Show Notes
This week we're joined by bestselling author and longtime fly angler Monte Burke, whose acclaimed book Lords of the Fly chronicles the unforgettable pursuit of the world-record tarpon and the larger-than-life personalities who helped shape modern fly fishing. Monte is also the author of Saban, Sowbelly, Rivers Always Reach the Sea, and has written for The New York Times, Garden & Gun, The Drake, Outside, and many more. Our conversation goes well beyond the pages of Lords of the Fly. We dive into the history and culture of fly fishing, the places and people that have left the biggest impression on Monte, and why the stories surrounding our sport matter just as much as the fish themselves. We also talk about traveling in search of new waters, the importance of introducing kids to fly fishing, the unique community that surrounds the sport, and what keeps all of us coming back to the water. Whether you're obsessed with chasing trophy fish or simply love spending time on the water with family and friends, this episode is packed with stories, perspective, and plenty of reasons to grab a fly rod and head outside.
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More from Dads On The Fly
We took Dads On The Fly to the Rise Fish Festival! With Joshua holding down the booth, we got to connect with some awesome folks from the Asheville-area outdoor community and hear the stories behind what they do. In Part 1, Joshua sits down with Matthew Carter of Rambler Angler and Blade Co., artist Greg Vaeth, Sean Salemme of Clayborn, and PJ Jackson, co-owner and CEO of Chop Shop Butchery. From fishing and art to outdoor apparel and good food, these conversations celebrate the creativity, passion, and people that make the outdoor community in Western North Carolina so special. Kick back and join us for some conversations straight from the festival at Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins. This is Part 1, with more from Rise coming in Part 2! Check out the folks we talked with: Rambler Angler and Blade Co. — https://rambler.co Greg Vaeth — https://www.gregvaeth.com/ Clayborn — https://claybornco.com/ Chop Shop Butchery — https://www.chopshopbutchery.com
Kyle Graves of Salty Graves Guide Service is the kind of captain who knows a great day of fishing is about more than just catching fish. He’s an entertainer, a storyteller, and a guy who has turned his passion for fishing into the dream of becoming a captain. We talk with Kyle about saltwater fishing around Palm Coast, Florida, what it takes to create an unforgettable day on the boat, and why keeping people laughing and having fun is just as important as putting fish in the boat. But one of the best parts of Kyle’s story is happening off the water. He’s chasing a dream while his daughter gets to watch it happen and see firsthand what it looks like when her dad goes after something he truly loves. It’s a conversation about fishing, chasing dreams, being a dad, and making the most of every day on the water.
Sometimes you just have a week where everything finally clicks. Joshua and Caleb start this episode with a little life update coving things like; watching your first kid get a driver's permit, playing a whole lot of golf, and taking the family to the Biltmore Championship. Then the conversation takes a hard turn toward something they've been chasing for the better part of four years: smallmouth euphoria. After years of figuring out rivers, studying water, missing fish, getting skunked, finding put-ins and take-outs, and generally wondering if they were ever going to actually figure out smallmouth, something finally clicked. September brought a week of catching a ridiculous number of fish, and with it came the realization that maybe, just maybe, they've finally cracked the code. Joshua and Caleb talk about what it took to get there, the hilarious learning curve of figuring out where to launch and where to get off the river, the lessons they've learned along the way, and what it's like when all that time and effort finally turns into the kind of fishing you've been dreaming about. It's a little parenting, a little golf, a little family life, and a whole lot of smallmouth. Come see us this weekend at the Rise Fly Fishing Festival. Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store . Check out our sponsors: https://turtleboxaudio.com/ https://nativesflyfishing.com/ https://saludabeads.com/ https://rambler.co/
Andy Mill is one of those names in fly fishing that needs very little introduction. From Olympic downhill skiing to a legendary career chasing tarpon, Andy has lived an extraordinary life, and somehow, he may be an even better storyteller than he is an angler. In this episode of Dads On The Fly, we’re joined by Andy and his son Nicky Mill for a conversation that goes way beyond fishing. We talk about Andy’s journey, the competitive drive that has shaped his life, the people and experiences that have made him who he is, and what it looks like to pass a love for the outdoors from one generation to the next. Andy and Nicky are the father-son duo behind the Mill House Podcast, known for sitting down with some of the most fascinating characters, innovators, and legends in the outdoor world. Their podcast has become a place where the stories behind the people matter just as much as the fish, and that same spirit made this conversation with them so much fun. We’re incredibly honored to have Andy and Nicky on Dads On The Fly. Andy is truly one of the legends of our sport, but what makes this conversation special is getting to hear the stories, the laughs, the lessons, and the perspective behind the legend. This is a big one.
In this episode, Joshua sits down in person with Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele, the founders of Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, to hear the story behind the unique riverside destination they’ve built along the French Broad. From their days as river guides to turning a shared vision into a place centered around adventure, community, and the outdoors, Joe and Shelton talk about the journey of building Wrong Way and what makes it so special. Then Nate Jordan joins the conversation, and the guys dive into the RISE Fly Fishing Festival, happening September 26 at Wrong Way. RISE brings together fly fishing, live music, brews, BBQ, tattoos, raffles, and the larger fishing community, but it’s about more than just having a good time. The festival was created as a way to give back to the watershed that has given so much to the fly-fishing community. It’s a conversation about building something from the ground up, the people and places that make fly fishing special, the French Broad River, and what it looks like when a community comes together to give back. If you love fly fishing, the outdoors, Western North Carolina, or just hearing the stories behind people who are building something meaningful, you’re going to enjoy this one. Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store . Check out our sponsors: https://turtleboxaudio.com/ https://nativesflyfishing.com/ https://saludabeads.com/ https://rambler.co/ https://www.advntraccessories.com/