Do you enjoy the game “Would You Rather”? A hypothetical scenario is given, and you must choose between two, often quite different options. Here’s a good fly fishing would you rather: Would you rather only have weighted streamers or weightless streamers in your fly box? Maybe you answered right away. But maybe you see why …
Have you heard of Zoom Fatigue? It is a COVID-era phenomenon that explains how people are getting quickly burned out by meetings that occur in little boxes on their computer screen. Having participated in countless Zoom meetings, seminars, and even an 8 hour a day/4 day long class – I get it. But I’ve also …
Don’t burn me at the angling stake for the title of this episode! (If anything, you’ll find that I’m guilty of being slightly misleading.) In a day and age where big, heavy, articulated streamers get a lot of publicity, it is important to remember that there are similar flies that accomplish slightly different tasks. There …
I don’t think that the stretch of stream was cursed, per se. If I had to address the phenomenon that I experienced while fishing along this particular section I might use the term coincidental. But I’d say it with a wince and sideways glance. So, not a curse: just a really unfortunate set of circumstances …
There are a lot of ways to store waders and boots in the back of your car. Some prioritize accessibility, while others cater to ventilation. There are many approaches to getting in to and out of your waders and boots. All of the good ones protect your gear, but most leave you with a wet …
A fly fishing debate as old as the rivers themselves: Which weight should you fish if you want the quintessential trout fly rod? First of all, there is no right answer. That doesn’t stop me from trying to answer, though. I go through a handful of categories and considerations that lead me to answer this …
So, you’ve just purchased a brand new fly rod. Congratulations! You’re probably holding the tube right now. It feels good, doesn’t it? But go ahead, open it up. Take the butt section out of the sock. Remove the plastic from the cork. Okay, now you can’t return it. Maybe that is for the best. Because …
Forceps or pliers should be found on every angler on the water. They cut line, crimp barbs, adjust split shot, untangle knots, tighten knots… and release fish. It is a plus that you can get functional forceps for under $5. I’ve owned plenty of $5 forceps over the years, and many of them have served …
One of the biggest drawbacks to the last year has been the significant reduction in organic conversation. Sure, there are still opportunities to get together. It just isn’t as easy. However, I’ve had an uptick in online interaction with listeners and readers of Casting Across. I’m always happy to get messages, and I do my …
“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 …
