Fly fishing can feel intimidating for beginners—but Josh Kelly believes most people struggle not because of gear or technique, but because they rush. This MadLad TV episode breaks fly fishing down into something slower, more intentional, and far more approachable, focusing on mindset before mechanics.
Rather than chasing perfect casts or expensive setups, Josh teaches anglers to pause, observe, and think like a fish. The result is a learning experience that feels calm, practical, and achievable—especially for those new to the water.
Why Thinking Before You Cast Matters
Josh Kelly, founder of Pegleg Outdoors, emphasizes one core lesson early: stop and think before you cast. Trout live in a world shaped by current, structure, and food—not by how far you can throw a line.
Josh was first introduced to fly fishing through Warriors & Quiet Waters, a veterans organization that uses time on the water as a pathway to healing, reflection, and reconnection with the outdoors. That foundation shaped how he approaches both fishing and teaching—prioritizing patience, awareness, and presence over performance.
In the episode, Josh explains how to read water from upstream to downstream, identify holding lies, and understand what fish are actually feeding on. One key insight is recognizing the importance of caddis larvae—one of a trout’s most consistent food sources. By slowing down and observing first, anglers dramatically increase their chances of success.
Building Confidence Through Simplicity
Rather than overwhelming beginners with endless options, Josh teaches a streamlined approach. He encourages anglers to build confidence around a small selection of “daily driver” flies—patterns you trust and understand.
This includes proven nymphs like Pat’s Rubber Legs, pheasant tails, Frenchies, and caddis patterns, paired with a few reliable dry flies such as Chubby Chernobyls and Elk Hair Caddis. The focus isn’t variety—it’s repetition, learning, and confidence.
Josh also shares practical lessons on fly line assembly, floating fly lines for surface control, proper use of indicators, split shot placement, and money-saving habits like reusing leaders. Every lesson reinforces the same message: fly fishing doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.
Fly Fishing as a Learning Mindset
Beyond technique, this episode highlights fly fishing as a way to build patience, awareness, and adaptability. Casting close first, maintaining tension, respecting river etiquette, and understanding that rivers are always changing all reinforce a deeper philosophy: mastery comes from presence, not perfection.
For beginners and returning anglers alike, this film serves as a foundation—helping viewers fish smarter, enjoy the process, and build confidence one decision at a time.
MadLad TV exists to create educational, story-driven outdoor content that welcomes people in rather than pushing them out. This episode reflects that mission clearly.
👉 Watch the full MadLad TV Episode “From Combat Injury to Fly Fishing Guide – Learn the Marine Mindset” Now – https://madladfilms.com/portfolio/from-combat-injury-to-fly-fishing-guide/
🎬 Recommended Watch: WARN at Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2025 Short Film
If this approach to education, mindset, and real-world experience resonated with you, we highly recommend watching WARN at Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2025 – Short Film by MadLad Films.
This film showcases how MadLad Films captures large-scale events through cinematic storytelling—blending authentic moments, high-energy environments, and natural brand integration to create compelling event marketing videos that connect with real audiences.
👉 Watch here: https://madladfilms.com/portfolio/warn-smji-2025-short-film/
About MadLad TV & MadLad Films
MadLad TV is a storytelling platform created by MadLad Films, a cinematic video production company focused on events, outdoor culture, and purpose-led brands. We capture real moments in real environments and craft them into meaningful stories that build trust, connection, and long-term brand value.
🚙 Our 2022 Jeep Gladiator Build:
🛞 Tires, Wheels & Suspension
• Milestar Tires – https://bit.ly/milestar_tires
• Raceline Wheels – https://bit.ly/Raceline_Wheels
• Fabtech Suspension System – https://bit.ly/FabTech_Suspension
⚙ Under Carriage Upgrades
• Dana Spicer 5.38 Gears for Dana 44 Axles – https://bit.ly/Dana_Spicer
• Victor-Lock Differential Gasket – https://bit.ly/Dana_Spicer
🚙 Armor & Exterior Upgrades
• Fab Fours Overland Rack, Extensions, Light Inserts – https://bit.ly/fabfoursoverlandrack
• Fab Fours Front & Rear Bumpers, Vicowl, Fenders, Limb Risers – https://bit.ly/fabfoursvicowl
• Rock Slide Engineering – Rock Sliders – https://bit.ly/Rock_Sliders
• Boost Auto Trail Mirrors – https://bit.ly/boostauto_tm
• Rigid Industries Lights – https://bit.ly/rigidindustries
⚙ Recovery & Accessories
• WARN Zeon 10-S Winch – https://bit.ly/WARN_Winches
• Factor 55 Recovery Kit – https://bit.ly/F55_RK
• Rugged Radios – https://bit.ly/Rugged_Radios
⛺ Overlanding Gear
• ROAM Adventure Co. Rugged Cases – https://bit.ly/RoamAdvCo
• Overland Pros Awnings & Baja Wedge Tent – https://bit.ly/OverlandPros
• Portable Generators – Flex Power – RVMP – https://bit.ly/RVMP_PG
🎬 Episode Crew
🎥 Produced, Filmed & Edited by MadLad Films
MadLad Films Instagram – https://bit.ly/MLFinstagram
Website – https://bit.ly/MadLadFilms
#MadLadFilms #MadLadTV #JeepGladiator #AdventureJeep #Overlanding #JeepLife #4×4 #OffRoad #OverlandBuild #JeepMods #TrailRig #GladiatorBuild #JeepNation #BFGoodrich #RacelineWheels #FabtechSuspension #DanaSpicer #FabFours #RockSlideEngineering #BoostAuto #WARN #Factor55 #RuggedRadios #ROAMAdventureCo #OverlandPros #RVMP