Let me start off by saying that fly fishing downstream is not my method of choice. It is harder. It is a lower probability approach. It is less than ideal. But sometimes it is necessary. Today I talk through three situations that might demand a downstream presentation. Even though all those caveats are probably still …
How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger. When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn’t immediately yield fish, it isn’t automatic that you should abandon all hope. You might just need to go …
XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels. One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to respond to readers, listeners, and viewers of content on Casting Across. I feel privileged …
Although the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast usually doesn’t feature interviews, when it does it goes big. Today I have 5 guests in the studio. And I’m confident that they spend more time in the woods than most fishing, hiking, and hunting celebrities. Who are these remarkable figures? You’ll have to tune in and find …
One of the most ridiculous assumptions that you can make in fly fishing is that everyone is going to be just as considerate and respectful as you. First, there is a good chance that your angling foibles are simply in your blind spot. Equally important, all people make mistakes out of one kind of ignorance …
Under, over, around, and (if you’re feeling lucky) through. Trout absolutely love cover. Downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and undercut banks are just three examples of places fish like to safely fin and eat. But how does one get a fly into these locations? Sometimes the path forward presents itself. Other times, you have to get …
There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your nose at them at all. But if that is all you know, you’re missing out on some …
Fly fishing minimalism is not just about throwing things out of your pack willy-nilly. In fact, jettisoning necessary items doesn’t score you any virtue points. If anything, it is simply bad practice. Today I’m sharing three mentalities, paradigms, or reasons why you might want to slim down your angling load. There are other resources on …
For the last 24 hours, I’ve enjoyed some very aggressive bass and panfish. And while I have no reservations using streamers, I’m more than happy to toss topwater flies if they’re what is on the menu. Today I share some topwater fly tactics for warmwater fish. I discuss some of my preferred approaches to gear, …
I am not an expert in swinging flies in the most orthodox sense of the concept. In fact, I’ve never made any kind of presentation to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or Atlantic salmon. However, I have swung wet flies in ways that might not draw the ire of purists. But none of that is …
