VIDEO: A Colorful History of Fly Fishing – 1 Minute Review

There  are some tremendous resources on the history of fly fishing out there. There are also lots and lots of  subpar books  and blog articles out there, many which repeat the same ideas and (sometimes) myths. Usually the latter are accessible and the former are daunting.

Ian Whitelaw’s The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies is an example of how to make a lot of information approachable. Published in 2015, he uses 50 fly patterns to illustrate the progression of fly fishing across a half millennia.

Fly tyers will appreciate the interesting insights into why patterns are made they way they are.  Anglers who don’t tie will certainly learn something about the development of tackle and tactics. And since it is broken up into 50 chapters, it is a great read for fly fishers from all over the literary spectrum.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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More on Fly Fishing Small Streams

This website has been up and running for over a decade. Three times a week, articles have been posted to Casting Across. Although it all has to do with fly fishing, the particulars of the topics vary wildly.

But there is one facet of fly fishing that appeals to a good segment of the readers, viewers, and listeners of Casting Across. Small stream fly fishing certainly scratches an itch. I love it. You love it. And, empirically speaking, you love that I love it.

Earlier this year I put together a page filled with some of the best small stream fly fishing content on Casting Across. Recently, I updated said page with more articles along with videos and podcast episodes. This means that if you’re interested in this kind of fly fishing, you don’t have to search the archives. You don’t have to scroll through dozens of podcast episodes, either.  The best stuff is all in one place.

Check out the newest additions to the “Small Stream Fly Fishing” collection below, including videos and podcast episodes:

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Podcast Ep. 398: Fly Fishing Under Cover

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 how does one get a fly into these locations? Sometimes the path forward presents itself. Other times, you have to get kind of creative.

Today I talk about some ideas for problem solving these tricky, fishy spots. I also share some helpful gear recommendations for approaching fish that are hiding under cover.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: 3 Fly Fishing Gifts for Any Angler

If the fly fisher in your life has been actively pursuing the hobby for any length of time, he might be hard to shop for. If he or she doesn’t already have it, they probably have a very specific idea of what it is. Buying off of a list is all fine and good. But there are options that still allow for some creativity and that personal touch.

Today I’m showing off three gift options that will work for the fly fisher who has it all. These items aren’t only unique, they’re the kind of thing that you can buy again and again if they’re a hit. Also, each one represents the hard work and artistry of someone who loves the outdoors themselves.

So whether you’re looking for inspiration (or want to inspire someone who you know will be shopping for you), these are sure to fit the bill.

Watch what else I have to say about the gifts and find out where you can pick them up below:

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Father’s Day & Little Clay Fish

My Father’s Day gift this year is a new chainsaw. At the time of writing, I do not have a new chainsaw. This has nothing to do with my wife or children and everything to do with my unrelenting hope that I can fix my old chainsaw. A part has been ordered. For all the times my patient wife has seen me standing in the yard, clad in chaps and helmet, fiddling with the bar tension or the carburetor, she has strongly encouraged me to start afresh.  One more try, I said.

But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t lavished with Father’s Day blessings, tangible and otherwise. I spent the day with my family. We worshipped, ate meat, and played outside. Licorices of various types were received. And my third son gave me a small clay fish.

It is great. Cartoonish and cute, it is a great caricature of a fish. What’s more, he made a small clay fishing rod, line, and hook. Inside the clay fish’s mouth is an indentation that fits the hook perfectly. It will live on my dresser, lined up next to a miniature clay army of animals and superheroes. I love it.

I don’t need to elaborate on the intrinsic value of the gift versus the intent of the giver. You understand that. Even if you don’t have kids, reject the concept of Father’s Day, or are even the kind of person who uses the phrase “down with the patriarchy” in an unironic manner, you understand why I love the little clay fish.

Fly fishing  gets it, too.

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Podcast Ep. 397: [Cast1] Approaching a Mountain Stream

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 nose at them at all.

But if that is all you know, you’re missing out on some tremendous fly fishing. It just requires wrapping your mind around the fact that trout live in tiny pockets of water in the mountains.

Today I’m walking through how I approach fly fishing on a mountain trout stream. If you’ve been doing this for years, it is probably second nature. But if you’re the kind of angler I alluded to above? It might provided some helpful ideas as you add some range to your time outdoors with rod in hand.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Fly Fishing Guidebooks (A Guide)

Why buy a cumbersome fly fishing guidebook when all that information is on the internet? Why purchase something that is just going to be out of date in a few seasons anyway?

Today I share why fly fishing guidebooks are not only helpful, but important to anglers. There is indeed a wealth of access and “tips & tricks” content online, but has it passed under the eye of an editor? Is there more than pragmatic data, such as historical details? This is why guidebooks matter. And whether they be regional or river-specific, they all have a role to play.

Furthermore, they deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

Watch what else I have to say about the books and find out where you can pick up your own copies below:

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5 Largemouth Bass Trivia Facts

Everybody knows largemouth bass.  Tournaments tie heavy purses to them. Kitschy wall decor celebrates them. They’re America’s fish.

And even though catching one can be as easy as putting a worm on a hook under a bobber, tangling with the biggest specimens takes some real know-how.  Understanding behavior and seasonality is essential for quality and quantity of fish. Over the past few decades, fly anglers have embraced the challenge and rush of hard-hitting and high-jumping black bass. They’ve come to understand that figuring out  warmwater  lunkers is as sophisticated an enterprise as finessing trophy trout.

The five pieces of largemouth bass trivia I’m sharing today probably won’t help you hook more, bigger fish. But they’re certainly interesting. If you’re a fly fisher, dropping one of these facts at the local boat launch might even earn you some street cred with the sparkly boat crowd.

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Podcast Ep. 396: Even More on Fly Fishing with Less

Fly fishing minimalism is not just about throwing things out of your pack willy-nilly. In fact, jettisoning necessary items doesn’t score you any virtue points. If anything, it is simply bad practice.

Today I’m sharing three mentalities, paradigms, or reasons why you might want to slim down your angling load. There are other resources on the particulars (including articles, podcasts, and videos on Casting Across). This episode is all about the why.

So whether you have to simplify or want to simplify, give a listen. Then, let me know what you leave at home when given the chance.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Fly Fishing Minimalism – A Quick Look

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a fly shop or scrolled down through the options of an online retailer, you might think that fly fishing requires stuff. A lot of stuff.

And while most equipment out there does have a specific function for someone somewhere, the vast majority of fly fishing can be done with a minimal quantity of gear.

Today I’m sharing what goes into my “minimalist pack.” There isn’t a lot there, but what I choose serves me well and might give you some ideas on how to load up for time on the water. Most important, I talk through the why of going minimalistic.

Watch the video below:

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