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 35: Richard Stanczyk - Broadbills to Bones
Episode 34: Andy & Nathaniel
Episode 33: Capt. Dale Perez - Home Runs to World Records
Episode 32: Capt. Billy Knowles - The Mayor of Islamorada
Episode 31: Capt. Joe Rodriguez - Sábalo Loco
Episode 30: Capt. Tim Carlile - Heart of Gold
Episode 29: Tim Mahaffey - Tournament Maestro
Episode 28: Capt. Doug Kilpatrick - Tireless Pursuit
Episode 27: Kat Vallilee - Raising the Bar
Episode 26: Capt. Paul Tejera - Zest For Life
Episode 25: Capt. John O'Hearn - Rethinking the Game
Episode 24: Capt. Will Benson - Permit, Cruise Ships, & Conservation
Episode 23: Norman Duncan - The Innovator
Episode 22: Al Pflueger - Gentle Giant
Episode 21: Capt. Bob Branham - Bonefish Brilliance
Episode 20: Andy & Nicky -TALKIN' SHOP- Ethics On The Water, IGFA Rules, & Overcrowded Outdoors
Episode 19: Neal Beidleman - Hero on Everest
Episode 18: Lonny Vanatta - Backcountry Bulldog
Episode 17: Capt. RT Trosset - The Dean of Key West
Episode 16: Ryan Smalls - Ski Racer, Addicted Angler, Traditional Archer
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The MeatEater Podcast
Bear Grease
Cal’s Week in Review
Outside Podcast
The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast