“How do you put a fly on that thick line?” “Can I just wear my hiking boots over my waders?” These are perfectly honest questions that I’ve been asked by new fly fishers. Multiple times. Today I talk through some of the other essential fly fishing gear that you need to pursue fish. Once you …
Author: Matthew
Slap Happy: Lid Rig Mag Band
In fly fishing, flannel, fanny packs, and clunky footwear are all in. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that another early 90’s fad is perfectly suited to angling. Last year, Lid Rig came out with the Mag Band. Essentially, it is a silicone-coated slap bracelet with a magnetic surface. Yes: those slap bracelets. But this …
Fly Fishing (Art) Show
By all means, buy that third (or 13th) fly rod at the next outdoor show you attend. Pick up a basket full of flies, the perfect shade of rooster hackle, or your next perfect lucky fishing hat. If you have the resources, the requirement, and the opportunity: go for it. But if you have some …
Podcast Ep. 272: [Cast1] Rods, Reels, & Line
The fly rod. It is a beautiful, functional, and essential part of fly fishing. But if you’re new to the pursuit, the hundreds of options (split into different weights, lengths, actions, and even materials – mind you) can be a lot to take in. Add a reel and line on top of it? That is …
The Culture of the Fly Fishing Industry
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 …
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 …