Cory Cuje: The Teacher Behind Old Dominion Trout Bum

For years, I had followed Cory’s videos through his Old Dominion Trout Bum YouTube channel. Like many anglers, I was initially drawn to the unique perspective created by the chest-mounted camera he used while fishing. The viewer wasn’t simply watching someone catch trout. You felt like you were standing in the river alongside him. And, of course, there always seemed to be a cigar clenched between his teeth. It became as much a part of his on-stream persona as the fly rod in his hand.

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What Happened When I Returned to a Drought Stricken River

After months of drought and watching the gauges bottom out, I finally returned to one of my home rivers. This commentary explores how I prepared for two days of fishing in extreme low water, the tactical changes I made, and the quiet surprises the river still offered.

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Confidence Flies are a Myth: Why Fishing with Confidence Matters More

Many anglers swear by confidence flies, but the truth is no single pattern holds the key. I discovered this after a pink pheasant tail seemed magical—until I realized it was my mindset that mattered most. Learn why fishing with confidence is more powerful than any so-called “hot fly.”

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How to Save Money on Fluorocarbon | What We Learned from the Conversation

Recently, I released a video titled Stop Buying Fly Shop Fluorocarbon | Make Euro Nymphing & Tightline Nymphing More Affordable. In that video, I explored how anglers can save money on fluorocarbon tippet by choosing

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A Winter Trout Fishing Story: How to Thrive on the River in the Cold

Winter fly fishing isn’t about numbers or nonstop action—it’s about embracing the challenge, refining your tactics, and finding meaning in the experience. The cold stings, the trout are sluggish, and the takes can be maddeningly subtle. But these conditions teach us to focus, to adjust, and to truly connect with the river on its terms.

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