The judicious reader of this website will be well aware that he may encounter content that is fly fishing adjacent. The very subheading of the website, in contrasting white for all to see, promises that what follows is about “the quarry and culture of fly fishing.” The quarry is the fish. But as soon as …
Author: Matthew
New Humbling Perspectives
Perspective is incredibly valuable. For example: I have been fly fishing, inside and around the industry, for over 25 years. I know that there is a lot of gear – a lot of gear – but I’m comfortable picking out what I need and discerning what is necessary. But when I try to pick out …
Podcast Ep. 271: [Cast1] How Fly Fishing Works
The Cast1 series of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is all about exploring the fundamentals of fly fishing. In each episode, there will be plenty for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. Today we’re answering these important questions: What makes fly fishing different than regular fishing? Why would someone choose to fly fish? How might …
Introducing the Cast1 Podcast Series
The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast has been “on the air” for over 5 years. From day one, the podcast has been about providing something different in a remarkably crowded space. There are plenty of great shows with interview and roundtable formats, most of which run for close to an hour. My goal is to …
A Tippet Take: True & False
Recently the good folks at Hatch Magazine published an article entitled “Let’s Stop the Tiny Tippet Nonsense.” Essentially, it argues that 6X and 7X tippet isn’t a necessary or ethical choice for fly fishers pursuing trout. I want to be clear: the intention of the article is good and there are some good, thought-provoking areas …
Podcast Ep. 270: Fly Fishing Accusations, XXVII
Oh I’ve got some good emails this week. All thanks to you. I mean, it wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining if I read emails I sent to myself outloud, would it? This time around I talk about spacing out your fly rod purchases, finding an all-around wading boot, and climate change. Yes, one of those …
Nostalgia, Sweaters, & Trout
I found the gift bag in the van after church. “Oh, that is a birthday gift,” my wife said. I pulled back the tissue paper and saw that it was a sweater. Shamefully, my initial reaction was not unlike a child receiving a sweater on his birthday. Then I pulled the garment from the bag. …
The Fly Fishing Show: Kids’ Highlights
Days and evenings spent at various outdoor expos are important for Casting Across and a lot of fun for me, personally. But there is a three-hour chunk of time that gets written in ink on the calendar by my kids. Since 2018, the boys get a morning or afternoon at The Fly Fishing Show in …
Podcast Ep. 269: Dumbing Down Fly Tying
I mean that in the absolutely most positive way possible. Heck, I had to dumb down my fly tying when I started (and restarted) so that I didn’t get so frustrated that I threw my vice through the wall. So, apologies out of the way, what do I mean by dumbing down fly tying? Some …
Top Fly Fishing Books for Kids
There are few gifts that you can give a child that can have as much of an impact as a book. Between the valuable skill of reading and the even more special benefit of reading together, a book does things that few toys or electronics can. A quick search online will yield plenty of titles …