My mother told me that my grandma would read Casting Across now and then. She wasn’t a fly fisher. She just liked reading about what her grandson was doing. She passed away last week at the age of 89. Some of my earliest memories involve my grandma and grandpa. They were remarkable people. They …
This year, 2020. This weird, awful, ridiculous year. But looking at these nine little thumbnail images is a reminder that there was a lot of good. A lot of good. In fact, these “top nine” pictures represent a mere fraction of the blessings that came in 2020. For one, they’re all only related to fly …
Merry (early) Christmas from Casting Across! I’ve got something fun for you to unwrap today. Three things, to be precise. Whether you’ve been naughty (bobbers?) or nice (strike indicators!), feel free to crack into them a couple days before the main event. The first item is a new spin on an old holiday classic. Instead …
The first fish was a fat palomino. They’re bright anyway. Too bright. Unnaturally bright. Genetically modified bright, in fact. This one came out from underneath a tangled mess of roots against the bank to nail a small white streamer. Palominos get picked on. This fish had apparently had enough and it took it out on …
Gift-giving season is upon us. When done right, it is a very special opportunity. Strip away the stress and the commercialism and the price tags. What are you left with? A chance to find something that will make somebody smile. If that person is a fly fisher, flies may very well do the trick. Flies …
Moving towards the water is always a mystery. Remember that fish live where they’re not supposed to live. The last place you’d expect might be suitable for a small population of something. That could mean a few fish to hand. It also might mean access to and knowledge of your own spot. Someplace you found. …
My wife and I both enjoy books. Too much, maybe. We’ve got large built-in shelves in our living room. My office is organized so that I am wrapped in bookshelves. There are two more extra sets of shelves in the spare bedroom. That is where my second-tier, rarely consulted fishing books live. I headed up …
Most fly fishers are different. Its the long rod and the thick line. Its the flourished casting such gear requires. Its the trappings and the stereotypes (and the counter-culture trappings and stereotypes within fly fishing). Day to day, we blend in with most normal folk. But on the water? That is where we’re different. We’re …
High water looks intimidating. But especially in the fall it should be reason for optimism. Of course, high and off-color water has it’s drawbacks. Wading and access is more difficult. There is literally more water to fish. Regular holes and targets may be impossible to reach. Every one of those concerns is valid. In fact, …
Charity shouldn’t be compulsory, but you should be charitable. Financial contributions are often very helpful for nonprofits, but they’re not what they need the most. A lot of good is done through the Giving Tuesday initiative. And the organizations who benefit from a surge of giving certainly aren’t going to turn their nose up at …
