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 75: Tom McGuane - King of Words (Part 2)
Episode 74: Tom McGuane - King of Words
Episode 73: Ted Juracsik - "TIBOR"
Episode 72: Ryan Seiders - The "YETI" Story, Tarpon Fishing, & Hunting Big Whitetails
Episode 71: Bob Clouser - Fly Tying, Smallmouth Bass, & Stories with Lefty
Episode 70: Jose "Pepe" Lopez - 16lb Bonefish, Wind Knots, & Cracked Crabs
Episode 69: Capt. Mike Holliday - "Mexico Returns"
Episode 68: Capt. Eddie Wightman - The "Loner"
Episode 67: Steve Kantner - "The Land Captain"
Episode 66: Capt. Tommy Locke - Passion for the Poon
Episode 65: Capt. Randy Towe - Multifaceted Fisherman
Episode 64: Capt. Paul Dixon - Striper King
Episode 63: Capt. Scott Collins & David Dalu - The Game Changers
Episode 62: Howard Croston - World Fly Fishing Champion
Episode 61: Darren Clarke - Claret Jug to Permit Freak
Episode 60: Glenn Flutie - Pursuit of Excellence
Episode 59: Gary & Teresa Register - "Red Man"
Episode 58: Capt. David Mangum - Megalops Mania
Episode 57: Capt. Tim Klein - Treasures, Tournaments, and Tarpon
Episode 56: Rufus Wakeman - Big Business, Billfish, & Bullsh*t
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