Interview starts at 37:13
This week, I interview Sam Sifton, Assistant Managing Editor of the New York Times and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler. (You may know Sam from his former role as the Times‘s Cooking Editor.) It’s quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen. Along the way, of course, we get some fish-cooking advice, but only for bluefish. Learn why Sam and I don’t eat striped bass (and it’s more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population).
For more on stripers, check out the latest episode of the Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing:
In the Fly Box, we have the following questions:
- Do you have any tips for fishing a very large river?
- How long do hooks stay sharp, and can I re-sharpen chemically sharpened hooks?
- Why don’t you develop biodegradable hooks?
- Why am I having problems catching spring trout in Alaska?
- I was recently fishing a delayed harvest section and caught some smaller, beautifully colored trout. Do you think they were wild?
- Why am I developing pains in my wrist when casting my 8-weight?
- Should I concentrate on getting really good at catching just one species, or should I try for all the species that are available in my area?
- In a boundary layer between dirty and clean water, where will I find the trout?
- In your TV show, you recommended a full-sinking or Depth Charge line for bass in deep water. Can I use a sinking poly leader on my floating line as well?
- I am having trouble tying off the hackle at the base of the post on my parachute flies like the Klinkhammer. Can you suggest some tips?
- Can I get a fly rod that will be good for both steelhead and musky?
If you don’t see the “Play” button above, click here to listen.
