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 …
The Lid Rig is a stainless steel nipper that uses magnets to attach to any appropriate surface. Opposing magnets also pop the jaws open, eliminating the need for a spring. The sharp, precision aligned jaws will cut through monofilament, fluorocarbon, and even braided backing. The Lid Rig retails for $74.95. Understandably, that last bit of …
If you think the first fly to come off of your vise is going to look like something you’d mount in a shadow box, you’re going to be pretty disappointed. Truth be told, there are plenty of reasons why beginner fly tyers get frustrated, stall out, or give up. I have done all of those …
Fly fishing isn’t necessary in the same sense as food, shelter, and health are. But the peace and respite it provides are invaluable for us. So we’re planning on going fishing. Whether it be because of travel restrictions, health concerns, or financial limitations, going fishing has meant staying fishing for a lot of people. Thankfully, …
I’m sure there is a complex behavioral theory that describes my own, personal fly tying. Basically, the more I tie the more I enjoy tying. The more I enjoy tying, the better my flies seem to look. (Note that I said seem.) And while the long, dark nights of winter are by no means the …
I know. You like your flies. Dozens of patterns; hundreds of individual fish catching pieces of potential. But really, how many do you actually use? While it isn’t for every angler (or every situation), cutting down the flies you carry on the water can actually streamline your fishing. It will certainly make packing and organization …
I like to think of Casting Across as a platform that gets you to do something. That isn’t meant in some kind of manipulative or creepy sense. I just don’t envision you reading my writing and listening to my podcasting as ends unto themselves. They’re meant to be a step unto something else. I want …
Who hasn’t seen a Mickey Finn? The fly has a history that goes back at least 100 years. It has enjoyed staying power for the simple reason that it catches fish. Consequently, it is a fly that you’ll find in assortments sold to beginners as well as on the vises of seasoned experts. Living in …
There’s a good way to talk about conservation. There are a lot of bad ways to talk about conservation. While it is a broad-brushed, stereotyping statement, there is some truth in the “cantankerous fly fisher” archetype. In this episode I encourage us to take a better approach. We’re not going to win people to our …
