This week’s podcast is one of the biggest eye-openers I have ever done. Not only did I learn a lot, but I have actually changed my views on a number of topics, including the effects of the moon or a change in barometric pressure on fishing. My guest, Russ Carpenter, is a neurologist at Stanford, who studies the brains and senses of fish, specifically rainbow trout. He answers lots of question about a trout’s sense of smell, vision, and hearing—including UV vision. I hope you learn as much as I did.
In the Fly Box, we have these questions:
- Do you really fish with bamboo rods? Aren’t graphite and glass better?
- Why did I see large steelhead in a Great Lakes tributary in July?
- What is your opinion on stocking fish in wild trout streams?
- Is a 6-weight line from 30 years ago the same size as a modern 6-weight?
- Can I dye a fly line with RIT dye?
- What is the best saltwater weed guard?
- Are some spooky fish truly un-catchable? Is there anything I can do to try to catch them?
- Is there a difference between a Scottish brown trout and a German brown?
- I am landing trout up to 20 inches without letting them run. Am I doing something wrong?
- What do you think about weighted soft hackles?
- With modern rubber soles like the Michelin sole on the Pro Boot, is there any need for studs?
This is an amazing podcast episode. I have been listening to the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast for some time now, and this episode is definitely the most informative and technical in the series, a great episode for a seasoned angler. I love how Dr. Carpenter explains trout behavior through a scientific lens. Please do another episode with Dr. Carpenter on fish behavior.
Thank you for the great podcast!