Casting Across Fly Fishing

As both a presenter and a participant, I spent the better part of two weekends at The Fly Fishing Show this January. On today's episode, I give a recap of my experiences and highlight a few things that stood out to me from the Show. I do talk about a few products that are brand new for this season; including two great fly rods. Also, I share a few reflections from my presentations as well as some...

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It has been a long time since I've covered a destination. And the dead of winter is as good as it gets when it comes to talking about travel. On one hand, it is fun to daydream about trout when it is frigid outside. It is also a great time to start putting plans together to make a few trips. But in the case of this week's area of focus, you could actually head there and fish dries today. And it is...

The 6-weight rod that you already own will work. It will work really well. You'll be able to catch smallies and have a blast doing it. But there are some drawbacks to a lighter rod. If you want to cast all the bass flies, if you want to cast for distance, or if you want to cast some versatile lines, you're going to need a bigger rod. If you have found yourself hitting this wall on your local pond...

The real title of this episode is much, much longer. But you'll have to listen to hear what it is. That said, today is all about making some small changes to preparing, casting, and presenting your fly that will pay off significantly. I don't often promise that my advise will immediately lead to more fish... but refining these tactics will absolutely lead to more fish. We all have areas where we c...

I love questions about fly rods. And you love questions about fly rods. Guess what two of the three questions on today's Q&A podcast pertain to? Along with this fan-favorite topic, I discuss downsizing. Yes, there is a time and place to get rid of things. Even fly fishing things. In just under 25 minutes, I cover these three pieces of listener feedback along with my normal segments: what appeared...

Merry (early) Christmas from Casting Across! Along with sharing some exciting news for the upcoming year, I return to a holiday tradition that has been a part of the podcast for a handful of seasons. It isn't exactly my reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but I think you will appreciate the selection even more than that classic. Also, please send in your questions, comments, and accusations...

Try as you might, you can't fish without knots. And just like a spelling test, you have no excuse to not do well. You can practice them until you fingers go numb. Today I'm running through my favorite knots from fly to backing. There may very well be better knots out there, but these have served me well under varied scenarios in two decades of fly fishing. But only start here. Head online and chec...

No matter if you're a beginner or an expert, there are ways to improve your efficiency on the water. Now if that sounds clinical and not at all cohesive with the artistic flair that accompanies fly fishing, bear with me. Efficiency is all about being able to to what you want to do when you want to do it. Today I walk through three things that anyone can do to gain a greater understanding of the eq...

We have a lot to be thankful for. This is a universal truth, but is especially applicable for fly fishers. Today I walk through a handful of things most fly fishers are (or should be) thankful for. But first, I dive into some gifts that are the kind of thing that you could (or should) give to anyone this holiday seeing. And, as I discuss, both giving gifts and being appreciative of the gifts we ha...

A random errand led to my being face-to-face with a $20 fly rod/reel/line combo. It even came with flies. Around me, people were shopping for car batteries and Barbie dolls. I examined the reel. I assessed the flies. I debated scanning the QR code on the package. It wasn't for me, but it didn't look half bad for a $20 Wal-Mart fly fishing rig. For everyone who starts their fly fishing life off wit...

In the complicated system required for fly fishing that is man and equipment, your wrist might be the most fickle. For the same reason it is an incredibly flexible and dexterous joint it can lead your cast very, very astray. While the best way to straighten out your casting woes is to practice, today I share a few wrist-related issues that may lead to problems. And problems like reduced line speed...

You can spend a lot of money on a boat for your fly fishing endeavors. There's the cost of the craft itself, then the trailer, then the accessories, then the truck to pull it more efficiently... While I've enjoyed the quality drift boats, skiffs, and bass rigs I've fished from over the years, the vast majority of my time on the water has been in smaller crafts. And I think they suit me just fine....

None of us should be so set in our ways that we're unable to be pried out of the groove we've worn. In fly fishing, in particular, we should not be so entrenched in opinions that we're dogmatic. It is good to have an opinion. But opinions can change. Today I share 5 opinions that I've held and changed over my fly fishing years. There are plenty more. But these five hit the highlights: gear, trout,...

Did you know that is a presidential election year?!? Since I think the "rule" to avoid talking about money, religion, and politics is stupid, I talk about politics today on the podcast. But I think you'd agree that it is more philosophical than partisan. And it has to do with fly fishing. I promise. And just so you feel like you're getting your money's worth, I also add in a quick gear tip in the...

I do miss things from time to time. And on this episode I come clean about missing two important things. You've probably survived, but I need to make it right. On another feedback-based episode, I answer questions about the following: Beginner vises Expensive sunglasses Why I don't have more video content Check out those segments, along with a really excellent weekly recommendation, on this week's...

With the passing of a great author, something much more significant is lost than a new title every few years. First and foremost a man is gone. Beyond that, the fly fishing world has lost a voice. Today I reflect a bit on Gierach's impact on the fly fishing world. From adding popular phrases to spurring on countless imitators, he moved generations of anglers in many ways. At the heart of it all is...

This episode is an overflow of this week. On the website I've focused on the region that has been most impacted by Hurricane Helene, and I'm going to continue to do so on the podcast. Even though southern Appalachia is remote and wild, it is incredibly close to so the vast majority of those who live along the eastern seaboard. That happens to be a large number of this country's people. This is why...

Not all of you are hunters. That is fine. But within the first five minutes of the podcast I have some real, practical advice for how anglers who don't hunt have a legitimate opportunity for better fishing if they are aware of the hunting seasons. That, and a piece of advice on how to not get shot. In this week's episode, I discuss the wonderful dilemma of "to hunt or to fish or to do both" that w...

In the realm of Casting Across, visual media serves the written and spoken word. Still, a nice picture helps. Today, I talk through some things that are important to consider as you photograph your fly fishing. From gear to approach to subject matter, I hit on some tips that might make your camera roll or your social media profile a little more interesting. Plus, on the heels of "Releasing Fish We...

You've managed to get on the water. You've figured out how to get the fly in front of a fish. You've somehow convinced it to bit said fly. You've fought it your your hand or net. Now what? If you're interested in the common practice of catch and release, there are some things that are good to do. (They're even better for the fish.) In this beginner-focused episode, I actually begin what releasing...

Rightfully so, many consumers think that marketing is out to divide them from their hard earned money. Consequently, most hype surrounding new or novel innovations is received with a fair amount of skepticism. But what if some of these features are more than gimmicks? Today I'm sharing four products with design or function elements that I have heard people call "gimmicky." While I don't think any...

Countless tourists head to coastal New England cities, towns, and remote coastlines every year. Trust me: I sit behind you as I try to get around during my normal day-to-day. With around 6,000 miles of coastline, there is room for all of us. And there is just that much more room for stripers, bluefish, and a number of other species that will gladly chase a fly. On today's podcast, I give a high le...

The vast majority of your dry fly presentations ought to be made upstream, with you standing slightly to one side of the fish. This optimizes your cast, your mending, and your hook set. But what if you can't do that? What if there is a fish that is downstream, under cover, and slurping bugs off the surface with wanton slovenliness? What then? Do you miss out and chalk it up to the "rules" of dry f...

Well, I'm breaking with tradition for this one. I'm not calling it "Fly Fishing Accusations XXX."  That said, there are some interesting segments in this episode. I get a little fired up about how people feel the need to police the fishing gear designed to solve problems. I also circle back to fallfish, tenkara, and remote fishing ethics. Standard fare, if you've been around here long enough. As a...