Podcast
Anchored with April Vokey
Hosted by April Vokey · EN
Join renowned angler April Vokey for intimate, face-to-face conversations with fly fishing’s most fascinating voices. Each episode blends storytelling and practical wisdom—covering everything from steelhead conservation and fly tying to musky, trout, travel, and the culture of angling. With her honest and behind-the-scenes approach, April uncovers stories rarely shared in public, giving you insights and inspiration you can carry back to the water. Come listen in and discover a side of fly fishing you won’t find anywhere else.
An Anchored Outdoors production.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Anchored Podcast Ep. 289: Michael Rebholz on... the Bonker Spey?
2d ago01:52:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Michael Rebholz to discuss Bonker Spey, his controversial approach to Spey casting that uses a rod-borne anchor by draping the line over the rod.... and then some. Michael explains how he developed the technique, why he believes it can be especially effective in strong wind and when casting heavy flies, and how the fly-casting community responded when he first introduced it. Our conversation expands well beyond Bonkerspey. We explore Michael’s theory on casting panic, the psychology behind learning to cast, the limitations of traditional instruction, and whether the sport needs to reconsider how casting is taught. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 288: Jesse Males and Koji Sumalde on The Future of Fly Fishing Films
3w ago01:03:33Tap to summarizeToday I'm joined by filmmakers Jesse Males and Koji Sumalde, the creative duo behind some of the most cinematic storytelling in fly fishing today. Together, they've built a reputation for capturing the people, places, and moments that make our sport so compelling—from remote steelhead rivers to Florida's Nature Coast. In this episode, we talk about their journey into filmmaking, the realities of working in outdoor media, what makes a great story, and the behind-the-scenes adventures that come with chasing it. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 287: The Lost Art of Hand-Tied Flies with Adrian Cortes
Jul 200:59:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Anchored, I’m joined by Adrian Cortes, a passionate steelheader, hand fly tyer, and critical care nurse whose approach to fly fishing is as thoughtful as it is unconventional. Born in the Philippines and now based in the Pacific Northwest, Adrian has become known for tying intricate flies entirely by hand—without a vise—and for his deep appreciation of traditional steelhead fishing, bamboo rods, and the history of the craft. In this conversation, we dive into his journey, his philosophy, and why slowing down might just make us better anglers. I hope you enjoy this one. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 286: Mike Lawson, Fifty Years on the Henry’s Fork
May 2301:37:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Mike Lawson — a legendary guide, fly tyer, educator, and one of the founding forces behind Henry’s Fork Anglers. What began in the early 1970s as a young schoolteacher tying flies at the kitchen table with his wife Sheralee eventually grew into one of the most iconic fly fishing businesses in the world. Mike shares the story of building Henry’s Fork Anglers from the ground up — the lean early years, the friendships and mentors that shaped him, the explosion of fly fishing after A River Runs Through It, and the deep family roots behind a business that has now spanned nearly fifty years. We talk about guiding, fly tying, loyalty, legacy, and what it really means to dedicate your life to rivers, people, and the craft of fly fishing. This conversation is thoughtful, nostalgic, and full of hard-earned wisdom from someone who helped shape modern fly fishing as we know it. You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 285: Jonathan Antunez, What Modern Anglers Forgot
May 1501:25:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Antunez — a fly tyer, educator, and angler known for his deep knowledge of fixed-line fly fishing techniques, from Tenkara to Euro nymphing and beyond. What started as a trip to Yellowstone quickly turned into an obsession with the artistry, history, and mechanics behind fly fishing, eventually leading Jonathan down a path of studying centuries-old techniques and adapting them to modern waters. We talk about the origins of fixed-line fishing, the forgotten traditions that shaped modern fly fishing, how subtle fly movement can change everything, and why Jonathan believes many anglers have lost touch with the deeper connection between rod, line, and fly. This one gets technical, historical, and surprisingly philosophical — and I think you’re going to enjoy it. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 284: Ben Sippola on Wading in Jandals
May 501:10:58Tap to summarizeBen Sippola — also known as Benny-Sip—is a New Zealand-based writer whose work is rooted in rivers, fly fishing, and the spaces in between. A former professional footballer turned coach, he’s now the author of books like Wading in Jandals and A River Runs, and a regular contributor to The Fly Fish Journal. These days, he’s focused on writing raw, poetic prose that explores nature, identity, and what it means to pay attention. In this episode, we hear his story. You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 283: April Vokey on Being Human
Apr 200:54:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Anchored, we’re doing something a little different. I was recently a guest on the Outside podcast with PaddyO where we discussed some of the more… umm, unconventional aspects of fishing. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Find more from Paddy on iTunes, Spotify, or https://www.outsideonline.com/ You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 282: Phil Monahan on a Quick Start Guide to Fly Fishing
Mar 1301:09:44Tap to summarizePhil Monahan is a longtime fly-fishing writer, editor, and educator. Phil has spent years translating complex techniques — everything from trout behaviour to knot systems and presentation strategies — into practical, approachable instruction for anglers at every level. An experienced angler, Phil has fished widely across North America and brings a deep appreciation for rivers, wild fish, and the traditions that surround the sport. In this episode of Anchored, we talk about his latest book, what percent of anglers stick with it once they get started, finding work in the fly fishing industry, and much more. You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 281: Spencer Siem — Guardians of the Feather
Jan 1301:17:02Tap to summarizeSpencer Siem is a New Mexico–based fly fishing guide known for his deep knowledge of Southwestern waters and his connection to the Feather Thief legacy. Blending technical precision with a reverence for fly-tying history, Spencer approaches guiding as both craft and storytelling. His work reflects a respect for tradition, a curiosity for innovation, and a quiet dedication to passing the culture of fly fishing forward. In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about his story. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Anchored Podcast Ep. 280: Anchored Podcast Ep. 280: Mikael Frödin on Why You Should Care About Atlantic Salmon
Dec 1501:45:02Tap to summarizeMikael Frödin is a renowned fly fisherman, innovator, and fly designer whose influence spans decades of modern salmon and trout fishing. Best known for his pioneering work with tube flies and his analytical approach to fish behaviour, Frödin blends Scandinavian tradition with relentless experimentation. His work—on the water, in writing, and through design—has helped shape how anglers around the world think about presentation, efficiency, and respect for wild fish. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →