Ep.124 Bird Dogs, Brook Trout, Fly Rods And A Redneck Hippie

Send us Fan MailFly fishing has a weird power when you finally slow down enough to feel it: the sound of current, the rhythm of a cast, and that moment your brain stops sprinting. Ken Marr sits down with guide Erik Roach for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep talk that moves from bird dogs and grouse woods lessons to the mental health side of wading a river. Erik calls himself a “redneck hippie,” and he explains why his favorite kind of guiding is not about ego or money, it is about helping people find peace outdoors.We get practical for beginners, too. Erik breaks down fly fishing myths and why you do not need expensive gear to start catching fish, especially if you buy used, keep your setup simple, and practice on your local water. We also talk working dogs and upland hunting reality: why some breeds are a full time job, how to think about energy levels and home life, and why the best training is simply taking your dog hunting. From there we jump into grouse hunting fundamentals, including positioning in thick cover, ethical shot choices, and a straightforward way to think about gun fit.The conversation turns serious around conservation in New Brunswick. We talk striped bass controversy, Atlantic salmon challenges, invasive species, habitat, headwaters, buffer zones, and why hunters and anglers lose ground when we fight each other online instead of protecting the water and woods we all share. If you care about fly fishing, bird dogs, upland hunting, outdoor mentorship, and real world conservation, this one will stick with you.Subscribe so you do not miss what’s next, share this with a friend who needs an excuse to get outside, and leave a review with your answer: what outdoor ritual helps you reset?Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!