Casting Across isn’t really about me. I’m not a huge fan of writing about myself, and I dislike reading what I’ve written about myself even more. And if I don’t want to read it, why should I expect anyone else to? That is why I try to focus on the quarry and the culture of fly fishing, only mixing in a bit of self deprecation in as the feeling strikes me.

At the same time, context is key. And the context of life for the past year has been returning to Virginia and the Mid Atlantic.  The next setting for  fly fishing, life, etc. is going to be New England. Again.

Among many other things, that means a second chance at fishing places I never got to the first time around. That means making good on “I really wish I would have” statements. That means practicing what i preach by discovering new water and learning to love it for more than just the quality of the fishery.

Tailwater trout, sea run brookies, estuary stripers, and canal carp are not opportunities to which I should turn my nose up.  With an open mind and some perspective, I’m confident that I will form new home waters and favorite day trips.

Forming balance will also be important. I anticipate I’ll write about that a lot in the coming months. I love fly fishing, but it is only one facet in a much greater picture. And contrary to what seems most intuitive, finding balance might mean more fishing. That crazy concept will have to be unpacked at another time.

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Not to recycle old content, but I can’t help but see the irony in the present applicability of what was written about leaving New England over a year ago.

There are a lot of emotions that come with leaving a place, and there are a lot of uncertainties that come with returning to someplace I’ve already been. Faith, family, and a sense of purpose are the overarching and truly anchoring factors at play. Those things will be what navigate me through the highs and the lows of the coming months and years.

I also have the water. Fishing ought not be an escape, per se, but those places will be woven in to my routine… Most of all, I hope to appreciate what I have taken for granted in the past. On and off the water.

Stay tuned. And, as always, thanks for reading.