Casting Across Fly Fishing

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

Not all fly fishing presentations can be bushy dry flies over trout that will range five feet to rise with abandon. Because of the ridiculous quantity of foodstuffs in most rivers, fish are looking for a reasonable offering that is within a few inches of their noses. And since fish live underwater that means nymphs drifting at the right depth. Getting all that to happen involves more than experimenting with split shot. In fact, I'd like to offer up an approach where a cast-altering weight is the last ditch effort. Today I share five things I like to think about when it comes to getting your fly down deep in tricky scenarios. And as per usual, they involve using your head a lot more than your tackle box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I own some positively diminutive fly rods for angling in the mountains. And I revel in the plethora of options when it comes to 9-foot 4-, 5-, and 6-weights. But every once in a while the right tool for the job is just a little bit longer. Today I share four reasons why a longer fly rod might be the ticket for your fly fishing. That might mean taking a 9-footer up in the mountains, or that might entail fishing with a 9'6" rod. The reality is that rod length can really impact your cast and your presentation. If circumstances deem a different piece of equipment, it might be worth considering switching up your most important angling tool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I like questions. When I get the same question a handful of times in quick succession, that topic gets shifted to the top of the subject matter pile. Recently, a number of fine fly fishing folk have asked me about what I consider to be the essential gear for minimalism or travel. In this episode I give my answer. But before I go over the what I discuss the why. This is because your reasoning for carrying less may necessitate a completely different loadout  than what I bring with me when I travel or stash gear in my car. A fun topic to think about, consider why and what you bring with you when you want or have to move lightly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some hot weather and a spur of the moment decision turned into an excellent 24 hours of father-and-sons fly fishing time. In this episode, I talk about the great time that my boys and I had in Manchester, Vermont. The occasion was the American Museum of Fly Fishing's Summer Festival. There were vendors, exhibits, and competitions. (And there was food.) Needless to say, a good time was had by all. This is the kind of event that isn't fly fishing... but it is a quintessential to fly fishing culture.  Hear about our time and make plans to attend something similar near you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there is one truism in fly fishing, it is this: Everyone can work on their casting accuracy and distance.  In fact, the more I develop as a fly caster the more I see room for improvement in these areas. Today I share my thoughts on two ways to think about improving your fly casting. Neither necessarily costs money, and neither will take much time to consider. But with a few tweaks you'll probably see some marginal improvement. As always, something like fly casting is best discussed in person with rod in hand. Hopefully this episode will get you outside playing around and talking to those who can help you grow as an angler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I have two - yes, two - bona fide accusations. Now, I assume they were made with the best intentions. Still, I do  appreciate the opportunity to interact with a little pushback. One has to do with mountain trout fishing and the other pertains to fallfish. My two favorite topics. I also share how I'm prone to sarcasm. As always, I appreciate all my readers, listeners, and viewers. Please keep the feedback coming! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because you put a fly rod in a baby's hands doesn't mean he'll grow up to be a fly fisher. But in the case of my eldest son, it is working thirteen years in. Recently he asked to go on a fishing trip to one of the places I fished most as a teenager.  That got a quick yes from me. Although we had some inclement weather (not our choice) and fished some challenging water (our choice), we had a great time. As has been my practice on these milestone episodes, I invite a special guest on the podcast for a conversation. Hear about a historical fly fishing region and special father & son trip this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is ridiculous that I even need to write it, but please know that content on Casting Across comes from a regular, old human being. I have nothing against robots... in fact I want them all to know I really appreciate them when they eventually take over. Seriously though: there is a lot of fly fishing writing out there that is actually AI generated.  I don't think it is prideful to say that Casting Across is better than that. Today I am tapping into an interesting aspect of artificial intelligence. I received an email from a company offering aggregated data from feedback to the website and social media platforms. Out of curiosity, I'm responding to four of their suggestions on today's podcast. You tell me: are the robots accurately representing you, the audience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what is effectively a trip report from my most recent jaunt down to Virginia, I cover all the topics in the episode's title and more. I don't assume that you have a vested interest in what I do in my leisure time... well, aside from fly fishing. However, I do think that you and I have a lot in common. At a bare minimum, we can enjoy that together. Potentially something I did will give you some ideas for what you can do. That said, I did have a wonderful time with family for  the better part of two weeks this summer. My hope is that you can say the same. With a few fish sprinkled in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Times have changed... I think. It doesn't seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire group. More pragmatically, there is no reason to jettison an entire approach to catching fish. Today I'm sharing three reasons why you might want to pick up  a spinning rod. While I primarily fly fish, a spinning combo is in my hand around 5% of the time I'm on the water. You may use one less; you might use one more. Regardless, it is a good idea to know your options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn't give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying. And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn't force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I'm talking about some of the options you can choose. Focusing on footwear, bottoms, and gear storage, I walk through the pros and cons of the most popular choices. Again: the fish aren't going to care. But your feet and the rest of your body might appreciate the gesture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trout are trout, right? Especially if two brookies or cutthroat are swimming only a few hundred yards from each other, they're going to behave, eat, and look the same. Right? Maybe. But if you're talking about a fish in a mountain stream versus a fish in the mountain lake that feeds said stream? Maybe not. Mountain trout ponds or lakes offer some beautiful, fun, and diverse angling options for fly fishers on the east or west coast. Just like any other facet of fishing, understanding approach and presentation in these unique ecosystems is the ticket for success. Today I cover technique and gear in general, broad strokes. Hopefully it gives you some perspective and the curiosity to learn more... at home and on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can catch so many panfish with the flies in your trout fly box. So many. In fact, give me a well stocked trout fly box over a typical panfish fly assortment any day. But... having some of those poppers helps. And make sure there are a few leggy nymphs. Oh, and a couple of crayfish-looking streamers. Today I round out a two-part series of panfish fly fishing gear ideas. They're such a fun group of fish to pursue, and for many that fun is amplified when you have gear that works and works well. If we're honest? Rods, reels, and flies are fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You absolutely can (and should) fish for panfish with whatever gear you own. Fish for trout, stripers, and peacock bass  with whatever gear you already own, for that matter. Of course, you'll have a slightly easier and more enjoyable time if you have equipment that is either specifically designed for the particular pursuit or within a relatively appropriate spectrum. And while panfish  have a low bar for angling entry, a focused effort benefits from some wise gear choices. In this first part of a two-part  podcast, I explore what some of the considerations should be as you pick fly fishing gear for bluegill, sunfish, and their friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices