Casting Across Fly Fishing

If you've been fly fishing for any length of time, there is a good chance that major life events are bracketed by rivers and trout.  I can certainly say that. And in this episode of the podcast, I do say that. Although Casting Across has a lot of me in it, I don't usually get too autobiographical. However, I think there are some pretty valid reasons to share a little bit about myself. I'll share w...

Even if you have been getting out on the water over the winter, now would be an opportune time to take inventory of some of what you have and what you're doing. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss four things that you might overlook as you prepare for all of the fishing that lies ahead. Two have to do with stuff; two have to do with planning. You may very well be totally fine to just tie on...

Most people in the world think that fishing results in harvesting. And, across a wide spectrum of concerns, non-catch-and-release anglers are the allies of fly fishers. We’re largely fighting for the same things. Definitely keep advocating for our fish, our waters, and our environmental concerns. But also keep in mind that we’re part of a culture that is bigger than us. There is a lot we have to o...

In a day and age where big, heavy, articulated streamers get a lot of publicity, it is important to remember that there are similar flies that accomplish  slightly different tasks. There are a number of fish and fishing situations that benefit from or necessitate using weightless streamers. Today I walk through four main reasons why you should have some bead-less and cone-less baitfish imitations...

A fly fishing debate as old as the rivers themselves: Which weight should you fish if you want the quintessential trout fly rod? First of all, there is no right answer. That doesn't stop me from trying to answer, though. I go through a handful of categories and considerations that lead me to answer this question. I suggest that you listen, think through each of the situations/scenarios I discuss,...

One of the biggest drawbacks to the last year has been the significant reduction in organic conversation. Sure, there are still opportunities to get together. It just isn't as easy. However, I've had an uptick in online interaction with listeners and readers of Casting Across. I'm always happy to get messages, and I do my best to respond in kind. I'm taking this "10th" episode to read and interact...

Truth be told, there are plenty of reasons why beginner fly tyers get frustrated, stall out, or give up. I have done all of those in the past 20 years.  However, I really made some efforts to get this fly tying thing figured out over the past 5 years or so. I'm no expert, but I'm more proficient and happier... and my flies look better, too. Today I share three things that have made me a better tye...

I know. You like your flies. But really, how many do you actually use? While it isn't for every angler (or every situation), cutting down the flies you carry on the water can actually streamline your fishing. It will certainly make packing and organization much  simpler, but it can actually help you zero in and focus on fishing better. Today I share my reasons for slimming down assortments in cert...

While it is a broad-brushed, stereotyping statement, there is some truth in the "cantankerous fly fisher" archetype. In this episode I encourage us to take a better approach. We're not going to win people to our side and our cause if the goal is to shame, discourage, and tear down. We can avoid conflict and promote conservation. Today I share three stories. One of which involves me falling and fla...

Some of the rivers that our grandfathers lauded as destination waters have declined in one way or another. The quantity or quality of the fish just isn’t there anymore. There are still fish present, and there is still good fishing to be had, but things have changed. And people don’t like change. But change shouldn't keep you off the water. Aside from the viable fishing still present, there is a wh...

As they're large gatherings, fly fishing shows and outdoor expos aren't happening these days. You might be looking with sadness at a weekend or day that you'd usually spend in a giant convention hall that is now wide open. You might not give a hoot that they've been cancelled. Personally, I trend toward the former. I think there's a lot of value in "the shows." Briefly, I  share how you can still...

Deep blue pools, frothy eddies, and overhanging limbs all look incredibly fishy. Another spot that ought to be in that list is the undercut bank. Fish, especially trout, covet these spaces for the purposes of safety and food. In this week's episode I talk about undercut formation, why fish like them, and how I approach these productive spots. It is a broad overview, but ought to provide enough for...

Fly choice. Feeding lane. Approach angle. Your emotions? When was the last time you stopped and considered how much your attitude impacts your fly fishing? In this episode I stop short of psychoanalysis, but I do consider how your mental state impacts a few essential parts of your fishing. Your casting and fishing should be thought of as being influenced by everything that is happening between you...

I don't make a lot of New Year's resolutions. Sure, I decide to do a lot of things... they just happen to be more spur of the moment than calendar-based. I do like to think about my fly fishing on an annual basis. Perhaps it stems from buying licenses on January 1st for so many years. This year I offer up 3 resolutions for fly fishing. Maybe you'll want to take one of them for yourself. Maybe you'...

Merry Christmas from Casting Across! Since this episode is being released on the night of Christmas Eve, I thought I'd go ahead and do something a little different. Nostalgia and tradition is a big part of the holiday season. Stories of those who came before us and the way things used to be come part and parcel with this time of the year. So along with the normal segments on the podcast,  I'll rea...

Thanks for reading and listening. And an extra thanks for those who get in touch. This week I push back on some people who pushed back on an article I wrote about topics of conversation while fly fishing. What is appropriate? Read, listen, and you decide. Also, I relive some more harrowing wildlife encounters. Lastly, I get my accusations going. I critique a seemingly nonsensical social media comp...

The calendar should not and can not dictate your fly fishing. Sure, the water might be frozen over. Maybe it is even illegal to fish in certain months where you live. There is a chance that you hate being cold. Still, you can stay plugged in to fly fishing and everything that entails. This week, I talk about three things you can do in the "off-season" to keep those fly fishing connections all wint...

Unless the circumstances are exceptional, the pivotal men and women of fly fishing history can't offer you hands-on, in the stream instruction. Their mentoring must occur in the pages of a book or journal; their words and deeds informing and influencing through a necessary medium. Whether you have a “real life” mentor or not, these insights and experiences are priceless. Lasting the test of time,...

It is no fun to be wet when you're not expecting to be wet. That means waders need to be functioning at 100%. If you're fishing in cold weather or cold water, 95% is no good. In this episode I talk about end-of-season wader care. Included in that is inspecting, cleaning, and repair. I also share some of my preferred wader repair products and methods. Lastly, I do offer up some advice on buying wad...

'Tis the week of Thanksgiving. Which means all of the food and fun of Christmas without the stressful shopping, wrapping paper, and cold(er) weather. And, if you play your cards right you might get to sneak a little bit of fishing in. On this episode I delve into a few topics: Why check out holiday fly fishing gift guides? Do you need to break the bank on your next gear purchase? How can I start a...

Who doesn't like to see some wildlife when they're out fly fishing? Majestic elk, brilliant songbirds, and delicate butterflies add a little something to your angling. But there is a whole host of other critters that are less than pleasant to encounter. Some are downright awful. In this episode of the podcast, I recount a few harrowing tales of my own. And while I strongly advocate a "live and let...

In this episode I talk about a few tactics for finding fish in the colder months. The approaches aren't revolutionary, but for many of us any kind of change takes some significant effort. I mention locations, flies, and other gear that I use when I'm diagnosing a river when it is chilly out. Also, I share how I handle iced-over guides and make a recommendation on a nymph rod that punches above it'...

This podcast episode is really a 4-in-1. And you get to listen to it at your normal price - I guarantee it. First: 5 years of Casting Across! I talk a little bit about why and how the website came to be. Second: I explain why people are the greatest benefit I've received through my writing and speaking. Third: Want a controversial take? Check out the piece I read. Fourth: Vote! I don't know if you...

We all have memorable fish that we have caught. Some of the most memorable might be fish that we didn't catch right away. That is the story of this fish. This episode is a little different than most. Hear me talk through a season of chasing one particular brown trout. Along with some of the narrative, I share a little bit of the "how" and "why." Hopefully you enjoy it. More than that, hopefully it...

Why have more than one pair of sunglasses? Why spend a lot of time creating loop-to-loop line/leader connections? Why listen to anything I say? I answer those questions, and a few more, on this week's podcast.  I always appreciate getting feedback, and have a lot of fun interacting with emails, comments, and social media chirps. Having that back-and-forth is a great aspect to Casting Across, and o...