Anchored With April Vokey Podcast

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) is the sole trade organisation for the fly fishing industry. Over the years, AFFTA has worked hard to grow the industry, all while balancing the tricky task of sustainability and diversification.  In this episode of Anchored, I meet up with Ben Bulis, the organisation’s president, and Matt Smythe, the communications and membership director. We discuss the size of the industry, overseas manufacturers, guide protection, tolerance, inclusion, pro deals, and the pink it and shrink it strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Ripple is the owner and editor-in-chief of Dun Magazine, an international women’s fly fishing publication—the first of its kind. I met Jen about six years ago when she was just getting Dun off the ground. I found her perspective on the fishing industry refreshing, so I was excited when our paths crossed and we could sit down to record a conversation. In this episode of Anchored, Jen and I discuss what it’s like to pick up fly fishing later in life, the risks of starting the industry’s first female-only magazine, empowerment, dating people who don’t fish, plus we take a closer look at the fishing-in-bikinis controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jude Mayall is a chef, industry advisor, and author of the Outback Chef Cookbook. I first learned of Jude while looking for new reading material at the library. I was immediately intrigued by her knowledge and appreciation of Australia’s native ingredients, so I reached out to see if she’d be willing to sit down with me. In this episode of Anchored, Jude and I discuss the history of native plants and spices, how to use them, and the basics of safe sourcing. Jude sells all of the spices we talk about in this episode, so while it’d be great to inspire foragers and chefs to use the plants in their own region, you can purchase hers to add to your cabinet as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s episode of Anchored, I went back through the archives of a television show I used to host. While sifting through files, I found one of my favourite interviews that never made it to air. It’s a fascinating discussion with author and salmon aficionado Topher Browne.   Topher and I discuss how fly size selection relates to the speed of water, how the barometer affects salmon and steelhead, as well as water temperature, DNA, thyroxine levels, and if fish are more likely to bite when the water is rising or dropping. Buy Topher's Book: Atlantic Salmon Magic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m often asked how Anchored came to be. The short answer is that it stemmed from a television series I used to host. Limited airtime meant my interviews were cut into soundbites, leaving some truly wonderful history sitting on the editing floor. This week, I thought it might be time to dig into the archives and share some interviews that took place at a time when I’d never even dreamt about starting a podcast. This episode features Chris Henshaw, a dear family friend and renowned reel-maker from the UK. I met up with him six years ago on the banks of the Kispiox River to learn about his experiences as a young man helping Hardy through some tough times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nigel Millgate grew up in the rural community of Dubbo, New South Wales. He’s a proud Karulkiyalu man of the Ngemba Nation, with deep roots to his ancestral lands. For the last ten years, Nigel has worked within indigenous communities across Australia, where he empowers people through culture, education, employment, and youth suicide prevention. He’s also an avid bowhunter who spends the majority of his time outdoors. Recently Nigel invited me to tag along. There were things I couldn’t film, record, or even talk about, but there’s just as much that I can. In this episode of Anchored, Nigel and I sit down to discuss the indigenous people of Australia, their incredible history, and a little bit of insight on where they are today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Anchored I’m joined by Catherine Laflamme and Tim Arsenault from Michael and Young Fly Shop to revisit the discussion about choosing a first fly fishing setup. Both Tim and Catherine are accomplished anglers, casters and salespeople, so I thought they’d be perfect to answer questions from a someone who is new to fly fishing. We discuss fly line composition, taper, weight, function, and all the little things many of us just assume to be common knowledge. I hope this helps get some of you out there on the water! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When John Gierach mentioned Bill Fitzsimmons in “Trout Bum,” he wrote about Bill’s professionalism, skill, and deliberate efforts to avoid the camera. So, naturally, I was delighted when Bill agreed to share more of his story here on Anchored. From Christmas Island in the early 1980s, the early days of fly fishing for tarpon, and owning a fly shop in Basalt, Colorado, Bill knows the fishing industry as much as anyone. Bill and his brother Mark are regulars around my campfire in BC and this fall I was finally able to record him. In this episode, we discuss the early days of saltwater destinations, fly size, and if catch-and-release fishing is selfish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Kushnir has been fishing for trout and steelhead since the 1960s. A retired high school teacher and well-known fishing personality, he’s been at the heart of steelhead advocacy for as long as I’ve known him. Tyler put in 18 years of guiding on B.C.'s Haida Gwaii before hanging up his hat and becoming vice president of the Steelhead Society of B.C. Tyler is a skilled float fisherman, though it’s Spey casting that consumes his time these days. A Spey-O-Rama competitor, he won the inaugural Senior Championship in 2012 and continues to practice and compete with the belief that it makes him a better angler. On a recent road trip up north, I stopped in to see him at Sheridan Lake to see if I could learn a little more of his backstory. In this episode on Anchored, we discuss the Thompson River, competitive casting, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver Ngy has been fishing since he was a kid. A self-taught angler from Southern California, he learned the values of commitment and dedication at an early age. Since then, Oliver has become a familiar face in the bass scene and is renowned for catching monster fish. In this episode of Anchored, Oliver and I sit down to discuss how he targets big fish, his thoughts on patterning, and how he absolutely schooled me on the water while filming for MeatEater’s new show, Das Boat.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Anchored, I thought I would do something a little different. Some of you may remember the five-part series I wrote a while back called “So You Want to be a Fishing Guide?” Almost every day I'm asked how to get into the fishing industry, specifically into the guiding side of things. I thought an audio format would be a great way to address this question—especially since I have a relatively complex answer. With that said, I hope this helps bring some clarity to those who’re wondering if guiding is a lifestyle they’d like to embrace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Schratwieser has been the International Game Fish Association’s director of conservation since 2003. An angler and holder of a master’s degree in marine biology, he passionately oversees the organisation’s conservation-related activities such as collaborative research, fisheries policy and advocacy. Jason was instrumental in the passage of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 and is the co-director of the IGFA Great Marlin Race. In this episode of Anchored, Jason and I discuss IGFA’s history and the controversy that surrounds it. We talk about chasing records, hanging fish, and the work his organization has done to help protect marlin stocks. Finally, we talk about the future of the IGFA and if it has a place in our world today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Matthew Muir is a veterinarian based out of Sydney, Australia. He began work as a mixed animal general practitioner in Griffith, Australia where he developed skills in surgery, dermatology and nutrition before moving to the United Kingdom where he performed emergency and critical care work at a Royal Veterinary College Hospital. Soon after he began consulting in wellness and internal medicine.  Late last year when my dog, Colby, was diagnosed with bone cancer, Matthew and his team helped me determine the best medical plan to manage it. As word about Colby spread and more people reached out to me with questions about the health of their own dogs, I felt it would be helpful to sit down with Matthew to let him do the talking. In this episode of Anchored we discuss cancer prevention and management, diet, nutrition, and more. To book Dr. Matthew and his team for remote consulting visit www.naturalvet.com.au http://www.achieveanimalwellness.com/news https://lyka.com.au/category/blog/     Learn more about your a

***Check out our Outdoor Photography Masterclass with Bryan here!*** Bryan Gregson is one of the fishing industry’s most sought-after creative minds. An award-winning adventure sports and documentary photographer and cinematographer, Bryan has been featured in publications and ad campaigns for numerous companies worldwide. His talent speaks for itself, but it’s his incredible work ethic and humility that glows from behind the camera.  In this episode of Anchored, I was finally able to get Bryan on the show to share a little about his compelling life and career. Bryan is incredibly private and I’m thankful he was willing to take the time to share his story in hopes it may inspire others to work hard for their dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Simonds is a co-founder of Salt Strong, a subscription-based fishing community that focuses on education and creating memories on the water. Joe and his brother, Luke, left their lucrative business in finance to pursue their dreams of starting a fishing company. In this episode of Anchored, Joe and I discuss the hard knocks of starting a fishing business, the perks to being part of a fishing community, the credit card test, and catching snook from a 3rd floor balcony. Buy Joe's Book: Fishing For Happiness: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Achieving Happiness And Fulfillment From Top Experts Over The Last 100 Years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darcie Arahill, also known by her handle Darcizzle, started fishing as a little girl. Based in Florida, she focuses on saltwater species, particularly those found offshore. After quitting her office job, Darcie made the decision to become a full-time angler and YouTuber in hopes she might inspire others to get outdoors. I met with Darcie at her home in Florida to pick her brain about being a female in the fishing industry. Darcie is known for her bikini videos, so I hoped she’d be willing to talk to me about the stigma of women fishing half naked. Truthfully, I didn’t give her a heads-up about any of this. I’d reached out to several women who’d gained notoriety through similar videos but none of them responded to me, so I was terrified she’d turn down my request for an interview. Darcie responded with kindness and professionalism and soon we'd locked in a date.  In this episode of Anchored, I learn more about Darcie as we discuss how her career took off, what her long-term plan is, and her thoughts on the obj

Henrik Mortensen is one of the most influential Atlantic salmon anglers in the world. Over the years, Henrik has guided on some of the best salmon rivers on the planet and has taught fishing and casting since the ‘80s. He now runs his own company, Salmologic, which focuses on taking the guesswork out of choosing a fishing outfit.  In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Henrik on the Gaula River in Norway to pick his brain about Atlantic salmon and how to catch them. We touch on leader lengths, water column, fly colour, the AFTM chart and more. Buy Henrik's DVDs: Scandinavian Spey Cast Vol 1 & 2 by Henrik Mortensen - Art of Fly Casting Single/Double Handed Rods - 3 Hours - 2 DVD Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rex Hunt is Australian fishing royalty. Born in 1949, Rex has lived his seventy years to the fullest as a professional football player, popular television personality, and radio icon.  In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Rex at his home on the shores of Port Phillip Bay to discuss his life and career, the ups and downs, and his thoughts about getting more people into fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Chan is a Canadian icon. Biologist, teacher, guide and groundbreaker, Brian is the man behind Interior British Columbia’s trophy stillwater fishery. Brian has dedicated his entire career to better understanding trout behaviour and diet.  I’ve been a huge fan of Brian’s for years, so I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his success with his renowned stocking program, plus his experience with triploids, chironomids, chaoborus, and... boobies. Buy Brian's Books: Fly Fishing Trout Lakes, Flyfishing Strategies for Stillwaters,  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Suzuki moved to Canada when he was in his early twenties. Folklore about BC’s fabled steelhead had made its way to him in Tokyo and soon he was, quite literally, doing everything he could to be able to fish for them full-time. In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Matt for a quick visit to discuss Japan’s fly fishing culture, its fishing destinations and his process to becoming a Canadian citizen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices