You, Me, & 400 Fly Fishing Podcast Episodes

The most recent episode of the podcast was number 400. And while I acknowledge that putting it together has taken a commitment on my part, your buy-in and support has been the most impressive  facet of this whole enterprise.

So, what is the state of  things at this modest milestone? This is what I wrote  in December of 2018, when I launched the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast:

On the podcast, you’ll hear me discuss the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish in my particular way. This medium gives me the opportunity to revisit  concepts that I’ve  previously written about, and also to touch on the quarry and culture of fly fishing in ways that the written word won’t allow. I get to use inflection. I get to use run-on sentences. I get to restate things I wish I would have said differently. Moreover, I get to potentially expose another audience to Casting Across.

I can say for certain that things have gone the way that I planned. Retracing ground I cover in my writing really rounds out how I think about and address topics. Inserting commentary and little asides allows for more of my personality to shine through. But again, the most significant element of the podcast is exposing more people to Casting Across and my take on fly fishing.

That said, may I ask a favor? Share the podcast with someone. Pass it along to a fly fishing friend.  Post it on the message board or angling channels to which you subscribe. Listen to it with your kids in the car. These are the ways that it has grown to this point, and it is how I anticipate it will keep growing.

Want a few episodes that would be good launching points into the back catalog? Below I have the top three episodes of all time and the top three from this last year. They really do a good job of covering the content waterfront from Casting Across:

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Podcast Ep. 400: Guests! (Who Spend Most of Their Life Outdoors)

Although the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast usually doesn’t feature interviews,  when it does it goes big.

Today I have  5 guests in the studio. And I’m confident that they spend more time in the woods than most fishing, hiking, and hunting celebrities.

Who are these remarkable figures? You’ll have to tune in and find out.

And when you do, you’ll also be listening to the 400th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast. Thank you: whether it is your first time listening or if you’ve been with me since the beginning. It has been a pleasure to share the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you for all these years through this medium.

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

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VIDEO: A Consistent Conservation Worldview

Most of what you read or watch about conservation probably deals with the “how.” How do we remove dams quickly and safely? How should we legislate public land use? How many trout should someone be allowed to keep?

Every once in a while, the “why” questions get addressed. Usually, people are invested in conservation because they love the outdoors. Or, they love the outdoors so much they want their children to be able to love the outdoors.

Still, there are bigger questions that can be asked. They’ve been talked about for centuries within the Christian church. In Pollution and the Death of Man, Francis Schaeffer  brings the Biblical worldview and history to bear on the issues of his day. Interestingly, while the particulars of environmental issues have changed, the biggest questions and concerns remain the same. Most notably: why?

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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It Can Be A Fly Fishing Blog

I always refer to Casting Across as a website. Yes, that is a little ambiguous. But that’s not wrong. And I acknowledge that there are other labels that could be used to describe it. Perhaps other terms would be better. But there is one I have never employed.

Blog.

First, it is not a pleasant word to say. Second, “Blog” sounds very early-2000s. More than all of that, it sounds very introspective. Navel-gazing or flowery introspective, even. I don’t want to write that. I hope you don’t want to read that.

So while I often write about certain aspects of my time on the water, and even though I share my opinions on trout, rods, and the whole of creation, this little fly fishing endeavor hasn’t been too much about my moment-by-moment thoughts.

But norms are made to be broken. Well, bent at least.

Sitting down to write something for this week’s first post, there were a few topics that came to mind. Each seemed worthwhile. Instead of picking one, I’ve decided to go with all three. I suppose it is my prerogative. Thus, you receive three brief musings on three compelling topics this day. After all, it can be a fly fishing blog. Even if I don’t call it that.

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Podcast Ep. 399: Fly Fishing Etiquette… Its on You

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 your blind spot. Equally important,  all people make mistakes out of one kind of ignorance or another.

Today I talk about three areas of fly fishing etiquette. There is a chance that this will be new information to some listeners.

But (and more importantly) I also talk about how we can communicate, be courteous, and do a lot to  diffuse potential conflicts on the water. And at the end of the day, this potentially puts the impetus on the person being “wronged.” After all, etiquette is just that – it isn’t the law.

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

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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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