look like today.

Mike Lutes brings a unique perspective to fixed-line fly fishing. Living in Wisconsin, he has access to many different species of fish – from the trout of the Driftless, to smallmouth of the rivers, and even the fish of a thousand casts, the muskie. In this podcast interview Mike Agneta and Matt Sment speak to Mike Lutes about his background in fly fishing, the progression toward tenkara, a top secret fishing location in Wisconsin, his gear choices and tenkara “style”, targeting machaca in Costa Rica, the origin story of Badger Tenkara, as well as some quick hit questions on favorite species, flipping guitars, conservation, natural phenomena, advice for a new tenkara angler, and hair care tips. In all, it’s a little over forty minutes of tenkara and fixed-line fun we’re certain you’ll enjoy!

Show Notes & Links:

01:40 – Intro to Mike Lutes, co-founder Badger Tenkara

02:54 – Mike’s intro to fly fishing

05:07 – The transition to tenkara & top secret water

06:55 – Mike’s local waters and species

08:17 – Trout vs. Smallmouth bass gear

09:14 – Props to Tenkara Times!

10:34 – Mike’s tenkara style & choice of flies

11:20 – Chucking streamers

14:23 – MACHACA!

18:00 – Fixed line + boats

20:05 – Origin story of Badger Tenkara

26:40 – MWTF & the tenkara community

30:48 – Post Badger Tenkara

33:00 – Mike’s favorite species

33:54 – Flipping guitars

35:43 – Interesting natural world happening

37:50 – Bigfoot meets Tenkara Gandalf

38:51 – Trout Unlimited and Project Green Teen

39:38 – Advice for a novice tenkara angler

40:10 – Mike’s glorious flow

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Badger Tenkara

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