Why do you think your gear is inadequate? Why are you unsatisfied with the places you go and the fish that you catch? What has lead you to question your legal, preferred technique? How much time have you spent angry in comment sections? Why has another angler you’ve never met, and probably never will meet, …
Yes. It is an old meme. But it is a good meme. And, to be honest, I couldn’t get it out of my head so it has found itself at the beginning of this post. Last year I set out to compile an exhaustive fly shop directory. Aside from the fact that I’m convicted that …
“It looks like the last part of this week is going to be in the mid 50s. I’m considering putting in an hour or 2 on [local river] – would you be interested?” “YES. Friday?” “Probably, in the late afternoon” “Okay. I’ll put it on the calendar.” “Full disclosure, this piece of river is just …
Authentic conservation means getting together and getting dirty. And authentic conservation doesn’t always entail leveling a giant dam or pouring millions into a famed trout river. Sometimes authentic conservation comes down to a handful of devoted anglers putting time, energy, and effort into their local water. That is the story of Reel Change, the latest …
By all means, buy that third (or 13th) fly rod at the next outdoor show you attend. Pick up a basket full of flies, the perfect shade of rooster hackle, or your next perfect lucky fishing hat. If you have the resources, the requirement, and the opportunity: go for it. But if you have some …
The judicious reader of this website will be well aware that he may encounter content that is fly fishing adjacent. The very subheading of the website, in contrasting white for all to see, promises that what follows is about “the quarry and culture of fly fishing.” The quarry is the fish. But as soon as …
Perspective is incredibly valuable. For example: I have been fly fishing, inside and around the industry, for over 25 years. I know that there is a lot of gear – a lot of gear – but I’m comfortable picking out what I need and discerning what is necessary. But when I try to pick out …
The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast has been “on the air” for over 5 years. From day one, the podcast has been about providing something different in a remarkably crowded space. There are plenty of great shows with interview and roundtable formats, most of which run for close to an hour. My goal is to …
Recently the good folks at Hatch Magazine published an article entitled “Let’s Stop the Tiny Tippet Nonsense.” Essentially, it argues that 6X and 7X tippet isn’t a necessary or ethical choice for fly fishers pursuing trout. I want to be clear: the intention of the article is good and there are some good, thought-provoking areas …
I found the gift bag in the van after church. “Oh, that is a birthday gift,” my wife said. I pulled back the tissue paper and saw that it was a sweater. Shamefully, my initial reaction was not unlike a child receiving a sweater on his birthday. Then I pulled the garment from the bag. …
