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 98: Dan Lahren - "Dangerous Dan"
Episode 97: David Denholm - The Brotherhood
Episode 96: Steve Herter - The Purist
Episode 95: Capt. Conway Bowman - Makos on Fly
Episode 94: Dr. Ross Boucek - The Mad Fish Scientist
Episode 93: Capt. Brandon Cyr - 4th Generation Conch
Episode 92: Capt. Richard Black - Blackfly Charters
Episode 91: Jay Grant - The Greatest Permit Fisherman You've Never Heard Of
Episode 90: Capt. Ian Slater - Determined to Win
Episode 89: Capt. Albert Ponzoa - Under the Radar
Episode 88: Carl Hiaasen - The Wordsmith
Episode 87: Capt. Steve Kilpatrick - The Holy Grail
Episode 86: Capt. Ryan Nitz - Snook, Osceolas, & Cubera Snapper
Episode 85: Capt. Ray Rosher - Sailfish, Marlin, & Tuna
Episode 84: Lloyd Wruble - Gatekeeper of the Glades
Episode 83: Bill Bishop - Dream Chaser
Episode 82: Huey Lewis - The Heart of Rock & Roll
Episode 81: Capt. Frank Davis - Boca Grande Pass
Episode 80: Capt. Benny Blanco - Shifting Baselines
Episode 79: George Copeland - Snook Giant
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