Episode 108: Bob Popovics - North East Royalty

As a 21 year old Vietnam veteran, Bob Popovics gravitated to fly
fishing for striped bass and the people who chased them from shore.
These guys became his family and the collective passion became a
maelstrom for the north east striper fishermen. The power behind
this fish was real and in 1965 a fishing club called the Salt Water
Fly Rodders of America was formed. They exchanged information,
established the criteria for world record catches (which would be
handed over to the IGFA in 1978) and had chapters throughout the
country extending to California and Australia. The chapters ran out
of steam in 1977, but was revitalized in 1987. It was then that
Popovics started weekly meetings and fly tying sessions at his
house. Upstairs in a small room 50 fly fishermen would crowd over
Bob’s fly tying vise and the creativity exploded. Lefty Kreh called
Popovics the greatest fly tier of all time! Bob’s imagination was
vibrant, and his designs became the flies of choice for the variety
of fish caught in the North East surf. His two books, Pop Fleyes
and Fleye Design are a confirmation that Lefty’s statement was spot
on and many felt the same. Above all, it's Bob’s heart,
personality, and love for his fellow anglers will stand the test of
time!! He is beloved by all…. And one more thing, Lefty’s last wish
to Bob was, “Help preserve the history of salt water fly fishing!”
With this interview and what Popovics has saved, I know Lefty would
be very proud of his brother, “Bobby."