WFS 457 - Euro Nymphing with Craig Richardson - Seychelles, South Africa, Competitive Fly Fishing

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/457 Presented By: Waters West , Trxstle , Mavrk Fly Fishing , Dette Flies Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we meet Craig Richardson - Head Guide at Fly Cast Away on St. Brandons Atoll, Guide at Como Maalifushi in the Maldives, and WorldCast Anglers. Craig's early entry into competitive fishing in South Africa sets the stage for our exploration of euro nymphing and the drawbacks of excessive tight lining. He shares an intriguing story about landing his first guiding opportunity in a tigerfish river, highlighting a significant milestone in his angling journey. Craig provides valuable recommendations for those dreaming of a Seychelles trip and discusses the amazing strength of Humphead Parrotfish, the angry nature of Giant Travellies, and the unpredictable allure of Triggerfish. The conversation also touches on Craig's fishing adventures with Jeff Currier and his current work at Bob Marriott's Fly Shop in Los Angeles, adding another exciting dimension to his angling journey. This episode is filled with insights, stories, and a shared passion for the sport. Show Notes with Craig Richardson 03:00 - We had Jako Lucas in the podcast in episode 281 where we dug into Jako's top 20 fly fishing destinations. 05:00 - An average Giant Trevally size is about 75-85cm. A bigger one is about a meter. And a huge one is about 115-120cm. 14:05 - Craig got into competitive fishing at 13 years old when he joined the youth team in South Africa. 18:00 - Craig tells the story of how he was offered his first guiding gig in a tigerfish river in South Africa. 26:30 - Baitfishing for carp is the largest community of fishermen in South Africa. 28:10 - Craig based all of his fishing knowledge on the book, Trout Hunter: The Way of an Angler by Rene Harrop. 35:00 - Craig explains why focusing too much on tight lining is bad for euro nymphing. 46:00 - FlyCastAway.com and AlphonseFishingCo.com are great companies to book your Seychelles trip with. 46:30 - We talk about the Humphead Parrotfish and what makes this creature special. 48:25 - Giant Travellies are one of the maddest and most aggressive fish in saltwater. 49:10 - Parrot fish fights really hard. Their beaks are like bolt cutters. 50:30 - People usually come to Seychelles to target GTs but end up loving Triggerfish. 52:00 - Watch this Triggerfish attack a diver. 54:00 - We talk about Jeff Currier. Craig tells us how they used to fish together a lot when they became neighbors. 1:02:30 - Craig is in Los Angeles right now, working for Bob Marriot's Fly Shop. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/457