Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

644 | The Drake Magazine with Tom Bie - Grand Canyon, Non Native Trout, Synthetic Marijuana

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Episode notes

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/644

Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, Visit Helena, MT, FishHound Expeditions

We’ve got Tom Bie, the editor of The Drake Magazine, back on the show. Tom's written about everything from the issues facing brown trout in the Grand Canyon to a wild story involving a dad and daughter busted by the FBI for selling synthetic weed. They even sued Tom for a quarter of a million dollars.

Strap on the seatbelt, grab your beverage, and get comfortable. Let's get into this one with Tom Bie! Episode Chapters with Tom Bie on the Drake Magazine 

02:26 - We get an update on Tom and The Drake Magazine since our last episode with him in October 2020. We also dive into the challenges facing journalism today.

07:52 - Tom praises Monte Burke for his storytelling skills and how he lets people share their stories. He also talks about Monte's latest work on Nick Lyons.

14:24 - Tom also highlights Jon Krakauer, known for his gripping books like Into the Wild. Krakauer’s reporting on a Yosemite climber who committed serious crimes is a prime example of his courage and commitment to justice.

19:16 - We chat about the fish removal in the Grand Canyon. The issue revolves around removing brown trout to protect the native humpback chub. Tom highlights how this problem mirrors other areas, like Yellowstone.

He explains that while protecting native species is important, it’s tough when their removal affects popular sport fish that have been around for decades. There’s also a bounty program where guides earn money for killing brown trout, which has led to the killing of over 6,000 fish.

35:49 - We discuss how changes in river flow and dam operations have impacted brown trout in the Grand Canyon. Starting around 2014, increased flow rates and historic high flows allowed more brown trout to migrate.

47:56 - We talk about ways to help with the fishing issues in the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Tom suggests people contact the National Park Service to express that killing sport fish might not be the best solution.

Inside the Drake Magazine

54:33 - Tom shares that he always includes at least one in-depth reported piece per issue of the Drake Magazine. While essays are popular with readers, he often gets way more essays than actual reporting stories.

Tom also explains that good reporting involves more than just writing; it needs interviews and research. He advises aspiring writers to use quotes from real conversations to improve their stories.

1:02:00 - Tom shares a crazy story about a father and daughter from Texas who got into big trouble for selling synthetic weed.

Tom even got sued for talking about it on a podcast! The family also bought the Deneki lodges in Alaska, which was part of the money laundering charges.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/644