As a 21 year old Vietnam veteran, Bob Popovics gravitated to fly fishing for striped bass and the people who chased them from shore. These guys became his family and the collective passion became a maelstrom for the north east striper fishermen. The power behind this fish was real and in 1965 a fishing club called the Salt Water Fly Rodders of America was formed. They exchanged information, established the criteria for world record catches (which would be handed over to the IGFA in 1978) and had chapters throughout the country extending to California and Australia. The chapters ran out of steam in 1977, but was revitalized in 1987. It was then that Popovics started weekly meetings and fly tying sessions at his house. Upstairs in a small room 50 fly fishermen would crowd over Bob’s fly tying vise and the creativity exploded. Lefty Kreh called Popovics the greatest fly tier of all time! Bob’s imagination was vibrant, and his designs became the flies of choice for the variety of fish caught in the North East surf.
His two books, Pop Fleyes and Fleye Design are a confirmation that Lefty’s statement was spot on and many felt the same. Above all, it's Bob’s heart, personality, and love for his fellow anglers will stand the test of time!! He is beloved by all…. And one more thing, Lefty’s last wish to Bob was, “Help preserve the history of salt water fly fishing!” With this interview and what Popovics has saved, I know Lefty would be very proud of his brother, “Bobby."
Episode 123: Bob Rich - "Blood Knot"
Episode 122: Brad Probst - What Does It Mean To Be A Cowboy?
Episode 121: Carlos Duncan III - Angler, Conservationist, Triathlete
Episode 120: Tim Heng - Fishing the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, & Colorado River
Episode 119: Jim Hancock - Fishing the Gunnison River
Episode 118: Bert Scherb - Liftetime of Fishing
Episode 117: Capt Aaron Snell - Out of the Box
Episode 116: Capt. Drew Moret - Tarpon Year-round
Episode 115: Thane Morgan - One of the Greatest Tarpon Fly Anglers
Episode 114: Jake Jordan - Tarpon & Billfish on Fly
Episode 113: Dr. Fred Troxel - Dentist, Artist, & Fanatic Fisherman
Episode 112: Capt. Andy Thompson - The Sheriff
Episode 111: Capt. Al Dopirak - Homosassa's Greatest
Episode 110: Capt. Butch Constable - Jupiter's Finest
Episode 109: Rachel Finn - the Artist
Episode 107: Capt. Sarah Gardner - "Fly Girl"
Episode 106: George Sawley - The Wild One
Episode 105: Capt. Nick Stanczyk - Stanz Fishing
Episode 104: Mitch Howell - The Gentleman
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