Conservation Smarter, Not Harder

AP News

Hop online and you’ll see some folks that put the mental in environmentalist. Some of the best/worst are:

  • A pulled-over motorist, chucking a tortoise into a pond to “help the turtle.”
  • A brilliant tourist shoving a baby bison into his SUV because it was cold out.
  • A child taking care of a bluegill by drying it off with a towel before tossing it back into the lake.

The last one is excusable and cute. The first two ought to have you rolling your eyes. But none of them cost you money.  That doesn’t mean that there haven’t been some earth-saving measures that haven’t touched your wallet in one way or another. Or $1.6 billion.

But before interacting with that number and the contradictory ecological integers that go into its sum, it is worth talking about what conservation is and what it isn’t.

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Podcast Ep. 361: Used Fly Fishing Gear

It is awfully nice to be the first one to unwrap the plastic from a smooth cork handle or to wipe the excess factory grease from a disc drag.

It is also nice to save a few hundred bucks.

In this installment of Casting Across, I’m talking about finding and evaluating used gear. I’m focusing primarily on rods and reels, but the principles apply to pretty much anything the angler might need. Buying used can be a great way to snag a good deal. And, as I explain, not all “used” fishing gear has actually been used.

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

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VIDEO: 2 Books for Anyone Who Loves the Outdoors

There are some books that simply speak to those who love being outdoors. While I usually share fly fishing books, I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to pass along titles that fit the aforementioned category.

Steven Rinella’s American Buffalo and Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods are both entertaining and educational reads that have received widespread praise. Their wide readership is also testament to their appeal to anyone and everyone who looks outside with any kind of warm thoughts. They are quite different in nearly every way: content, style, and tone. But they are both worth grabbing before your next vacation or simply to set on your end table.

Watch what else I have to say about the books and find out where you can buy your own copies  below:

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Rusty Flybox: Texas

I am no expert when it comes to Texas. I can count my trips to the Lone Star State on one hand. But I do know that this  former republic is a force to be reckoned with. The history, the culture, and the sheer scope of Texas is not something one can grasp with any sort of casual approach.

But I do know there are fish there. And while you’re angling for them, you can find some pretty good things to eat.

I’m spending the better part of the week in Texas. While my schedule all but guarantees that I’ll encounter more burritos than bass, it isn’t stopping me from thinking about the opportunities available for the fly fisher. Below are three pieces from the Casting Across catalog. There is a video, a podcast, and a set of articles. All are pertinent for residents and visitors to the state where everything is just a little bit bigger.

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Podcast Ep. 360: Fly Fishing Accusations, XXXVI

Today’s podcast features a question, an accusation (maybe), and a response to a dozen or so comments. All in less than 25 minutes!

I discuss “traditional” nymphing tactics and encourage you that you already fish this way. Then, I field a statement made about how we cut the tag end off our knots. Lastly, I take a quick dive into a topic that transcends all others. The thing is, each and every one of these segments is very “Casting Across.” It all feels squarely within the wheelhouse of what I do here.

As always, I appreciate any and all interaction with my readers, listeners, and viewers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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

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VIDEO: This Wonderful Book of Trout

Charlie K. Fox’s This Wonderful World of Trout has reached an audience much wider than the tiny spring creeks the author haunted. With an endearing mix of how-to, anecdote, and history, the book has been embraced as a classic of the angler’s library.

Fox was numbered among the prominent Pennsylvania fly fishers  of the mid-20th century. His work on pursuing fish and preserving their habitats went hand in hand. Reading about the escapades and enlightenment at this time is not only entertaining; it is  a glimpse into the heritage that all American fly fishers share.

Whether you’ve heard of the book or not, definitely consider picking up a used copy of this wonderful book.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can buy This Wonderful World of Trout  below:

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Holding Aces with Redington’s Top Trout Reel

This year, a reel that received a lot of attention upon release was the Redington Ace. Online and walk-in fly shops had a hard time supplying anglers with the 5/6 model. What made this reel so hot? And how has it held up six months into actual fishing?

The short of it is that Redington has made an excellent reel that really stands out in a segment where many trout anglers  can be found. As is the company’s M.O. with their top-tier offerings, the Ace tweaks the usual formula to provide something just a little bit different in a crowded catalog.

But what does that mean for the Ace? The construction and finish are durable. The design is lightweight and ergonomic. The drag is more than capable (without being overkill) for virtually all freshwater applications. The price is competitive. For these four reasons, fly fishers looking for a solid reel ought to head to the fly shop and give the Ace a spin.

Here are more details:

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Podcast Ep. 359: [Cast1] Becoming a Reading Fly Fisher

Maybe you’ve noticed that there are a  lot of books about fly fishing.

You needn’t have consumed the loads of literary content on Casting Across to know that fly fishing and writing go together. Whether it be gripping narratives, applicable techniques, or pertinent stream guides, a book will help you in some way, shape, or form with your fly fishing. And they go a long way in tethering us to one another and the anglers who came before us.

In this Cast1 installment of the podcast, I share some recommendations from the aforementioned categories for new anglers. Even if you’ve been doing this for a while, there should be something for you.

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

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Videos Off the Bookshelf

For nearly all of 2025 I’ve published a fly fishing book review video on my YouTube page every Wednesday. I’ve enjoyed putting them together, sharing some great titles, and interacting with those who watch.

But this week things didn’t come together. And that is okay. Not only is it okay because there is no reason for it not to be okay, but because it gives me an opportunity to share something with those of you who have only recently started reading, watching, and listening to Casting Across.

Most of the fly fishing book review views actually happen on Instagram. The view counts on YouTube are pretty modest. However, there are some videos on my channel that do get some respectable watch counts. I’m no online trendsetter, but I do think that when tens of thousands of people are interested in what I have to say about nippers it is worth a look.

Below are my videos accounting for  most of my channel’s views. Check them out here or over on YouTube. And make sure you’re subscribed for new content.

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The Streamside Nap

There aren’t many articles in fly fishing magazines that lay out the technique required for taking a streamside nap. However, it is an aspect of angling that has been connected to the culture for centuries. Some swear by the practice. Some unintentionally integrate it into every expedition. Some have a particular process; some happen into naps if they sit still for more than the better part of a minute.

One does not need a reason to take a nap while fishing. And yet, there are plenty of reasons. It could be as simple as the fact that you’re tired. The morning could have been early and the hiking may have been rigorous. There is also the kind of sleepy that comes from a seasonably warm afternoon and the contentment of being somewhere beautiful. The biological impulse to pause should not be overlooked.

It might be a tactical nap. The heat of the day, a lull in insect activity, or a wait to connect with an angling companion  could be the next item on your itinerary. You could keep hammering the water, even though the odds are less in your favor. Or, you may benefit from lowering the quantity of your fishing to increase the quality.

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