Since February of 2017, the Vedavoo Beast Sling has been my go-to pack for fly fishing. Other gear storage options enter into the picture when I’m wading deep in the salt or moving quickly in the mountains, but the Beast functions as a flexible and all-purpose pack that fits into nearly every other fishing scenario. …
There are certain tools that are indispensable in fly fishing. A rod and line are obviously important. You need flies, too. Tangible on-stream items begin to add up quickly. Often overlooked, but no less significant, are all the resources needed to be successful on the water. Casting instruction and reading the water aren’t automatically imparted …
It is easy to stay warm when you’re fishing in the winter. Layer, layer, layer. You can always add another pair of long underwear bottoms or an additional fleece top. This will keep your core toasty in the most brutal conditions. But the fact of the matter is that regardless of how warm you core …
Sometimes a really good book doesn’t check all the boxes that you assume it should. For example: a book on birds might be what you, a fly fisher, needs. Or, a Rocky Mountain angler could benefit from a book about Pennsylvania fly fishers. Or, a book about buffalo may very well be the best book …
Five years ago, I fished my first contemporary fiberglass fly rod. The Redington Butter Stick had just received an update. The new rod featured an adjusted taper and a new, soft white color scheme. I fished the 4-weight, and was pleased with how approachable the casting stroke was after years of faster graphite rods. A …
Fly fishing gear is a big part of Casting Across. I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetics, the marketing, and, most importantly, the function of fly fishing gear. Consequently, I’ll review new products on the site from time to time. But appreciating fly fishing gear shouldn’t only be about the latest model or newest technology. The things …
Why would I read it if… I could watch the movie? The information is 20 years old? I could get the same information from YouTube? There are dozens, if not hundreds, of other books like it? These questions are legitimate. But if you’ve ever read a good book, you know how the written word has …
The year was 2000. I stood in the bright sterility of the over-irradiated mall sunglass store, trying on pair after pair of shades. I had just seen Mission Impossible 2. Growing out my hair like Tom Cruise would take time. But purchasing some sleek, streamlined sunglasses like he wore in the action flick was something …
When it comes to learning fly fishing, there is nothing like in-person, on the water instruction. But if you are unable to find an opportunity to schedule coaching, or if you want something to refresh or reiterate what you’ve already learned, online resources can be invaluable. It is even better when online resources are high …
If there is no shame in using strike indicators, mop flies, and GPS-enabled cell phones in the pursuit of fish, there is absolutely no shame in using a small device to help you tie your fly on. Furthermore, when has a fly fisher ever been in a place where they can look down on using …
