Casting Across Fly Fishing

So you're getting skunked.  All that expensive gear, all that planning, and all that podcast information you consumed... and for what! You're failing fly fishing. Not so fast. Sure, catching up on yardwork or...

"I don't fly fish to compete." That may be. But tell me, if you will, aren't you trying to outwit and then physically overtake the fish? Even though you may not be into tournament angling (and I am not), we all have...

The first half of the show this week is a little different. I share some unfortunate news about the podcast on one of its major platforms. This does present an opportunity for me to explain why the podcast operates the...

We all know these simple facts: Fish eat bugs. Most of the bugs fish eat are underwater bugs. Still, we struggle with getting imitations of said bugs in front of these fish. This is a recurring challenge when...

It is important to remember that when you start fly fishing, you don't have to bury your spinning or baitcasting rod six feet under. While the rods are emblematic of relatively diverging angling cultures, they are&nbsp...

I do talk about fly fishing gear a lot on Casting Across. But there is something that will trump equipment nine out of ten times: skill. Within reason, your proficiency with equipment will overcome not having that rod...

How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger. When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn't immediately...

XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels. One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to...

One of the most ridiculous assumptions that you can make in fly fishing is that everyone is going to be just as considerate and respectful as you. First, there is a good chance that your angling foibles are simply in...

Under, over, around, and (if you're feeling lucky) through. Trout absolutely love cover. Downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and undercut banks are just three examples of places fish like to safely fin and eat. But...

There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your...

<p>For the last 24 hours, I've enjoyed some very aggressive bass and panfish. And while I have no reservations using streamers, I'm more than happy to toss topwater flies if they're what is on the menu.</p> <p>Today I...

<p>I am not an expert in swinging flies in the most orthodox sense of the concept. In fact, I've never made any kind of presentation to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or Atlantic salmon. However, I have swung wet...

<p>Perhaps this is a little pedantic, but it is worth saying: You don't need to wade to fly fish.</p> <p>What do I mean? Well, I think a lot of anglers wade too much. We get in the water where we don't need to. We move...

<p>Last week I did my darndest to debunk three big lies about fly fishing that keep people away from this wonderful pursuit.</p> <p>Today I'm coming at it from another angle. In this episode, I'm addressing three...