2 Comments

1. Pete on June 29, 2026 at 9:18 pm

   Still trying to sort out the disconnect between all the great content and truth-seeking that Troutbitten does and your ads.

   This episode called out tippet diameter lies exposed again recently by Devin Olsen, but next ad was for Fulling Mill Masterclass, the worst fraudster, stating how strong and invisible it is (the crew has agreed many times that trout care about drag not tippet visibility).

   Troutbitten advocated many times for cheap DIY Dorsey indicators over NZ yarn rigs, but now have ads for NZ yarn rigs.

   You hate spotburning, but have TroutRoutes ads. You say that’s not spotburning, but it’s pretty easy to present counter argument.

   Troutbitten has right to be profitable! But such clear contradictions. You helped me so much with your truths, sorry I just don’t understand.

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   • Domenick Swentosky on June 30, 2026 at 12:49 am

     Thanks for your comment. I’m very proud of the partners of Troutbitten. I’m in the fortunate position of only running ads from companies whose stuff I use and really like. The audience here knows they can trust that part of this project. In that way, these ads add value to Troutbitten. So I’m happy to clear up the disconnect for you . . .

     TroutRoutes:
     TroutRoutes is not a spot burning app. There’s NO social media component or sharing feature. It’s a map, with aggregated data from state agencies about regulations, classifications and public access, and with data about water conditions. TroutRoutes doesn’t show you one spot and tell you it’s the best place to fish. It shows ALL public access and lets you decide. You still have to do the work and find your own spots. I’d say, don’t be mad about the TroutRoutes app unless you’re going to be mad at Google maps, every guide book, every guide, every fly shop, every Trout Unlimited Group and every state agency for publishing information about trout streams. You might not like maps, lists and hatch charts, but many of us use them as a helpful resource for our own fishing.

     New Zealand Strike Indicator:
     The ad explains it, and so does my material on the Dorsey. I’ve never said I didn’t like NZ. In fact, I’ve always said it was a great system too, but I like the Dorsey better. In the ad you reference, I mention that I’ve been using NZ more while I guide because anglers connect with it better. It’s easier for them to attach and to slide. In a recent video, I also said I’ve been using NZ more because I can mount it to the thinnest tippets. Things change. I use both. I think that’s alright.

     Tippet Diameters:
     I’ve not found Fulling Mill to be any better or worse than the others for diameter discrepancy. By my measurements, the only company that is spot on with their listed diameters is Orvis. Correct that most of us don’t believe trout care much about tippet visibility. But that’s how I always put it, because . . . what if they do? 🙂 I also have Fulling Mill flouro in my vest right now, and I love their fly boxes and tying materials.

     Listen, I don’t prefer zippered waders, but I love Skwala. And if Skwala wants to run an ad for their RS waders, I’m happy to do that, because most people DO like zippered waders. Most people also thing tippet can be invisible. And most people also want to buy fly shop tippet. (I do in sizes of 5x and smaller.)

     Glad for the opportunity to take that stand.

     Cheers.
     Dom

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