Casting Across Fly Fishing

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 think about that might save you some serious money when it comes to staying somewhere for fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 some garbage, but you might also have an unforgettable angling excursion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, but hopefully they can give some perspective as we're heading into another fishing season. And, potentially time on the water with a guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 let me know if you have fished or are planning to fish the mountain brooks and spring creeks of central VA! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 fishing what it is. Whether you've been angling forever or just getting started, it is worth thinking about how you're part of a community of people who happen to like chasing fish with long rods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Casting Across for more info on the subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 extreme weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 presentation both have in common is the importance of getting the essentials nailed down followed by quality opportunities for repetition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 water are lifetime practices that are part of the fun of fly fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 less encumbrances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 listening to this episode. It is a quick, thousand-foot flyover of the bare essentials of these three core pieces of gear. And trust me: this part of fly fishing becomes fun quickly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. You might be okay with this stripped down approach, or you could very well build from that baseline to go on to the next level. Either way, you're going to be tying flies that catch fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 found their way here via text. That means you're helping Casting Across grow. All that said: listen, thank you, and Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 you can get to fish easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices