Fin & Fire's Podcast with Jeff Mishler

Episode 28 | A solid work ethic produces results.  Jeff Hickman is an example of this.  From humble beginnings to his role today as a father, husband, lodge owner, outfitter, property owner and conservationist, Jeff's story is an inspiration for anyone considering a life or career immersed in the world of fly fishing.

Episode 27 | Big Game hunting seasons often change but when they go from an over the counter tag to a controlled hunt, the hunting public is often left with many questions. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I sit down with Justin Dior from ODFW, Game Department and ask some tough questions about why my favorite units to hunt elk have moved to a controlled hunt and whether or not those management changes make a difference. In the process, I learn that if I took more advantage of the application process, my overall hunting experience would most likely improve.

Episode 26 | After 30 years of sharing rivers and life experiences, Guido and I sit down for a deeper discussion focused on his evolution as an angler and the commitment he made to saving wild salmon and steelhead.  In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I ask Guido tough questions about the future of conservation and how the Wild Salmon Center is preparing for it.

Episode 25 | For 25 years The Drake Magazine has created a voice for the everyday fly angler. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler, Tom tells the story of how The Drake evolved, his personal journey to this moment, and how young writers can create works destined for publication.  Along the way, we also discover that we in fact went to the same junior high in a small Oregon town many years ago.

Episode 24 | If you chase steelhead with a two handed rod you should know who Rich Zellman is.  His Keep It Simple mantra makes him more effective at finding and catching steelhead on a river often called the most difficult river in the world to find success.  I sit down with Rich near his favorite waters and dig deep into the man and his passion to help you catch the steelhead of your lifetime.

Episode 23 | Simon Gawesworth is known as one of the nicest people in the world of outdoor recreation, and one of the best instructors.  A lifetime of teaching people how to flycast has created a perspective and humility we could all learn from.  If you need to improve your skills, an hour with Simon might be the best money spent.  This episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler digs into the spirit of the man and his commitment to our sport.

Episode 22 | What does it take for a product to go from idea to something real that you use in your daily life? In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, Nick and I discuss the product development process.  His direct experience with the largest brands has produced a rare level of experience and insight and hopefully a road map for anyone considering a change in careers or pursuing one in the outdoor products industry. Along the way, we find that our lives are again, parallel in many ways.

As an outfitter, how do you know that the guide you are hiring is competent. As a guide, how can you know that the outfitter who wants to hire you  operates a reputable business? In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, I sit with Austin Bridges of Guidesource Outdoors and we discuss their business plan to ensure that Guides, Outfitters and the public hiring their services have the best experience possible.  Think Indeed for the outdoor industry. Along the way, we tell some pretty funny hunting stories as well.

Episode 20 | Picking a trout rod is a very personal experience and no two anglers experience a particular fly rod the same way. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler, Adam and I go deep into trout rods, trout fishing, lines, flies....we nerd out a bit on trout fishing and share our experiences with the R.L. Winston Rod Company.  Winston fly rods have a "feel", and the Winston Feel drives this conversation.

Episode 19 | Zack Williams takes time from his busy schedule to sit with me at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Rendezvous in Missoula and tell me his story:  A kid obsessed with fishing, inspired by mentors, finds his place in the world of like minded anglers and innovators using two handed rods to pursue steelhead.  But Zack excels and becomes one of the best casters of our time.

Episode 18 | Jeff Currier has caught over 440 species of fish with a fly rod.  His life work is helping you become a better angler.  In this episode of Fin And Fire With Jeff Mishler, Jeff shares his story of how he came to this work, what drives his passion, and what it's like to compete in the World Fly Fishing Championship, and win.

Episode 17 | John Larison is one of my favorite authors. He's also and exceptional hunter and angler.  In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, John and I sit down in my home on the Oregon Coast.  A world filled with fly fishing, bow hunting and writing is our common ground but his discipline and commitment to his craft continue to produce strong works of art. How does he do it?  Sit back and enjoy the wise words of the award winning novelist skilled in balancing life's biggest distractions.