Emerging

Very Good Fly Fishing

David Brotzman has burst onto the fly fishing scene with serious momentum. As the creator behind the alias Very Good Fly Fishing (VGFF), he’s built one of the most down to earth, relatable, and genuinely funny characters in our industry.

What sets VGFF apart is the balance! Equal parts skill, storytelling, and not taking it all too seriously. It’s the kind of content that makes you want to grab a rod and just go fish. And it doesn’t stop at short-form. Beyond the reels, Very Good Fly Fishing has carved out a space on YouTube as well, producing longer-form videos that dive into van life, winter camping, and full-on fly fishing adventures! 

 

Check out All the content below:

 

Instagram

Youtube

All The Goods!

The Bahamian Ministry of Fly Fishing

Joel is living the life. As a Bahamian, growing up fly fishing and exploring the beautiful flats in his backyard was second nature! Those early days on the water turned into something much bigger. Fast forward to today, and he’s worked in and out of fly fishing his entire life, building a deep-rooted connection to the sport and the people behind it.

From being a kid fishing purely for the love of it, to guiding the Carnegie Mellon family year after year, Joel has seen the fishery from every angle. Now, he plays a key role in vouching for the guides, lodges, and local operations that make up one of the Bahamas’ most important industries, helping ensure the culture, quality, and authenticity of the experience stay exactly where they should be.

 

 

 

The Most Interesting Man in Fly Fishing

Connor Murphy is the Founder of the CSU 5 Rivers club, and an all around fishy dude. Connor spends his time with Fly Water Inc, Emerger Fly Fishing, and St.Peters Fly Shop doing a little bit of everything!

 

In this episode we talk all things fishing, euro, social norms, food, and phish? Tune in and share the show!

 

Enjoy

How to Catch a Fishermen

Kevin Arculeo is the inventor behind one of the most unique series of flies we’ve seen. His signature technique involves cutting hollow cylinders of foam to create articulated appendages on crab, shrimp, and other flats flies, giving them a look and movement you don’t see every day on the flats. It’s a simple idea, but the execution is dialed, and the result is patterns that feel different in the water.

What really caught our eye was the Bonefish Tickler. It’s creative, a little outside the box, and clearly built with intention for how fish actually react.

Aside from tying flies, Kevin is a UGA alum and an all around fun, good dude who clearly loves the craft. Check out some of his stuff here:

kevinarculeofishing.com

Rainys Flies

Are Bobbers Better!?

Jake Thornburg, better known as “Jakey Two Tips,” is a true Gunnison River aficionado and an all-around Colorado Western Slope fishing bum. Though he didn’t grow up fishing, Jake found his way to the river later in life—and once he did, it took hold. What started as curiosity turned into obsession, and eventually into a career built around the very waters he now calls home.

In this episode, we talk about how Jake carved out his place on the Western Slope, what makes the Gunnison such a special fishery, and how he has found a love for fishing the bobber.

Steelhead Fishing with Lael Paul Johnson

Lael Paul Johnson is one of the best steelhead guides out there. Period. Known for his passion, determination, and relentless dedication to the sport. If you see Lael on the water, watch and learn. If you see Lael on land, it’s probably not steelhead season.

 

Tune in to this episode to pick up some of Lael’s best steelheading tricks—but more than that, hear how he traded a career as a brain surgeon for life as a fly-fishing guide. Which one is more technical? We’ll let Lael tell you.

 

Check out some of Lael's work below!

 

flygyde.com

@laelpauljohnson

laelpjohnson.com

Fly Fishing Photography

In this Episode we are joined by Jon Coudriet, a self proclaimed brand aficionado who specializes in fly fishing photography. In this episode we talk about Jon's passion for being in the right place at the right time. How he has made a career out of photography, and how the best camera is the one that you know how to use! 

 

Find some of Jon's work at joncoudriet.com

 

 

• Fly Fishing photography
• Cameras
• Surfing
• Striped Marlin
• Photo Editing
• Adventure Travel
• Los Locos

Fly Fishing New Zealand

A lot of young anglers dream about heading to New Zealand. Big trout, epic rivers, and pure adventure. Online it looks like a fly fishing paradise, but what’s it really like to live there and figure it all out on your own?

In this episode, we talk with 5 Rivers alum Joe Fitzgerald. Joe took the leap and moved down under to chase his dream. He shares stories from the rivers, what it’s really like to DIY your life and fishing in a new country, and tips for anyone thinking about packing up and doing it all themselves. If you’ve ever thought about heading to New Zealand to fish, this episode gives you the real, behind-the-scenes experience.

Nelson Oxley

Nelson Oxley is a TU Costa 5 Rivers alumnus from St. Lawrence University who has continued to make a meaningful impact in the fishing industry well beyond his time as a club member. In this episode, we sit down with Nelson to unpack his journey as an angler, from his early days on the water to how the 5 Rivers program helped shape his path and open doors within the industry. This conversation explores personal growth, industry insight, and what it really takes to turn a love for fishing into a lasting career.

• Mayfly Outdoors
• 5 Rivers
• Musky Fishing
• 25 on the Fly
• Carp Fishing
• Fly Lords
• Fly Fishing Colorado

 

Brian O'Keefe

Brian O'Keefe recounts his five-decade journey as a fly fisherman, photographer, and writer — from early film cameras to modern iPhone photography, and from local rivers to remote saltwater destinations.

The episode mixes some of Brians best stories, from guiding Ted Williams in Alaska, to exploring deep in the jungle looking for bass, we go over it all!