In the previous article I commented on how appreciative I am for all the clicks you’ve given Casting Across over the past eight years. I also shared what I plan to think about over the coming months as I put together content on the site.

Today, I’m looking back. I’m not looking all the way back. I’m only taking a glance at the previous 365 days.

Below I’m sharing four posts that garnered a lot of reads and downloads from you. I’ve picked four categories from the site and linked to each post. Also, I’ve added a word or two as to what I think about each piece – and why I assume you responded so favorably.

Thanks for reading the first time through, and enjoy the best of the best one more time below.

Here’s what resonated with you in year number 8:

Most Read Article: Best of Show, According to You

We all like gear. If you deny that fact you’re simply acknowledging that you really, really like the small cabinet of gear you use. The Fly Fishing Show decided a few years back to let show attendees vote on the stuff that wowed them. It is a great way for consumers to let their voices be heard, and it is a gently competitive way for companies to showcase their latest and greatest.

Most Read Review: Throwback Gear Review – Battenkill Large Arbor

I love this reel. You do too. Even with the fact that large arbor reels are industry standard 20 years after this model from Orvis was introduced, it still has a devoted following. It also goes to show that a company can leverage a well-known name to get people excited about a new and different product.

Most Read Story: The Scent of a River

This one consistently pops up in my stats, and I’m consistently surprised. The concept is an exercise in minutiae: how does a river smell? And why does that matter? And how is this something we’re both thinking about? Apparently, people are asking these same questions year after year.

Most Downloaded Podcast: 3 Steps for Introducing Fly Fishing (ep. 231)

Recently I wrote how I want to integrate more “beginner content.” This podcast episode proves that will be well received in two ways. First, beginners are curious as to what they ought to do first or next. Second, seasoned fly fishers are curious as to how to help others take steps to be better anglers. If I can assist in either way, I’m happy to do so.