Blane Chocklett - Bringing Flies To Life

04/10/24 • 95 min

Saltwater Edge Podcast - Sharing Our Passion For Saltwater Fishing

Today’s guest grew up fishing the small mountain streams near his Blue Ridge, Virginia home. As a youngster, he started a guiding service and, in the late 90s, opened Blue Ridge Fly Fishers in Roanoke, Virginia. He has worked for years to create patterns that solve angling problems. More than once, he has created “a platform” a design innovation so effective that dozens of “patterns” can then be created. Some of these can go head to head with the strike-generating action of conventional lures.

A decade ago, our guest returned to the river where he now owns and operates his guide service, specializing in float trips for musky, smallmouth bass, stripers, trout, and many other species.

In addition, he is the Southeastern Field Editor for Fly Fishermen. He is an advisor or brand ambassador for many of the industry’s top brands: Patagonia, Temple Fork Outfitters, Scientific Anglers, Costa and Renzetti

One of the things I appreciate the most about today's guest is his deep respect for the past and those who have helped him along the way. His passion for conservation also seems to grow at about the same pace as his son Tyler. It has been a pleasure working and traveling with him for the American Saltwater Guides Association.

A decade ago, our guest returned to the river where he now owns and operates his guide service, specializing in float trips for musky, smallmouth bass, stripers, trout, and many other species.

Previous Episode

Captain Chris Aubut - Raised By Saltwater

Chris Aubut grew up in the very fishy Westport, MA. He spent most of his youth developing his boating and saltwater fishing skills with guidance from his father. Throughout his life, surfing in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island consumed most of his time away from light tackle and saltwater fly fishing. After he graduated from the Chapman School of Seamanship, he pursued a life on the water.

Over the past 13 years, Chris has guided hundreds of clients on successful fishing charters in Westport and the Florida Keys. In 2011, he again turned his passion into a business and started the Aubut Rod Company, informed by those years on the water. Since then, he has made hundreds of high-performing light tackle fishing rods for freshwater and saltwater anglers around the globe.

Next Episode

Nick Mayer - A Saltwater Fishing Journey From Sketch Books To Mastery

This episode features Peter Jenkins, owner of the Saltwater Edge, in conversation with renowned fish artist Nick Mayer. They discuss Nick's journey from a young nature enthusiast to becoming one of the world's top fish portrait artists, his academic background in marine biology, and his various experiences and jobs in fisheries research around the globe. Nick shares insights into his art process, the importance of detail and observation, and his transition from traditional gallery sales to e-commerce. The discussion also covers the significance of fishing companions, maintaining an open mind for learning, and utilizing digital tools for fishing. Nick also highlights his latest book, 'Fish ABCs,' and his personal fishing bucket list, expressing a desire to catch a GT in the Seychelles. 00:00 Welcome to The Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:36 Spotlight on Nick Mayer: A Master of Fish Portraits 00:54 Nick Mayer's Journey: From Childhood Fascination to Renowned Artist 04:33 The Artistic Process and Passion Behind Nick Mayer's Work 21:00 Nick Mayer's Adventures and Inspirations in Fishing and Art 26:11 A Harrowing Tugboat Tale 27:12 From Near-Disaster to Artistic Inspiration 28:53 The Artistic Process: From Pencil to Watercolor 35:07 The Business of Art: Making It Accessible 38:55 Fishing: A Universal Connector 40:48 Art, Conservation, and the Digital Pivot 41:47 Fishing Tips, Resources, and a Dream Day 49:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans