Summer 2025 Fly Rod FAQs

Something that I love about fly rod conversations is how they vacillate between empirical and metaphysical. You can go from talking ounces and recovery speed to how it makes you feel in a matter of seconds.

It is just a fly rod. But if you fish, you know what I mean.

Not only is a rod a potentially significant expense, but it is what connects you to the fish. So while it isn’t what fly fishing is all about, it makes it possible.

Today I’m tacking five more questions onto my Fly Rod FAQ page. This is a running list of questions I’ve fielded and continue to field from people as I talk about the tangible and intangible aspects of the pinnacle piece of fly fishing gear.

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Podcast Ep. 349: AI & Fly Fishing

It is ridiculous that I even need to write it, but please know that content on Casting Across comes from a regular, old human being. I have nothing against robots… in fact I want them all to know I really appreciate them when they eventually take over.

Seriously though: there is a lot of fly fishing writing out there that is actually AI generated.  I don’t think it is prideful to say that Casting Across is better than that.

Today I am tapping into an interesting aspect of artificial intelligence. I received an email from a company offering aggregated data from feedback to the website and social media platforms. Out of curiosity, I’m responding to four of their suggestions on today’s podcast. You tell me: are the robots accurately representing you, the audience?

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

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VIDEO: Get to Know Trout Unlimited

Among many fly fishers, there is a positive – albeit somewhat nebulous – perspective on Trout Unlimited. They know that the conservation work and the cold water resource advocacy happens, but that might be the extent of it unless there has been a personal connection or proactive involvement in a local chapter.

John Ross’ Rivers of Restoration is a great way to get to know TU. Through 20 or so short chapters, Ross walks the reader through some of the most significant conservation projects. The snapshots span ecological issues, river sizes, and locations in the USA. Furthermore, the book is chock full of excellent photography.

Whether you are an active member of TU, a fly fishing history buff, or a conservationist, Rivers of Restoration is worth seeking out and adding to your bookshelf.

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

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The Most Important Fly Fishing Rod Review

Today I want to discuss one of the most important pieces of gear out there in fly fishing today. In my humble opinion, it hasn’t received appropriate treatment; certainly not the fanfare it deserves. That said, I want to sing its praises in a way that makes you take notice.

It is a fly rod. And yet, it isn’t just a fly rod. It is one of the most important fly rods to be designed, made, marketed, and sold in the last 50 years.

As is the case with most equipment, the aesthetics are the first thing that you’ll notice. It doesn’t mean that form trumps function. It is simply the consequence of how we perceive the world. First we see, then we touch. And with fly fishing gear there is usually a lot of looking and touching before any real fishing takes place. Frankly, this rod looks good. The cork invites the hand. The wraps and the blank just go together so well. It looks good because it looks like it was meant to be. Even if the parts of color scheme or hardware  don’t seem to be much on their own, the total is greater than the sum of the parts.

But at the end of the day it is a fishing rod. Good looks will only get you so far.

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Podcast Ep. 348: Trout, Beavers, Bass, & Chicken

In what is effectively a trip report from my most recent jaunt down to Virginia, I cover all the topics in the episode’s title and more.

I don’t assume that you have a vested interest in what I do in my leisure time… well, aside from fly fishing. However, I do think that you and I have a lot in common. At a bare minimum, we can enjoy that together. Potentially something I did will give you some ideas for what you can do.

That said, I did have a wonderful time with family for  the better part of two weeks this summer. My hope is that you can say the same. With a few fish sprinkled in.

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

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VIDEO: I Read Your Top Fly Fishing Book Recommendation

It would be easy to say that I regret not reading Christopher Camuto’s A Fly Fisherman’s Blue Ridge years ago. Not only is it well written, but the author’s experiences overlap with my own in a remarkable way. It is good enough that I can simply embrace that it was providentially saved for me today.

And I know that I’m not alone, because this is the most consistently recommended book from readers, listeners, and viewers of Casting Across.

You don’t need to be well-acquainted with  Virginia’s trout waters or fly fishing the Appalachians to appreciate this book. It is a uniquely crafted account of a man’s life on a river and succinctly told over the course of a year. It is a testament to the hold waters and regions have on people.

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

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The Optimism of the Small Stream Angler

There is something wonderful about the naive expectations  children possess about fishing. They assume that if they cast their bobber, hook, and worm into a body of water that they will catch a fish. It makes sense. This is what fishing is, after all. Fish eat worms. Fish live in water. It really isn’t that complicated. Why doesn’t everyone do it?

The only angler with a similar level of optimism to a child is the small stream fly fisher.

He  can see the breadth of the entire river. Clearly defined riffles, runs, and pools instill a sense of comprehension. The ecosystem is beautifully complex, yet there are a few key variables: one being the opportunistic nature of the trout which compels them to give most flies a nibble. Most fishermen know that they can walk just a little bit beyond that first impulse to stop to get to water that hasn’t been disturbed. This may yield more fish, or at a minimum, more willing fish.

Those aspects of fly fishing on small mountain streams lead to a high level of positivity about the entire endeavor.

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Podcast Ep. 347: Don’t Fear the Spinner

Times have changed… I think. It doesn’t seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire group.

More pragmatically, there is no reason to jettison an entire approach to catching fish.

Today I’m sharing three reasons why you might want to pick up  a spinning rod. While I primarily fly fish, a spinning combo is in my hand around 5% of the time I’m on the water. You may use one less; you might use one more. Regardless, it is a good idea to know your options.

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

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VIDEO: What Makes a Good Fly Fishing Vacation Book?

Most of my fly fishing books are purchased because of their historical reputation or from the hype surrounding their release. Every once in a while, a book falls into my hands with no fanfare whatsoever. In the case of John Inglis Hall’s Fishing a Highland Stream, the lack of fanfare at its acquisition has been made up for in the subsequent years.

Not only was this surprise, last minute purchase a good book: it was the perfect book to bring on the plane for a long flight.

Today I share why Fishing a Highland Stream is worth reading. In doing so, I also discuss why it is the perfect “vacation book,” “airplane book,” or “I need something that will hold my attention for a few hours” book.

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

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Rusty Flybox: Smallmouth

I’m on my way down to the Mid Atlantic. Trout are in the plans, but the real target that I have is smallmouth bass.

These fish are so incredibly fun on the fly rod. They take dries, nymphs, and streamers. And you may have heard that they’re willing to chase a popper, too. There are few things as pleasant as standing waist deep in a river on a warm summer day, casting to splashes as the sun sets.

Interested?

Below, you’ll find some things to really whet your appetite:

  • A quick look at smallmouth gear.
  • An argument for waiting until the last minute (of daylight) to get on the water.
  • A podcast on the subject of warm water fly fishing aimed at beginners.

Read both articles and listen to the podcast below by clicking on the images or titles:

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