Episode Details

Spend enough time fly fishing, and you're bound to encounter some interesting characters. Some are friendly, some are helpful, some are completely clueless, and some make you wonder how they've managed to survive this long without somebody throwing them into the river.

In this episode of the Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, Ross breaks down five familiar types of anglers you're likely to encounter on the water: the Noob, the Pro, Frustrated Freddy, the Asshole, and the Old-Timer. From beginners desperately searching for a little guidance to self-proclaimed experts who know everything about fishing except how to catch fish, we're taking a look at the personalities that make fly fishing such an interesting—and occasionally infuriating—sport.

Along the way, Ross shares stories from years spent exploring rivers across the West, including a recent encounter with an overly confident angler in New Mexico, a particularly obnoxious experience with someone who repeatedly high-holed him, and an unforgettable old-timer who demonstrated what real fly fishing competence looks like without saying much of anything. We'll also talk about when to offer advice, when to politely disengage, when to stand up for yourself, and when the best response is simply a knowing nod.

Because even when you're fishing deep in the backcountry, you're eventually going to run into somebody else. And knowing how to handle those encounters can make the difference between a great day on the water and an unnecessarily frustrating one.

So whether you're still figuring out which end of the fly rod to hold or you've been fishing long enough to become the mysterious old guy who never seems to get skunked, there's probably someone in this episode you'll recognize.

And there's a decent chance it's you.

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