Back Cast: The Seven Deadly Sins of Playing and Landing Fish, with Josh Nugent

This episode was originally published on May 19th, 2025.

Every week I get some iteration of this question: "I hooked three fish and lost all of them before I could get them to the net. What am I doing wrong?" Well, often you did nothing wrong and it was just bad luck. But there are steps you can take to make sure you land the fish you've hooked and Josh Nugent [36:46], a regular on my podcast and one of the most thoughtful anglers I know, presents us with his Seven Deadly Sins. There are lots of helpful nuggets in this one.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:
You say I can fish small streamers on my 5-weight rod. What do you mean by "small'?
I am using the Albright knot for larger sections of my leader. What do you think?
A tip from a listener on how not to launch small brookies into the bushes when you hook them.
Why am I losing half of my fish when using barbless hooks?
Is there any situation where you would use an Improved Clinch Knot as opposed to the regular Clinch Knot?
A tip from a listener on how to tie big foam flies that won't land upside-down.
How do you balance various passions, family, work, and still have the energy and time to get out on the water?
How do you set up your emergers, and what is your go-to emerger fly?
Where can I find split shot that does not contain lead?
How do you feel about the relative perceived intelligence of hatchery fish as compared to wild fish?