The Butcher Shop

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Brendan Ruch, the innovative tier behind the Nut Job, to explore every dimension of this game-changing swim fly pattern. From its accidental birth on Logjam Live to its current status as a go-to predator pattern for serious smallmouth and trout anglers, Brendan walks through the complete evolution of the fly. The conversation covers Central Pennsylvania waters where the pattern has proven deadly on big smallmouth and trout, particularly during spring high water conditions. Brendan details his craft fur-based approach...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with legendary streamer innovator Blane Chocklett to discuss his groundbreaking new hook line with Ahrex, designed specifically for modern articulated fly patterns and the Game Changer platform.

Blane Chocklett's Hook Design Revolution

Blane Chocklett reveals how he completely reimagined hook sizing and design to solve the challenges fly tiers face when building articulated streamers. Rather than continuing to adapt existing hooks to his platforms, Chocklett collaborated with Ahrex to create hooks optimized for gap, shank length and wire gauge from the ground up.<...

Discover the Spiral Spook: Innovation in Topwater Fly Fishing

Join Marvin Cash on The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast as he interviews Chase Smith, inventor of the innovative Spiral Spook fly pattern. Chase bridges conventional and fly fishing by adapting the classic walk-the-dog action into a deadly topwater fly for bass and other predator species.

Expert Design Insights from Chase Smith

Chase shares his journey from conventional fishing to creating one of fly fishing's most unique topwater patterns. Learn how he solved critical design challenges including weight distribution, foam construction and hook positioning...

In this fly fishing podcast episode, host Marvin Cash reconnects with legendary fly designer and guide Blane Chocklett fresh off eight weeks on the road pursuing jack crevalle conservation and unveiling game-changing innovations from The Chocklett Factory.

Blane Chocklett's Jack Crevalle Conservation Mission

Blane shares the ambitious Jack Project spanning Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Texas—placing acoustic tags on jack crevalle to generate scientific data for policy change. He makes a compelling case for protecting what he calls "the American GT," emphasizing how these powerful fish deserve the same respect anglers give to giant trevally wo...

The Home Invader: A 30-Year Fly Fishing Legacy

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash dives deep into one of fly fishing's most versatile streamer patterns with its creator, Doug McKnight. Calling in from Blacksmith Lodge in Punta Herrero, Mexico, Doug shares the complete story behind the Home Invader—from its origins on Pennsylvania spring creeks to its evolution into a deadly pattern for everything from Yellowstone brown trout to backcountry tarpon.

Doug McKnight's Streamer Expertise

Doug McKnight brings three decades of streamer innovation to this fly fishing podcast, with pa...

The Articulate Fly podcast delivers another essential Ruch Report featuring expert guide Brendan Ruch, who shares critical fall bass fishing strategies while navigating his new role with Megabass.

In this timely episode, Ruch addresses the pivotal question of when to transition from topwater flies to ned rig techniques during fall fishing, revealing that low water conditions and extended warm weather are keeping topwater action alive well into autumn.

Learn about the most effective ned rig-style flies for bass, including detailed insights on Mini Boogeyman patterns from Montana Fly Company and Changer Craw designs that fall...

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Pennsylvania guide Brendan Ruch, who shares expert techniques for challenging summer fishing conditions.

With waters running low and clear across PA, Ruch reveals why subtle surface presentations are outfishing aggressive popper techniques, demonstrating Matt Miles' proven method of creating slack movement that mimics injured insects without spooking selective fish.

Learn specific cicada shimmy strategies that trigger strikes when fish are being "sippy" and discover Ruch's go-to subsurface patterns including the Single Nut Job on size 2 hooks and MFC's mini-Sex Dungeon in olive...

In this must-listen fly fishing podcast episode, host Marvin Cash welcomes back Blane Chocklett, the inventor of the revolutionary Game Changer platform, for another installment of The Chocklett Factory series.

Expert Innovation: Blane Chocklett's Latest Breakthroughs

Blane Chocklett, renowned fly designer, guide and author, reveals his most anticipated fly tying materials set to revolutionize the tying bench this fall and winter season.

What You'll Learn: Cutting-Edge Tying Solutions

Discover breakthrough innovations including flexible crustacean eyes that solve traditional mono eye problems, premium foam products for superior terrestrial patterns and specialized brush...

Join The Butcher Shop podcast host Marvin Cash for an exclusive deep dive into fly line design and manufacturing with Josh Jenkins, R&D Manager at Scientific Anglers.

Guest Expertise: Scientific Anglers R&D Leadership

Josh Jenkins brings mechanical engineering expertise and years of hands-on experience developing fly lines for America's leading manufacturer. As SA's sole engineer, Jenkins oversees product development, manufacturing optimization and quality control for the company's entire line portfolio.

What You'll Learn: Manufacturing Secrets Revealed

Discover the complete fly line manufacturing process from core selection through PVC coating...

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another essential Ruch Report with smallmouth bass guide Brendan Ruch, fresh from successful trips to Michigan waters with Schultz Outfitters and western Pennsylvania streams.

Despite challenging mid-Atlantic conditions with high, dirty water disrupting traditional topwater fishing, Brendan shares proven strategies for adapting to stained water conditions using copper flash patterns, tan and olive brown crayfish imitations and downsized presentations on slower flats.

Learn critical hook removal techniques for tongue-hooked smallmouth bass, including the proper hemostat method that significantly reduces bleeding and improves fish survival compared...

Join Marvin Cash on this episode of The Butcher Shop as he explores one of saltwater fly fishing's most revolutionary patterns with Captain Ben Whalley, a Maine striped bass guide and a keeper of Bob Popovics' innovative tying methods.

Expert Guest Credentials

Captain Ben Whalley brings unparalleled insight into Bob Popovics' techniques, having developed a close mentorship with the legendary fly designer before his passing. As a professional striped bass guide fishing Maine's challenging waters, Whalley has refined these patterns for diverse saltwater conditions.

What You'll Learn

Discover the fascinating history...

The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast returns with another Chocklett Factory update featuring legendary fly designer Blane Chocklett, creator of the revolutionary Game Changer platform and founder of The Chocklett Factory fly company.

Expert Fly Designer and Product Innovator

Blane Chocklett brings decades of guiding experience and fly tying expertise to this comprehensive update on his latest innovations. As the mastermind behind Game Changer flies that have transformed cold water, warm water and saltwater fly fishing, Chocklett shares insights from his extensive travel schedule and product development work.

What You'll Learn

...

Join Marvin Cash on this tactical episode featuring smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. With high water keeping anglers off their home waters, Brendan shares his expertise on optimizing Lamson three-pack reel setups for serious smallmouth fishing, breaking down the perfect trio of fly lines for varying conditions. Learn how to match fly lines to your rod's action, discover why intermediate lines require seasonal swapping to avoid sticky summer performance and master the game-changing Titan Sink Tip Type 3 for high water streamer fishing.

Brendan reveals his color selection strategy for smallmouth flies, detailing when...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. As summer heats up, Brendan shares his insights on adapting smallmouth strategies, particularly focusing on topwater techniques and the importance of scaling down baitfish sizes for summer flows.

Listeners will learn about the effectiveness of using smaller, slim-profile baitfish flies and the benefits of experimenting with larger flies in faster water. Brendan emphasizes that anglers shouldn't shy away from using five-inch flies, especially in high-gradient rivers, while also discussing his preferred methods for fishing topwater, including creating...

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash is joined by Fletcher Sams, the innovative mind behind the Tweaker. Fletcher shares his journey into the world of visual eats and swim bugs, delving deep into the creation of the Tweaker, the fishing problem it addresses and the unique design features that make it effective.

Listeners will discover the inspiration behind the name and the challenges Fletcher faced in developing a fly that could navigate tight, brush-filled creeks while maintaining a weedless presentation. He discusses the intricate details of the fly's construction, including the importance of...

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Russ Maddin at the vise for a lively discussion about the iconic Circus Peanut. As Russ ties this innovative pattern, he shares the fascinating backstory behind its creation in the early 2000s, highlighting the guiding challenges that inspired its design. Listeners will learn about the unique two-hook construction that helps keep fish hooked longer, a game-changer for streamer fishing enthusiasts.

Russ dives deep into his approach to streamer fishing, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques based on water conditions and fish behavior. He offers...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for another exciting Ruch Report. Brendan shares his latest fishing adventures, recounting a rollercoaster day on the water filled with unpredictable weather and some impressive catches. The duo dives into the intricacies of fishing under changing conditions, discussing the various techniques and strategies that proved successful during Brendan's outing.

As they prepare for an upcoming weather front, Brendan provides insights into how the shifting temperatures and water levels will impact fishing. He also addresses a listener's question about preferred knots for terminal...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for a new Ruch Report. The duo dives into the recent weather challenges in Pennsylvania, discussing how the heavy rains have impacted fishing but also set the stage for a promising post-spawn bite. Brendan shares his experiences from the past week, where he navigated through a mix of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, revealing the unique conditions that led to some interesting fishing strategies.

Listeners will gain valuable insights as Brendan explains the nuances of fishing during this transitional time, including the importance...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reunites with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report, filled with fishing tales and a touch of humor. Brendan shares his recent adventures on the river, including a successful day of fishing despite some unpredictable weather. The duo lightheartedly discusses everything from imaginary convenience store chimichangas to Easter treats, setting the stage for a fun and engaging conversation.

As they dive deeper, Brendan reflects on the current spawning conditions, noting that while some fish are starting to spawn in certain waters, mass spawning events are still on...

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Tommy Lynch on a frigid winter evening in Michigan, where they dive deep into the world of fly tying and fishing. Despite the brutal cold and a case of the "shack nasties," Tommy shares his insights on the creation of his popular fly pattern, the Drunk & Disorderly. With a few Monsters and some Kodiak to keep the spirits high, the duo explores the intricacies of fly design, discussing the importance of movement and bite triggers that can entice even the most elusive fish.

Tommy...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. Despite sitting in a damp truck and facing some chilly weather, Brendan reflects on an exciting three weeks of fishing. He discusses the recent high water conditions and how they impact fish behavior, as well as the anticipated smallmouth spawn in the coming week or so.

The duo dives into Brendan's successful outings with clients from Schultz Outfitters, where they enjoyed some fantastic days on the water. Brendan shares insights on fishing tactics during varying water conditions...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Blane Chocklett for an exciting update from The Chocklett Factory. Blane shares insights from a recent five-day smallmouth school he co-hosted with Mike Schultz, where they taught participants everything from fly tying to fishing techniques in challenging conditions. Despite the windy weather, the group enjoyed successful days on the water, catching impressive pre-spawn smallmouth.

The conversation shifts to Blane's upcoming travels, including attending the premiere of Lefty Kreh's documentary, where he expresses his excitement about honoring the late fishing legend. He also discusses his...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for an engaging Ruch Report filled with insights on the current Pennsylvania smallmouth scene. Brendan shares his excitement about the pre-spawn bite, detailing the recent fishing frenzy in Pennsylvania and the strategies that led to success. He emphasizes the importance of lighter colored flies and specific materials that have proven effective in enticing bass.

The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as Brendan discusses his recent fishing trip to Virginia and answers listener questions about keeling swim flies and his favorite novelty Reese's Cup...

In this inaugural episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with renowned angler Blane Chocklett for an in-depth discussion on the art of crafting and fishing the T-Bone. Blane shares his journey from early musky fishing experiences to the creation of the T-Bone, detailing the materials and techniques that went into its design. He dives into the intricacies of hook and shank configurations, the importance of profile and silhouette and how to effectively fish this innovative pattern.

The conversation explores the evolution of streamer design, including the transition from natural to synthetic materials, and...

Hey, folks, it’s Marvin Cash the host of The Articulate Fly.

I am super stoked to share a new podcast that is going to launch soon - The Butcher Shop.

We are going to have raw conversations with master angler tiers who craft and fish the deadliest streamers in the game. From OGs like Blane Chocklett, Russ Maddin and Tommy Lynch to up and coming young guys, we are going to talk to them all.

Each episode will dissects signature patterns and complete systems for hunting trophy brown trout, musky, pike and ba...