I'm not talking about how you can throw buzz baits and frogs with your 5-weight. But I'm also drawing a distinction between dry flies and another way to chase trout. Think about fishing with mouse patterns, and you'll understand where I'm going. While I do discuss mice, I cover three other active ways to fish for trout on top of the water. When the hatch isn't on, or the fish don't want your dead-drifted imitation, there are some fun ways to drum up strikes. And when they come, they're usually q...
May 10, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 287
You need a fly rod to fly fish. Whether it is one hundred or one thousand dollars, you'd do well to have a good idea of which fly rod is best for you and your fishing. The absolute best way to do this? Go to a fly shop and cast. Before you take that step, it is good to have a bit of a foundation to work with. To that end, I've put together a new page on Casting Across entitled "Fly Rod FAQs." Today I'm talking a bit about the reason for the content, and then talking through three questions I've ...
May 03, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 286
Yes. I know it is a long title. But I like the way it sounds. Today I'm in the midst of planning a fly fishing excursion of my own. So I figured I would share some of the most practical advise I have amassed over the years related to lodging. If you have the means, it is a wonderful experience to stay at a full-service fly fishing resort right on the water. But there are plenty of reasons, economics included, why that might not be an option for everyone. This episode contains 6 quick things to t...
Apr 26, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 285
Trout don't live in ugly places is a cute little phrase. But it is not true. I have caught trout in some ug-ly places. Busted concrete abutments, shopping carts, and the growl of engine braking are not what you think when you daydream of fly fishing. But out of necessity or adventure, this alternative ambiance certainly is an option. Today I give an ever-so surface level primer of how to figure out where and how to fish in town, city, or subdivision. You might have to dodge an angry person or so...
Apr 19, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 284
Guides do a lot more than put fish on the end of your line. In fact, putting fish on the end of your line is one of those things they can't do. So when they ask questions, give ideas, or encourage the trip to go in a different direction, their expertise is worth leaning into. Today I'm sharing four guide stories. Two are from my perspective as a client, one as a guide, and the last is from a friend with a particularly stubborn client. They're more educational/cautionary tales than anything else,...
Apr 12, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 283
...and a few of them are pretty inexpensive, too. For one reason or another, you might find yourself fly fishing in the kind of weather that isn't found on catalog covers. But there is also a very good chance that such outings yield experiences that you won't forget. By and large, the gear that you have will work when water is high, fast, and coming from the sky. But there are a few things that are really helpful for you to have on hand when the fair-weather anglers are warm and dry. Learn more ...
Apr 05, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 282
I was blessed to get a week and a half of vacation in one of my favorite places in this world: Virginia's Blue Ridge. Along with general rest and a lot of family time, I was able to get out and do a little bit of fishing. In this week's episode I talk through why this region is special, how I spent my time on the water, and some tactics that you might find useful. On a related note, I usually get some great feedback from others who fish the areas I mention on the podcast. Please reach out and le...
Mar 29, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 281
This installation of "fly fishing accusations" is all about dogmatic opinions. Included are convictions regarding: wading boot soles angling literature the exclusivity claims of Christianity Does that last one sound like it might not fit in with the others? Well, if the feedback I received from a recent article is any indication: it certainly does. Enjoy, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions, comments, or accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Mar 22, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 280
The initial Cast1 podcast series is wrapping up this week. The response to the first batch of episodes has been great, and I promise that there will be more podcasts along these lines in the future. Today's episode presents you with some next steps. Whether you're just getting into fly fishing or you've been on the water, rod in hand, for decades, I believe that this advice is equally valid. As always, feel free to reach out with podcast topics or any other questions, comments, or accusations. L...
Mar 15, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 279
Is fly fishing just you, a rod, and a fish? In one sense, it is. But in a much broader, more realistic way of thinking about things it certainly is not. There are a lot more people doing what you do, and being a part of that culture is not only unavoidable but enriching. Today I cover some important subject matter in the periphery of the fly fishing image. Things like literature and conservation aren't directly in the cast+bug=trout equation, but they have been, are, and will be what makes fly f...
Mar 08, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 278
Yes: you can fly fish for panfish and bass. Before the seasoned and refined fly fisher scoffs at this question, it is important to realize that this is actually a very common query among new anglers. In an incredibly cursory manner in today's show, I go over how and why the trout angler can and should spend some time on their local pond. The benefits include honing skills. Not to mention, catching a mess of bluegill on a 5-weight is all sorts of fun. As always, check out the back catalog on Cast...
Mar 01, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 277
If you fly fish for trout, you can fish 12 months out of the year. There are a handful of very important caveats to that statement, but it is true nonetheless. Exceptions aside, it is key to understanding some of the reasons why fishing changes throughout the year and why. In another surface-level introduction, I walk through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Covering what you will encounter and how you might find success, I give you a glimpse at how someone might fish in all but the most extrem...
Feb 23, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 276
You've got a fly rod. You've wrangled a few dozen flies into a box. You've even managed to get a hot tip on where some trout might be found. ...now what? Having all the gear and all the intel won't amount to anything unless you can cast your fly and cast it in the right spot. That is where casting and presentation come in. In an incredibly brief overview of these two pivotal angling topics, I share a few key things you ought to be thinking about as you approach the water. What casting and presen...
Feb 16, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 275
Water, water everywhere... but is it water worth fly fishing? Today we're asking the question: "Where can I find fish?" The answer has two parts: First, how do you find fishable water? Second, where do you look once you've found a river worth fishing? Books have been written about both of these topics. But this episode will give enough of a head start so that you can get out on the water with a few essential things to look for. Still, it is worth acknowledging that looking for water and reading ...
Feb 09, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 274
"How do you put a fly on that thick line?" "Can I just wear my hiking boots over my waders?" These are perfectly honest questions that I've been asked by new fly fishers. Multiple times. Today I talk through some of the other essential fly fishing gear that you need to pursue fish. Once you have a rod, reel, and line, there are still a few more items required. Again: fly fishing isn't all about equipment. But knowing what is necessary and how much it matters helps get you on fish faster with les...
Feb 02, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 273
The fly rod. It is a beautiful, functional, and essential part of fly fishing. But if you're new to the pursuit, the hundreds of options (split into different weights, lengths, actions, and even materials - mind you) can be a lot to take in. Add a reel and line on top of it? That is what they call a "barrier to entry." But it doesn't have to be. First and foremost, a good fly shop will get you set up with what you need at a price close to your budget. On your way to said good fly shop, consider ...
Jan 26, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 272
The Cast1 series of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is all about exploring the fundamentals of fly fishing. In each episode, there will be plenty for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. Today we're answering these important questions: What makes fly fishing different than regular fishing? Why would someone choose to fly fish? How might fly fishing be your only option? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 19, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 271
Oh I've got some good emails this week. All thanks to you. I mean, it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if I read emails I sent to myself outloud, would it? This time around I talk about spacing out your fly rod purchases, finding an all-around wading boot, and climate change. Yes, one of those is quite different than the others. But hopefully my ramblings will be helpful in some way, shape, or form. And as always, thanks for your emails. Keep them coming: even if they aren't accusatory. Learn ...
Jan 12, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 270
I mean that in the absolutely most positive way possible. Heck, I had to dumb down my fly tying when I started (and restarted) so that I didn't get so frustrated that I threw my vice through the wall. So, apologies out of the way, what do I mean by dumbing down fly tying? Some of the biggest hurdles that beginning tyers experience have to do with the sheer diversity of skills and materials that some common patterns incorporate in a tiny hook shank. All I'm advocating is taking a few steps out. Y...
Jan 05, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 269
What better for a final podcast episode of the year than a curated retrospective on 2023? While I touch on other subject matter, this is what I get rolling with on this final episode of December. You might be surprised what the most shared episode of Casting Across happened to be. But you won't be shocked to find out which episode garnered the most ears. *cough* clickbait *cough* Also, I'm impressed with how many new listeners hopped on board this year. Moreover, I'm encouraged that so many foun...
Dec 29, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 268
While this episode is being released in late December, it isn't a holiday episode by any means. However, I'm reviving something from a few years ago that was a part of the podcast around this time of year. The public domain is a treasure trove of fly fishing and fly fishing-adjacent content. And this particular story is really, really good. So sit back, grab an eggnog (or a lemonade if you're listening in July), and enjoy. Merry Christmas from Casting Across! Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
Dec 22, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 267
Watercraft and fly fishing go together. But which watercraft are best suited for the job? And, consequently, your hard-earned money? Today I dip my paddle into the wide, deep river of watercraft that one can employ in his pursuit of fish. There could be an entire podcast series on this topic, but hopefully this will serve as a sufficient introduction. Whether you're starting out or whether you have been fishing for years, this primer on a half dozen types of boats can help you think about how yo...
Dec 15, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 266
Giving and getting gifts are both good. But in an arena like fly fishing, things usually need to be just so. This makes shopping for fly fishers hard at Christmases, birthdays, graduations, Father's days... year-round. But there are a few things that ought to be a hit for anyone, any time. And in today's podcast episode I share 10 gifts that will probably work for most fly fishers. Inevitably there will be something on this list that will make someone in your life happy. Or, perhaps this list wi...
Dec 08, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 265
There are a lot of misconceptions about fly fishing out there. Some of them are repeated enough with such careless disregard for the truth that I'm comfortable in calling them lies. Today, I address three of them. Two have to do with technique and angling itself; one has broader social implications. Whether you're a new angler who is struggling against these things or a veteran who needs to think about combatting them, hopefully I frame the discussion in a way for you to navigate yourself and ot...
Dec 01, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 264
It is Thanksgiving. And I am thankful. Today's episode is all about what I'm thankful for. It is about fly fishing. And it is personal. But as is the case with a lot of what I put out on Casting Across, I hope my personal musings about fly fishing will resonate with you. Whether they run parallel or perpendicular, I think there will definitely be some benefit as you listen and consider my ramblings. Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
Nov 24, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 263
What's on the end of your fly line? It isn't a fish. It is a leader. Which, as you may well have surmised, is essential for getting your fly to a fish. And getting your leader onto your fly line isn't necessarily a straightforward endeavor. Not all fly line/leader connections are created equally. Today I walk through four of them; three of which I recommend for one reason or another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 17, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 262
The weather outside is frightful. Or, at least it will be. And you're all ready to fish in it. Right? If you have the gumption and the warm socks, there is no reason why you can't fish in the coldest months out of the year. Today I tackle two big hurdles that people face when it comes to fly fishing in cold weather. I also give two techniques that ought to encourage you to get out and explore your local waters in a new way this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...
Nov 10, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 261
So I messed up. To my knowledge, I have never deleted an email from a reader or listener. But just today, right before recording, I did. So whoever you are, this week's podcast starts off with my heartfelt apology and an answer to your question. Along with that little bit of Q&A, I interact with two other bits of feedback that will be worth your while. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 03, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 260
Casting Across is not a "gear review site." But it does feature quite a few gear reviews. And, apparently you like them. My gear reviews receive thousands upon thousands of views every year. I usually keep those opinions confined to the specific articles, but because there are a lot of thoughts that surround the gear and how I've used it over the years I thought I'd mention them on the podcast. Today I'm talking about the top three gear reviews (by views) I have on Casting Across. Learn more abo...
Oct 27, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 259
Sometimes it takes something jarring to get you to realize that you're not as safe as you thought. While fly fishing isn't a risky or dangerous activity, the fact of the matter is that it has elements of risk and danger. Why? It is outside, it is near the water, and you can't control everything all the time. Today I share a few sobering anecdotes, along with ways to stay safe on the water. You're never going to eliminate risk and danger. These are four things you need to know that will hopefully...
Oct 20, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 258
