At a recent presentation I gave on backcountry fly fishing, I was discussing the benefits of maps. I talked about tracing the topography to determine gradient. I shared how certain features indicated where the smallest of tributaries or springs might be located. I spoke on how the usefulness of maps was in that they were …
Most trout anglers have been enlightened by the joy that comes from tangling with a big smallmouth on a fly rod. Aside from the aggressive, powerful fight, the entire process is refreshingly different than the usual 5X tippet and tiny nymph scenario. Tossing a popper while wet wading in sandals is more casual Friday than …
The first outdoors show I attended was outside Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia. As a teenager who had only been an avid angler for a few years, only exposed to the handful of brands carried by my local tackle shop, it was eye-opening. And I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been going to fishing, hunting, …
I love fly fishing in the winter. I love not fly fishing in the winter. Sound a bit confusing or contradictory? Well, it isn’t. You see, both the river and the hearth have their advantages and disadvantages in the coldest months. It is usually a fish plus discomfort versus a no fish plus comfort equation. …
Driving home from his meeting, he noticed a car parked next to the river. The pull off was next to a trail, which wound through the woods and down into the river valley. Where it intersected the water, it presented the traveler with two choices: upstream to the dam or downstream to the wide, glassy …
As is holiday tradition, I’m keeping things brief this New Year’s Day. Using the magic of social media algorithms, I was provided with these nine images from this past year. Although I shared three big lessons I learned in 2024 earlier this week, I figured I could offer up nine pieces of encouragement as well. …
I’m so very thankful to be putting this brief holiday post together from my new office in my New Hampshire home. We’re going to have a white Christmas this year, and I am enjoying the last flakes falling on a Christmas Eve morning snow. And although I still have some preparations for this evening’s service …
In January 2025, I’m scheduled for three presentations at The Fly Fishing Show. While I truly enjoy writing and recording podcasts, my favorite method of communication involves a live group of interested and invested people. I’m excited to be able to talk about some of the topics that I’m passionate about in Marlborough, MA and …
Cutting down the family tree. Caroling around the neighborhood. Candlelight Christmas Eve service. …and culling the chewed up flies from the wool patch on your vest? While fly fishing and Christmas might not inherently go hand-in-hand, that doesn’t mean you can’t integrate two amazing things. And if two amazing things come together for your good, …
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be presenting twice at this year’s Marlborough stop of The Fly Fishing Show. Since the beginning of Casting Across I’ve encouraged my audience to make annual plans to attend outdoor expos. And since the beginning I’ve done my best to address the complaint that these shows are just opportunities …
