Casting Across Fly Fishing

Today's episode is a snippet from one of the presentations that I give at The Fly Fishing Show. It is about a third shorter and you don't get the benefit of PowerPoint slides, but the content promised to be quite helpful for the small stream angler. Why? If you primarily fish small streams, there might be some trepidation over heading out to the larger rivers. Sprawling waterways can be intimidating when you're used to being able to cast bank to bank. However, the skills and observations you make on the smaller creeks can easily be translated to the bigger rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that if you think that outdoor shows are all about spending money that you've got it all wrong? Sure, there are opportunities to shell out wads of cash. But you can also support small businesses. In fact, some of them are so small that they might not even technically be a business! Beyond that, there is a lot to see in person that you may otherwise only experience through the cold, distant medium of YouTube. And whether you're in a giant convention center or the local VFW hall, there are probably people there that are worth taking a few minutes to meet. Why? They're into the same things you are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear me out: I am not saying everyone can or should practice fly casting indoors. But if you can, why not? In today's episode I am really discussing how a lot of us would benefit from more and more diverse fly casting practice. Although it is essential to practice casting under ideal circumstances, it makes a whole lot of sense to also practice in realistic settings. Can you always face your target? Are you always able to go 10-to-2? Is it always feasible to fully pivot your hips while double hauling? The answer is no. So  go ahead and prepare for those situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year from Casting Across! ...but keep listening, even if it is May or September. Why? If you resolve to do something that matters, don't wait. Just make it happen. Today I share a few interesting things  about Casting Across. Then I walk through five resolutions, goals, and ideas for fly fishing in 2026. And they're not particular to me, either. These are the kinds of things you can think about if you're staring down a new year. There also ways to enrich your season regardless of when you consider them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas from Casting Across! On this short holiday episode, I read from the 1883 edition of Fishing With the Fly. This prominent work was compiled and sold by none other than Charles F. Orvis. In this essay there are some wonderfully quaint ideas. But there are also some incredibly pertinent proverbs. As is the case with all good writing, it stands the  test of time. Sit back with a creamy eggnog and enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the lessons I learned too late in my fly fishing was that trout live in places that aren't labeled "trout water." Although I love and appreciate the fly fishing only, catch and release streams that are out there, they only represent a fraction of the excellent trout fishing that is available. If you limit yourself to a type of river you're missing out. Even streams that don't have any special regulations and allow for the harvest of multiple trout can be great options for the catch and release angler. Today I approach the topic of regulated water from a general perspective. Take what I say, check out your local regulations, and then pull up a map. Find fish wherever they may be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't get scammed. I don't sound like anyone (I think). Combat fishing is a choice. Those three short sentences sum up this edition of my regular "Fly Fishing Accusations" podcast. You ask questions, make comments, and level accusations about those things I've written and/or said. I respond. I think it is an awful lot of fun. You might, too. So give it a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back into the Cast1 series of episodes. Each focuses on basic information pertaining to some aspect of fly fishing. But just because it is "basic" doesn't mean the content is only for beginners. A surprising number of anglers don't venture out in the coldest months. On one hand it makes sense: it is cold. On the other hand, there are fish to be caught! Even seasoned fly fishers will admit they haven't dabbled in casting when the air temp is lower than the water temp. Today I quickly cover an overview of the why, how, where, and what of winter fly fishing. Plus, I give a half dozen resources for going deeper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A short blurb for a short episode: As I have done for  a few years, I'm taking time this Thanksgiving week to share some things for which I'm thankful. Since you're listening to my podcast, there is a good chance that you'll be able to relate in some way, shape, or form. Hopefully, you are having/have had a great Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for, and ought to be in the business of expressing that gratitude regularly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Notice that this is not the "2025 Official Fly Fishing List of Products." Those are all fine and good. But I'm doing something just a little bit different this season. Today I'm sharing five ways to think about gift giving (or gift requesting). These categories of  gifts run the gamut from flies to personalized matted prints; destination excursions to angling-themed rocks glasses. With a little thought, there is genuinely something for everyone. And after all, isn't it the thought that counts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is just a net. Yes. But it is more than just a net when you need to land that big fish. Today I walk through a few net basics: shapes, sizes, materials. I also discuss a few techniques, best practices, and ways to carry your net. This is one of those topics that is really basic. But for someone who has only ever done one thing, or for the new angler, this information can truly be helpful as you head out to the water... or put together a wish list. Don't sleep on a nice custom net for a luxury gift for the angler who has everything! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heat, cold, and high water make fly fishing tricky. Wind makes fly fishing downright difficult. The physics of a fly cast and windy conditions are at odds with one another,  impacting our particular kind of angling in a very specific manner. Without denying the challenge of fishing in the wind, I want to share three simple steps to mitigate the effects of blustery air on your fly line. There is nothing new or novel here. However, there is the encouragement that a sustained breeze doesn't mean you have to head home (or bust out the spoons and jigs). Oh, and stop blaming the wind for the knots that your tailing loops cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, I'm still here. Ten years after putting a little orange and grey website about fly fishing together I continue to do my darndest with three posts a week on the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish. On this week's "very special episode" I share some reflections on what this decade has meant. There has been some work, some fishing, and a lot of great memories made. Hopefully, it will encourage you: encourage you with fly fishing, with this crazy niche culture we have, and with any ambitions for creativity you might be considering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are confidence flies? Of course, it is a thing people say. But is it a real thing? I maintain that it is. And these flies don't only give you a leg up when you're fishing them: I think that we can learn a lot about how to fish any and every fly if we pay attention to how we're fishing our confidence flies. So while  the topic might seem a bit philosophical or abstract, there is truly something to explore for a few minutes. After all, would you rather fish with confidence or with apprehension? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After perusing a handful of books about tying and fishing midges, and in anticipation of turning to these tiny flies for much of my winter angling, I thought I'd share a potpourri of midge information today. While even tying them on might seem like a chore, the part that midges play in most trout diets makes them impossible to ignore. Even the biggest fish will gorge themselves on bugs that match a size 28 fly pattern. Getting comfortable with fishing these flies goes a long way. And today I discuss some of the tying, fishing, and storage tips that have helped me over the decades. Whether you're a believer in midges or not, listen and get excited about angling with the smallest flies out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is awfully nice to be the first one to unwrap the plastic from a smooth cork handle or to wipe the excess factory grease from a disc drag. It is also nice to save a few hundred bucks. In this installment of Casting Across, I'm talking about finding and evaluating used gear. I'm focusing primarily on rods and reels, but the principles apply to pretty much anything the angler might need. Buying used can be a great way to snag a good deal. And, as I explain, not all "used" fishing gear has actually been used. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast features a question, an accusation (maybe), and a response to a dozen or so comments. All in less than 25 minutes! I discuss "traditional" nymphing tactics and encourage you that you already fish this way. Then, I field a statement made about how we cut the tag end off our knots. Lastly, I take a quick dive into a topic that transcends all others. The thing is, each and every one of these segments is very "Casting Across." It all feels squarely within the wheelhouse of what I do here. As always, I appreciate any and all interaction with my readers, listeners, and viewers. Please don't hesitate to reach out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you've noticed that there are a  lot of books about fly fishing. You needn't have consumed the loads of literary content on Casting Across to know that fly fishing and writing go together. Whether it be gripping narratives, applicable techniques, or pertinent stream guides, a book will help you in some way, shape, or form with your fly fishing. And they go a long way in tethering us to one another and the anglers who came before us. In this Cast1 installment of the podcast, I share some recommendations from the aforementioned categories for new anglers. Even if you've been doing this for a while, there should be something for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I enjoy putting together gear reviews. Not only is it interesting for me to think about how a particular piece of equipment works, but my perspective might help someone make a purchase that benefits their time outdoors. And in my humble opinion, there is no item more fun to review than fly rods. Today I walk through how I go about putting a fly rod review together. I approach the process in a particular way, with a handful of different variables in mind. I also share how I'll never be able to provide the depth of information some other platforms do. Still, I do think that my two cents are worth taking into consideration as you go on to spend your hard-earned hundreds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outdoor activities are inherently risky. While your home is likely where you're going to get hurt or run into trouble, being in wild places can lead to potential hazards. Some have to do with critters. Most have to do with other people. Even though there is a small chance of something problematic happening if you're on the river, there is still a small chance. With a few simple steps you can do a lot to mitigate those risks and pursue your hobbies with confidence and not fear. Plus, I start out the podcast discussing peace and meaning in fly fishing, the outdoors, and everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices