I always refer to Casting Across as a website. Yes, that is a little ambiguous. But that’s not wrong. And I acknowledge that there are other labels that could be used to describe it. Perhaps other terms would be better. But there is one I have never employed.

Blog.

First, it is not a pleasant word to say. Second, “Blog” sounds very early-2000s. More than all of that, it sounds very introspective. Navel-gazing or flowery introspective, even. I don’t want to write that. I hope you don’t want to read that.

So while I often write about certain aspects of my time on the water, and even though I share my opinions on trout, rods, and the whole of creation, this little fly fishing endeavor hasn’t been too much about my moment-by-moment thoughts.

But norms are made to be broken. Well, bent at least.

Sitting down to write something for this week’s first post, there were a few topics that came to mind. Each seemed worthwhile. Instead of picking one, I’ve decided to go with all three. I suppose it is my prerogative. Thus, you receive three brief musings on three compelling topics this day. After all, it can be a fly fishing blog. Even if I don’t call it that.

250

In case you hadn’t heard, this 4th of July was a big one. Festivities were tame up here at the homestead, but it was quite enjoyable to witness the excitement spread across the land.

We have it good. We have it really good. Things aren’t perfect, but – and I know it isn’t apples to apples – if you get dropped anywhere else in this wide world there is a very good chance that you’d have more to complain about. This doesn’t mean we don’t strive for better. It just sheds some very important light on the matter.

Having it good certainly applies to outdoor recreation. Access and opportunity in the USA are unparalleled across the globe. You can’t take that for granted. Neither can you overlook the undergirding worldview that allows for such wide-open horizons.

400

This week’s podcast episode in #400. That is a lot of my voice.

Two observations on this mild milestone:

• I’m glad I started the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast. It injected energy and a new audience into this whole project.
• I’m pleased to be doing something unique by having a format that doesn’t include interviews  with industry types. That has been hard. The names and friends I’ve turned down would have been fun for you and great for traffic. So we’ll see what happens.  But let’s get through this one first.

1

As in, “there’s always one.”

I’m frequenting social media less and less. Some if it has to do with time constraints. A lot of it has to do with the piles of stupid you can’t help but step in while scrolling. Even in fly fishing. Fly fishing, for goodness’ sake! We catch fish using a long pole and a bit of feathers and you’d think that opinions on the matter are holy writ. Online comments come from self-ordained inquisitors.

A brand posts a new product? Cynicism. A person shows off a fish? Criticism. A conservation org makes a post? Accusations of partisanship in both directions. Insufferable.

Maybe I should elaborate on this, lest I be guilty of the very offense I’m pointing out. But that will come another day. For now, do your best to not feed the trolls. And if you have troll tendencies? Just let the goats pass the next time.