Rusty Flybox: Presidential

Well, apparently I’m not the only one who wouldn’t get an “A+” in civics. When I typed “is” in Google this morning, it either read my mind or assumed I was looking for the same thing most people were searching.

Yes. Presidents Day is a federal holiday.

As I often do on such hallowed calendar moments, I’ve put together a cluster of three articles from Casting Across’ archives. They all are presidential in nature.

  • The first talks about a federal initiative that blesses anglers.
  • Second, I spotlight a creek fished by many commanders in chief.
  • And last I propose something for the youth of our great country.

Click on the image or the headline to read each article:

read more

Podcast Ep. 379: 2026 Fly Fishing Show Recap

This may very well be the longest episode of the podcast yet. And it could have been longer if I mentioned every interesting conversation, unique piece of gear, or novel observation from my four days at The Fly Fishing Show.

In this quick look back at my weekends in Marlborough, MA, and Edison, NJ, I talk about presentations, products, and people. And at the end of the day, it is the people that made the time at the events the most worthwhile.

Whether you’re planning on going to an event, or you simply want to hear which “stuff” I found to be noteworthy – give this week’s installment a listen. Then go chase down some of my recommendations online.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

read more

VIDEO: Enjoying Relatively Unknown Books

Most of the time, I’m spotlighting prominent fly fishing books on Casting Across. This works because very few of us have the bandwidth, resources, or shelf space to collect each and every good title released in the last 50 years.

But every once in a while, I do think it is important to talk about relatively unknown books. Today, it is Fly Fishing by Turhan Tirana. Subtitled “A  Life in Mid-Stream,” this short 1996  book is essentially a collection of his throughs and writings on a diverse range of angling topics. For a teenager who had just gotten his feet wet with fly fishing, it was eye-opening. Plus, it was remarkable to me that a published author fished the same Virginia streams I did!

Not every book needs to be heralded by the angling public to be worth reading. Often times the book to enjoy is the book you’ve found.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

read more

Dark Skies Fly Fishing: February/March 2026

For a year I’ve been contributing to the excellent magazine Dark Skies Fly Fishing. Available digitally or in print, this periodical is the spiritual successor to a publication that Mid Atlantic anglers relied upon for decades.

In the February/March issue, I give a quick synopsis of what fly fishing looks like in the Shenandoah National Park. This popular destination is incredibly close to millions of Americans. Even still, real solitude is attainable. Those who press deeper into the “hollers” of the Blue Ridge will be rewarded with some truly tremendous scenery; natural and man-made. Of course,  brook trout are there as well.

Along with my article, there are pieces on Delaware River dry flies, sub-zero trout, and the world famous Walt’s Worm. Click on the link below to start reading and to learn how you can access the whole issue.

read more

Podcast Ep. 378: Don’t be a Lazy Fly Fisher, II

Two whole podcast episodes devoted to how fly fishers can be lazy?

Oh yes. And I could do a handful more just on those issues I see in myself.

Recently I defined laziness as choosing to not do what you know you should do. If the goal is catching fish, why would you only try 95%? or 50% Certainly, you shouldn’t be bothered by being skunked if that is the case.

Today I highlight three more things anyone can and should do when fly fishing. Whether we do it or not is another story…

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

read more

VIDEO: Spring Creek Essentials

I don’t throw around the word “essential” flippantly. But if you fish spring creeks in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Wisconsin, Mike Heck’s Spring Creek Strategies is essential reading.

There are other excellent books out there covering spring creek fly fishing from a broader perspective, often including the famous, sprawling western rivers. Heck’s writing addresses those waters, too. But his wheelhouse includes those small and medium streams that meander through woods, meadows, and towns. The fish are smart and big, but not super plentiful.  Knowing your stuff matters when fishing on most of these creeks.

The book is clear, concise, and chock full of beautiful photographs. I can’t recommend it enough.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

read more

2026 Show Report: New Fly Rods

One of my favorite things to do at fishing expos is to see fly rods I’ve only seen online or heard  about on social media. Every once in a while, a company will even reveal a product in development at these events. Better than wiggling them or getting a sales rep’s elevator speech is actually lining them up and casting them myself.

When casting these rods, the first and most obvious observation is how the rod casts. Then, I like  to think about how close the rod fits its stated description.  Also, I consider what situations the rod might best  be used for, or, the angler who would most appreciate such gear.

I was able to go hands-on with a number of new fly rods at The Fly Fishing Show this winter. Big, established companies and newer, smaller labels both had some impressive offerings. These three stood out to me:

read more

Podcast Ep. 377: Don’t be a Lazy Fly Fisher, I

We don’t talk enough about how much of a problem laziness is. That goes for people and society as a whole. But, of course, today I’m talking about how laziness is not the friend of the fly fisher.

If you’re being lazy, it means you know better. It means you can do what you should do but you choose not to do that. Why? It is easier not to.

In this episode I walk through three issues where you might be a little lazy in your fly fishing. While  I can say that I don’t err in one of these topics, talking about the other two was a little bit convicting.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

read more

VIDEO: Award-Winning Fly Fishing Writing

It takes quite a skilled pen to write a famous crime novel and famous fly fishing books. But John Voelker (aka Robert Traver) accomplished just that.

His Trout Madness deserves every bit of the prominence it holds in 20th century fly fishing writing. It is a wonderful example of the subgenre of angling account anthologies. Much has been written about this book, and I share a few words in this video.

But the legacy of Voelker also includes new fly fishing writing. The Robert Traver Fly Fishing Writing Award is presented by his foundation in conjunction with the American Museum of Fly Fishing. For nearly 30 years, essays in the spirit of Voelker have been presented and celebrated. What’s more, you can read most of these today.

Watch what else I have to say about the book (and more) and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

read more

Art Show at The Fly Fishing Show

Walking the exhibition hall at The Fly Fishing Show is a great example of the diversity of interests within fly fishing. Saltwater and freshwater, tied flies and materials for tying, established companies and small businesses are all represented. There are also nonprofits, antique dealers, booksellers, and artists.

Fly fishing is certainly about catching fish utilizing a particular technique. But the nature of the pursuit inherently lends itself to creativity and expression. This extends beyond flies and fine bamboo to watercolor and sculpture. Seeing artwork at an outdoor show is  to be expected.

Along with providing artists exposure, their presence at these events gives attendees and other vendors an opportunity to take something home that isn’t purely functional. One might not need a new fly rod, but something one-of-a-kind to place on the mantle could be a great purchase. Booking a trip might be out of the budget, but a print won’t break the bank. Plus, it is  great to support this facet of angling culture.

There were quite a few options for attendees to buy artwork or decor at the event, but these six booths prominently featured fly fishing art at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, New Jersey.

read more