Casting Across Fly Fishing

You've got a fly rod. You've wrangled a few dozen flies into a box. You've even managed to get a hot tip on where some trout might be found. ...now what? Having all the gear and all the intel won't amount to anything unless you can cast your fly and cast it in the right spot. That is where casting and presentation come in. In an incredibly brief overview of these two pivotal angling topics, I shar...

Water, water everywhere... but is it water worth fly fishing? Today we're asking the question: "Where can I find fish?" The answer has two parts: First, how do you find fishable water? Second, where do you look once you've found a river worth fishing? Books have been written about both of these topics. But this episode will give enough of a head start so that you can get out on the water with a fe...

"How do you put a fly on that thick line?" "Can I just wear my hiking boots over my waders?" These are perfectly honest questions that I've been asked by new fly fishers. Multiple times. Today I talk through some of the other essential fly fishing gear that you need to pursue fish. Once you have a rod, reel, and line, there are still a few more items required. Again: fly fishing isn't all about eq...

The fly rod. It is a beautiful, functional, and essential part of fly fishing. But if you're new to the pursuit, the hundreds of options (split into different weights, lengths, actions, and even materials - mind you) can be a lot to take in. Add a reel and line on top of it? That is what they call a "barrier to entry." But it doesn't have to be. First and foremost, a good fly shop will get you set...

The Cast1 series of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is all about exploring the fundamentals of fly fishing. In each episode, there will be plenty for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. Today we're answering these important questions: What makes fly fishing different than regular fishing? Why would someone choose to fly fish? How might fly fishing be your only option? Learn more about you...

Oh I've got some good emails this week. All thanks to you. I mean, it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if I read emails I sent to myself outloud, would it? This time around I talk about spacing out your fly rod purchases, finding an all-around wading boot, and climate change. Yes, one of those is quite different than the others. But hopefully my ramblings will be helpful in some way, shape, or f...

I mean that in the absolutely most positive way possible. Heck, I had to dumb down my fly tying when I started (and restarted) so that I didn't get so frustrated that I threw my vice through the wall. So, apologies out of the way, what do I mean by dumbing down fly tying? Some of the biggest hurdles that beginning tyers experience have to do with the sheer diversity of skills and materials that so...

What better for a final podcast episode of the year than a curated retrospective on 2023? While I touch on other subject matter, this is what I get rolling with on this final episode of December. You might be surprised what the most shared episode of Casting Across happened to be. But you won't be shocked to find out which episode garnered the most ears. *cough* clickbait *cough* Also, I'm impress...

While this episode is being released in late December, it isn't a holiday episode by any means. However, I'm reviving something from a few years ago that was a part of the podcast around this time of year. The public domain is a treasure trove of fly fishing and fly fishing-adjacent content. And this particular story is really, really good. So sit back, grab an eggnog (or a lemonade if you're list...

Watercraft and fly fishing go together. But which watercraft are best suited for the job? And, consequently, your hard-earned money? Today I dip my paddle into the wide, deep river of watercraft that one can employ in his pursuit of fish. There could be an entire podcast series on this topic, but hopefully this will serve as a sufficient introduction. Whether you're starting out or whether you hav...

Giving and getting gifts are both good. But in an arena like fly fishing, things usually need to be just so. This makes shopping for fly fishers hard at Christmases, birthdays, graduations, Father's days... year-round. But there are a few things that ought to be a hit for anyone, any time. And in today's podcast episode I share 10 gifts that will probably work for most fly fishers. Inevitably ther...

There are a lot of misconceptions about fly fishing out there. Some of them are repeated enough with such careless disregard for the truth that I'm comfortable in calling them lies. Today, I address three of them. Two have to do with technique and angling itself; one has broader social implications. Whether you're a new angler who is struggling against these things or a veteran who needs to think...

It is Thanksgiving. And I am thankful. Today's episode is all about what I'm thankful for. It is about fly fishing. And it is personal. But as is the case with a lot of what I put out on Casting Across, I hope my personal musings about fly fishing will resonate with you. Whether they run parallel or perpendicular, I think there will definitely be some benefit as you listen and consider my rambling...

What's on the end of your fly line? It isn't a fish. It is a leader. Which, as you may well have surmised, is essential for getting your fly to a fish. And getting your leader onto your fly line isn't necessarily a straightforward endeavor. Not all fly line/leader connections are created equally. Today I walk through four of them; three of which I recommend for one reason or another. Learn more ab...

The weather outside is frightful. Or, at least it will be. And you're all ready to fish in it. Right? If you have the gumption and the warm socks, there is no reason why you can't fish in the coldest months out of the year. Today I tackle two big hurdles that people face when it comes to fly fishing in cold weather. I also give two techniques that ought to encourage you to get out and explore your...

So I messed up. To my knowledge, I have never deleted an email from a reader or listener. But just today, right before recording, I did. So whoever you are, this week's podcast starts off with my heartfelt apology and an answer to your question. Along with that little bit of Q&A, I interact with two other bits of feedback that will be worth your while. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your a...

Casting Across is not a "gear review site." But it does feature quite a few gear reviews. And, apparently you like them. My gear reviews receive thousands upon thousands of views every year. I usually keep those opinions confined to the specific articles, but because there are a lot of thoughts that surround the gear and how I've used it over the years I thought I'd mention them on the podcast. To...

Sometimes it takes something jarring to get you to realize that you're not as safe as you thought. While fly fishing isn't a risky or dangerous activity, the fact of the matter is that it has elements of risk and danger. Why? It is outside, it is near the water, and you can't control everything all the time. Today I share a few sobering anecdotes, along with ways to stay safe on the water. You're...

My introduction to fly fishing was on small, intimate rivers and streams. The first time I waded into a broad, sprawling trout river I was confident I wasn't going to catch a thing. But you know what? I did. And by employing a few simple techniques I landed more big river trout that day... and quite a few more in the decades since. Today's episode is a classic three-step how-to. I share three thin...

Okay. Here's one that you can put in the debating fly fishing minutiae category. What situations should trigger jumping up two rod weights/line sizes? Today I talk through three circumstances that might push you to a heavier terminal rig. I give three common, real world examples. There are plenty of misconceptions that drive people to use gear that is too light. And while I love using lighter, mor...

There is a certain picture most of us have in our minds when we think of fly fishing. Rolling hills, dense forests, and barren beaches are the kinds of scenery we seek out as we pursue fish. But have you ever tried to lure a brown trout out from under an overturned shopping cart to the sounds of a machine shop? Either because of adventure or proximity, you may very well want to pursue fly fishing...

What's your fly shop? There is a good chance that you have a local shop, considering that there are nearly 400 of them around the lower 48. A new and exciting part of Casting Across is the "Fly Shop Box" - an online directory of all the fly shops. In this episode I talk a little bit about why I decided to put this together, how you can use it, and how you can help keep it relevant. Give the podcas...

Recently I took my oldest son fishing on one of my favorite streams. It has taken me this long to take him, an accomplished angler for a pre-teen, because it is an incredibly small creek with remarkably spooky fish. But those fish happen to be native brook trout. I warned him of the challenges while singing the praises of what was in store. After a rough hour of fly fishing, we sat and talked. I s...

Who is this guy you listen to every week? Valid question. In fact, I think that it is incredibly helpful to know at least a little something about the life, experiences, and worldview of the author you're reading. Or podcaster you're hearing. So this week, in incredibly short (and arbitrarily scheduled) fashion, I give you a little bit of an introduction to who I am. Perhaps it will give you some...

Every 10 episodes I read and respond to listener and reader feedback. This 25th edition of this facet of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast includes the most diverse sources to date. Today I interact with a Facebook comment, a YouTube question, and a conversation at Dunkin' Donuts. Yes. A conversation at Dunkin' Donuts. I'm confident that something I cover in this week's podcast will be releva...