Back Cast: The Seven Deadly Sins of Playing and Landing Fish, with Josh Nugent

Back Cast: The Seven Deadly Sins of Playing and Landing Fish, with Josh Nugent

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company June 9, 2026 Duration: 1:37:25

This episode was originally published on May 19th, 2025.

Every week I get some iteration of this question: "I hooked three fish and lost all of them before I could get them to the net. What am I doing wrong?" Well, often you did nothing wrong and it was just bad luck. But there are steps you can take to make sure you land the fish you've hooked and Josh Nugent [36:46], a regular on my podcast and one of the most thoughtful anglers I know, presents us with his Seven Deadly Sins. There are lots of helpful nuggets in this one.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:
You say I can fish small streamers on my 5-weight rod. What do you mean by "small'?
I am using the Albright knot for larger sections of my leader. What do you think?
A tip from a listener on how not to launch small brookies into the bushes when you hook them.
Why am I losing half of my fish when using barbless hooks?
Is there any situation where you would use an Improved Clinch Knot as opposed to the regular Clinch Knot?
A tip from a listener on how to tie big foam flies that won't land upside-down.
How do you balance various passions, family, work, and still have the energy and time to get out on the water?
How do you set up your emergers, and what is your go-to emerger fly?
Where can I find split shot that does not contain lead?
How do you feel about the relative perceived intelligence of hatchery fish as compared to wild fish?


For anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a line or wondered about the quiet rhythm of a river, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast is a steady companion. Host Tom Rosenbauer, a well-known author and the voice behind this series for The Orvis Company, doesn’t just offer tips; he shares a lifetime of curiosity spent on the water. Each week, the conversation unfolds like a guidebook coming to life, covering the tangible skills and the subtle philosophies that define fly-fishing. You’ll hear practical advice on technique and gear, certainly, but also deeper discussions about conservation, reading different waters, and understanding fish behavior. It’s that blend of straightforward education and reflective storytelling that makes this podcast unique. Whether you’re planning your first cast or have decades of experience, the aim is the same: to make your hours by the stream more thoughtful and rewarding. Tune in for a mix of solo episodes from Tom and interviews with other anglers, all grounded in a genuine passion for the sport and the wilderness it depends on. This is more than a series of lessons; it’s an ongoing dialogue for anyone who finds solace and challenge in fly-fishing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
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