Anchored with April Vokey

Devan Van Der Merwe is the manager of Alphonse Fishing Company, where he plays an important role in the atoll’s development. Devan heads up 26 professional guides, captains & deckhands, and runs a fleet of 48 vessels in logistically challenging environments. 

Tom Pero is the man behind Wild River Press, a publishing house that has produced some of the best fishing books of our time. Tom is an avid steelhead angler who lives in Washington State. In this episode of Anchored, Tom and I discuss the print world and the struggles publishers face.

Fanny Krieger is an extraordinary woman. On a trip to California, I met with Fanny at her San Fransisco home to see if I could learn more about her. I knew she was the widow of famed fly-fisherman Mel Krieger, but I had no idea just how heart-wrenching the rest of her story is. 

In 1977, Larry Solomon wrote “The Caddis and the Angler”, the first book ever specifically written about caddis flies and how to fish them. In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Larry at his home in New York to engage in a lesson about entomology.

Russell Chatham is a world-renowned artist best known for his water colour paintings. An avid fly-fisher and hunter, it was inevitable that Russell would end up spending a major chunk of his life in Montana, where he fell in love with the outdoors. In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Russ in San Fransisco where we discuss his past, fame and some hard truths about his life behind closed doors.

Bill Bakke is a proud Oregonian who’s been involved in fish conservation for over 40 years. Bill is a writer, an active voice in the media and the founder of the Native Fish Society, a regional organization focused on the protection and restoration of native fish in the northwestern United States. In this episode of Anchored, Bill and I discuss the Native Fish Society and its struggles.

Corley Kenna is the senior director for communications at Patagonia. I met with Corley in California to see if I could learn more about the definition of public land, national monuments and parks. In this episode of Anchored, Corley elaborates on the Bear’s Ears national monument, Patagonia’s current campaigns and how we can help to make a difference.

Donald Trump Jr. needs no introduction. This June I had the opportunity to meet Donald in New York City to find out more about his upbringing, passion for the outdoors and his stance on public land (albeit brief). Political conversation was off the table but my curiosity was not, so I headed up the gold Trump Tower elevator to see what I might learn about him.

The Allen’s name is synonymous with the Kispiox Valley. Known for their long-standing history with one of BC’s most special steelhead fisheries, they’re just as well-known for their angling prowess, conservation efforts and matter-of-fact approach.  In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Gene Allen at Bear Claw Lodge to learn about his upbringing, bucking horses and the Kispiox river.

Dr. Aaron Adams is the director of science and conservation for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Dr. Adams in Florida to discuss migrations and patterns of bonefish, permit and tarpon.

Ian Ricketts is an avid fly-fisherman who just happens to be the vice-president of Ocean Brands— a Richmond, British Columbia based distributor of canned wild salmon and tuna. In this episode of Anchored, Ian and I discuss the commercial tuna industry and Ocean’s strategy towards more responsible practices.

Keith Rose-Innes has explored some of the most remote corners of the globe. He started out as a young adventurer before becoming a fly fishing guide and, eventually, a lodge owner. In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Keith to talk about fishing in the Seychelles and the piracy issues that once plagued his operation.

Steven Rinella is an avid angler, hunter and all-round outdoorsman. He is the author of five books and host of the popular tv series, MeatEater. I met with Steve at his home in Washington to partake in some thought-provoking conversation. He didn’t disappoint…

Ted Juracsik of Tibor reels has a truly remarkable story. In this episode of Anchored, I meet with Ted to hear how a tool-and-die maker became one of the world’s best reel-makers.

Dylan Tomine is an author, father and straight-shooter. Dylan is a Patagonia ambassador and a passionate conservationist who works tirelessly to educate the masses about fish hatcheries. In this episode of Anchored, Dylan and I sit down to pick through the highly contentious topic of hatcheries and wild steelhead.