The Fly Fishing Show: 2026

One of my 2025 presentations.

In just under three months, the calendar turns over and 2026 will be upon us. For many anglers, one implication is that the season for fly fishing expo shows is upon us.

While there are a number of small and even large fly fishing expos coming up, The Fly Fishing Show has six events spanning three months. If you find yourself anywhere near the nation-wide locations on the appropriate dates, it is worth planning a day or two at the show. And since we’re less than three months out, there is no better time to put it on your calendar than right now.

I’ve been an attendee, worked booths, and been a presenter. And I have no hesitation in saying I’m a fan.  Over the years  I’ve written extensively on my experiences at these events (there’s a link below). Keep reading to see five quick reasons why I think you should make plans to head to a stop of The Fly Fishing Show, along with a list of the locations and dates:

read more

Podcast Ep. 362: Midge Miscellany

After perusing a handful of books about tying and fishing midges, and in anticipation of turning to these tiny flies for much of my winter angling, I thought I’d share a potpourri of midge information today.

While even tying them on might seem like a chore, the part that midges play in most trout diets makes them impossible to ignore. Even the biggest fish will gorge themselves on bugs that match a size 28 fly pattern. Getting comfortable with fishing these flies goes a long way. And today I discuss some of the tying, fishing, and storage tips that have helped me over the decades.

Whether you’re a believer in midges or not, listen and get excited about angling with the smallest flies out there.

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

read more

VIDEO: The Streamer Authority

It is undeniable that fishing streamers is the most direct route to  big fish. And 2015’s Strip-Set is the authoritative title on all things modern streamer fishing.

In this important, informative, and interesting work, George Daniel equips you to throw streamers from size 12 to 2/0. He covers everything from reading the water, feeding behavior, and casting. And, of course, there are pages and pages of flies with accompanying recipes for tyers.

While Strip-Set did come out at the peak of the “chucking meat” era, it is a timeless resource that any and all fly anglers will benefit from reading and re-reading.

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

read more

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.

read more

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.

read more

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:

read more

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.

read more

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.

read more

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:

read more

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:

read more