These nine photographs aren’t terribly exciting. What they represent is what I did in 2021. They also represent what you “liked” the most about Casting Across last year.
I don’t obsess over the analytic side of Casting Across. But it can be interesting. One of the things that interests me is what interests you. I write what I want to write and talk about what I want to talk about. Every once in a while, something resonates with the fly fishing world.
Below are some links that reflect the empirical side of that resonance.
I’ve listed the three articles that were read the most, the links that were clicked the most, and the search terms that people used the most to find their way to me last year. I can’t say that I’m shocked. But again, it is quite interesting. If you’ve been reading Casting Across since the beginning, or if you’re stumbling onto this fly fishing corner of the internet for the first time, check out what got the most pop in 2021.
What did you read?
The Perfect Small Stream Fly Rod?
Not surprisingly, the most popular all-time article on Casting Across was the most popular article in 2021. I think this post is good because it helps you find the perfect small stream fly rod for you. Because, of course, there is no one perfect small stream fly rod.
Throwback Gear Review: Orvis T3
Apparently I’m not the only one who loves a 20 year-old fly rod. My favorite fly rod is my 8’6″ Orvis T3. This “review” is really a love letter to a rod that just so happens to fit my casting stroke perfectly. More importantly, it fit itself into many of my most memorable fishing memories.
Redington Butter Stick: A Real Review
Fiberglass fly rods might not be the front-page subject matter that they were only 5 years ago; but they still have plenty of fans. While I haven’t cast every contemporary make out there, I’m convinced that the Butter Stick from Redington is a great (and fun) tool at a reasonable price point.
What did you click on?
Finest Fly Tying Benches of Colorado
A lot of people went looking for these exceptional fly tying benches through Casting Across. A lot. And I’m totally fine with that. These are some excellent handcrafted pieces that any tyer will appreciate.
Full transparency: the TR1 Mesh from Astral is now my go-to wet wading shoe. But the Brewer will always have a special place in my heart and closet as the shoe that introduced me to this excellent brand.
I’m happy that plenty of people went to Trout & Feather via my website. Why? Tim’s content is fantastic. Also, my content pops up on his site once a month.
How did you get here?
I get a kick seeing the search terms that people Google use to find their way to Casting Across. Some are completely random (fish smell, how to tye (sic) flies, casting actors); others make sense (small stream fly rods, LeTort, Fly Fishing Show). Here are what our techno-surveillance bots found was typed in a lot in 2021:
- portable fly tying bench
- fly tying benches
- redington butter stick review
- loop on the end of fly line
- furled leader nymphing
- whats better for small streams 2 weight or 3 weight
- best socks for stocking foot waders
- new fly fishing books 2021
- driftless angler
- casting across website
Thanks for reading, listening, and being a part of Casting Across in 2021!