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 th...
Jan 21, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 167
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 o...
Jan 14, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 166
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
Jan 07, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 165
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 th...
Dec 31, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 164
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 wor...
Dec 24, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 163
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 th...
Dec 17, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 162
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 h...
Dec 10, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 161
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...
Dec 03, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 160
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 a...
Nov 26, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 159
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...
Nov 19, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 158
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
Nov 12, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 157
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
Nov 05, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 156
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
Oct 29, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 155
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 ord...
Oct 22, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 154
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 m...
Oct 15, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 153
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 ...
Oct 08, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 152
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....
Oct 01, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 151
"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
Sep 24, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 150
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...
Sep 17, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 149
The natural flow of the seasons means there is a hinge between the 8th and 9th months in the calendar. This week I discuss where I've been fishing and what I've been using. I also talk about my recent reading, listening, and social media habits. I'd be interested to hear what you've been up to, too. This episode of The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Use the code CASTING at checkout for 20% off your entire order and free worldwide shipping. Learn more about you...
Sep 10, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 148
I know. I talk about light fly rods a lot on Casting Across. In all seriousness, in today's podcast I talk about the versatility of a shorter and/or lighter fly rod. They're not just gimmicks. They're really helpful for casting line, presenting flies, and playing fish. This episode of The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Use the code CASTING at checkout for 20% off your entire order and free worldwide shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Sep 03, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 147
There are two schools of thought when it comes to sleeping on a fishing trip. Some people want comfort; some people want quick. But the benefits of quick are cost, effort, and proximity to the river. Today I discuss why you'd (potentially) want to sleep in your car, as well as how and when I choose to go that route. This episode of The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Use the code CASTING at checkout for 20% off your entire order and free worldwide shipping. Lea...
Aug 27, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Most fly fishers do a decent enough job of looking over, cleaning, and organizing their gear before the season starts. But if you have been fishing at all there are a few things that you should take a look at before you head into the fall. Today, I share three different things that I look at as summer wraps up. Maintenance isn't about being obsessive. It is about keeping your gear from failing and potentially keeping a fish from escaping. This episode is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Learn more a...
Aug 20, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Latest and greatest had to start somewhere. Often, that place had a lot going for it too. Having a preliminary knowledge of the history of fly fishing might pay off in really good fishing. More often than not, the reward is going to be in what you learn and how that impacts your time on the water… regardless of if you’re catching fish or not. Today I share three reasons why digging into the history of fly fishing will be beneficial, and three great ways to get started. Learn more about your ad c...
Aug 13, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 144
There is something special about wet wading in the warmest months of the year. It is a pretty unencumbered and carefree way to cast flies to fish. In this episode, I talk about everything that you'll need to wear from your head to your feet. I give some of my suggestions on what I've found to be helpful. More importantly, I think that this discussion will get you thinking about what you take on the water: is it because it works, or because it is just the way you've always done it? Learn more abo...
Aug 06, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 143
If you can get your fly to a fish, you're casting good enough. However, if you want to cast with a little more accuracy, distance, or reduce fatigue after a long day on the water you might want to think about how you can tweak your cast. In this episode I talk about three simple things that you can do to change up your casting stroke. ...okay, two simple things and one somewhat contrived and weird thing. But it still works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 30, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Getting a fish to bite is a lot harder than fighting it to your hand. Still, there are some things that should be thought about when you're playing a fish. From the hook set to the release, there are a couple of bad maneuvers that anglers should avoid. Furthermore, there are some things that will make the entire process less stressful for both you and the fish. Today I go beyond the basics and talk about a couple of fish fighting things to consider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
Jul 23, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 141
You've got questions, I've got (my own stabs at) answers. This week, I've got three great emails to share on the podcast. Two have to do with gear, one pertains to the small and coincidental world that is fly fishing. As always, I appreciate getting emails, messages through the website, and interaction through social media. Casting Across isn't a fly shop or trout town pub, but it is always fun to have a little back and forth with like minded people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
Jul 16, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Is fishing for trout off limits in July and August? Are bass and carp the only fair game in the heat of summer? (As if these fish don’t have temperature thresholds…) As is the case in most circumstances, if a “smarter not harder” mindset is employed the fly fisher can absolutely still fish for trout throughout the warmest times of the year. Here are three things to consider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 09, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Whether it be due to location or preference, some anglers routinely pursue species like bass. Additionally, the waters they frequent aren’t the typical wide smallmouth rivers or vast largemouth lakes. Our nation is covered with small steams that contain robust populations of bass and other warm water fish. If your local creek is where you’re going to be spending a lot of time, isn’t the right rod the right choice? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 02, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 138
