Over the life of Casting Across, I’ve posted various retrospectives at the end of the year. We’re naturally creatures that invest a lot of meaning in taking down an old calendar and putting up a new one. (Side note: What is with the tiny format this year, TU?)
This year’s focus is on what I’ve learned through what I’ve done. I’m sure there is value in rattling off a list of fly fishing accomplishments: rivers visited, fish caught, and podcasts downloaded. But what is more helpful, for you and for me, is to see the kinds of things that spurred growth in the last year. Things that happened in 2024 that will impact 2025. And things that have repercussions that may very well go far beyond fly fishing.
With that said, I’ve winnowed down my 2024 into three outdoor lessons. Only one is specifically fly fishing related, but all three certainly have angling implications. More importantly, each has implications that extends into other facets of life:
Enjoying the Same Casts, Again and Again
I did not blaze any new fly fishing trails this year. But I was able to wade well-worn paths near and far. Trips down to the Shenandoah, the Cumberland Valley, and the Upper Delaware system were highlights that punctuated routine visits to local trout streams and bass ponds. And I can appreciate that I can hardly complain about that itinerary. My “usual” includes some of the finest spring creek an tailwater trout fishing found in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic. I didn’t have the time, energy, and effort to branch out too much. While I get excited about prospecting for fish in new places, my desire more often than not this year was to dig down a little bit deeper where I had already staked claims. Through this, I did find new fish. I did find bigger fish. And I was challenged in places where I have been fishing for decades.
The familiar can and should be the most exciting.
Cold, Fast, and Over My Head
Trying my hand (and back, and knees, and rear end…) at skiing with my older kids was the greatest outdoor challenge of 2024. Prior to this January, I had been skiing a grand total of one time in the past 20 years. In a very not-like-me manner, I just did it. We showed up, got fitted for rentals, found the first green circle, and aimed downhill. We loved it. It was a lot of fun on its own. But it was also interestingly enjoyable to effectively be at the same experience and skill level as my 12 year-old. It also was a humbling experience to realize that I didn’t know much about what I was doing and didn’t really know how to do it. To be honest, on day one it took some deliberate decisions to not get frustrated. After that, it was a very freeing experience.
Humility is good: consistently seek it out.
Doing My Homework then Pulling the Trigger
If you are familiar with the content on Casting Across, you are probably aware that I talk a lot about gear. I’m hardly an expert when it comes to fly fishing equipment, but I do think I have a decent perspective. In contrast, I’ve been hunting with the same pump shotgun for over 25 years. It works just fine and kills plenty of birds. I decided to treat myself and upgrade. This meant research in an arena which I was only marginally familiar. I’ve been shooting most of my life and hunting off and on since my teenage years. With my finger on the pulse of the fly fishing industry, I’m constantly subconsciously ranking equipment. This means that I usually know what I need (want) when the time comes to get it. But with this expensive 12 gauge? Hours on forums, YouTube, and in person at gun shops. I’m happy with my choice. And I enjoyed the process, too.
Learning is important, learning how to learn is essential.