2019 is drawing to a close. There is a lot that can be said about fishing and life, but today I’m taking a look back at the 150-plus pieces of content that came out over the past year.
Casting Across continues to grow. That is all thanks to you. My writing and my speaking is probably getting a little bit more refined, but I attribute the statistical growth of the website and the podcast to you – the reader and the listener. Sharing, subscribing, rating, and all of those things help. It helps my numbers (whatever that means), but more importantly it helps people. It is great to see who is reading, where they are reading, and how this has become some small part of their fly fishing.
So, thank you for all you’ve done in 2019.
To wrap up this year, I am sharing the top three articles that were posted in 2019. Not surprisingly, they feature fly shops, gear, and fly rods. If you haven’t read these before, I’d encourage you to take a minute to see what the fuss is all about. Also, I’ve added the most downloaded podcast of the year. If you are a reader, and not a listener, this might be a good introduction to a different facet of Casting Across.
Check out the top three articles, and the top podcast, from 2019 below:
The Top Rated Fly Shop In All 50 States – Part I & Part II
“…in a day and age when online reviews actually have an impact on the success or failure of a business, we have something close to objective data to work with. I’ve looked at a few review aggregations, and compiled a list of the top rated fly shop in all 50 states.”
Each of these articles topped 2019 on their own. It makes sense: the title is a little click-baity. The purpose of the article was never to state the best fly shop, but the top rated fly shop. After a handful of conversations, both online and in person, it became clear that these days those two are perceived as synonymous. Consequently, I have a takeaway that I’ve communicated a few different ways. Review your fly shop. Those reviews matter to new anglers and anglers new to your area. Your local shop will appreciate it!
Get a Few More Years From Fly Fishing Gear
“Even if your gear has a warranty you should take care of it. No company is going to send a new reel via drone while you’re standing in the river. Even if your gear was really expensive you should take care of it.”
If half the gear articles out there were about taking care of gear (as opposed to all about just buying new gear), I think the fly fishing industry would be all the better for it. In my experience most stuff doesn’t break on its own or from catastrophic circumstances. Gunk builds up, moisture takes a toll, or things aren’t stored properly. Nothing in this article is revolutionary, but it contains some increasingly uncommon common sense.
11 Reasons Why You Need a New Fly Rod
“With fly rods being the central piece of the whole scene, the hyperbole and high cost associated with them draws the ire of plenty of anglers. But the reality is that you might need a new fly rod.”
Or, as the article states, you might not. But then again, you might. Chances are you are more than capable than making the decision. Still, there is wisdom in the council of many. So what are some good reasons why you should shell out $200, $500, or $800? Spoiler alert: because you want to may very well be a good enough reason.
Top Podcast: Big Rivers – Don’t Worry, Go Fishing
“This can lead to apprehension or even avoidance. It is understandable. I’ve been there. But there are some simple ways to get out in the water and make sense of even the biggest rivers.”
I don’t know why this podcast has the most downloads. It is a perfectly fine episode, but it wouldn’t have been my pick or my guess. I think it speaks to the fact that my audience might be like me: someone who likes smaller waters, enjoys big rivers, but is intimidated by striking out on their own. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.
Happy New Year from Casting Across!