Emerging

Ranga Perera is a master of flavor. Whether he is on his home rivers of Montana or incredible destinations around the world, Ranga is known to be catching and cooking incredible meals riverside. Aside from carrying him around the world, His passions for cooking have given him a platform to preach his values: Community, diversity, and advocacy are what Ranga is all about.  In this episode of Emerging we catch up with Ranga after two year hiatus since our first podcast. We dive into his current projects, how cooking and fishing are so similar (or different), and some hot takes at the end!

Val is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern fly fishing. With a camera serving as his vise, he's traveled the world documenting fisheries, anglers, and cultures that have shaped the sport for generations. In this episode, we dive into his adventures in New Zealand, the legendary Fall River, the early Northern California fly fishing scene, and, perhaps most importantly, what it truly means to be a good human.

What does it take to shape the conversations that define modern fly fishing? In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Kirk Deeter. Writer, editor, author, conservation advocate, and one of the most influential voices in the fly fishing industry. Over the course of his career, Kirk has helped shape how anglers think about fisheries conservation, outdoor media, fly fishing culture, and the future of the sport. Kirk shares insights from decades spent at the intersection of fly fishing, journalism, and conservation. We discuss the evolution of outdoor media, the changing landscape of the fly fishing industry, what makes a compelling fishing story, and why effective communication is more important than ever for the future of our rivers and fisheries. Along the way, Kirk reflects on mentorship, authenticity, and the responsibility anglers have to protect the resources they enjoy.  

How do two American brothers end up running one of the premier permit lodges in the world? Tune in to find out. Founded by Jesse and Danny Colten, The Xflats has become a destination known around the world for shots at the holy grail of fly fishing: permit. From the remote flats of Xcalak, Mexico, the brothers have built a lodge and fishery that has earned a reputation as one of the best permit programs on the planet. In this episode, Jesse and Danny share the story behind The Xflats, what makes the fishery so unique, and some of the lessons they’ve learned chasing permit day after day in one of the most legendary fisheries in the sport.

Blueprint is a film directed and produced by 5 rivers student Finn Hall. The film follows the 2025 TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassador Summit. During this event, college anglers from across the country come together for a week of conservation, fishing and community on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Hosted annually by Trout Unlimited, Costa Sunglasses, Indifly, and the Wind River Fish and Game Department, the Summit connects 5 Rivers student leaders with meaningful work. Over the course of the week, students engage in conservation projects, teach fly fishing, and build relationships grounded in a shared respect for rivers and the communities that depend on them. Tune in to hear first hand from Finn all the BTS of the film! Blueprint  

Part 2 with Jake Watts & Brandon Fien is here! In this episode, we dive deeper into the making of our upcoming film and the experiences shaping it in real time. From behind-the-scenes stories to honest conversations about the creative process, this episode captures the raw and unfiltered moments that inspired the project. We talk about what drives us, the challenges along the way, and what it means to document these experiences as they’re actually happening instead of looking back on them later. This conversation is authentic, spontaneous, and packed with the kind of energy that only comes from people living the story while telling it. If you want a real look into the passion, uncertainty, excitement, and friendship behind the film, this episode is for you. Tune in, listen along, and get a glimpse into what we’ve been building together.

Emerger and Emerging were destined to connect someday—and we’re glad it finally happened. Emerger Fly Fishing creates some of the world’s premier handcrafted fly fishing bags. Each one is unique, thoughtfully designed, and built with care to last a lifetime. No detail is overlooked, and no customer is left unsatisfied. Tune in to hear about sourcing, engineering, and everything that goes into building a truly exceptional bag.

Jake Watts and Brandon Fien are just two guys in their twenties figuring it out—but they’re driven by a deep passion for getting outside and telling other people’s stories. What started as a shared love for the outdoors has turned into something bigger. In this episode, we dive into how they use cameras and filmmaking to highlight important voices, capture wild places, and play a role in protecting the environment.

David Brotzman has burst onto the fly fishing scene with serious momentum. As the creator behind the alias Very Good Fly Fishing (VGFF), he’s built one of the most down to earth, relatable, and genuinely funny characters in our industry. What sets VGFF apart is the balance! Equal parts skill, storytelling, and not taking it all too seriously. It’s the kind of content that makes you want to grab a rod and just go fish. And it doesn’t stop at short-form. Beyond the reels, Very Good Fly Fishing has carved out a space on YouTube as well, producing longer-form videos that dive into van life, winter camping, and full-on fly fishing adventures!    Check out All the content below:   Instagram Youtube All The Goods!

Joel is living the life. As a Bahamian, growing up fly fishing and exploring the beautiful flats in his backyard was second nature! Those early days on the water turned into something much bigger. Fast forward to today, and he’s worked in and out of fly fishing his entire life, building a deep-rooted connection to the sport and the people behind it. From being a kid fishing purely for the love of it, to guiding the Carnegie Mellon family year after year, Joel has seen the fishery from every angle. Now, he plays a key role in vouching for the guides, lodges, and local operations that make up one of the Bahamas’ most important industries, helping ensure the culture, quality, and authenticity of the experience stay exactly where they should be.      

Connor Murphy is the Founder of the CSU 5 Rivers club, and an all around fishy dude. Connor spends his time with Fly Water Inc, Emerger Fly Fishing, and St.Peters Fly Shop doing a little bit of everything!   In this episode we talk all things fishing, euro, social norms, food, and phish? Tune in and share the show!   Enjoy

Kevin Arculeo is the inventor behind one of the most unique series of flies we’ve seen. His signature technique involves cutting hollow cylinders of foam to create articulated appendages on crab, shrimp, and other flats flies, giving them a look and movement you don’t see every day on the flats. It’s a simple idea, but the execution is dialed, and the result is patterns that feel different in the water. What really caught our eye was the Bonefish Tickler. It’s creative, a little outside the box, and clearly built with intention for how fish actually react. Aside from tying flies, Kevin is a UGA alum and an all around fun, good dude who clearly loves the craft. Check out some of his stuff here: kevinarculeofishing.com Rainys Flies

Jake Thornburg, better known as “Jakey Two Tips,” is a true Gunnison River aficionado and an all-around Colorado Western Slope fishing bum. Though he didn’t grow up fishing, Jake found his way to the river later in life—and once he did, it took hold. What started as curiosity turned into obsession, and eventually into a career built around the very waters he now calls home. In this episode, we talk about how Jake carved out his place on the Western Slope, what makes the Gunnison such a special fishery, and how he has found a love for fishing the bobber.

Lael Paul Johnson is one of the best steelhead guides out there. Period. Known for his passion, determination, and relentless dedication to the sport. If you see Lael on the water, watch and learn. If you see Lael on land, it’s probably not steelhead season.   Tune in to this episode to pick up some of Lael’s best steelheading tricks—but more than that, hear how he traded a career as a brain surgeon for life as a fly-fishing guide. Which one is more technical? We’ll let Lael tell you.   Check out some of Lael's work below!   flygyde.com @laelpauljohnson laelpjohnson.com

In this Episode we are joined by Jon Coudriet, a self proclaimed brand aficionado who specializes in fly fishing photography. In this episode we talk about Jon's passion for being in the right place at the right time. How he has made a career out of photography, and how the best camera is the one that you know how to use!    Find some of Jon's work at joncoudriet.com     Fly Fishing photography Cameras Surfing Striped Marlin Photo Editing Adventure Travel Los Locos

A lot of young anglers dream about heading to New Zealand. Big trout, epic rivers, and pure adventure. Online it looks like a fly fishing paradise, but what’s it really like to live there and figure it all out on your own? In this episode, we talk with 5 Rivers alum Joe Fitzgerald. Joe took the leap and moved down under to chase his dream. He shares stories from the rivers, what it’s really like to DIY your life and fishing in a new country, and tips for anyone thinking about packing up and doing it all themselves. If you’ve ever thought about heading to New Zealand to fish, this episode gives you the real, behind-the-scenes experience.

Nelson Oxley is a TU Costa 5 Rivers alumnus from St. Lawrence University who has continued to make a meaningful impact in the fishing industry well beyond his time as a club member. In this episode, we sit down with Nelson to unpack his journey as an angler, from his early days on the water to how the 5 Rivers program helped shape his path and open doors within the industry. This conversation explores personal growth, industry insight, and what it really takes to turn a love for fishing into a lasting career. Mayfly Outdoors 5 Rivers Musky Fishing 25 on the Fly Carp Fishing Fly Lords Fly Fishing Colorado  

Brian O'Keefe recounts his five-decade journey as a fly fisherman, photographer, and writer — from early film cameras to modern iPhone photography, and from local rivers to remote saltwater destinations. The episode mixes some of Brians best stories, from guiding Ted Williams in Alaska, to exploring deep in the jungle looking for bass, we go over it all!

Thomas is a good friend of Emerging and the OT manager of the infamous St. Peter’s Fly Shop in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this episode, we talk about shop life and what it’s like being part of a fly shop that plays a major role in its local fishing community. We dig into the day to day rhythm of working in a shop, connecting with anglers of all experience levels, and how a shop becomes more than just a place to buy gear. We also cover Thomas’s 5 Rivers journey and his involvement with the CSU Fly Fishing Club, touching on how both experiences helped shape his path in fly fishing. Destination travel is another key part of the conversation, focusing on fishing new places and how travel influences perspective on the water. From local shop conversations to bigger-picture ideas about fly fishing, this episode keeps things grounded and experience-driven. Tune in to learn more.

Hunter Levine is the host of the highly respected Captains Collective podcast, where he’s spent years sharing stories, lessons, and wisdom from captains and outdoorsmen across the country. Known for his thoughtful interview style and time spent on the road chasing conversations, Hunter has built a show that goes far beyond fishing, focusing on craftsmanship, curiosity, and the people behind the passions. In this episode, we hop on the mics together to talk about our podcasting experiences, swap stories from the road, and highlight some of Hunter’s favorite past guests. If you enjoy behind-the-scenes podcast talk, great storytelling, and conversations that feel genuine and unscripted, this episode is definitely worth a listen.

The Braker Bros are favorite filmmakers in the fly fishing world. Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado, brothers Andrew and Eric Braker have taken the initiative to create films that conserve. Their motto says it all: “Using outdoor storytelling to spark sustainable change.” Every Braker Bros film centers around a compelling story, and many of those stories support causes far bigger than the screen. From AI-powered trout identification to mountain lion conservation, these guys are always pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. Tune in to hear about their film projects, fishing adventures, film tour experiences, why brown trout are trash, and a whole lot more!

Heather grew up in South Florida fly fishing with her Dad from a very young age. She always knew she wanted to follow a career bringing together more young people in the sport. Throughout her time at Florida State University, Heather worked with fishing lodges and brands which really sparked a desire to find a career in fly fishing, hospitality, and youth education. She even started the 5Rivers club there!  After college, Heather helped found an organization called Fish for Change. F4C empowers young people to become global citizens through experiential education. They host one week international programs focused on cultural exchange and conservation stewardship.  In this Emerging episode, we break down heathers Fish for Change journey, and her best advise to those entering the real world post college!

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. BTT pursues this mission through science-based conservation, education, and advocacy across Florida, The Bahamas, Belize and Mexico, as well as in coastal states from Texas to Virginia. Learn more at: www.BTT.org.   Our Guest Isabel is originally from Middlebury, Vermont, Isabel grew up in a family of environmentalists and fly anglers spending summers in Twin Bridges, Montana. After graduating with a literary studies degree from the New School in New York, New York, she moved to Sarasota, Florida, to be on the Gulf Coast and take up the arduous task of learning to cast a salt fly rod. Her career in digital marketing and social media management has led her through the worlds of publishing, fine art, museums, and higher education. Through her work at BTT she shares her passion for wildlife conservation through engaging digital storytelling.     BTT FACTS relevant to the podcast:   Spinning fish in the Florida Keys were first reported to BTT by concerned guides in late 2023. BTT and partners jumped into action beginning January 2024 (more info is available here). An economic impact study by BTT shows that flats fishing for bonefish contributes more than $169 million annually to the Bahamian economy. An economic study by BTT shows: $240 million BZE from flats fishing tourism ($120 million USD); this is 6.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), supports 200 + guides in the country, and a further 4000 jobs supported by flats fishing tourism. 

Alec Griswold is a co-owner of Soul Fly Lodge and Executive Director of Elevate Youth Boston. In this podcast Alec talks about his passion for change, and excitement when it comes to sharing what he loves most. Fishing, people, and access to the outdoors is what he strives to protect!   Soul Fly Co Events Music Festivals Permit Fishing Elevate Youth Boston

Captain Frank Praznik is a national treasure. We took a deep dive in to his nuanced past in the fly fishing (and beauty) industry, from founding a fly shop to ruling the hackle market for some not so fishy reasons. Now, Frank is one of Louisiana's finest redfish guides and is poling the flats every day reeling in monster reds.    Listen in to hear all about it!    Redfish on the fly State of the fishery Frank Praznik Captains for Clean Water Founding a Fly Shop Working in the beauty industry Ice fishing Fort collins

Carter Abramson joins Emerging to talk about his path from leading the Five Rivers Club at Colorado State to working in social media and community marketing at Simms Fishing Products. We get into the chaos and charm of college fishing trips, his love for discovery and fishing, and the unexpected moments that pushed him deeper into the industry. Carter breaks down what his job at Simms really looks like—organic marketing, events, community engagement, and the team effort behind the brand’s social presence. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Simms’ Grateful Dead partnership, from the San Francisco activation to the upcoming film Mountains of the Moon. We wrap with Carter’s thoughts on the future: balancing passion with a career, the appeal of freelance creative work, and why staying connected to the fishing world still matters most. Simms Fishing Products  Colorado State University College fly fishing trips and stories Guiding and industry entry paths Organic social media strategy in outdoor brands Grateful Dead × Simms collaboration Outdoor content creation Career growth in the fly-fishing industry

Jon “JK” Kłaczkiewicz is the founder of Fish Camp and has over 20 years of experience in high-impact filmmaking and branded content. JK is a passionate and motivated media professional with a proven track record of leading and executing film, commercial, and marketing projects from development to distribution, while managing resources, budgets, crews, and talent.   As a director and producer, he has created dozens of films and campaigns that have won awards, reached millions of viewers, and inspired action. His credits include the critically acclaimed snowboard epic, “The Fourth Phase” for Red Bull Media House, the impact documentary “Tribal Waters” for Patagonia, and the annual signature ski and snowboard film projects for Teton Gravity Research. He loves collaborating with creative professionals, growing strong teams, and tackling a variety of challenges along the way with the goal to tell stories that matter.   In 2018 Jon directed “Beyond The Horizon” winning the Best Film at the Fly Fishing film awards. In this Emerging episode we talk about all of JK's film expirence, and his newest endeavor - FISH CAMP

In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Bennett Kittleson, a 5 Rivers student whose time with the CU Fly Fishing Club has opened the door to a role with Flylords. Bennett talks about what drew him into the industry, the excitement of capturing authentic fly-fishing moments online, and the places he hopes the sport will take him next. His enthusiasm for community, storytelling, and chasing new water makes this a fun look at someone building a life around the outdoors.   • Flylords internship and social media • CU Boulder Fly Fishing Club  • Dry fly fishing • Colorado fly fishing • Outdoor career paths • International fly fishing aspirations

Craig Mathews has done it all - guide, author, conservationist, and one of the most respected names in modern fly fishing. Founder of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone and author of Pheasant Tail Simplicity: Recipes and Techniques for Successful Fly Fishing, Craig has built a life around clean waters and honest fly design. In this episode, we dive into his latest book, some of his trout fishing techniques, and many of his past story's from his journey! 

At the 2025 Western Rendezvous, we were joined by Jason Faerman and Lincoln Key from Yakoda Supply, a proud supporter of Trout Unlimited’s 5 Rivers program. Yakoda was fired up to join the podcast and share their story! From Funky P Flies to their signature purple hip packs, Yakoda continues to stand out by doing things differently. Tune in to hear how Yakoda was born, what the name means, and how Jason and Lincoln are inspiring others to give back and keep fly fishing creative, intentional, and just a little bit funky.

Tyler is the current president of the University of Wyoming Fly Fishing Club and a lifelong lover of the great outdoors. His main passion lies in studying and protecting the lands we all cherish and recreate on. In this episode, Tyler walks us through his master’s research on biodegradable fishing products and how they fit into the fly fishing world. From durability and popularity to awareness and adoption, Tyler dove deep to explore whether and how fishing line can or should be changed for the better.

Colby Acuff is one of country music’s most inspiring new voices, breaking through with a style defined by passionate and honest songwriting. He blends his love for the outdoors with the soul of country music—whether it’s fly fishing on a quiet stream or duck hunting at sunrise, Colby’s songs create the perfect soundtrack for anyone who feels at home outside. His latest project, the YouTube series Fin and Feather, takes that connection even further. Traveling across the country, Colby shines a light on guides and natural resources that often go overlooked, celebrating not just the fish or the birds, but the people and places that make the outdoors so meaningful.   Catch Colby on tour HERE Watch Fin and Feather HERE

At the 2025 western rendezvous, around 85 college students went to the Yampa river to plant trees! Listen in to learn about the event, tree planting, and some awesome conservation happening in northern Colorado!

The annual TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit is, simply put, the greatest event a college angler can attend. This past August, eight club leaders from across the country gathered on the Wind River Reservation to celebrate the core values of 5 Rivers: community, conservation, and fly fishing. 5 rivers coordinator, and past Emerging host, Cliff Watson joins in this episode to fill us in on all the details from the 2025 summit, and share some more exciting news for the upcoming semester including merch, rendezvouses, and fundraising opportunities! 

In this episode we sit down with Johann, executive director of the Indifly Foundation. Our conversation explores the incredible people, places, and potential impact that community-driven conservation holds for the world. While Johann’s work spans globally, we focused on the Wind River Reservation project and the TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit.   Please spend some time researching Indifly and consider supporting them at the links below: Indifly   Instagram   More! 

Joe Gugino has been making his way in the fly fishing world for years. From serving on Trout Unlimited’s headwaters board to his time as Costa Sunglasses’ Community & Conservation partnership Manager, Joe’s passion for connection and sustainability runs deep. Now, he's onto his next big chapter with the launch of Agave Co, a mission-driven creative agency he co-founded alongside longtime collaborators Hannah Trotter and Matt Shilling. Together, this all-star team is helping brands in the fishing and outdoor industries align with values that matter—conservation, authenticity, and community. In this episode of Emerging, Joe gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Agave Co.’s work with clients like Colby Acuff, whose new YouTube series Fin and Feather brings storytelling and fly fishing together, and Los Locos, whose Marlin Fly Project redefines conservation-based travel. Tune in for honest reflections, good stories, and some behind the scenes stories of how these projects arise. If you’re heading to Boston and want to hook into some striped bass (or stripaahhs, as Joe would say), he also runs Fish Boston—the #1 striper charter out of Boston Harbor. Whether you are in the city Joe will come pick you up to fish. Whether at the airport, casino, or downtown, Joe's got you covered!

Cheech needs no introduction within the fly fishing community. He's a teacher, fly shop owner, personality, and great dude. We caught up at the Denver Fly Fishing Show and had a great little chat, tune it for his great fishing advise!

Kurt Upham has been mentoring host Joe Tardif for years now in all things outdoors. He's a master of ticks and mosquitos along with the dangers that come with being in the woods with them. In this episode we go over how to stay safe and knowledgeable about the dangerous critters crawling around you! In between the ticks and mosquitoes enjoy some hunting memories we've shared along the way.

From the medical industry to a fly fishing lodge, the crew at 4 Corners Lodge brings true passion to everything they do. Marvin, Arturo, and Chuck are committed to offering a unique, responsible, and stewardly experience for both their guests and the land. With offerings like tagging teams, safari-style fly fishing expeditions, and world class dining, this is more than just a lodge. It is an adventure. If you’re looking to fish Costa Rica, there is no better place to start!   Instagram: @4cornerscr Website: https://4cornerscostarica.com/

Joshua and Samantha Schwartz have built a unique fly fishing experience that’s different from most. Using their passion and past experiences, the two have settled into this business and work every day to perfect their craft. Samantha runs the back-of-house operations, while Josh uses his kitchen and fishing to run the front and satisfy every guest that walks in the door. Tune in to hear about the Travel Creel product, some destination fishing tips and tricks, Josh’s French Laundry secrets, and how the couple blends hospitality, adventure, and culinary skill into every trip. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive discount only available to Emerging listeners.   Find travel Creel Website: https://www.travelcreel.com/  Instagram: @Travelcreel

In this short episode, we sit down with Son Tao a true master of fly tying whose intricate work and dedication have earned him a devoted following across social media. Son shares his journey from passionate hobbyist to respected leader in the fly-tying community. He also offers valuable insights on staying confident and creative as an artist, plus a few of his favorite tips and tricks to elevate your own craft.

Joe Fitzgerald is a recent 5 Rivers alum who's had a packed year post-grad, traveling across North America filming and photographing some of the best fishing the continent has to offer. Most recently, he's been on the road with the Fly Fishing Film Tour as a content creator, documenting their long haul from stop to stop. Before that, Joe was busy working on a film called "The Kids Are Alright," which highlights the TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassador Summit and the next generation of anglers and conservationists. In this episode, we catch up with Joe about everything he's been up to, reflect on lessons learned, and brainstorm some ideas for the future of Emerging. Also, we announce the winner of the Costa sunglasses giveaway — tune in to see if it’s you.

Made by angles, for anglers. Born in a fishing cabin in Iceland, Himbrimi Gin was first crafted to keep cold hands warm on the river. Now available in multiple countries, Himbrimi remains true to its roots donating 5% of all profits to nature conservation efforts in Iceland as "a gesture of gratitude". Once you’ve got a bottle in hand, take a look at the label decorated with trout, flies, and the iconic loon.  Listen in to hear about the distillery process, the fly fishing connection, and more!    Find Himbrimi here  

What began as simple, raw fishing clips with “Dad” has grown into a full blown lifestyle for the Iorg family. Now traveling the country with professional filmmakers, they’re taking fly fishing to the next level- blending adventure, family, and cinematic storytelling.  In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Eli, Axel, and Isla to talk fly fishing, filmmaking, and what it means to live life the way it should be. This was their first podcast appearance so there was a lot to talk about. Eli shared stories of his past fishing in Alabama, Isla shared with us how she catches all her HUGE brown trout, and Axel chimed in with some behind-the-scenes knowledge from their YouTube videos.   Listen in to get a inside look at one of the most genuine and fishy family in America  Instagram  Youtube   Family Business    Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible. 

In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Ellen Bogucki—5 Rivers Club President, former Fish for Change participant, and now intern. Ellen shares powerful stories from her time with Fish for Change, an organization dedicated to uniting youth from around the world through fly fishing, conservation, and community. From unforgettable moments on the water to the lessons learned about leadership and connection, this episode explores how one program can change lives for year and years.   Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible. 

In this short episode of Emerging we check in with an old friend Parker Cahill who has recently dove into a new endeavor with trout unlimited. Parker Cahill is a true TU success story. From growing up in a local Trout Unlimited chapter to becoming a leader in the CSU 5 Rivers club, he’s now making an impact as a project manager in Steamboat Springs. In this short episode, we dive into Parker’s journey, his love for the outdoors, and how he landed his current role.

The mission of Casting for Recovery is to support women who have been affected by breast cancer. CFR hosts wellness retreats centered around fly fishing to help women connect with each other, with nature, and with themselves—through shared experiences that promote healing and recovery. For the second year in a row, TU Costa 5 Rivers has partnered with CFR to raise thousands of dollars in support of this mission. This episode explores some of those efforts and includes a personal perspective from CFR alumna Kara Armano.  Kara Armano is a great example of what Casting for Recovery is all about. She first joined as a participant and now helps lead retreats and raise money for programs on Colorado’s Western Slope. She went through breast cancer treatment during the tough isolation of the COVID years, and the experience of connecting with others through fly fishing made a lasting impact. Her story shows just how powerful these retreats can be—for healing, for community, and for moving forward.    Giving challenge! https://givebutter.com/MDGC     Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible. 

In this episode of Emerging, we take a deep dive into the outdoor apparel industry. Our guest, Joe Basta, is the co-founder of a revolutionary company based in Fort Collins, Colorado. After years of pursuing various entrepreneurial ventures, Joe and his wife, Mellisa, founded Tellus with a mission to make a meaningful impact. While many companies today pledge 1% for the planet, Tellus goes a step further—donating 100% of its profits to The Nature Conservancy, supporting the protection of land and oceans both near and far from Fort Collins.      Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible. Find Tellus here: https://tellusoutdoor.com/  

Rick Takahashi is one of, if not the best fly tier in the game. Rick was “born to fish” as he says. Whether you know it or not Rick has probably influenced the life of any fly fisher. It may not be direct, but many of our favorite fly patters were either created by him or inspired by his skills. In this episode, we discussed what makes fishing and flies so interesting to Rick, and he gives us his best advice on how to become a better fly tier and angler.  To find some of Ricks work look for the titles: “Modern Midges”, “Modern Terrestrials”, and “The Fly Tying Artist” in your local fly shops. Or find his name on Amazon    Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible. 

Los Locos started as a one-time trip for a couple of friends and has since grown into a worldwide operation. Acting as a catalyst for change in local communities, Los Locos provides incredible experiences, lifelong memories, and lasting impacts on everyone involved. In this short episode, we talk about why these guys do what they do, as well as a lot about Magdalena Bay, the original Los Locos operation. Mag Bay holds incredible fishing, specifically for Marlin. Los Locos marlin fishing is “the ultimate pelagic fishing program”  To see more from Los Locos check out their Instagram @loslocosfishing  To learn more, or apply for a trip check out their website     Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible.