The Flyfisher's Podcast

Scotty Xanthoulakis from Wilderness Fly Fishing and Jason van Koll join us to talk about River Lab, a new app that turns live river data and Scotty’s guiding knowledge into a daily game plan for northeast Victoria.

Jason was a frustrated flyfisher who could cast but couldn’t find fish. After a guided day with Scotty, he built an AI tool to make sense of his notes, started catching fish on his own, and showed Scotty. A year of coffees and development later, River Lab is nearly ready.

We cover how the app works, the...

Good mate of The Flyfisher, Gus Ingram is on the Upper Sarca near Pinzolo, in the Trentino region of northern Italy, for a day with local guide Paolo. Three rivers, plenty of fish, most of them on the dry, and then a chat in Paolo's family mountain cabin while a rain shower rolled through.

The Alto Sarca is an easy fishery to fall for. One permit covers around 300 kilometres of water, so you can nymph the main river for marble trout in the morning and be up a glacial tributary fishing dries after lunch.

We...

Jackson Murray, aka Bending with Muzz, joins us to talk flyfishing off the rocks for GTs, Australian salmon and longtail tuna. We cover the solo island trips, the training, the gear, the danger, and how his film Grasshopper made the RISE F3T fly fishing film tour. A great yarn about doing things the hard way.

Max Vereshaka is one of Australia’s most accomplished competition fly fishers, but this conversation goes well beyond medals, teams and tournament results.

Max has now stepped into a new chapter: travelling, fishing full-time, filming his adventures, and chasing everything from Tasmanian trophy trout to permit and barra across northern Australia.

In this episode, Max talks through his early days learning to fly fish on Lake Eucumbene, the lessons competition fishing drilled into him, the rise of Euro nymphing, and how trout tactics have shaped the way he approaches saltwater fly fishing.

We al...

Peter has just returned from another trip to Bermagui on the NSW Sapphire Coast, and this one had it all.

From mahi mahi and kingfish smashing bait around the FADs, to estuary flats packed with bream and flatties, bass in Brogo Dam, surf salmon, and even world-class trout water only a short drive inland, Bermagui might just be one of Australia’s most versatile fishing destinations.

In this episode we chat road trips, boats, bluewater current charts, fly tackle for pelagics, overlooked shore-based options, seafood, conservation, and why Bermagui keeps pulling anglers back year after ye...

Damo’s just returned from his first flyfishing trip to Tasmania — and it turned into one of those trips that’ll stick with him forever.

In this episode of Behind The Counter, we unpack the Tassie mission from start to finish. From rolling into Miena country and getting pointed in the right direction by Jim Allen, to early lessons at Little Pine, time on the boat at Penstock, and a foggy morning on Great Lake where everything finally lined up and the trout started sipping midges everywhere.

We also chat about how good the Victorian trout...

Queensland’s sand flats are one of Australia’s great fly fishing assets — and right now, they’re under real pressure.

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Chris Burgess (FlyLife contributor and Inshore Flats Project advocate) to dig into tunnel nets: what they are, how they work, and why many anglers believe they pose a serious threat to flats fisheries from Hinchinbrook to the Whitsundays and beyond.

We get into:

On this episode of Behind the Counter, Peter and Damien give an update on the recent fires and the lucky break that saw our key catchments spared — meaning the fishing is still firing and conditions are about as good as you could hope for. They dive into what’s fishing well right now, from Tassie to New Zealand, plus all the chatter from inside the shop. There’s plenty of new gear hitting the shelves, including the much-anticipated Atollas fly boxes, and a few surprises that have the crew buzzing. A solid listen if you want to stay across what’s...

In this episode, Peter and Damien sit down for a proper catch-up on everything happening in-store and out on the water. The lads run through the latest gear that’s been working well, fresh products hitting the shelves, and recap a stack of recent adventures — from New Zealand trout missions to Cocos chaos and Hinchinbrook flats sessions.

It’s a laid-back wrap of a big year at The Flyfisher, with plenty of stories, laughs, and a look toward more pods (and more fish) in 2026. Thanks for tuning in all year — we’re just getting warmed up.

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we pick up where we left off with Peter Hayes — one of Australia’s most influential flyfishing guides and casting instructors.

Peter dives deep into:

We also chat rod design — why Peter has a soft spot for fibreglass and bamboo rods, and how the kinetic whip effect in bamboo could inspire modern rod designs.

Plus, we cover...

In this episode, Andrew sits down with one of Australia’s most influential flyfishing figures — Peter Hayes. Known for his sharp teaching style, deep understanding of casting physics, and decades of guiding experience, Peter has helped shape the way we fish, and how fly casting is taught across the country.

From his early days representing Australia in both flyfishing and competition casting, through to building Hayes on Brumbys — a purpose-built flyfishing school in Tasmania — Peter’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and commitment.

Recorded while Peter was in Ballarat running casting clinics and guiding on Lake We...

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we catch up with legendary flyfisher and author Philip Weigall to wrap up what was, for many, a seriously tough season. Despite the low water and all the usual challenges (yep, including those bloody cormorants), Phil found ways to not just cope—but thrive. He shares how thinking a bit differently about where and how to fish in dry years can lead to surprisingly good results… in fact, some of his days were all-time bests. It’s an insightful chat packed with practical takeaways. Enjoy the listen!

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we dive deep into the adventure, challenges, and conservation efforts behind fly fishing in the Amazon with Rodrigo Salles of Untamed Angling. Rodrigo has pioneered access to some of the most remote fisheries on Earth, working alongside indigenous communities to create sustainable, world-class fly fishing lodges. He shares his journey, insights on Amazonian species, and what makes these waters so special. Plus, longtime client Ray Malone joins us to reveal why these trips are truly life-changing. If you’ve ever dreamed of casting a fly in the heart of the jungle, this...

We all dream of that near-untouched water, the place where solitude meets success, and the fish are bigger and more plentiful. But is a secret spot really the key to better fishing? And how hard is it to find your own?

In this episode, we reveal what it takes to discover your own secret spot—and it’s easier than you might think. While we’ll focus on trout fishing, the insights from our guest apply no matter where or what you fish for.

Andrew is joined by Mick Hurren, a seasoned guide and cinematographer from Y...

There are few things better than a fly fishing trip that blows all expectations out of the water—and that’s exactly what we got with Aotearoa Anglers in Southland, New Zealand. In this episode, we dive into an unforgettable three-day adventure, from drifting pristine Southland rivers and hiking into backcountry trout paradise to sight-fishing monster browns on the lakes.

With expert local guides, top-tier rafts, and some of the most breathtaking fishing locations on the planet, this trip had it all. We’ll share the highlights, the lessons learned, and why Aotearoa Anglers should be on every...

In this episode of The Flyfisher's Podcast, Peter Blackmore and Andrew explore how to plan and execute a successful DIY fly fishing holiday to New Zealand's South Island.

New Zealand's South Island is a mecca for fly fishing addicts, offering some of the most diverse and pristine waters in the world. From crystal-clear rivers and challenging backcountry streams to lush lakes and tarns, the South Island has it all. Whether you're an experienced flyfisher or a beginner, this podcast episode will help you navigate the best spots, essential gear, and travel tips for an unforgettable, cost effective...

In this episode of The Flyfisher's Podcast, Peter and Andrew explore how to plan and execute a successful DIY fly fishing holiday to New Zealand's North Island. After the boom of La Nina trout fishing in southeastern Australia, the season has returned to a more typical state, leaving many anglers finding their local fishing experiences less than exciting. If that’s you, it might be time to look across the ditch to New Zealand’s North Island, where trout fishing remains as abundant and world-class as ever. What's more, the 2024/5 season promises some of the best conditions in years.

In Far North Queensland, a saltwater fly fishing competition attracts passionate flyfishers from across Australia. This legendary event, presented by Australian Fly Fishing Outfitters, provided us with an incredible opportunity to experience it firsthand. What began as an intriguing adventure quickly became an unmissable annual highlight. For newcomers, the competition can be a bit intimidating, but the warm atmosphere fostered by organisers and participants ensures that everyone feels welcome and easily gets involved. In this informative episode, Peter & Andrew delve into the details of the scoring system and the challenge proceedings, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in...

With the 2024/25 trout season kicking off, Andrew and Peter have tapped into expert insights to help you pinpoint the best flyfishing locations and techniques for the early season.

Each season presents unique conditions, and this year’s low water levels and some fisheries impacted by cormorants could pose new challenges. To get you prepared, we reached out to our guide network for the latest updates on how their catchments are shaping up.

We start with Finn McDowell, who’s been on the water in Tasmania for a month already. Finn shares his experiences and what’s exci...

During a recent trip to Cocos Keeling Islands, Andrew chats with saltwater flyfishing guru and guide, Rodney Collings.

Rodney splits his time between guiding far north Queensland and the crystal clear flats of Cocos. We find out more about Rodney's flyfishing origins and the world-class areas he guides. For more information on Rodney and AFO, head to www.australianflyfishingoutfitters.com

Simply observing the consistently high-ranked competitive flyfishers reveals there are subtleties to streamer fishing that significantly enhance one's catch rate.

As well as deciphering the gear and the flies, Craig explains the 5 basic things we can do during the retrieve, that will transform anyoneinto a lethal streamer angler.

As the river season draws to a close, we shift our focus to the lakes. To fill us in on which lakes are in good shape, we chat with Philip Weigall and get the good oil.

Trout anglers in the southeastern region of Australia may have recently observed a downturn in fishing quality, coupled with white bird droppings coating the rocks near their beloved streams. The return of cormorants has undoubtedly left its mark on the fishing scene in recent months. In order to dissect this situation and provide valuable insights, we sat with Philip Weigall. While these avian visitors may not be our favourite companions, their presence seems to be a lasting one. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to catch fish amidst the influx of these persistent birds.

Autumn presents anglers with some of the most rewarding opportunities in flyfishing, but also presents unique challenges. Whether you're targeting delicate sippers, or trying to deal with low flows, Philip shares invaluable tips to ensure you make the most of the river season's closing moments.

When we caught wind that Scott Fly Rod president Jim Bartschi was in New Zealand for the launch of their new Session series, we got excited and gave him a call to find out more.

Jim is a global flyfishing identity and is well respected in the trade as a great guy and gifted rod designer.

We reveal that the Session is a rod designed for everyone fishing freshwater. Bucking the trend of eyewateringly high prices, the Session is built to the highest standard, at a palatable price.

There's real passion...

After a hiatus from the podcast due to a busy shop and lots of fishing, Andrew and Peter sit down to discuss the latest in fly fishing news.

From the groundbreaking new Orvis Helios rods to cutting-edge wader technology, there's plenty of new gear on the scene to elevate your fly fishing to the next level. Andrew and Peter also share some bargains that are not to be missed.

Tune in to hear all this and more in the latest episode of The Flyfisher's Podcast!

Peter's trip to the north island of New Zealand has come and gone. and with this, a wealth of knowledge has been developed and is thus ready to be passed on. In the latest episode of The Flyfishers podcast, Peter provides the quintessential information for your trip across the ditch. Talking through accommodation, locations, gear and transport, Peter tells all on the north island. listen in for stories of big fish and key details, as this is our NZ 101.

In this episode, we've compiled the ultimate gifts for flyfishers. Whether for yourself, a friend, a colleague or partner, these items are designed to enhance your time on the water or at the tying desk making it more enjoyable and effective.

For a more personalized touch, The Flyfisher team is ready to assist with bespoke flyfishing gift options. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us at The Flyfisher!

In this new series, we chat with friends of The Flyfisher whose passion for flyfishing matches our own. We couldn't think of a better bloke to kick it off than Harrison Perrin.

Harrison has been a regular visitor at The Flyfisher, and we've keenly watched his passion develop and his experience grow. He's well-travelled and knows his way around a big two-handed fly rod as much as he does a 7'6" 3 weight.

Having recently returned from the ultimate nomadic flyfishing trip, Harrison has some sensational stories to tell. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!<...

In todays episode of meet the team, Andrew sits with Flyfisher team member Peter. Every new member of our team brings something to the table and in Peter’s case, it’s The Flyfisher’s Podcast.

Peter first came to our attention on the other side of the counter, regularly popping in to top up his fly box and absorb every bit of intel we could provide.

He finished school in 2021 and realised that to fuel the car and afford beer in a cost-of-living crises, he would have to hustle; so he got himself a job at...

Craig is an accomplished competition flyfishing coach and angler, representing Australia on the global stage an impressive 19 times.

As well as his involvement in Competitive flyfishing, Craig guides lucky anglers on the private waters of Millbrook Lakes.

Craig first fished loch style in 1994 while preparing for the Commonwealth championships. He found it to be deadly on our home waters and it rapidly became a preferred technique.

Craig is an authority on the technique, recently coaching the Australian team to success in the 2023 Commonwealth flyfishing champs in Islay.

In this episode we...

This is our part two chat with fishing identity Jim Allen.

Before this episode you should listen to Episode 2, and then Episode 34.

I fish with Jim in Tasmania and when you’re at his place, there’s one very strict rule, you have to write up the diary before you leave.

He is big on preserving the memories from days fishing and socialising at his shack in Miena and has kept a detailed diary since 1979.

Apart from the obvious fishing recollections that reveal great fishing from years gone by, Jim has had...

Jim Allen has lived a life consumed by flyfishing. His stories are legendary and after his first episode with us, we couldn’t wait to get him back in for more.

Before listening to this episode, have a listen to episode 2. We chat more broadly about Jim's life in flyfishing and it’s the perfect prelude to this episode.

Jim has been fishing Tasmania since 1960 and few people could claim to have had as many days on the water in Tassie as Jim has.

While building a small empire in mainland Australian fishing, Jim...

You can't help but be curious about competition flyfishing; It's shaping the way we fish today and the gear we use.

To talk us through it, we sat down with competition flyfisher Erhan Cinar.

Erhan recently achieved two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships and guides with Wilderness Fly Fishing.

As well as learning more about the competition scene, we tap into Erhans comprehensive technique knowledge to reveal what you can do differently to catch more fish.

Competitive or not, this is one episode you don't want to miss.<...

Welcome back to another episode of Behind the Counter! Tune in to hear Forbes, Andrew and Peter as they sit down after a few drinks and discuss everything from the hottest local fishing opportunities, exciting new products, and a highly anticipated announcement about the Fly Fishing Film Tour.

Here’s the thing, trout like the cold! Winter is one of the best times to chase trout on lakes and so for many of us, when temperatures drop, the lake season begins.We welcome back friend of The Flyfisher Philip Weigall to break it all down. You’ll learn there can be dry fly fishing in Winter, where to go, what to do, and the must-carry flies that help ensure success.

Here’s the thing, trout like the cold! Winter is one of the best times to chase trout on lakes and so for many of us, when temperatures drop, the lake season begins.

We welcome back friend of The Flyfisher Philip Weigall to break it all down. You’ll learn there can be dry fly fishing in Winter, where to go, what to do, and the must-carry flies that help ensure success.

Welcome to another episode of behind the counter!

Join Peter and Forbes for the usual banter as well as covering everything from exciting new additions to the fly-tying range, giving a few cracking trip reports and revealing some bargain end of season sale items!

In this episode, we talk bonefish basics. Bonefish are regarded as one of the holy grail species by fly anglers. Growing well in excess of 10 pounds, bonefish do everything a trophy species should, from providing thrilling polaroiding in ankle-deep water to ripping hundreds of yards of backing off fly reels, bonefish will test even the most experienced of anglers. Join shop captain Andrew Fuller, and Scott Xanthoulakis of Wilderness Fly Fishing. Andrew and Scott have abundant bonefishing experience, including fishing in gold-class destinations such as Cocos Keeling Islands, The Seychelles, Aitutaki, Cuba, Venezuela and of course, Christmas Island. Andrew...

In this week's episode of Behind the Counter, we cover everything exciting currently happening in flyfishing! We discuss everything from the latest and greatest in gear to exciting news about one of the world's best saltwater destinations reopening.