Don't Play The Fly-Fishing Game By Someone Else's Rules, with Thi Nguyen

Don't Play The Fly-Fishing Game By Someone Else's Rules, with Thi Nguyen

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company January 26, 2026 Duration: 1:26:15

My guest this week is philosophy professor and fly fisher Thi Nguyen [33:31], who has spent his career studying the psychology and the value of games to our mental well-being. He argues that fly fishing is not one game but an infinite number of games that can be played by rules that we invent to challenge ourselves. And you might even change your rules within a single day of fishing. This podcast and my discussions with him have changed the way I view and teach fly fishing and I hope the interview will be equally fascinating to you.

The Fly Box this week has some interesting tips and questions. Perhaps not as thought-provoking but still interesting, and I hope helpful.
Will a premium rod magnify my casting mistakes?
Will my 4-weight Helios handle brown trout over 20 inches?
Can you elaborate on why someone would want to use two indicators and how to set them up?
Will my nymphs sink better with 12-pound fluorocarbon or with lighter tippet?
I am confused by the differences in hook sizes recommended for various diameters of beads. They don't seem consistent. Can you help?
A tip for using paper key tags to learn to identify various flies
A tip for using parachute cord to eliminate the loss of small items
Why do I see bugs under rocks in one part of a river and not in another?


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
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 1:20:50
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Duration: 1:41:45
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