Season 1, Episode 1: Humble Beginnings

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Trout OPS Fly Fishing Podcast. Host Chris Chandler, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, military veteran, and founder of Trout OPS, is joined by good friend and fellow guide Alex Ferber of Fly Fishing with Alex for a conversation about fly fishing, friendship, purpose, and the waters that keep calling us back.

In this episode, Chris and Alex discuss how they met through Project Healing Waters, their passion for helping veterans and first responders find healing through fly fishing, favorite rivers across Northern California, guide philosophies, spey casting, steelhead dreams, and the deeper reasons we're all drawn to life on the water.

Whether you're a seasoned angler, a beginner holding a fly rod for the first time, or someone looking for a little peace away from the noise of everyday life, this episode offers an authentic look into the people and experiences behind Trout OPS.

Alex joins Chris as co-host, sharing stories, insights, tactics, and plenty of laughs from their time on and off the water.

What if fly fishing was about more than catching fish?

In the very first episode of the Trout OPS Fly Fishing Podcast, two guides sit down to explore why fly fishing has become an obsession, a therapy, and a way of life. From Alaska dreams and steelhead addiction to Project Healing Waters and the surprising connection between fly casting and trauma recovery, you'll hear stories from the river that are equal parts educational, inspiring, and entertaining.

If you've ever wondered why anglers willingly wake up at 4 a.m., drive hours to stand in cold water, and keep coming back season after season, this episode is for you.

Pull up a chair around the campfire and join us for the humble beginnings of the Trout OPS Fly Fishing Podcast.

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