
13: Lessons Learned Hiking The John Muir Trail with a Fly Rod
10/23/24 • 73 min
In this episode, we dive into the nitty gritty details of three friends who hiked the John Muir Trail (JMT). Join us as we explore their hilarious mishaps, moments of discovery, and valuable lessons learned along the way. From gear recommendations to tips for overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring JMT hikers.
About Today's Guests
Andy (Andrea) Castan
Andy takes the seat of Guest Host and interviews Jamie Propst this week. As Jamie’s mom, she has had a front-row seat to the planning and prepping for this wild adventure and graciously offered to interview the crew on their shared experience. Andy is also an adventurer herself, just completing The Great Loop by boat with her husband, Darth. Tune in to their story on Episode 11.
Scott Propst
Scott is a retired Navy veteran and co-host of the Fishing for a Reason Podcast. He has a passion for the outdoors, and he's an experienced fisherman who enjoys exploring nature's beauty. This JMT hike was a new challenge for Scott, but he embraced the opportunity to test his limits and discover the wonders of the Sierra Nevada.
John De Pree
John is an active-duty professor of Naval Science at Oregon State University and a lifelong adventurer. He's a seasoned hunter with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. The JMT was a new kind of adventure for John that challenged him in ways he did not expect. Listen to the number 15 to learn more.
What You'll Learn:
- The challenges and rewards of hiking the JMT
- Essential gear and tips for a successful JMT hike
- How to build camaraderie and support with fellow hikers
- The importance of preparation and planning for a long-distance trail
- Inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles
Resources:
- Pacific Crest Trail Association: JMT History
- Recreation.gov for obtaining JMT Permits
- Nemo Women’s sleeping bag
- Join our free Community Anglers Unlimited FB Community
In this episode, we dive into the nitty gritty details of three friends who hiked the John Muir Trail (JMT). Join us as we explore their hilarious mishaps, moments of discovery, and valuable lessons learned along the way. From gear recommendations to tips for overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring JMT hikers.
About Today's Guests
Andy (Andrea) Castan
Andy takes the seat of Guest Host and interviews Jamie Propst this week. As Jamie’s mom, she has had a front-row seat to the planning and prepping for this wild adventure and graciously offered to interview the crew on their shared experience. Andy is also an adventurer herself, just completing The Great Loop by boat with her husband, Darth. Tune in to their story on Episode 11.
Scott Propst
Scott is a retired Navy veteran and co-host of the Fishing for a Reason Podcast. He has a passion for the outdoors, and he's an experienced fisherman who enjoys exploring nature's beauty. This JMT hike was a new challenge for Scott, but he embraced the opportunity to test his limits and discover the wonders of the Sierra Nevada.
John De Pree
John is an active-duty professor of Naval Science at Oregon State University and a lifelong adventurer. He's a seasoned hunter with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. The JMT was a new kind of adventure for John that challenged him in ways he did not expect. Listen to the number 15 to learn more.
What You'll Learn:
- The challenges and rewards of hiking the JMT
- Essential gear and tips for a successful JMT hike
- How to build camaraderie and support with fellow hikers
- The importance of preparation and planning for a long-distance trail
- Inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles
Resources:
- Pacific Crest Trail Association: JMT History
- Recreation.gov for obtaining JMT Permits
- Nemo Women’s sleeping bag
- Join our free Community Anglers Unlimited FB Community
Previous Episode

12: Fishing and Hiking the John Muir Trail
In this Fishing for a Reason Podcast episode, Jamie Propst shares her incredible journey hiking the John Muir Trail. She covers everything you need to know about this iconic adventure, from planning and preparation to the challenges and rewards. Listen as she recounts her experiences, shares tips for planning your trip, and discusses the beauty of the trail.
Watch on YouTube and hit subscribe to never miss an episode.
What You’ll Learn
- Tips for planning a John Muir Trail hike
- How to obtain permits and prepare for the journey.
- Insights into the challenges and rewards of hiking the trail.
- Information about the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the Sierra Nevada.
- Tips for fishing along the trail.
Resources
- Pacific Crest Trail Association: JMT History
- Recreation.gov for obtaining JMT Permits
- REI Bear Cans
- Book: Journeys North, the Pacific Crest Trail by Barney Scout Man
- Join our free Anglers Unlimited FB Community
Next Episode

14: Chumming for Halibut: The #1 Strategy Most Anglers Ignore
Tired of waiting all day for a halibut bite—and going home empty-handed? In this episode, Jamie Propst breaks down the science and strategy behind the one halibut fishing tactic most anglers overlook: chumming. Learn how understanding scent, amino acids, and current patterns can completely change your success on the water. Plus, get Jamie’s favorite chum recipe, blending tips, and tactical tips for a chum-tastic day!
🎣 Ever drop anchor, wait all day for halibut... and go home frustrated?
You’re not alone — but the good news is, there’s a fix. And it’s simpler than you think.
In this episode, Jamie Propst from Anglers Unlimited dives into the #1 overlooked halibut fishing tactic: building an effective chumming strategy.
She shares personal stories, real-world fishing experiences, and the fascinating science behind why scent matters way more than you might realize.
Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:
- Why scent is the real secret weapon for halibut success
- The biology of how halibut detect bait (and why it matters)
- Which amino acids (alanine + glycine) trigger halibut feeding responses
- Top bait choices packed with scent-attracting power
- How current speed and bait spacing impact your chum trail
- The "first hour" rule you must know when chumming
- How to make chum-tastic “chumsicles” and store them for fishing trips
- Why you need a dedicated bait blender (trust us on this one...)
🎁 Want Jamie’s proven chum recipe?
Download the Halibut Chum Recipe Cheat Sheet at anglersunlimited.co/chum — you’ll get a full walkthrough, ingredient list, and pro tips to get your chum game dialed in.
📸 Show us your halibut catch!
Tag us @AnglersUnlimited.co on Instagram or hop into our free Anglers Unlimited San Juan Islands Facebook community. We'd love to celebrate your next big win!
👉 Subscribe to the Fishing for a Reason Podcast so you never miss an episode!
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