
Editor’s note: This is a podcast from 2018, so not all the info about things going on at the time may not be accurate. However, the Fly Box and Tom’s interview with Derek are just as relevant today as ever. Interview begins at 49:50.
This week, Orvis Ambassador Derek Olthuis and I talk about fishing with your kids and family. Derek has three young children, and he fishes as much as anyone I know, so he has some great tips on how to make it a fun and rewarding experience for all members of the family. If you’ve wanted to introduce kids to fly fishing, you’ll get some great advice from this podcast. Here’s a video featuring Derek’s kids and some friends:
In The Fly Box this week, we explore a number of interesting questions and suggestions:
- What do I do with saltwater flies after I’ve used them?
- How do companies that sell fly patterns evaluate new ones?
- How do I keep annoying sea grass off my fly and leader?
- Should I feel guilty about hooking tarpon that were chilling in a marina behind a boat?
- Should I worry about keeping my fishing gear in a hot car?
- How do I quickly tell if a stream has a rich food supply or if it is more infertile? Can I use this to adjust my fishing techniques?
- What do I do if a trout tries to eat my strike indicator?
- How long should removable studs last?
- Why could I not catch smallmouths that were chasing baitfish?
- Why don’t more anglers use soft-hackle flies?
- How long should I rest a pool before trying a new fly pattern?
- What’s an easy way to identify mayflies and caddisflies in the air?
If you don’t see the “Play” button above, click here to listen.

Derek Olthuis with a stunning bull trout.
Photo courtesy Derek Olthuis
Derek Olthuis should know better than to treat a magnificent fish like that. Keep em wet show some class