“Hey Matthew, what do you think about…”
I’d be lying if I said that my inbox was inundated with questions about my opinion on various things in the fly fishing community. But it does happen. Moreover, it happens quite often when hanging out with angling acquaintances.
Between Casting Across and my own general interest, I’ve made it a habit to read, watch, and listen to a lot of what goes on in and around fly fishing. There is so much good. There are so many positive things. I’d wager that an overwhelming number of fly fishers just love to grab their rod and go catch a few fish… and that is the sum of their experience. So I keep Casting Across pretty upbeat. Even when I am critical, I try to keep the door open for education or redemption.
Still, there are a handful of controversial topics. These days they pop up online for mass consumption. But they’re not any different than what was discussed at the fly shop counter or lodge bar years ago.
Today I’m quickly commenting on 8 current hot topics within fly fishing. I’m not the authority, but I do have a few thoughts:
Angling celebrities: Celebrity is a weird word considering how normal and down to earth the vast majority of these people are. That being said, I guess it is the best word to use for someone who has made or is making a huge impact. I’d be fine with another word… but what? Dignitary? Personality? Muckety-muck?
Fly fishing meme accounts: The good ones are good. They’re funny, they’re self deprecating, and they’re brutally honest. The issue is finding that balance. If not done right, it can just come off as redundant, mean-spirited, and boorish.
Grip and grin photos: If I catch a big fish, my first priority is to get a picture of said fish. Just the fish. Now, including myself in it? I’ll make that happen if someone is with me or there is a convenient way to finagle my timer. Undertaking a herculean effort to capture some choreographed moment might be good for the ‘Gram, but not so kind to the fish.
Imported fly rods: I have no problem with them… assuming they cast well, are durable, and aren’t marketed disingenuously. I am all for 100% American made, but in reality there are only a handful of people rolling graphite in the lower 48. You can get some great deals (and great rods) from reputable companies having their blanks rolled overseas.
The podcast space: Oh its crowded. But anyone with a microphone has a right to throw something on the internet. The internet will be the judge of what sticks. I know that the Casting Across podcast is a small fish in a big pond. That’s why I’ve adopted the format that I have. My intention isn’t to outdo any of the established shows out there. I’m content to fill a niche.
Social media influencers: I’m ambivalent. On one hand I am not going to fault someone doing what they can (ethically) to earn money. On the other hand, I think brands would do better if they sought authenticity in their representation. The rub is that there are a lot of people who should be “influencers” who aren’t going to market themselves according to the tastes/algorithms of the day.
Spot burning: I compare it to talking about and spoiling the ending of a movie. Some people aren’t going to care, but a lot of very reasonable and invested people are. So… don’t do it. But also, don’t blur out the backdrop of your pic if it is just woods and water. That’s just silly.
Tailing gloves: Nope. There is no need for a tailing glove, a knotted nylon net, or a finger through the gills unless you’re planning on eating a fish. And if you’re going to do that, why not just whack it with a fish billy and save yourself the effort?
Are there any “controversial” fly fishing topics you’d like to weigh in on? Or, have me offer my two cents about? Even better, do you disagree completely? Let me know through this contact form.