Not every angler has Seychelles-caliber water in their backyard. (Just like most trout anglers aren’t calling the Madison or the Yellowstone home.) But an overwhelming number of fly fishers live within a reasonable drive to the coast. Moreover, many people head somewhere beachy for business or pleasure throughout the course of the year. You are …
Many years ago, a time when I was less aware of clutter, I accumulated things. This isn’t to say that I don’t accumulate things now. I do. Fly rods. Comfortable socks. Tools I kind of need today and might need again sometime before I die. But as a teenager, I kept a lot of garden-variety …
I’ve reviewed a lot of fly fishing gear on Casting Across. But I’ve read exponentially more than I’ve composed myself. In the past 20 years, I’ve bought gear based upon positive reviews. I’ve also decided against equipment because of negative reviews. My life (and shopping) is one piece of evidence that demonstrates the power of …
Slow catches fish. Fast is glamorous. Fast is easy. Fast doesn’t require as much nuance or patience. Fast catches fish as well, but fast is like the sports highlight: it happened and it was memorable. However the majority of the game was much more reasonably paced. For every strike that follows a wake-inducing, double-fisted retrieve, …
“Hi Matthew. Ashleigh gave me your number. I’m not a fly fisherman, but I’m interested in getting into it. Anyways, we’re thinking about offering a class and wondered if you would have any interest in teaching it. Think about it and give me a call back.” It was hardly a big break. However, after trying …
In those days it was the fastest, unhealthiest, loudest way out of suburbia. McDonald’s double cheeseburgers and the biggest Gatorade money could buy. Gas station cigars and The Allman Brothers or The Scorpions or The Police at 9 miles over the speed limit on winding state highways. The same jokes about the same road signs, …
These fish are more than substitutes or fall-backs. Yes, time on the pond will give you a chance to improve your casting. You will have other fishing opportunities in the warmest months when it would otherwise be unwise to pursue trout. You will learn new things about fishing streamers and topwater patterns that you can …
For those who fly fish, enjoyment comes from the little things. That is very true in the existential and metaphorical senses. For me, and for a lot of you, it is also applicable when it comes to literal little things. In the following three articles, I explore fly fishing items that fit in the palm …
The last neon lights for about thirty miles signal the last opportunity for a hot meal for at least a half hour. For years, that gas station was my first stop out of town and my last stop before getting on the water. Spring creek brown trout, big river small mouth, and mountain brookies; the …
For the devoted fly fisher, it is easy to be incredibly focused on and in fly fishing. Attention is given not only to the pursuit, but also the corresponding media and retail. It is easy to forget that fly fishing is a small part of the greater angling industry. Other segments, such as freshwater lures …
