Casting Across Fly Fishing
294 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 80 ratingsThe Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast explores the quarry and the culture of fly fishing. Each episode, I'll discuss some aspect of fly fishing - the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish.
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Episodes
Just Enough Gear for a Little Fishing
July 14, 2023 02:00 - 24 minutesYou've got a work trip or family vacation coming up. You think that either: a) There's no way you can bring all you need for any legitimate fishing. Or, b) There's no way you can fit anything in your luggage/minivan. I'm here to alleviate all of your worries. Taking a moment from doing the very activity of packing for a trip, I walk through my system for making sure I have what I need for a variety of angling opportunities. It is all about gathering a loadout that isn't too much but without a...
A Fin in the Water of Trout Genetics
July 07, 2023 02:00 - 26 minutesThe eye does amazing things. With our vision alone, we can discern and identify a dazzling array of variables. You can see intricate vermiculation lines across the back of a brook trout, unique spot patterns on a mountain cutthroat, or a shimmering azure cheek of a wild brown trout. And while that counts for a lot, it doesn't take into account what makes a trout what it is: genetics. Today's episode is truly just a surface-scratching introduction to the aesthetic and conservation value that g...
Midges: 12 Months of Dry Flies
June 30, 2023 02:00 - 30 minutesYou can do it. You can fish teeny, tiny flies. Moreover, you want to do it. Why? Because if you can fish midges then you can probably fish dry flies any day you want to. In virtually all healthy ecosystems there will always be some tiny insects on the surface film. And somewhere, trout will be feeding on them. Today's podcast is a lightning quick overview of fishing little dries and emergers: flies, gear, tying, and technique. Not only is fishing midges productive and versatile, but it can be...
Rods! Casting! Action!
June 23, 2023 02:00 - 27 minutesWhy did you pick the fly rod that you did? Was it the label? Was it the price? Was it how it felt when you wiggled it in the store? Or, was it because the rod cast a line in a way that fit your stroke and your fishing? Okay, now: why does the rod do that? Dozens and dozens of hours could be filled with discussions about the engineering, manufacturing, and application of fly rod action. In about 20 minutes, I give a cursory look at how fly rods "get" action and how you should choose one that w...
Fly Fishing Accusations, XXIV
June 15, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutesFly fishing is about a whole lot more than catching fish. I've expressed that sentiment in quite a few ways over the years here on Casting Across. This week's podcast touches on that theme in a few different ways. While I do give some practical, "tips-n'-tricks" information at the end, the majority of the ~20 minutes is about the peripheral stuff that makes fly fishing what it is. And as always, thanks for all your questions, comments, and accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Wade Safe & Stay Alive
June 09, 2023 02:00 - 23 minutesThis week I was doing some research on how safe fly fishing is compared to other outdoor activities. Good news: it is safe. Bad news: it puts you in a position where you'll be facing 2 of the 3 most common causes of death outside. Take a listen to the podcast to figure out what they are, but you can probably guess by the title of the episode that they have to do with wading. I share 5 quick and easy things that you can (and should) do to wade safe and stay alive. You can never eliminate risk,...
Approaching Mountain Trout
June 02, 2023 02:00 - 28 minutesThey're not the biggest or most technically-challenging fish, but there is something special about a wild trout caught high up in the mountains. And while those who spend a lot of time walking trails with fly rod in hand know that it is possible to catch dozens of feisty trout in these secluded creeks, this kind of fishing can be intimidating. It can be intimidating to a new angler. It can also be a bit perplexing to the experienced fly fisher who has only every cast into expansive runs and w...
Your First Cast with Bamboo
May 26, 2023 02:00 - 24 minutesBamboo might be what your great grandpa's rod was made out of. But that doesn't mean that you can't fish with it too. And maybe, that means fishing with grandpa's clunky five-and-dime bamboo fly rod. Why fish with a rod material that is now three generations old? Today I talk through three reasons why you should consider adding bamboo to your arsenal. I also discuss a few ways that you can procure a bamboo fly rod. Spoiler: Two of them don't involve thousands of dollars. Learn more about your...
Fishing Centimeters Down
May 19, 2023 02:00 - 24 minutesDry flies, nymphs, and streamers. They work just fine, but there are plenty of ways to fish these flies. One of the most effective ways to fish dries and nymphs is in the surface film or just below the surface. While a high-floating dry is romantic and bottom-ticking nymphs get a lot of hype, fish absolutely hone in on bugs drifting high and tight. Today I talk through three ways to make this valuable presentation. Nothing requires fancy gear or a different box of flies. Using what you have, ...
3 Beginner Items to Keep
May 12, 2023 02:00 - 25 minutesAs we evolve in our pursuit of fish, our gear evolves with us. There are some items that we inevitably obtain as beginners that we either discard or simply disregard. Today I talk about three of those things. While you might not pay them much attention, or they might not be a regular part of your time on the water, they (or the concept behind them) still have value. Sometimes the simple, little things can have a big impact on your efficiency on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Mere Conservationism
May 05, 2023 02:00 - 24 minutesIf you haven't noticed, our culture is pretty polarized. Ah for the days when we fought about Pepsi or Coke, Yankees or Red Sox, and flies or bait. Alas. But just because there are some major rifts between politics, religion, and worldview doesn't mean that we can't come together to improve riparian habitat and pick up trash out of a local river. Maybe, just maybe, if we take a mere conservationism approach we can do those things and have a genuine, in-person conversation with one another. Le...
5 Strike Indicators
April 28, 2023 02:00 - 29 minutesStrike indicators! Bobbers! Strike indicators! Bobbers! Like Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, the argument rages on and on. I don't intend to settle it. I simply intend to cast into a good-looking run filled with fat trout hoping that my fly is suspended at the right depth. Today I talk about 5 strike indicators that I use. There are loads more, but this is a short podcast. Hear about what might be a good fit for your time on the water and your angling preferences. Learn more about your ad choices....
7 Ways to Carry Your Gear
April 21, 2023 02:00 - 28 minutesThere are as many ways to carry fly fishing gear as there are pieces of fly fishing gear. And that is saying a lot. How do you keep the stuff you need (or that you think you need) on you when you're on the water? It might not be a big source of concern for you. But maybe you're new to fly fishing. Maybe you need to carry more. Perhaps you need to carry less. It could just be that what you've been doing has been hurting your shoulder or back. I have some experience in the trial and error of tr...
3 Steps for Introducing Fly Fishing
April 14, 2023 02:00 - 27 minutesToday I'm sharing three practical tips for introducing someone to fly fishing. For you, it might be a child, a friend, or a spouse. Simply putting them next to you in the water probably isn't enough. I walk through three things that are worth thinking about: exploration, opportunity, & access. Whether you're just getting into fly fishing yourself, or you're shooting to get someone involved with you this season, listen to how you might want to go about introducing fly fishing. Learn more about...
Fly Fishing Accusations, XXIII
April 07, 2023 02:00 - 26 minutesI got accused of something! Well, maybe not. And if it is, it isn't particularly accusatory. But it is a disagreement about fly fishing gear. So, I address it. I also talk about how and why I create the podcast that I do. The last topic on the episode has to do with all the component pieces that one can use when fishing streamers. I truly enjoy interacting with all the emails and website comments I receive. These podcast editions give me a chance to respond in a fun way. Learn more about your...
Investing in Tomorrow's Fishing Today
March 31, 2023 02:00 - 26 minutesWhat kind of fishing investment am I talking about? The kind in people: yourself, those around you, and those who will be fishing tomorrow. Today I share a little bit about the most prominent influence in my life related to angling and conservation: the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. I can honestly say that my week at that camp (and a string of years as it's director) made a significant impact on how I fish and think about fishing. Hear me share my story and how yo...
You Can have a Fishing Record
March 24, 2023 02:00 - 28 minutesNo - not that kind of record. While you are more than welcome to try to catch the largest fish in a particular line class, I'm talking about record-keeping. What kind of records, you ask? Well, I have four that I discuss on this episode of the podcast. Whether you have a fancy Moleskine journal or (like me) use Excel, there is some information that can be beneficial to you if you take a few moments to record it. And who knows: maybe it will help you catch a world record fish. Learn more about...
Fishing Streamers like its 1923
March 17, 2023 02:00 - 29 minutesDry flies looked about the same 100 years ago. Streamers? Things were a little different. We hadn't gotten around to articulated flies that use half a bucktail yet. But we still caught fish. And the flies that were being fished worked. Plus, you could cast them on your regular trout rod. All was well in the world. And it still is. There is no reason why you can't fish a Mickey Finn, Grey Ghost, or Edson Tiger today. In fact, I suggest you do. So much that I recorded a whole podcast on the wor...
6 (or 12) Preseason Gear Checks
March 10, 2023 03:00 - 26 minutesA little can go a long way. When it comes to your fly fishing gear, taking a couple of hours can keep your equipment functioning well and actually improve your time on the water. In this episode, I quickly run through six things that you can do to take care of your gear and get it ready for the upcoming season (or tune it up during the season). I also add six more quick steps that aren't as vital, but are nevertheless helpful and probably worth your time. All in all, most fly fishing gear wil...
Fishing Culture Controversies
March 03, 2023 03:00 - 27 minutesI don't get bent out of shape to often about fly fishing. But one thing does make me look sideways at what is happening in our little angling community. It is when people get bent out of shape. Sound hypocritical or oxymoronic? Hear me out. A lot of the battles that are fought online or over fly shop counters are akin to two sculpins jockeying for position on the bottom of a giant pool. They don't matter that much. They're much ado about nothing. They are controversy for controversy's sake. T...
3 Fly Fishing Things I Wish I Knew Then, IV
February 24, 2023 03:00 - 26 minutesIt is never too late to do better. Two of the three things I mention on this episode; I'm really still working on them. But all three are real examples of aspects of fly fishing that would have been great to be keyed in on when I started. This fourth edition (six, if you count fly tying) of this series touches on getting more out of gear, fishing, and the experience. You can have a blast and catch a lot of fish without doing what I suggest. But honestly, I would consider these three things as...
Das Wading Boot
February 17, 2023 03:00 - 28 minutesHow much can you say about wading boots? Well, at least 20 minutes. I've long maintained that wading boots are one of the pieces of gear that deserve your hard earned money. They keep you comfortable and they keep you upright. Or, they keep you fishing. In today's episode I talk about some things to think about when shopping for wading boots (and I do intend that as plural!). This is a great discussion to share with a new angler, as I walk through some of the most common questions. Learn more...
4 Ideas for Offseason Action
February 10, 2023 03:00 - 24 minutesYes. I know that for most fly fishers there is no "offseason." But at the bare minimum, contending with shorter days and impossible weather will render the December-February period less intense than June or September. With that big caveat out of the way, I want to share what this episode is about: Redeeming the time. Today I talk about four things that you can do sans fly rod that are perfectly suited to cold days. Plus, each and every one will have a tangible payoff come springtime. Learn mo...
What (was) Pebble Mine?
February 03, 2023 03:00 - 28 minutesDid you hear that Pebble Mine is toast? One of the most significant conservation initiatives in fly fishing history has (hopefully) come to a positive conclusion. In this episode, I give a brief recap of what the proposed mine was all about and why it elicited such a strong reaction from the outdoors community. Also, toward the end of the podcast, I throw in a few items that should be food for thought for those who have been paying attention to this long battle. Check out this brief show, and...
Fly Fishing Accusations, XXII
January 26, 2023 22:00 - 29 minutesToday's podcast docket is relatively diverse: brown trout strains, multipurposing your hiking boots, and how our worldview impacts our pathway toward conservation. Yeah... there isn't a lot of continuity there. However, all three of the messages I received regarding these issues were thoughtful and worth my time. I think that my interaction with all three of these issues are worth your time too. As always, listen, think, and feel free to reach out yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
7 Dry Fly Prep Essentials
January 19, 2023 22:00 - 28 minutesThe rise of a trout to a dry fly is perhaps one of the most quintessential moments in all fly fishing. A good cast, a proper drift, and a picturesque take all come together to create what many consider to be the pinnacle of trout fishing. You can achieve this with any old gear. But there are a few things that will probably make it more attainable and more enjoyable. Today I walk through the seven things I think are helpful to have with you as you head out. Some you can buy, others are a littl...
Your Day at a Fishing Expo
January 13, 2023 03:00 - 28 minutesI can't think of a better way to spend a cold, dismal January day than walking around a convention hall filled with flannel-garbed anglers. But I know that there are some out there who can't see the appeal. My perspective is that many who poo-poo fly fishing shows are doing it wrong. In today's episode, I share 5 things that I'd do if I was heading to a fly fishing expo event. And to get out ahead of the number one critique: only one of them involves spending any money. Whether you're plannin...
Fly Shop Stories, II
January 06, 2023 03:00 - 27 minutesIdeally, we'd all be thoughtful and intentional fly shop patrons out of our own wisdom. Sometimes, we need tales of woe to correct us. And sometimes, we like to be entertained by the ridiculous goings-on that occur at fly shops. Once again, I'm turning back a few chapters in my life to when I spent some time working at a fly shop. I share a few stories and pass along a few things I've learned from my days selling rods, flies, and ugly sweaters. Lastly, I encourage you to head into your local ...
Your Favorite Fly Fishing Stuff of `22
December 30, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesWell, really it is your favorite fly fishing stuff on Casting Across in 2022. But I did want to talk about the articles and podcasts that got the most attention over this past year. I think that both of these segments reflect some good stuff in the fly fishing community, and hopefully what I bring to the table is beneficial to all that stop to read or listen. I also share some of what I've done over the past year, and what I plan to do in 2023. And, as always, I did want to thank you for bein...
Scratching the Euro Nymphing Surface
December 23, 2022 03:00 - 28 minutesI am not an Euro Nymphing guru, and this is by no means a comprehensive treatment of the technique/gear/universe. So it is with trepidation that I wade into what is only meant to be a quick, initiatory overview of a topic that elicits very strong emotions. But you don't need to have an emotional response to how anyone fishes. You can use an incredibly productive tactic and some helpful equipment to catch more fish. I'll share some quick thoughts, and encourage you to check out some more resou...
How to Start Tying Flies
December 16, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesSTOP! If you're a veteran fly tyer or if you've decided that fly tying just isn't your thing, this podcast is still for you. There are a lot of "bad first steps" for people who are interested in taking up fly tying. In this episode, I share what I believe to be the first three things you should do if you are considering trying your hand at tying. Similarly, these are the things I think are wisest to recommend to someone who has asked you about fly tying. After all, you don't want to miss out ...
4 Winter Confidence Flies
December 09, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesToday I talk through four flies that work for me in the winter. Notice I said for me. That doesn't mean that they won't work for you. In fact, I think that they will work for you. But I have a lot of confidence in these four patterns. And confidence matters, because there is no silver bullet fly that you can use for trout in the cold months. But there are certain facets of some popular flies that will appeal to fish that aren't as active or aggressive in the winter. Hear what the four flies a...
Tailwaters, part I
December 02, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesTailwaters are a big part of fly fishing. So big, in fact, that this episode organically became a two-parter. Today I talk about what a tailwater is, where you can find them, and why they are so important for fly fishers. More appropriately: why they are so important for trout. Of course, there is another side of tailwaters that is worth discussing as well. Most of all, I hope that the 20 minutes of content in this episode get you thinking about dams, rivers, and some of the fishing opportuni...
Thanksgiving & Fly Fishing
November 25, 2022 03:00 - 24 minutesHappy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! This episode was recorded around noon on Thanksgiving. Consequently, I talk about turkey and what I am thankful for. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Regardless of your lot in life or how many fish you catch, we all have so much for which we can express gratitude. My advice is that you make that known. True thanksgiving occurs when you share a genuine "thank you" with someone else. So after football, pie, and a nap, think about sending a quick text...
Fly Fishing Accusations, XXI
November 18, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesThis week on the podcast I interact with some questions that are the most common interactions I receive month after month, year after year. Fly line for small streams and fly fishing books are two things that I'm (relatively) passionate about. Consequently, I get feedback about both topics. I also talk about the (legitimate) passion surrounding nippers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tributary Time
November 11, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutesEven though the footprint of the Great Lakes' tributary system is relatively small, its' opportunities are significant and easily accessible by most people in the US. Whether you're chasing steelhead in Pennsylvania, lake run browns in New York, or salmon in Michigan, you have the opportunity to tangle with huge fish in smaller rivers. Some days are incredibly hot, while others might make you wonder if you're completely in the wrong place. While there are certainly some situation-specific tec...
7 Year Fi(t)sh
November 04, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutesCasting Across is a lot more than written and spoken words. For 7 years, Casting Across has been the vehicle for my interaction with the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish. Today, I talk about a few aspects of this past season of my life that you might find interesting. The core of Casting Across is just that: my desire to share something interesting about the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you. Hopefully one of these topics will resonate and get you thinking ...
Minimalism? How About Maximalism
October 28, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutesWe've all seen that guy: he's got the entire Orvis catalog hanging from his vest. ...okay, I've been that guy. Maybe you have too. In a lot of ways, fly fishing and other outdoor pursuits have shifted away from carrying more to taking a minimalist approach. It is a great thing. You can move lighter and faster. You can spend more time honing skill. You can focus on the experience. But there are some situations that warrant more. So how do you do that well? Can you carry a lot without being enc...
Tiger Tiger, Hybrid Trout
October 21, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutesThey've been around for at least 75 years, but Tiger Trout have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade. But what is a tiger trout? In this episode, I briefly talk about what makes a tiger a tiger, why we're in the business of putting them in rivers, and how we should think about having these hybrids swim alongside native fish. Even if you're not a scientist, there are certainly some aspects of ecology and conservation that you'd do well to pay attention. Learn more about your ...
3 Fishing Things You Don't Need
October 14, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutesI like fly fishing gear. I really like it. But I'm also not unreasonable. There are only a few things that you absolutely need to go out, catch fish, and have fun. If you're using ads or catalogs to compile a list of things that are necessary, there is a good chance that you'll be quickly overwhelmed. But knowing what is essential and what is simply nice to have matters. Today I'm sharing three things that might seem essential. But they're not. I give my reasoning, which might be as helpful a...
Why You Should Fish National Parks
October 07, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutesYou've got land: fish it! Make plans to visit a National Park. While there may be other, more premier fly fishing spots in the vicinity, parks provide something unique and special. Our National Park Service includes locations as diverse as the breadth of our country. Whether it be famous rivers in Yellowstone, brook trout creeks in Great Smoky Mountains, or the wild mangroves along the Everglades, anglers should be heading out to your land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
Finding Trout Just Hanging On
September 30, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutesThere are so many trout out there. Why care about one particular population of trout? One of the most interesting aspects of conservation work is the cataloging, investigation, and protection of individual fish populations. Acknowledging species and subspecies demonstrates the understanding of a fish's unique adaptations for it's native watershed. There are also the benefits of environmental stewardship and historical preservation. Today I talk about a few fish that fit these criteria. Hopefu...
Concentric Circles of Conservation
September 23, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutesEveryone says that conservation matters. But how can you show that you mean it? You don't need to dynamite a dam in the PNW or be the lawyer that puts Pebble Mine down for good. You can just be a guy with a bag of trash, a Saturday devoted to counting fish in a ladder, or a member of a town committee. Big stuff matters. So does little stuff. And any stuff that transcends online platitudes and bumper sticker-conservation is worth pursuing. Today I share a few circles of action that are worth y...
Fly Fishing Accusations, XX
September 16, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutesThere have been 200 episodes, and hundreds more articles, of my opinions and perspectives that you could call into question. And every once in a while, someone does. More often than receiving accusations, I get questions and comments from readers and listeners. On today's podcast, I interact with three (four, really) that I thought were worth sharing. These editions are fun. Again, I get to respond to you. Also, it is a nice change of pace to discuss three or four topics in quick succession. ...
A Rare Full Studio
September 09, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes200 episodes! First of all, thank you for listening. Whether this is your first or 200th download, I truly appreciate that you take a few minutes out of your week to hear what I have to say about the quarry and culture of fly fishing. As I've done every 50 shows, today I break away from the traditional format. While I'm usually a solo outfit, today I bring in three experts to talk. We discuss fly fishing and the outdoors in general. And we dive into one of the most important questions that an...
More Phones & Fishing
September 02, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutesDon't let your phone become a distraction. That is true for everyday life, and it is also true when you're fly fishing. Of course, your phone can be an incredibly useful tool that can enrich your time outdoors. In this follow-up podcast, I share a handful of apps that I use when I'm outdoors and preparing to get outdoors. Some are free and some come with a small fee. Every one of them can be useful for you as you spend time on the water. None of them, in my opinion, take away from the authent...
Seeing Life Beyond the Bank
August 26, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutesYou might prefer to find waters to fish that are far, far away from any and all civilization. But there are countless small towns and rural villages that abut some of the most prominent rivers in this nation. Up on the bank, there is a whole lot going on. Very little of it, for most people, involves trout, insects, or your presence. Today I discuss some of the benefits of getting to know the area where you are fishing. It might lead to greater angling opportunities. It might lead to more enjo...
New Old Fishing Etiquette
August 19, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutesDo you know how to behave around others while fishing? Chances are the answer is "yes." Because even though common sense isn't all that common these days, I have come to expect better of those who spend a good amount of time outdoors. There are plenty of resources that articulate the formal, classic fly fishing etiquette codes. Those are great. But there are also some subjective elements that come into play depending on when and where you are fishing. In this episode I discuss how and why you...
Shopping From Scratch
August 12, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutesLast fall I fell down a rabbit hole. More accurately: I fell down into a duck's nest. After decades of watching guys wade into swamps, dressed like trees, carrying fake birds over their shoulders, I decided to do the same. And I loved it. But aside from some cobbled-together gear from my vast fly fishing arsenal and some random deer hunting items, I didn't have the right stuff. I was a little wet, a little cold, and a little convinced that I'd have to do some shopping before this fall. So I d...
4 Ways to Read Water
August 05, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutesActually, it is one way to read water with four parts. But that is way too long for a podcast title. After sharing an anecdote about my failing to read water well, I go into my four-pronged approach to approaching rivers. While not remarkable or novel, I believe that this multi-tiered technique is a great paradigm to help new anglers grasp the concept. It is also a great reminder or teaching tool for those of us who have been at this fly fishing thing for a while. Instead of just getting out ...