In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Zach Kaufman, one of the owners of Sawyer Paddles and Oars, for a conversation about fly fishing, river life, and the craft behind building oars. Zach brings decades of experience as a rafting guide, fishing guide, oarsman, and business owner, with much of his time spent on the Rogue, Klamath, and Umpqua rivers.

We talk through the history of Sawyer, how wooden and composite oars are built, and why the feel of a one-piece wood oar still matters to so many rowers. Zach also shares stories from Southern Oregon steelhead fishing, half-pounder runs, dam removals, river access, and the value of local knowledge when fishing unfamiliar water.

Key Highlights:

• The Sawyer Story: How Sawyer moved from paddles into oars.
• Wooden Oars: A look at the wood, shaping, and handwork behind each oar.
• The Feel of Water: Why one-piece wood oars create a strong connection to the river.
• Composite Options: How shafts, blades, and swing weight affect rowing.
• Southern Oregon Fisheries: Steelhead, salmon, half-pounders, and changing rivers.
• Local Intel: Why fly shops, guides, and time on the water matter.
• Fish That Got Away: Zach’s memorable stories of big fish lost.

Resources:

• Sawyer Paddles and Oars: paddlesandoars.com
• Sawyer Station: sawyerstation.com
• Visit southeasternfly.com
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Produced by NOVA