It is no fun to be wet when you're not expecting to be wet. That means waders need to be functioning at 100%. If you're fishing in cold weather or cold water, 95% is no good. In this episode I talk about end-of-season wader care. Included in that is inspecting, cleaning, and repair. I also share some of my preferred wader repair products and methods. Lastly, I do offer up some advice on buying waders. This is a relatively shallow dive into a deep topic, but it should be a helpful starting point....
Nov 27, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 107
'Tis the week of Thanksgiving. Which means all of the food and fun of Christmas without the stressful shopping, wrapping paper, and cold(er) weather. And, if you play your cards right you might get to sneak a little bit of fishing in. On this episode I delve into a few topics: Why check out holiday fly fishing gift guides? Do you need to break the bank on your next gear purchase? How can I start a holiday angling tradition? What is a good way to prospect for fish at the end of November? Learn mo...
Nov 20, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Who doesn't like to see some wildlife when they're out fly fishing? Majestic elk, brilliant songbirds, and delicate butterflies add a little something to your angling. But there is a whole host of other critters that are less than pleasant to encounter. Some are downright awful. In this episode of the podcast, I recount a few harrowing tales of my own. And while I strongly advocate a "live and let live policy," I also encourage some of these varmints to do their living somewhere else. Learn more...
Nov 13, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode I talk about a few tactics for finding fish in the colder months. The approaches aren't revolutionary, but for many of us any kind of change takes some significant effort. I mention locations, flies, and other gear that I use when I'm diagnosing a river when it is chilly out. Also, I share how I handle iced-over guides and make a recommendation on a nymph rod that punches above it's price point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 06, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 104
This podcast episode is really a 4-in-1. And you get to listen to it at your normal price - I guarantee it. First: 5 years of Casting Across! I talk a little bit about why and how the website came to be. Second: I explain why people are the greatest benefit I've received through my writing and speaking. Third: Want a controversial take? Check out the piece I read. Fourth: Vote! I don't know if you have heard, but there is an election coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Oct 30, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 103
We all have memorable fish that we have caught. Some of the most memorable might be fish that we didn't catch right away. That is the story of this fish. This episode is a little different than most. Hear me talk through a season of chasing one particular brown trout. Along with some of the narrative, I share a little bit of the "how" and "why." Hopefully you enjoy it. More than that, hopefully it will get you thinking about chasing after that one fish yourself. Learn more about your ad choices....
Oct 23, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Why have more than one pair of sunglasses? Why spend a lot of time creating loop-to-loop line/leader connections? Why listen to anything I say? I answer those questions, and a few more, on this week's podcast. I always appreciate getting feedback, and have a lot of fun interacting with emails, comments, and social media chirps. Having that back-and-forth is a great aspect to Casting Across, and one of my favorite things about being a part of the fly fishing community. Learn more about your ad ch...
Oct 16, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 101
100 episodes. That is a lot of my voice. So, this week I have a few special guests that join me on the podcast. All three have been fishing for their entire life, and I think that you'll appreciate their perspectives. I can honestly say that they keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it fun. Also, I wanted to convey a big thank you to all who listen. Thanks for making these 25 minutes part of your week. I truly appreciate it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 09, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Where can you go to get some fly fishing history, beautiful scenery, fun for the whole family... and a few trout? Nestled in the bottom left corner of Vermont sits the little town of Manchester. Orvis is there. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is there. They're there because the Battenkill River is there. If you find yourself wanting to spend a long weekend in the region, you'll not be disappointed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 02, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Where have you fished the most? Do you remember the first time you went? Was it a remarkable success or a tragic comedy of errors? Regardless, I'd wager that you can remember the first time you went fly fishing on your favorite river, stream, or lake. In this episode I recount my first trip to a beloved spring creek. I came to know it very well, but the first time I tried to lure out a brown trout was hardly successful. Still I remember it - and I remember it fondly. Learn more about your ad cho...
Sep 25, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Every week I approach podcast recording time with a handful of ideas. Most fill up a 20 minute episode. Some are a little more brief, derivative, or otherwise not enough. This episode is a compilation of 4 or 5 topics, only strung together by the common thread of fly fishing. There is some theory, some practical advice, and even a commentary on death. (It's brief, but i got it in there.) It is a quick run through a number of miscellaneous angling observations - enjoy! Learn more about your ad ch...
Sep 18, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Many a fly shop counter has heard the debates and the arguments. "Those aren't flies." "If it is within the law, it is a fly." "That's a lure." "You're just jealous you can't catch as many fish." ...and so on. In this episode I take a brief look at the spectrum of fly authenticity. I attempt to get at the root of the quarrel, and try my hand at some conflict resolution. Maybe you'll scoff. Maybe you'll cheer. Hopefully you'll be entertained. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
Sep 11, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Good weather means a good day to be outside. And that isn't a secret. Spring, Fall, and pleasant Summer days can cause your favorite spots to fill up quickly. In this episode I talk about four ways I’ve learned to beat the crowds and still get into fish. You don’t have to give up your favorite water, but with a little outside the fly box thinking you can get into some really great good weather fishing… and be all by yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 04, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Fly fishing is about the experience, not the labels or the quality of your gear... but you need gear to fish, right? In this episode, I quickly go through a dozen or so pieces of fly fishing gear. I share my opinion on what kinds of gear warrant a little more money and which don't. There are countless variables that I don't explore, and you know your budget and your angling better than I do. Still, you may benefit from hearing why and how your priorities could stand a slight reshuffling. Learn m...
Aug 28, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Cast at a 45-degree angle upstream. Mend. Allow the fly to drift without dragging. Repeat. Honestly, that sounds like an ideal situation. The stereotypical dry fly presentation is fun. However, there are plenty of times when the fish or the setting are anything but stereotypical: if you have ever encountered situations where the fish aren't playing ball, you can't get into "proper" casting position, or you need a little help seeing your fly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
Aug 21, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 93
"I'm in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I've just caught an enormous fish. But I don't give a crap." ...at least that is what your face is saying. That is just one example of how people take fly fishing too seriously. Unless you are part of the <1% of anglers who depend on fishing to feed their families, I suggest taking a chill pill. We all might take our fishing a little too seriously. But fishing is about fun. And if you're not having fun why are you doing it? Learn more abo...
Aug 14, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 92
A year ago I released a podcast entitled "3 Fly Fishing Things I Wish I Knew Then." Believe it or not, there are more. In this episode I discuss why the new angler ought to consider some parts of fly fishing that might not be readily apparent. But with the benefit of time and perspective on my side, I can also say that anglers who have been on the stream for a while might need to consider them too. Me included. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 07, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 91
90 episodes in, and it is still a lot of fun! On this installment of the podcast, I interact with three messages from listeners/readers. I discuss Euro rods on small streams, how to find water that is easy to walk or wade in, and a heartfelt response to a memorial article. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or accusations please don't hesitate to reach out. Use the comment form on the website or email me: matthew[at]castingacross[dot]com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
Jul 31, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Road trip! Depending upon your particular experiences, that phrase might elicit great joy or terrible fear. But what if you have a fly rod in the car? Or, what if you've had a fly rod in the car while taking that same route in the past? Adding a little fishing to a longer drive can break things up. But, there are a lot more benefits than just a pair of wet boots and a few fish in the net. Getting off the highway and into some of the local flavor can really increase your enjoyment of a place and ...
Jul 24, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 89
There is one fish that I have been trying to catch for nearly 20 years. It isn't a specific fish, per se, but any rainbow trout out of a particular stream. This week I caught that fish. It was a little fish. Really little. But that is okay. After numerous failed attempts (some of which resulted in law enforcement intervention), it was immensely satisfying to catch & release this one trout. How can one little fish be so hard to catch? And why would I have some quixotic obsession with it? Lear...
Jul 17, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 88
If you can negotiate some time on the water, then you should absolutely sneak some fishing into your family trip. Want my advice? Don't bring what you would normally bring on a fishing trip. Pack lighter. Be it out of necessity or simply to keep the peace, choose what you're hauling along with coolers, strollers, and scooters wisely. Even if you are flying and going solo, there should be a minimized method to your madness. Today on the podcast, I talk through fitting fly fishing into trips. Lear...
Jul 10, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 87
I'm pretty confident that my audience is beyond the "fly fishing is the only kind of fly fishing!" thing. Don't get me wrong: I love fly fishing. 9 times out of 10, I'm fishing with a fly rod. But that "1" makes for plenty of opportunities. And I can honestly say that all of my time fishing with a fly has made me a better angler when I'm using spinning or baitcasting gear. In this episode I talk about three ways that fly fishing techniques have honed and improved my time on the water. Learn more...
Jul 03, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 86
A benefit of fishing a lot is the ability to be a little choosy. Instead of splashing at every chance at a big fish, it allows for a more measured approach. With a lot of fly fishing comes an increased sample size to consider. There are more experiences, more insights, and more observations. Most importantly, it is a lot like the feeding habits of a big trout: just be there, and opportunities will present themselves that require very little of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
Jun 26, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 85
You can keep your flies in anything. At the end of the day, it is how you fish your flies - not where you store them - that ends up catching fish. Of course, for only a few dollars you can get the right fly box. It might lead to better organization. It could even mean your flies stay protected. And, it could be argued, both of those might mean catching more fish. In this episode I walk through the styles and types of fly boxes I think are most beneficial for a number of patterns and uses. Learn ...
Jun 19, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 84
What makes a good fishing cabin? Maybe, just maybe, it doesn't have to be a cabin to do what you need it to do. Today, I talk about how I've been finding fly fishing trip lodging for a while now. Also, I start of the podcast by talking about healing, documentaries, and another podcast. It is a little bit of everything, but it touches on a diverse range of fly fishing experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 83
There are some ways that you can get more fishing in. And they all involve moving; just a little bit more. In this episode I talk about how a little bit of attention to fitness can translate into better fishing. The bulk of the discussion focuses on getting deeper into the woods and away from the crowds more efficiently and effectively. This might mean running, jogging, or just a little bit more of a brisk walk. I also discuss gear selection for times when you're moving a little bit faster. Lear...
Jun 05, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Where do you fish? I field this question a lot. Recently, when I solicited ideas on social media, this was asked even more. So while I won't necessarily be spot burning, I do want to highlight some rivers and regions that I've enjoyed. This week I talk about three places that I've really enjoyed fishing. They're all in the US, but they're thousands of miles from one another. They are very different from my normal fly fishing destinations... but they also have a lot of points where they connect. ...
May 29, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 81
This week, I talk about opening day, wildfires, little pike, and mop flies. What ties all of those topics together? Well, you asked for it! On this 80th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast, I field questions and comments from listeners and readers. It is a lot of fun to get feedback, and I enjoy being able to interact with a few things on the podcast. If you ever have a question, comment, or even an accusation - just let me know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
May 22, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 80
When was the last time you tried a rod that was two or three weight designations lighter than your usual setup? Whether you fish in the salt, for warm water species, or trout, there are some legitimate reasons to downsize. In this episode I focus primarily on the true ultralight line weights - 2, 1, and 0. There are some principles that you can apply regardless of how and where you fish. Most of all, hopefully it gives you an idea of what modern lightweight fly fishing gear is capable of. Learn ...
May 15, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 79
We all do dumb stuff while we're fly fishing. ...or am I alone in that? In this episode I share a few big and potentially costly blunders I've made in my fly fishing life. Perhaps they will be cautionary. Perhaps they will be of entertainment value. Regardless, they're there and through them I offer a few things to think about. After all, we learn more in difficulty than we do while at ease. And stuck on the opposite site of a rapidly rising tailwater is definitely "in difficulty." Learn more ab...
May 08, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 78
