Casting Across Fly Fishing

I love questions. And you should too. Never feel dumb for asking a good question. That said, I'm also happy if I can give you some information on the front end so that you can ask an even better and more applicable question.  Since a good chunk of the fly fishing questions I field pertain to fly rods, I've put together a whole page on Casting Across dealing with the most frequently asked questions. I try to answer them succinctly on the site. But today I'm elaborating a little bit. I'm taking on three questions that I've received countless times. Maybe they'll answer your questions. Or maybe they'll spur you on to ask something else. Either way, I'm happy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With over 1,600 pieces of content at the time of this episode's recording, navigating the Casting Across website might be a little daunting. But the depth and breadth of what is available is worth clicking through. Today's podcast is meant to help you in that endeavor. Knowing that there isn't a perfect overlap of podcast listeners and website readers, I introduce the content on the site. Then, I walk through some of the features that can help you find the most pertinent information in the quickest way possible. And, since I'm certainly not the web expert, I ask for your feedback in a few places. It is a quick listen, but hopefully it sends you down a rabbit hole of angling articles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like many a dace that have taken aa dry fly, only to get hook-set into the streamside vegetation - I bit off more than I could chew last week on the podcast. When I thought about talking predatory fish, I figured I could shoehorn carp into the discussion. They aren't predators in the same way musky and big largemouth are. However, the rods and rivers overlap. Regardless, this is an episode where I make things right. Which, of course, entails talking about carp for nearly 30 minutes. These weirdo, invasive fish are worth knowing about if you are in North American and own a fly rod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In fly fishing, "predators" is a bit of an arbitrary designation. Why? Well, bluegill are predators. Brook trout are predators. Tiger sharks are predators. What we often mean is  the larger, piscivorous (fish eating)  freshwater species in North America. Today I'm talking about some of the considerations one might make when thinking about gear for larger bass and toothy fish. As you can imagine, this includes a wide range of species and waters. Still, there are some general principles that all come into play when acquiring equipment for targeting predatory fish. Also, I throw carp a bone. I mean, they do get big. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is that time again. You ask, I answer. I like these episodes so much, that I do one every few months. Today I interact with questions regarding: Fly line choices Fly rod action Fly fishing footwear And I transcend my normal 3 topic boundary by addressing two logistical/technical items. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This may very well be the longest episode of the podcast yet. And it could have been longer if I mentioned every interesting conversation, unique piece of gear, or novel observation from my four days at The Fly Fishing Show. In this quick look back at my weekends in Marlborough, MA, and Edison, NJ, I talk about presentations, products, and people. And at the end of the day, it is the people that made the time at the events the most worthwhile.  Whether you're planning on going to an event, or you simply want to hear which "stuff" I found to be noteworthy - give this week's installment a listen. Then go chase down some of my recommendations online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two whole podcast episodes devoted to how fly fishers can be lazy? Oh yes. And I could do a handful more just on those issues I see in myself. Recently I defined laziness as choosing to not do what you know you should do. If the goal is catching fish, why would you only try 95%? or 50% Certainly, you shouldn't be bothered by being skunked if that is the case. Today I highlight three more things anyone can and should do when fly fishing. Whether we do it or not is another story... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don't talk enough about how much of a problem laziness is. That goes for people and society as a whole. But, of course, today I'm talking about how laziness is not the friend of the fly fisher. If you're being lazy, it means you know better. It means you can do what you should do but you choose not to do that. Why? It is easier not to. In this episode I walk through three issues where you might be a little lazy in your fly fishing. While  I can say that I don't err in one of these topics, talking about the other two was a little bit convicting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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