So, You Want a Job in the Fly-Fishing Industry? With Kirk Deeter

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

I get regular questions from people about getting a job in the fly-fishing industry, both in the podcast mailbox and in person at shows and store visits. It's a tough question and I don't have all the answers so I called upon my buddy Kirk Deeter [35:04], who as founding publisher of Angling Trade magazine and currently editor of Trout magazine, along with many other jobs in the industry, is the consummate fly-fishing insider. He talks about the joys and the pitfalls of looking for a job in this tiny niche. I think he has some great tips to share, whether you are a young kid looking for a first job or a seasoned veteran of another industry looking for a more rewarding career. In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips, including:

• How should I treat CDC feathers I got from a friend who hunts waterfowl?
• A listener asks why people who write into the Fly Box don't just go out and try the things they are asking about.
• A spooky Halloween story from a listener
• How do I avoid a size 12 dry fly twisting on a 6X tippet?
• What is the best Orvis rod for hopper fishing on western rivers?
• Can I keep my fly rods set up all season? Do I need to wax the ferrules?
• How can I do a better job of hooking trout on a downstream cast?
• Am I missing something by not using tapered leaders when fishing for bass and panfish?
• If a 6X leader makes a size 12 fly twist, why don't we just use 1X and 2X leaders on all of our flies, down to a size 24?
• How can I get a single nymph down into deep, fast water without using split shot?
• Would a longer rod help keep my Clouser Minnows from hitting the rocks behind me on my back cast?
• I have a 5-weight rod and want to fish for bass, carp, and suckers. Should I get a 6-weight or a 7-weight rod?