Trout & Feather: June

June marks the second month that I’ve been contributing to Trout & Feather. The article is called Why (& How) You Should be an Amateur Fly Fishing Historian.

Reading historical accounts of fly fishing is going to pay off. It might mean improved success on the water. More often than not, the reward is going to be in what you learn and how that impacts your time on the water… regardless of if you’re catching fish or not. In this article I give three reasons why digging into the history of fly fishing will be beneficial, and three great ways to get started.

I’ve also chosen two great fly tying videos to feature this week. One is a simple fly with a great story. The other is about a tricky part of fly tying. That video is closing on a quarter million views!

Watch the videos, and find a link to the article, below:

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Whiskey Leatherworks: Small Batch Iconic

“Montana iconic.”

This is how Allyson Earnest, co-owner of Whiskey Leatherworks, describes  their Cutthroat Belt. “It features the intricate pattern of the fish, but also the precision that goes into the way we work the leather. It is the perfect kind of thing to wear in Missoula… or anywhere else!”

The pattern is eye-catching. Underneath the artist-designed fish prints and past the hand-forged buckles is the heart and soul of Whiskey Leatherworks: individually crafted goods from the highest quality American-sourced leather.

In 2013, Dan Earnest wanted a creative outlet. During the day he was in and around the woods and water as a hydrogeologist. Always building, he began to work with leather in his garage in the evenings. Things progressed from there and the idea to create something that others could buy quickly followed. Allyson remembers the  next step in the process well, “Danny wanted to make a 100%  American-made product. There is a lot of good leather out there, but we looked and found the best. It was actually a real challenge to finding someone who could make buckles. But we did. We actually found a local metal smith who could do it (Nathan Kimpell of Missoula).”

Once that happened, they set up shop and began to develop that Montana iconic look.

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Podcast Ep. 82: How to Fish Better & Longer

There are some ways that you can get more casting in. There are some ways that your casts can be better at the end of the day. There are some ways that you can cast to fish that haven’t seen as much pressure.

And they all involve moving; just a little bit more.

In this episode I talk about how a little bit of attention to fitness can translate into better fishing. The bulk of the discussion focuses on getting deeper into the woods and away from the crowds more efficiently and effectively. This might mean running, jogging, or just a little bit more of a brisk walk. I also discuss gear selection for times when you’re moving a little bit faster.

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

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Some Good News, through Fishing

Honestly, I’ve vacillated on what today’s post would be about. This isn’t a website where I expect you to get your cultural commentary. But from where I’ve been and where most of us have been, casting techniques and fly rod reviews just didn’t seem right.

Still, I’m going to focus on the outdoors.

Instead of words, I’m going to share some good deeds. Recently there have been innumerable keyboard strokes with varying degrees of value. Some go beyond social media sentiment and actually do something.

Here are three stories of people and organizations who are doing real, good works. They are promoting love, unity, and opportunity through the joy of being in nature. They are reaching out to the marginalized because it is the right thing to do.

The Mayfly Project and Elevate Youth impact kids from diverse backgrounds with genuine, unconditional compassion. That’s a motive we need today. That’s a motive we all need every day. That’s why these three stories are worth reading:

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The Story of Salmon & Us: Author Mark Kurlansky

Image Copyright – Christopher Miller

Two Empty Rivers

When I moved to Massachusetts in 2010, state-published fishing guides were still promoting Atlantic salmon  runs in the Merrimack River. Massachusetts and New Hampshire had infused money  and fish into the river to encourage the return of these majestic animals. Initially I was excited. While every angler I talked to was aware of the states’ initiatives, each also discouraged me from building any hope for salmon fishing. The fish didn’t take. Or, the river didn’t take them. In a few years any salmon seen were simply an anomaly.

I shared my story with New York Times bestselling author Mark Kurlansky. He understood. His story is similar. “I grew up on the Connecticut River. I saw it every day. I had no idea that there were ever salmon in that river,” Kurlansky says. “They tried to reintroduce them. The river is cleaner, but it didn’t work. When I think about the Connecticut, what I picture is dams.”

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Podcast Ep. 81: Where I’ve Fished

Where do you fish?

I field this question a lot. Recently, when I solicited ideas on social media, this was asked even more. So while I won’t necessarily be spot burning, I do want to highlight some rivers and regions that I’ve enjoyed.

This week I talk about three places that I’ve really enjoyed fishing. They’re all in the US, but they’re thousands of miles from one another. Additionally, they are very different from my normal fly fishing destinations… but they also have a lot of points where they connect.

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

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Falling into Fly Fishing Perspective

I check the ladder up to the tree house every spring. After a cold New England winter, no one gets to head up into the fort until I test every step. This year, with all the craziness, I neglected to do so. Until I inadvertently did so.

Honestly, I am thankful. One, it is only a severe ankle sprain. It could have been a broken ankle. It could have been a broken leg. I could have fallen on my back or head. Two, it was me. I’ll take crutches and braces and a month’s worth of inconveniences any day over one of my boys getting hurt.

Falling and hurting my ankle changed a lot of things in small ways. Obviously, fly fishing has been impacted. I’ve been hurt before. But for whatever reason (maybe age, maybe being humbled) this time I feel like I’ve gained some perspective. Lord willing I’ll heal quickly and get back to doing what I want how I want to do it before this summer wraps us. Not everyone who fishes has a  temporary limitation. It isn’t as easy as “cross the river to cast” or “head down that hillside.”

Here are a few things I’ve realized recently. Maybe you know them from your own experience. Maybe you’ll find some perspective, which will be useful in some way down the road.

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Rusty Flybox: Home

We’ve all realized a lot of things over the past few months. There are a good chance that some of these revelations have been in the realm of civics. Almost certainly, we’ve realized how good we have had things. To be able to pick up and fly anywhere in the world to go fishing was only a matter of time and money. Recently, neither of those made a difference – even for many who simply wanted to fish their home water.

Our current situation merits discussion. But that ability to travel and recreate, both near and far, was a privilege secured by others who came before us. On Memorial Day, that might be the facet of the conversation that deserves the most attention.

Today, I’ve got three articles that celebrate the joy of fishing at home:

  • Fishing in your home town, decades later
  • Rediscovering rivers you had forgotten
  • Misadventures from shoehorning fishing in

Click on the thumbnail or title below to head to each post.

From Casting Across, have a great Memorial Day.

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Podcast Ep. 80: Fly Fishing Accusations, VIII

This week, I talk about opening day, wildfires, little pike, and mop flies.

What ties all of those topics together? Well, you asked for it!

On this 80th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast, I field questions and comments from listeners and readers. It is a lot of fun to get feedback, and I enjoy being able to interact with a few things on the podcast.

If you ever have a question, comment, or even an accusation – just let me know.

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

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Function in Form: VEDAVOO Inversion Sling Review

I have fished with a lot of vests, chest packs, and other fly fishing gear storage solutions in the past 20 years. Most work pretty well, Still, all of them have at least one or two major drawbacks. The right bag or pack for your gear involves: A) the means to hold what you need and B) the ability to do so comfortably.

The Inversion Sling from VEDAVOO strikes that balance. I can carry everything I need for a short trip or a whole day on the water. It can handle a light or a full load without being a burden on my shoulder or neck. Also, the pack is handmade in the US out of the highest quality materials. I’ve used it in the surf, on trout rivers, and with tackle boxes full of spinners and rubber worms with my boys.

Check out this quick video review. I highlight some design features that appear in all VEDAVOO packs, and talk about why the Inversion Sling has become my go-to pack.

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