Swing the Fly Magazine with Zack Williams – Spey Tips, Steelhead, Clearwater River (WFS 151)

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/151

Zack Williams, who is the editor of Swing the Fly Magazine, is on the podcast to share the story of how he went from Great Lakes Steelheader to Spey Casting and Steelhead champion.  Zack and I chat about why the number of swung fly fisherman is so low but growing. 

 

Show Notes with the Zack Williams

– Trey Combs Steelhead Fly Fishing and Tom Pero’s Wild Salmon and Steelhead Magazine were two big influences for helping Zack to start the magazine.  Tom Pero was my guest here.

– Marty and Mia Sheppard, Rick Kustich, Jonathan Barlow, Mike Kinney were other big influences for Zack. 

– Topher Browne, Sean Dahlquist, Steve Bird, and Travis Johnson are all the core team for the magazine.

– John Shewey was on the podcast in episode 16 and is the editor for NW Fly Fishing Magazine.

– I noted Tom Bai who is the editor of the Drake Magazine and a full timer.

– I noted the Outdoors Online Marketing Podcast which is where I interview marketing experts to help fly fishing brands grow.

– The magazine supports big groups like the Native Fish Society, Wild Steelhead coalition, Wild Steelheaders United

– We talk about the difference between the middle fork of the Clearwater and some of the Montana waters Zack is fishing now.

– Tim Rawlins who is the Line Speed Jedi and a good guy in the spey game.

– Simon Gawesworths Modern Spey Casting were helpful to Zack early on. 

– We talk about the Spey-O-Rama and Zach’s experience at the Park in San Francisco.

– Whitney Gold holds the woman spey casting record.

– Zack guided for Klaus Frimor and was on the podcast here to cover underhand casting.

– Meiser fly rods and Bruce and Walker rods are the two rod companies that loves.

– Farlex Reals and Echo are two other sponsors.  Gale Force Fly Fishing makes the top competition line.

– Frank Amato was on the podcast here and talked about the impact from the roadless work they did in the 1970’s.

– The Green Ant and the Night Dancer are two of Zach’s goto flies.

– Back Country Journal is Zack’s new gig as the editor there.

 

You can find Zack at Swing the Fly Magazine here.

Resources Noted in the Show

Trey Combs 1991 Steelhead Fly Fishing

Modern Spey Casting 

Videos Noted in the Show

V Loop vs D Loop video

The Night Dancer

 

Conclusion with Zack Williams

Zack Williams, the editor of Swing the Fly Magazine, is on the show to dig into his story and steelhead fly fishing.  Find out how and why Zack moved out west in 2010 to chase the steelhead dream of guiding and connecting with the community.

Zack describes the Spey O Rama and some spey casting tips that will help you cast better and find a few more steelhead. 

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/151