Casting Across Fly Fishing

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

There are a lot of people out there that put their blood, sweat, and tears into fly fishing. Most of those folks are fly shop owners and employees. While I only put a few years into working fly fishing retail, I really accumulated some invaluable know-how, experiences, and gear. Lots and lots of gear... I also have some good stories. Again, my time selling rods, reels, and dog beds is only a drop in the bucket compared to most folks. But I think you'll appreciate some of what I have to share. There are some stories, a few tips, and even some awkward moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Q&A episode, I share some of the best questions and comments I've ever received. Feedback (of any kind) is always exciting. Today, I talk about rod choices, guide recommendations, and favorite gear. These are things that I like discussing on my own. When you're the reason I get to elaborate and pontificate on these topics, it makes it even better. As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or... accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is your next trip? Where are you going? ...and I don't mean the big, fancy fly-in fly fishing excursion that you do (or don't) have planned for next year. I mean when is the next time you're going somewhere. There is a good chance that there is fish in that somewhere. And you can certainly have a good time chasing those trout, bass, carp, or fallfish. This week I talk about how to plan for fitting even a little bit of fly fishing into your next business or family trip. I share some thoughts about the enterprise and then give a few gear essentials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast content takes a significant detour from our normal programming. That said, it represents what I truly think about more often than not. At the time of recording, the flooding in Yellowstone National Park is headline outdoors news. Why does that matter? How should anglers think about it? More importantly, how should we react to it? I ask a lot of questions, attempt to bring in some perspective, and give reason for optimism. Listen, think, and let me know your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It sounds like a dad joke; I know. But think about it. Fish are used to water. It is us that are the problem. That being said, there are absolutely some things to consider when fly fishing in the rain. Fish, what fish eat, and what fish swim in all change a little bit based upon the precipitation and its effects. Still, you can have some stellar days on the water in a light drizzle or even a steady rain. Today, I talk about a few things to think about as you head out to catch fish (probably all be yourself, too). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I use words like impressive, remarkable, and excellent more than I usually do. But those adjectives are necessary when describing Maine and her fly fishing opportunities. Maine could (and does) have a whole podcast dedicated to exploring fly fishing from coast to mountains. Between the stripers, the landlocked salmon, and the brook trout, there are more rivers and fish than an angler could experience in a lifetime. Today I simply dip my toe into the waters of Maine. Hopefully these 20 minutes whets your appetite to get up into the wildest state on the East coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know not everyone can move quickly. And I know not everyone wants to run. But if you can? And if you want to? Lace up your shoes, strap on your pack, and get out into the woods fast. In this episode I discuss why I like to engage in light hiking and trail running to get farther into the woods faster. Along with getting to fish that don't see most anglers or their flies, it is a way to combine two great outdoors pursuits into one. I talk about gear, approaches, and a few of my own experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I found out that a man who was instrumental in my taking up fly fishing passed away. I can say that he played a big part in my appreciation for fishing even though he and I never were on the water together once. He mentored and helped along one of my best friends, and that relationship led my friend to introduce me to fishing. Today I briefly share that story, and talk a little bit about some of the ways that you can invest in the life of a young person through fly fishing. It isn't for everyone, but for those who can do it it is a great way to do some real good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know a few people who have flip phones. They're the bamboo rod enthusiasts of the tech world... or something like that. For the rest of us, the futuristic computer/camera in our pocket goes with us wherever we go. That often includes the rivers and woods which we enjoy. There are plenty of pros and cons that come with using a smartphone in particular, technology in general, for your fishing. Today, I talk about some of the things you might be missing out on if you turn to tapping your screen. I give a few reasons why I advocate carrying your smartphone wherever you go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all had this experience: You're fishing in a stream that is loaded with trout. You've caught fish there. Others are catching fish there. But today, you're not getting any action. There are some very specific reasons why this might be the case. I've found that the issues aren't so much about my casting, my fly box, or the weather. I've come to terms with the problem being my approach. Specifically, my patience (or lack thereof) and speed (or the lack of that, too). Today I give some examples of how these approaches might be what are making or breaking your time on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone can catch a bluegill. But catching big, dinner plate-sized, rod bending bluegill? That takes a lot of luck, or better yet, a good amount of skill. On today's episode I walk through three things that will help you find, hook, and catch the biggest sunfish, pumpkinseed, and warmouth in the pond. There are some fly and gear considerations, but a lot of it comes down to locating where bigger fish like to hang out. Panfish were the first foray into angling for many of us. But that doesn't mean catching the largest and oldest specimens is any easier that finding big trout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got four topics to cover this time on the audience Q&A podcast. And the Qs are good! Hopefully the As are as well. This week I'm talking about the hook barb debate, fly suggestions, John Gierach, and what to do with the silica packets that you get with a new pair of shoes. I'm confident that at least one of those items will pique your interest and potentially get you going down a fly fishing rabbit hole. As always, thanks for the emails and the comments. I appreciate them; so keep them coming! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If something is said enough times for enough time, it just becomes assumed. But that shouldn't be the case. On today's podcast episode, I break down my opinion on three fly fishing lies. Notice, I said my opinion. You might think that the angling mistruths I'm addressing are fine and good. I'm willing to admit that each of these sentiments is right for some people. What I am contesting is that they are right for most people. In the first of what I assume will be a recurring show topic, I talk about rod weights, fly sizes, and politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Salmo trutta. It shouldn't be here. But it is. And last time I checked, not many of us are up in arms about it. Today I talk briefly about brown trout. Where they come from, why they're here, and why fly fishers are willing to give them the "non-native pass." There is so much to say about this fish species and how we pursue it with the fly. This episode might be an introduction to a well-loved quarry, or it might get you thinking a little bit more about the fish that we have swimming in our favorite rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Admittedly, I get more excited about rods than I do reels. In fact, I think I geek out more over fly line than I do reels. But that doesn't mean I relegate reels to the category of nippers, knot tools, and wading boot shoelaces. Today I cover a handful of reel-centric topics. Whether you've got a wheelbarrow tire-sized saltwater reel or a tiny line-holding trout reel, it plays an important role in your fly fishing. I discuss reel care, spooling know-how, troubleshooting, and a little bit about selecting the right gear. It is hardly exhaustive, but hopefully it will give you a few things to think about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every one of us has our favorite kind of spot to fish. Riffles, runs, pools; banks, boulders, ledges. There is a reason why you'll gravitate to such spots regardless of which river you're on. One of my favorites is creek mouths; where smaller rivers run into larger rivers. These are intersections for fish and bodies of water. There are enough dynamics going on here to keep things exciting in every season and set of conditions. Today I walk through some of the major reasons why I like to fish where rivers meet, how I approach them, and some success stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have a crusty, old, fly rod sitting up in the attic? Or how about in Grandma's attic? Assuming that you have a decent relationship with said grandma, maybe you should take it out for a spin this season. There is a lot of fun and functional angling value in acquiring and using antique fly fishing gear. If you know where to look, what to use, and what you're using, it can actually add a whole other facet to your fly fishing. This episode is really only a primer, but hopefully it will get you thinking about what you might find as you peruse fishing shows, drive by yard sales, and (eventually) shop a premier tackle auctioneer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your stuff shouldn't own you. But if you own stuff, at least take care of it. Fly fishing gear is meant to be outside, get wet, and pushed to the limits that wild animals and wild places require. That doesn't mean that it will be happy if it has to endure a difficult life in your trunk, closet, or garage. Today I walk through a few things that I've learned (sometimes the hard way) about storing fly fishing gear. An ounce of prevention is worth a leader that doesn't snap, a reel that doesn't seize up, and little peace of mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Streamer fishing. The ways in which people think about it are much more diverse in the 21st century, but at the core it is still all about imitating a baitfish to trigger a predatory response. Whether you want to throw a six-inch, weighted, articulated fly with a PG-13 name or a size 10 gray ghost, there are some gear choices that might make your fishing a little bit easier. As usual, gear is no substitute for experience, skill, and that "it" factor of fishiness. However, you can help yourself a little bit by using some gear that you already have to cast and retrieve streamer patterns better. Today I share some gear recommendations along with some tactics for streamers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry fly season is right around the corner. You probably have all you need to take advantage of this magical time of the angling year. But a $5 purchase could really help your cast and presentation. What might that be? Well, in this episode I walk through a few pieces of gear and techniques that should be universally applicable for anglers who want to chase trout with dry flies. Experience and skill are probably the most essential aspects of any fly fishing, but it doesn't hurt to get a little help in the right direction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't worry, I'm not talking masks or vaccination or anything like that. It just so happens that 100 episodes ago, I recorded "CoronaCast, Week 1." I am talking about how the last two years have impacted my fishing. And, chances are, the last two years have impacted your fishing. Although there have been plenty of things to be discouraged by since March of 2020, there have been good things as well. And life is all about counting your blessings in contrast to difficulties. After some quick autobiography, I go into some trends that you might want to think about as we move into this coming fishing season. Hopefully, we'll also be moving past this virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This interaction episode of the podcast is extra interactive. No, it isn't an interview. But one of the questions I engage with was a question I was asked in person at The Fly Fishing Show in New Jersey. Don't worry, I also answered him immediately in the moment. Today I talk about fly fishing in Vermont, old product reviews, and the most essential piece of gear for trail running with the aim of fly fishing. As I've mentioned before, I truly enjoy receiving questions, comments, and observations. Keep the emails and website comments coming. Even if that means it is truly some sort of accusation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What have you been up to? In this episode, I talk about what I've been doing in and around fly fishing this winter. Perhaps you'll get some brand new ideas; perhaps you'll see how I do the same thing that you do, albeit slightly differently. There is so much potential in the wintertime. Even though fly fishing isn't the same when the thermometer is low and there's ice on the banks, there are plenty of fly fishing things you can do. Sitting in front of the television is fine, but there is stuff you can do to redeem the different season. Again, this is what I've been up to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had plans. They had to change. Guess what? It happens. Weather, vehicles, and life in general will put a kink in your perfectly prepared fly fishing checklist. Thankfully, I've got a three point (and alliterated!) checklist that you can employ to turn ruined plans into a great day on the water. Today I share a few things you can do to get out in front of changing plans. We can't control much, but there are some steps to take that at least give you options. I also give some real world examples of how bad days pivoted to good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Water moves. We all get that. But do we appreciate how and why it moves? Doing so has a significant impact on finding fish, making a proper presentation, and staying safe in the water. These three reasons alone should give you pause when you ask yourself if you can read water. In this podcast episode, I briefly talk about a few river current observations. There are a lot of great resources out there, but the best thing that you can do to improve your time on the water is to observe. Hopefully this will give you a few things to think about as you contemplate how the water is moving; both throughout the water column and from bank to bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening day. The annual trip to the cabin. A first fish. Within these experiences is the opportunity for ritual. And rituals simply consist of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. Maybe there is something that you've always done. Perhaps there is something that you've always done because it was what your father and grandfather did. Or, the friends that you go to the fishing lodge every year arbitrarily decided that some silly activity is what you do. So you do it. All of these rituals add to the experience of fly fishing. They connect you with previous trips. They connect you with previous anglers. They might not translate into catching and fish, but they're worth having around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk about two topics related to fly procurement: If you buy them, where should you buy them from? Is tying flies economical? There are as many opinions on both of these questions as there are fly patterns. I don't pretend to be the expert. But I do have a few simple data points and perspectives that might be helpful as you consider filling up your fly boxes. And, as always, I'm happy to hear differing opinions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How was your year in general? Okay. Now: How was your year in fly fishing? You don't need to keep a journal or go on some sort of self-discovery session to think about your year on and around the water. Just consider your successes and (relative) failures. Take quick inventory of how you did and did not spend your time. It might not elicit some great course-correction. But, as you're making plans for next year these thoughts might inform your plans and expectations. Today I share three things that I can say about the last year in fly fishing. Hopefully it can get you thinking, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are you reading? That is a great question to ask someone. It opens up so many doors for conversation. Within the fly fishing community, there is a good chance that everyone has read something recently. Books, blogs, and even marketing emails use language to communicate our shared passion. But there is something special about fly fishing books. In this episode, I revisit a few different kinds of books you probably have on your shelf. I also make three recommendations for volumes that are worth adding to your library. Also, Merry Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disclaimer: I'm not advocating that anyone abandon their family during the holiday season. However, if you're able to integrate a little fly fishing in the Christmas and New Year interval you should definitely go for it. This week I discuss some of the reasons why the period from late December to early January is great for getting out on the water. The calendar, as busy as it can be, is really working in your favor. There are some weather and fish peculiarities that you have to work with, but that is worth it. I do get into some of my favorite techniques for winter, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is a quick sprint through a sticky subject: which species deserve to live in any given area? In part, I'm responding to an article that questions the demonization of invasive species. Generally speaking, their point is a good one. However, some of the implications of the article are troublesome. As anglers, we have a responsibility to steward our resources. This means making decisions on when to interfere, when to remediate, and when to simply let things be. This all matters, because healthy fish populations depend on such choices. Listen, think about it, and let me know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You write, I respond. And it is one of my favorite parts of Casting Across. This week I discuss net storage, what to wear inside your wading shoe, and fishing alongside someone who thinks existential thoughts. These three reader/listener comments were really good, and I think that you'll benefit from my answers to their questions. And, as usually happens, some of the tangents pursued along the way. I also mention some of the changes that you're currently hearing and seeing on the website and the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! On today's episode, I share three things that I'm thankful for. Each one is directly tied to fly fishing, but there is a lot more involved. I've found that some of the best angling memories that I've made and the most profound fishing moments I've experienced have a lot more underneath the surface than just fish. Hopefully I can give you a few ideas of how you can get out on the water, but also get some perspective on what it means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking pictures of fish is totally fine. But there are a lot of ways that you can mess it up. While I'm not a professional photographer by any means, I have figured out a few important things when it comes to taking pictures of fish that I've caught. The top priorities are: Don't take a bad picture. Don't hurt the fish. Definitely don't do both. This week I talk through a half dozen simple tips for ensuring that your amateur photos of your angling victories are worth keeping on your phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the winter, fly fishing changes. The same water and the same fish require different tactics. Some of these approaches necessitate a few alterations to what you pack. Chances are it is gear that you already have. You just want to make sure you have it when you need it. Today I give a quick overview of what I make sure is in my pack and accessible when I'm on the water in the late fall or winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are very few things that an angler can control while fly fishing. You can't force a fish to be in a spot. You can't demand that a fish eat your fly. And, of course, you are totally unable to dictate weather and water flows. But you can control your cast. In this episode I talk a little bit about casting mechanics. Specifically, I discuss a few tactics that beginners and advanced casters can employ to hone their skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk briefly about the genesis of Casting Across. Then, I share a few thoughts regarding the fly fishing industry. Hopefully, it is an encouragement or a new perspective for you. I've said it before, but on this anniversary week of Casting Across: thank you for reading and listening! This episode is brought to you by X-Chair. Upgrade your home office by heading to XchairCasting.com and get $100 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inevitably, you've heard about the "four stages of the angler." I don't know who first came up with this timeline, but I do think it holds true. That being said, I don't necessarily agree that it is as linear as is often implied. Progress means building upon the foundations you have already laid down. As you grow in your fly fishing experience, this is certainly the case. This episode is brought to you by X-Chair. Upgrade your home office by heading to XchairCasting.com and get $100 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't use the term magic much. But there is something magical about fly fishing in the fall. All of it is much more enjoyable when you're comfortable. In this episode I talk through my thought process of dressing for angling success. Autumn temperatures and weather can be variable, so it is always better to plan than wing it. This episode is brought to you by X-Chair. Upgrade your home office by heading to XchairCasting.com and get $100 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A social media post got me thinking about how we fight fish. It is all about getting into and maintaining the right angles. This helps you and it helps the fish. Today I talk about two concepts for staying or getting in the right position when trying to get a fish to hand. One involves your feet and the other utilizes your gear. This episode is brought to you by X-Chair. Upgrade your home office by heading to XchairCasting.com and get $100 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I admit that I made a mistake. Seriously: For years I've failed to do one of the things that I emphasize in my writing and speaking. I've neglected to define a term. A listener/reader pointed this out, and today I take a stab at correcting it. I also talk a little about gear in general and one reel in particular. A reader pointed me towards a reel brand's backstory that I've never heard before. As always, I appreciate the questions and thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"There's no such thing as a bad question." Not true. But you're not going to hear any bad questions on this week's podcast. Today I get grilled by two of of the most avid listeners of Casting Across Fly Fishing. Questions range from fly patterns to bear encounters to on-stream nutrition. Hear their questions, my answers, and our back-and-forth on this special 150th episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you are mourning summer or waiting for the water to freeze over, you have got to admit that fly fishing really shines in September, October, and November. Depending on where you live in the country you might experience some of the best fishing of the year. In this episode I discuss four things that you can and should think about when fishing in the fall. Included is a refresher on avoiding redds - something that we should all be aware of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices