Knotted Leaders, Furled Leaders, Braided Leaders—and Favorite Knots, with Brian Flechsig

Knotted Leaders, Furled Leaders, Braided Leaders—and Favorite Knots, with Brian Flechsig

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company October 27, 2025 Duration: 1:50:11

I've wanted to get Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters [49:59] on the podcast for quite a while and we finally made it happen. Brian is the star of many great YouTube videos and he loves to get into the details of tackle rigging. He's a knotted leader expert and he explains his simple three-part system for tying saltwater and bass leaders. He also talks about his use of furled leaders and the now-extinct Orvis Braided Leaders. Brian and I also discuss our favorite knots and a philosophy for choosing your own knots—always a hot topic.   

In the Fly Box this week we have these questions and tips:
When does it make more sense to modify a fly instead of changing flies?
If you don't see any bug activity, can you still catch fish on dry flies?
Why would you ever use a strike indicator when you can use a dry dropper rig?
I live on a trout stream that hardly anyone else fishes. How long should I rest the river in between trips?  Will the fish move out if I fish it too hard?
I saw a bunch of dead and struggling rainbows in the shallows. What do you think caused this?
How can I get my Comparaduns to fan out when I tie them?
When wouldn't you substitute CDC, rabbit's foot, or a synthetic when tying Comparaduns?
What are your thoughts on winding foam around a hook to make flies float better?
What is your favorite cricket pattern?
If modern graphite rods are so stiff, why design a 5-weight rod that is really a 6-weight?
How should I orient my rod when I cast to make sure I take advantage of the spine properly?
I have heard that you should fish a small stream downstream so the fish doesn't see your fly line. Is this correct?
A tip from a listener on how to keep fly boxes dry when wading deep.
Do you ever take backpacking/fishing trips?


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
Did You Know About Shoal Bass? With Quint Rogers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week I interview Quint Rogers [31:43], a fly fishing guide specializing in shoal bass fishing in Georgia. We discuss the unique characteristics of shoal bass, their habitat, life cycle, and the best fishing techniqu…
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Six Tips for Winter Streamer Fishing, with Brian Slusser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Tips for Fly-Fishing Backpacking Trips, with Derek Bargaehr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:15
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Backcast: Foraging Along Trout Streams, with Sam Thayer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:50
This episode was originally published on July 14th, 2023. I think most stream anglers are interested in foraging, since we're immersed in nature all day long and although we watch for fish and insects and birds, many of…
Backcast: All About Bamboo Fly Rods, with Shawn Brillon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:45
This episode was originally published on August 19th, 2022. Want to know how a bamboo fly rod is made? How long it takes to make one? How many different hands touch an Orvis bamboo fly rod before you (and your children a…