I can live happily in two different fly fishing camps. On one hand, I see the value in having precisely picked and dialed in gear. At the same time, I appreciate adaptation and using what you have in creative ways. One takes more resources; the other takes more energy and effort. If you live or …
The first time I came across the use of artificial intelligence in the fly fishing world, it benefitted me. At the very least, it had the potential to benefit me. A spike in website traffic to Casting Across was the result of a link to an article I had written. The link was on another …
You should support fly shops. But if for one reason or another you can’t, you should support a shop that is not a fly shop. Again, support fly shops. They have all the gear that you’ll need. Rods, reels, line, and flies. They’ll have breathable waders and a handful of vest options. You’ll undoubtedly have …
Something that I love about fly rod conversations is how they vacillate between empirical and metaphysical. You can go from talking ounces and recovery speed to how it makes you feel in a matter of seconds. It is just a fly rod. But if you fish, you know what I mean. Not only is a …
Today I want to discuss one of the most important pieces of gear out there in fly fishing today. In my humble opinion, it hasn’t received appropriate treatment; certainly not the fanfare it deserves. That said, I want to sing its praises in a way that makes you take notice. It is a fly rod. …
There is something wonderful about the naive expectations children possess about fishing. They assume that if they cast their bobber, hook, and worm into a body of water that they will catch a fish. It makes sense. This is what fishing is, after all. Fish eat worms. Fish live in water. It really isn’t that …
I’m on my way down to the Mid Atlantic. Trout are in the plans, but the real target that I have is smallmouth bass. These fish are so incredibly fun on the fly rod. They take dries, nymphs, and streamers. And you may have heard that they’re willing to chase a popper, too. There are …
Outside of rod, reel, line, and fly, there are few pieces of gear as integral to the angler as footwear. Your casting is only going to be as good as your stability. Your endurance on the water is directly tied to your level of comfort. And, of course, any and all skill is much less …
I’m a fly fishing guide. I’m not licensed or insured. I’m not formally endorsed by any fly fishing brands. I’m not listed in an online directory or affiliated with a shop. You’re not going to see a section on this website with random smiling sports holding trophy fish. I do have experience, though. Not only …
Some folks are convinced that the Loch Ness monster is just a sturgeon or a catfish. Such people are plagued by the chronic condition of being unimaginative. Devoid of whimsy or wonder, they suffer from the kind of hyperrealism that leads them to tell children that Santa is made up. And, I’m confident they begin …
