Into the Backing

A recent change in government regulations has made fishing for steelhead from a boat illegal in Washington State. The change is the result of poor steelhead returns and an attempt to find a compromise between the guides, anglers and fish. A substantial amount of guides and anglers are upset about the new law and how it was implemented, so I asked longtime salmon and steelhead guide and spokesperson, Bob Kratzer to sit down with ste...

It’s hard to ignore the contention that follows any conversation about fishing on redds. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, photographer Adam Barker, and Howard Horton from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to see if we could get to the bottom of why it’s frowned upon. We discuss the science behind fishing on redds, why it isn’t illegal in many parts of Nor...

As a relatively new hunter, I was curious to learn more about the grip and grin debate that I often see surface on social media. In this episode of Into the Backing, I sit down with experienced hunters Britt Longoria, Tyler Freel and Mark Hall to hear their thoughts. We discuss how and why our photos matter, if the hunting industry is unnecessarily inflammatory, and if something as simple ...

This month’s episode has been brewing since the conception of the Anchored podcast in 2014. Over the last six years, we’ve discussed various concerns about the impact of hatchery fish in wild systems. Every time such an episode airs, it stimulates debate between "pro-hatchery" and "anti-hatchery" anglers. So, for years I've been asking hatchery advocates to give me the name of someone they wanted to hear from. The name they gave me...

My guests today include big game specialist and Sportfishing captain Vic Levett, Australian fishing guide Justin Duggan, and steelhead guide and photographer Adrienne Comeau, who also happens to be a life-long vegetarian. In this episode of Into the Backing we tackle the argument of whether catch and release fly fishing is truly beneficial to fish, or if it’s unnecessary torture for our own fun....

Today our round table guests include Master caster Peter Morse, professional photographer and avid angler David Anderson, and guide and entrepreneur Josh Hutchins. On this episode, we explore whether there is such a thing as too easy when it comes to fishing. We also consider the definition of fly fishing and discuss our opinions on whether fishing is a sport. Join us for this stimulating conversation between friends and fishing ex...

We’ve got all sorts of discussion coming your way in this monthly series. Between pro-hatchery and anti-hatchery biologists, social media influencers and old-school industry types, catch and release anglers and meat hunters… We’re putting some hot topics on the table for you to form your own opinions. Be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss out on episode one, where we keep it light with a friendly debate about if there’s such ...