Times have changed... I think. It doesn't seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire group. More pragmatically, there is no reason to jettison an entire approach to catching fish. Today I'm sharing three reasons why you might want to pick up a spinn...
Jul 04, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 347
One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn't give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying. And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn't force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I'm talking about some of the options you can choose. Focusing on footwear, bottoms, and gear storage, I w...
Jun 27, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 346
Trout are trout, right? Especially if two brookies or cutthroat are swimming only a few hundred yards from each other, they're going to behave, eat, and look the same. Right? Maybe. But if you're talking about a fish in a mountain stream versus a fish in the mountain lake that feeds said stream? Maybe not. Mountain trout ponds or lakes offer some beautiful, fun, and diverse angling options for fly fishers on the east or west coast. Just like any other facet of fishing, understanding approach and...
Jun 20, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 345
You can catch so many panfish with the flies in your trout fly box. So many. In fact, give me a well stocked trout fly box over a typical panfish fly assortment any day. But... having some of those poppers helps. And make sure there are a few leggy nymphs. Oh, and a couple of crayfish-looking streamers. Today I round out a two-part series of panfish fly fishing gear ideas. They're such a fun group of fish to pursue, and for many that fun is amplified when you have gear that works and works well....
Jun 13, 2025•27 min
You absolutely can (and should) fish for panfish with whatever gear you own. Fish for trout, stripers, and peacock bass with whatever gear you already own, for that matter. Of course, you'll have a slightly easier and more enjoyable time if you have equipment that is either specifically designed for the particular pursuit or within a relatively appropriate spectrum. And while panfish have a low bar for angling entry, a focused effort benefits from some wise gear choices. In this first part of a ...
Jun 06, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 343
This episode drifted. And while I'd like to say that is a clever fly fishing pun, it wouldn't be super appropriate because this week we're talking about retrieving flies. The original outline was about all kinds of retrieves, but as I talked about what was most effective I kept returning to one simple truth: slower retrieves usually catch more trout. Fast retrieves do have a place in the skill set of the angler. But when you're fishing to animals that are used to seeing frogs, minnows, and crayf...
May 29, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 342
Okay, in reality it is presented in more of a "toe to head" fashion. And, please hear me on this, you can wear all the wrong things and still catch more than anyone dressed in all the finest outdoor clothing available. All that said, there is wisdom in wearing the clothes that can keep you comfortable as the weather is in a transitory phase. Not only is it relatively simple to source said garments, but it is clear that being properly outfitted does help with comfort and focus. Hear about everyth...
May 23, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 341
What makes a fly a fly? How much money do you need to spend on a fly rod? What level of risk should you take when going fishing? In one way or another, I address all three of these questions on today's podcast episode. And while I'm very much interested in all three debates, I'm simply responding to some very good emails and comments I've received on Casting Across lately. As always, thank you for reading, listening, watching, and reaching out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
May 16, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 340
There are a lot of benefits to hiring a guide. They show you new water, put you on fish, and teach you new skills. One of the less exciting facets is the focus they bring to your fishing; less exciting, but incredibly helpful. Today I talk about some of the aspects of fly fishing that I help others focus on while on the water (that is the + in the title). But it is just as important to consistently remind yourself of them while casting and presenting flies over the course of a long day. These fo...
May 09, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 339
Some of the flashiest fly fishing gear is undoubtedly very, very nice. But it isn't necessary. If you're just starting out or you're operating with a limited budget, there are some pieces of equipment that will vie for your attention. While each person has different parameters and priorities I think that some purchases are better than others for those aforementioned angler demographics. Today I walk through four alternative options for spending your hard earned money on fishing gear. Learn more ...
May 02, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 338
Some people only fish dry flies. Others throw streamers exclusively. And then there are those who have gone all in on Euro nymphing. Every one of those approaches will catch fish. More importantly, you can enjoy your time on the water utilizing each method immensely. My only advice? Don't give up on throwing nymphs with traditional gear too soon. This week I'm sharing three practical ways to improve your nymphing skills with the gear you already have. With some practice and some technique, you c...
Apr 25, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 337
If you don't have kids, don't skip this episode. The reason? Kids are people. So while I'm certainly framing the content in the context of working with youth, the principles will apply to anyone you want to make into an angler. Although sometimes just taking a kid fishing is enough to get them into the sport, there are some things you can do to make it a more enjoyable and accessible experience. With a slightly more complicated set of mechanics, this certainly applies to taking a kid fly fishing...
Apr 18, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 336
Who doesn't like getting a trophy? While "best in show" awards draw the ire of people who like to complain (Complainers? In fly fishing?!? Egad...), these lists are great for everyday anglers to see what is new and notable in angling gear. Today I walk through a half dozen Consumer Choice Awards recipients from The Fly Fishing Show's 2025 slate. I talk about everything from $1,000 fly rods to tiny packs of hackle. If you are shopping for new equipment, or if you are simply interested in what is ...
Apr 11, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 335
You may be the kind of angler who can pony up $70,000 for a tricked out fly fishing rig. Or you might be a Toyota Camry kind of guy. Both work. But today I'm talking more to the sedan and station wagon crowd. Even if you don't have the kind of vehicle that they feature in outdoorsy commercials, you can tailor your ride to make fly fishing a little easier. Your car won't help you cast or pick flies. But being organized, prepared, and safe all go into the overall angling equation. Check out the pr...
Apr 04, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 334
We're all busy. Some are busier than others, but everyone has their own busy. And one consistent thing is that any kind of busy usually interferes with fly fishing. Once people find out about my kind of busy (having 5 kids, serving as a pastor, etc.), I get asked "how do you go fly fishing?" They're not asking about technique or fly selection. They want to know how I fit it in. Today I share five things that are helpful in fitting fly fishing into your busy life. They might not all work for you ...
Mar 28, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 333
Well, I know that people like finding and catching wild trout... but I was still quite surprised when this article blew up as much as it did. Casting Across was glowing red hot from all the online traffic a post generated this week. I'm not sure what I did right (or wrong), and I don't think I'm going to ask too many questions. Regardless, there is a good chance you're new to the site and the podcast because of it: so welcome! Today I explore the three pieces of research that go into my wild tro...
Mar 21, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 332
How should you think about fly reel acquisition? Should you buy the best? Should you buy the least expensive thing that will hold line? Should you skip the headache of such questions and aim towards the center? While I don't begrudge anyone who wants a premium, machined reel or the angler who is content with gear made of plastic, I do have a recommendation for an option that will give you more for less money. More what? More fishing. More fishing options, specifically. Figure out what I'm talkin...
Mar 14, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 331
Every once in a while I do get a legitimate accusation. Recently I was called out for platforming high-end, pretentious fly fishing equipment. While I don't want to eliminate your anticipation for what this might have looked like, I do think it is important to mention that a quick email exchange brought swift resolution. Still, you should listen to this week's episode to hear what I'm talking about. And, before you get to that, you'll hear me discuss beginner fly tying and online fly fishing auc...
Mar 07, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 330
There are plenty of all-inclusive fly fishing adventures that only require you to pay and show up. Such experiences are probably quite exquisite... and quite expensive. But even if you are able to afford such fineries, you'll get more out of your fly fishing trip if you take a few things with you. Today I'll talk about those things. Some are physical items that are worth packing. Others are expectations. And, as you might imagine, having the latter list in order is just as important as organizin...
Feb 28, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 329
So you've made plans to go fly fishing. Not just a few hours at the local pond; not just the better part of a day at the river. You're going on a fly fishing trip. How do you prepare? Do you buy any and every fly that might be hatching? Do you do your best to not think about it so that the time doesn't drag on and the doldrums of normal life become painful compared to the coming angling glory? On the heels of last week's episode, I glance over some of the things that are wise to consider as you ...
Feb 21, 2025•27 min
Adventure can be had simply by heading into the wild or booking a stay at the first deluxe lodge that pops up on Google. But there is a better way. And many anglers I've talked to wish they had adjusted their fishing vacation plans slightly early on in their time chasing trout. Today's podcast is another installment in the Cast1 series. Although it is directed more towards new fly fishers, there is information that anyone should consider. Moreover, it is the kind of thing worth sharing with othe...
Feb 14, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 327
One of the most amazing things about fly fishing is that the vast majority of our gear works great 100% of the time without paying any attention to it. One of the most frustrating things about fly fishing is when your gear suffers a catastrophic failure while you're on the water. I'm not saying that routine maintenance will avert all disaster. But it doesn't increase the odds; it certainly diminishes them. Today I walk through the relatively simple process than anyone with a tiny amount of mecha...
Feb 07, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 326
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 of the presentations that I attended. And, once again, I talk about what I think you ought to do to ...
Jan 31, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 325
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Jan 24, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 324
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 isn't a tailwater down south. It is in the heart of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of Iowa and Illino...
Jan 17, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 323
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 or you've decided that warmwater fish are this season's goal, check out some of the preliminary reco...
Jan 10, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 322
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 can improve as anglers, and it is encouraging to know that there are some small areas of refinement t...
Jan 03, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 321
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 on Casting Across this week and a recommendation. Plus, I drop some subtle hints on exciting con...
Dec 27, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 320
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 for inclusion on an upcoming podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 20, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 319
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 check out some diagrams and helpful animations to help put these knots into practice. Learn more about y...
Dec 12, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 318
