Casting Across Fly Fishing

Why did you pick the fly rod that you did? Was it the label? Was it the price? Was it how it felt when you wiggled it in the store? Or, was it because the rod cast a line in a way that fit your stroke and your fishing? Okay, now: why does the rod do that? Dozens and dozens of hours could be filled with discussions about the engineering, manufacturing, and application of fly rod action. In about 20 minutes, I give a cursory look at how fly rods "get" action and how you should choose one that will fit your needs. This episode has some real rabbit-hole potential... and I hope you take a deeper dive if interested! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fly fishing is about a whole lot more than catching fish. I've expressed that sentiment in quite a few ways over the years here on Casting Across. This week's podcast touches on that theme in a few different ways. While I do give some practical, "tips-n'-tricks" information at the end, the majority of the ~20 minutes is about the peripheral stuff that makes fly fishing what it is. And as always, thanks for all your questions, comments, and accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I was doing some research on how safe fly fishing is compared to other outdoor activities. Good news: it is safe. Bad news: it puts you in a position where you'll be facing 2 of the 3 most common causes of death outside. Take a listen to the podcast to figure out what they are, but you can probably guess by the title of the episode that they have to do with wading. I share 5 quick and easy things that you can (and should) do to wade safe and stay alive. You can never eliminate risk, but you sure can take some simple steps to reduce it while on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They're not the biggest or most technically-challenging fish, but there is something special about a wild trout caught high up in the mountains. And while those who spend a lot of time walking trails with fly rod in hand know that it is possible to catch dozens of feisty trout in these secluded creeks, this kind of fishing can be intimidating. It can be intimidating to a new angler. It can also be a bit perplexing to the experienced fly fisher who has only every cast into expansive runs and wide pools. Today I'm scratching the surface of this topic by walking through what my first steps are when approaching mountain trout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bamboo might be what your great grandpa's rod was made out of. But that doesn't mean that you can't fish with it too. And maybe, that means fishing with grandpa's clunky five-and-dime bamboo fly rod. Why fish with a rod material that is now three generations old? Today I talk through three reasons why you should consider adding bamboo to your arsenal. I also discuss a few ways that you can procure a bamboo fly rod. Spoiler: Two of them don't involve thousands of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. They work just fine, but there are plenty of ways to fish these flies. One of the most effective ways to fish dries and nymphs is in the surface film or just below the surface. While a high-floating dry is romantic and bottom-ticking nymphs get a lot of hype, fish absolutely hone in on bugs drifting high and tight. Today I talk through three ways to make this valuable presentation. Nothing requires fancy gear or a different box of flies. Using what you have, you can target some hungry (and usually visible!) fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we evolve in our pursuit of fish, our gear evolves with us. There are some items that we inevitably obtain as beginners that we either discard or simply disregard. Today I talk about three of those things. While you might not pay them much attention, or they might not be a regular part of your time on the water, they (or the concept behind them) still have value. Sometimes the simple, little things can have a big impact on your efficiency on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you haven't noticed, our culture is pretty polarized. Ah for the days when we fought about Pepsi or Coke, Yankees or Red Sox, and flies or bait. Alas. But just because there are some major rifts between politics, religion, and worldview doesn't mean that we can't come together to improve riparian habitat and pick up trash out of a local river. Maybe, just maybe, if we take a mere conservationism approach we can do those things and have a genuine, in-person conversation with one another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strike indicators! Bobbers! Strike indicators! Bobbers! Like Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, the argument rages on and on. I don't intend to settle it. I simply intend to cast into a good-looking run filled with fat trout hoping that my fly is suspended at the right depth. Today I talk about 5 strike indicators that I use. There are loads more, but this is a short podcast. Hear about what might be a good fit for your time on the water and your angling preferences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are as many ways to carry fly fishing gear as there are pieces of fly fishing gear. And that is saying a lot. How do you keep the stuff you need (or that you think you need) on you when you're on the water? It might not be a big source of concern for you. But maybe you're new to fly fishing. Maybe you need to carry more. Perhaps you need to carry less. It could just be that what you've been doing has been hurting your shoulder or back. I have some experience in the trial and error of trying different ways to carry gear. Today I walk through 7 options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm sharing three practical tips for introducing someone to fly fishing. For you, it might be a child, a friend, or a spouse. Simply putting them next to you in the water probably isn't enough. I walk through three things that are worth thinking about: exploration, opportunity, & access. Whether you're just getting into fly fishing yourself, or you're shooting to get someone involved with you this season, listen to how you might want to go about introducing fly fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I got accused of something! Well, maybe not. And if it is, it isn't particularly accusatory. But it is a disagreement about fly fishing gear. So, I address it. I also talk about how and why I create the podcast that I do. The last topic on the episode has to do with all the component pieces that one can use when fishing streamers. I truly enjoy interacting with all the emails and website comments I receive. These podcast editions give me a chance to respond in a fun way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What kind of fishing investment am I talking about? The kind in people: yourself, those around you, and those who will be fishing tomorrow. Today I share a little bit about the most prominent influence in my life related to angling and conservation: the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. I can honestly say that my week at that camp (and a string of years as it's director) made a significant impact on how I fish and think about fishing. Hear me share my story and how you can get involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No - not that kind of record. While you are more than welcome to try to catch the largest fish in a particular line class, I'm talking about record-keeping. What kind of records, you ask? Well, I have four that I discuss on this episode of the podcast. Whether you have a fancy Moleskine journal or (like me) use Excel, there is some information that can be beneficial to you if you take a few moments to record it. And who knows: maybe it will help you catch a world record fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry flies looked about the same 100 years ago. Streamers? Things were a little different. We hadn't gotten around to articulated flies that use half a bucktail yet. But we still caught fish. And the flies that were being fished worked. Plus, you could cast them on your regular trout rod. All was well in the world. And it still is. There is no reason why you can't fish a Mickey Finn, Grey Ghost, or Edson Tiger today. In fact, I suggest you do. So much that I recorded a whole podcast on the worthwhile enterprise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little can go a long way. When it comes to your fly fishing gear, taking a couple of hours can keep your equipment functioning well and actually improve your time on the water. In this episode, I quickly run through six things that you can do to take care of your gear and get it ready for the upcoming season (or tune it up during the season). I also add six more quick steps that aren't as vital, but are nevertheless helpful and probably worth your time. All in all, most fly fishing gear will give you season after season. "Fishing hard" doesn't mean that your stuff will fail after a year of use. A few simple steps will keep you and your equipment happy and hooked into fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't get bent out of shape to often about fly fishing. But one thing does make me look sideways at what is happening in our little angling community. It is when people get bent out of shape. Sound hypocritical or oxymoronic? Hear me out. A lot of the battles that are fought online or over fly shop counters are akin to two sculpins jockeying for position on the bottom of a giant pool. They don't matter that much. They're much ado about nothing. They are controversy for controversy's sake. They're not worth it. In this podcast, I discuss two areas where people get fired up: fly fishing "celebrities" and product reviews. Check it out, think about it, and let me know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is never too late to do better. Two of the three things I mention on this episode; I'm really still working on them. But all three are real examples of aspects of fly fishing that would have been great to be keyed in on when I started. This fourth edition (six, if you count fly tying) of this series touches on getting more out of gear, fishing, and the experience. You can have a blast and catch a lot of fish without doing what I suggest. But honestly, I would consider these three things as simple, effective facets worth adding to your approach to fly fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much can you say about wading boots? Well, at least 20 minutes. I've long maintained that wading boots are one of the pieces of gear that deserve your hard earned money. They keep you comfortable and they keep you upright. Or, they keep you fishing. In today's episode I talk about some things to think about when shopping for wading boots (and I do intend that as plural!). This is a great discussion to share with a new angler, as I walk through some of the most common questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes. I know that for most fly fishers there is no "offseason." But at the bare minimum, contending with shorter days and impossible weather will render the December-February period less intense than June or September. With that big caveat out of the way, I want to share what this episode is about: Redeeming the time. Today I talk about four things that you can do sans fly rod that are perfectly suited to cold days. Plus, each and every one will have a tangible payoff come springtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hear that Pebble Mine is toast? One of the most significant conservation initiatives in fly fishing history has (hopefully) come to a positive conclusion. In this episode, I give a brief recap of what the proposed mine was all about and why it elicited such a strong reaction from the outdoors community. Also, toward the end of the podcast, I throw in a few items that should be food for thought for those who have been paying attention to this long battle. Check out this brief show, and then head online to dive deep into the multi-faceted subject that was and is the fight against Pebble Mine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast docket is relatively diverse: brown trout strains, multipurposing your hiking boots, and how our worldview impacts our pathway toward conservation. Yeah... there isn't a lot of continuity there. However, all three of the messages I received regarding these issues were thoughtful and worth my time. I think that my interaction with all three of these issues are worth your time too. As always, listen, think, and feel free to reach out yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of a trout to a dry fly is perhaps one of the most quintessential moments in all fly fishing. A good cast, a proper drift, and a picturesque take all come together to create what many consider to be the pinnacle of trout fishing. You can achieve this with any old gear. But there are a few things that will probably make it more attainable and more enjoyable. Today I walk through the seven things I think are helpful to have with you as you head out. Some you can buy, others are a little less tangible. But they're all important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't think of a better way to spend a cold, dismal January day than walking around a convention hall filled with flannel-garbed anglers. But I know that there are some out there who can't see the appeal. My perspective is that many who poo-poo fly fishing shows are doing it wrong. In today's episode, I share 5 things that I'd do if I was heading to a fly fishing expo event. And to get out ahead of the number one critique: only one of them involves spending any money. Whether you're planning on heading to a show or not this winter, this podcast will hopefully give you some ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ideally, we'd all be thoughtful and intentional fly shop patrons out of our own wisdom. Sometimes, we need tales of woe to correct us. And sometimes, we like to be entertained by the ridiculous goings-on that occur at fly shops. Once again, I'm turning back a few chapters in my life to when I spent some time working at a fly shop. I share a few stories and pass along a few things I've learned from my days selling rods, flies, and ugly sweaters. Lastly, I encourage you to head into your local fly shop to hear some good (and maybe hairy) stories from these important parts of our culture. Also, use code CASTING right now to save 20% and get free shipping at manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, really it is your favorite fly fishing stuff on Casting Across in 2022. But I did want to talk about the articles and podcasts that got the most attention over this past year. I think that both of these segments reflect some good stuff in the fly fishing community, and hopefully what I bring to the table is beneficial to all that stop to read or listen. I also share some of what I've done over the past year, and what I plan to do in 2023. And, as always, I did want to thank you for being a part of Casting Across! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am not an Euro Nymphing guru, and this is by no means a comprehensive treatment of the technique/gear/universe. So it is with trepidation that I wade into what is only meant to be a quick, initiatory overview of a topic that elicits very strong emotions. But you don't need to have an emotional response to how anyone fishes. You can use an incredibly productive tactic and some helpful equipment to catch more fish. I'll share some quick thoughts, and encourage you to check out some more resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

STOP! If you're a veteran fly tyer or if you've decided that fly tying just isn't your thing, this podcast is still for you. There are a lot of "bad first steps" for people who are interested in taking up fly tying. In this episode, I share what I believe to be the first three things you should do if you are considering trying your hand at tying. Similarly, these are the things I think are wisest to recommend to someone who has asked you about fly tying. After all, you don't want to miss out on something fun because you didn't start out well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk through four flies that work for me in the winter. Notice I said for me. That doesn't mean that they won't work for you. In fact, I think that they will work for you. But I have a lot of confidence in these four patterns. And confidence matters, because there is no silver bullet fly that you can use for trout in the cold months. But there are certain facets of some popular flies that will appeal to fish that aren't as active or aggressive in the winter. Hear what the four flies are, hear why I choose them, and hear how to fish them in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tailwaters are a big part of fly fishing. So big, in fact, that this episode organically became a two-parter. Today I talk about what a tailwater is, where you can find them, and why they are so important for fly fishers. More appropriately: why they are so important for trout. Of course, there is another side of tailwaters that is worth discussing as well. Most of all, I hope that the 20 minutes of content in this episode get you thinking about dams, rivers, and some of the fishing opportunities that these interesting ecosystems provide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! This episode was recorded around noon on Thanksgiving. Consequently, I talk about turkey and what I am thankful for. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Regardless of your lot in life or how many fish you catch, we all have so much for which we can express gratitude. My advice is that you make that known. True thanksgiving occurs when you share a genuine "thank you" with someone else. So after football, pie, and a nap, think about sending a quick text saying "thank you." Also, use code CASTING right now to save 20% and get free shipping at manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast I interact with some questions that are the most common interactions I receive month after month, year after year. Fly line for small streams and fly fishing books are two things that I'm (relatively) passionate about. Consequently, I get feedback about both topics. I also talk about the (legitimate) passion surrounding nippers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though the footprint of the Great Lakes' tributary system is relatively small, its' opportunities are significant and easily accessible by most people in the US. Whether you're chasing steelhead in Pennsylvania, lake run browns in New York, or salmon in Michigan, you have the opportunity to tangle with huge fish in smaller rivers. Some days are incredibly hot, while others might make you wonder if you're completely in the wrong place. While there are certainly some situation-specific techniques that will put you on fish, being there and putting in time is the most important thing. It feels like "you should have been here yesterday" is a common refrain in Great Lakes tributary fishing. Today I talk about getting on the water. Take that first step and yesterday can be today (you know what I mean). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casting Across is a lot more than written and spoken words. For 7 years, Casting Across has been the vehicle for my interaction with the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish. Today, I talk about a few aspects of this past season of my life that you might find interesting. The core of Casting Across is just that: my desire to share something interesting about the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you. Hopefully one of these topics will resonate and get you thinking and fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all seen that guy: he's got the entire Orvis catalog hanging from his vest. ...okay, I've been that guy. Maybe you have too. In a lot of ways, fly fishing and other outdoor pursuits have shifted away from carrying more to taking a minimalist approach. It is a great thing. You can move lighter and faster. You can spend more time honing skill. You can focus on the experience. But there are some situations that warrant more. So how do you do that well? Can you carry a lot without being encumbered by fly boxes, gadgets, and angling miscellany? I think so. I talk about it this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They've been around for at least 75 years, but Tiger Trout have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade. But what is a tiger trout? In this episode, I briefly talk about what makes a tiger a tiger, why we're in the business of putting them in rivers, and how we should think about having these hybrids swim alongside native fish. Even if you're not a scientist, there are certainly some aspects of ecology and conservation that you'd do well to pay attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I like fly fishing gear. I really like it. But I'm also not unreasonable. There are only a few things that you absolutely need to go out, catch fish, and have fun. If you're using ads or catalogs to compile a list of things that are necessary, there is a good chance that you'll be quickly overwhelmed. But knowing what is essential and what is simply nice to have matters. Today I'm sharing three things that might seem essential. But they're not. I give my reasoning, which might be as helpful as the list of items itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've got land: fish it! Make plans to visit a National Park. While there may be other, more premier fly fishing spots in the vicinity, parks provide something unique and special. Our National Park Service includes locations as diverse as the breadth of our country. Whether it be famous rivers in Yellowstone, brook trout creeks in Great Smoky Mountains, or the wild mangroves along the Everglades, anglers should be heading out to your land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many trout out there. Why care about one particular population of trout? One of the most interesting aspects of conservation work is the cataloging, investigation, and protection of individual fish populations. Acknowledging species and subspecies demonstrates the understanding of a fish's unique adaptations for it's native watershed. There are also the benefits of environmental stewardship and historical preservation. Today I talk about a few fish that fit these criteria. Hopefully it gets you thinking... and maybe out exploring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone says that conservation matters. But how can you show that you mean it? You don't need to dynamite a dam in the PNW or be the lawyer that puts Pebble Mine down for good. You can just be a guy with a bag of trash, a Saturday devoted to counting fish in a ladder, or a member of a town committee. Big stuff matters. So does little stuff. And any stuff that transcends online platitudes and bumper sticker-conservation is worth pursuing. Today I share a few circles of action that are worth your time and energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been 200 episodes, and hundreds more articles, of my opinions and perspectives that you could call into question. And every once in a while, someone does. More often than receiving accusations, I get questions and comments from readers and listeners. On today's podcast, I interact with three (four, really) that I thought were worth sharing. These editions are fun. Again, I get to respond to you. Also, it is a nice change of pace to discuss three or four topics in quick succession. I hope you enjoy it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

200 episodes! First of all, thank you for listening. Whether this is your first or 200th download, I truly appreciate that you take a few minutes out of your week to hear what I have to say about the quarry and culture of fly fishing. As I've done every 50 shows, today I break away from the traditional format. While I'm usually a solo outfit, today I bring in three experts to talk. We discuss fly fishing and the outdoors in general. And we dive into one of the most important questions that any angler must answer: what is the best snack to pack when you head outside? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't let your phone become a distraction. That is true for everyday life, and it is also true when you're fly fishing. Of course, your phone can be an incredibly useful tool that can enrich your time outdoors. In this follow-up podcast, I share a handful of apps that I use when I'm outdoors and preparing to get outdoors. Some are free and some come with a small fee. Every one of them can be useful for you as you spend time on the water. None of them, in my opinion, take away from the authentic experience of fishing, hunting, or hiking. Check out my recommendations and how I use them in this week's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might prefer to find waters to fish that are far, far away from any and all civilization. But there are countless small towns and rural villages that abut some of the most prominent rivers in this nation. Up on the bank, there is a whole lot going on. Very little of it, for most people, involves trout, insects, or your presence. Today I discuss some of the benefits of getting to know the area where you are fishing. It might lead to greater angling opportunities. It might lead to more enjoyment. Or, it might lead to something better that encapsulates both of those things. All in all, I'm suggesting you take a moment to see what is happening around you while you're fishing. That is always a good thing to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know how to behave around others while fishing? Chances are the answer is "yes." Because even though common sense isn't all that common these days, I have come to expect better of those who spend a good amount of time outdoors. There are plenty of resources that articulate the formal, classic fly fishing etiquette codes. Those are great. But there are also some subjective elements that come into play depending on when and where you are fishing. In this episode I discuss how and why you can figure out how to be an upstanding member of whatever fishing community in which you happen to be wetting your line. Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last fall I fell down a rabbit hole. More accurately: I fell down into a duck's nest. After decades of watching guys wade into swamps, dressed like trees, carrying fake birds over their shoulders, I decided to do the same. And I loved it. But aside from some cobbled-together gear from my vast fly fishing arsenal and some random deer hunting items, I didn't have the right stuff. I was a little wet, a little cold, and a little convinced that I'd have to do some shopping before this fall. So I did. And I learned a thing or two I'd like to pass along. Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actually, it is one way to read water with four parts. But that is way too long for a podcast title. After sharing an anecdote about my failing to read water well, I go into my four-pronged approach to approaching rivers. While not remarkable or novel, I believe that this multi-tiered technique is a great paradigm to help new anglers grasp the concept. It is also a great reminder or teaching tool for those of us who have been at this fly fishing thing for a while. Instead of just getting out there and flailing away at the deepest pool, take a minute to read the water. There might be fish there. Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might have been last month, it might be today, or it might be next week: eventually you're going to experience dry, low-water conditions where you live and fish. Today on the podcast, I'm not going to delve into the science (or politics) of the conditions. What I do want to explore is how fish react and what we can do about it. Here's the long and the short of it: maybe you can fish and maybe you can't. What you can do is be observant and flexible. It will be good for the ecosystem, the trout, and you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're living in a pretty sensitive day and age. So please know that I'm using the term "trash fish" in the most respectful and endearing way possible. (But fish can't read, so I shouldn't be too concerned about offending any of them.) Chances are, if you fish for some of the less desirable and non-traditional species, you're used to the sideways looks when you mention your excitement. I am with you. There are some great fish out there that transcend the bass and trout circles. They eat flies, they fight hard, and they might even taste pretty good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you don't care about taking care of your stuff for the sake of your stuff, at least take a little bit of energy for the sake of the resources you have and your gear's performance. Today I share three more gear storage tips that are especially helpful in the middle of the season. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. When boots run upwards of $200 and rods can quickly near a grand, a few minutes spent making sure everything is where it is supposed to be can save you money, heartache, and from adding to the local landfill. As always, if you have tips or ideas that I don't share feel free to send them my way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices