Lid Rig 3.0: Upgrade to the Top Nipper

Recently I commented that the fly fishing industry is squarely within the “build a better mousetrap” stage of technological advancements. There are very few new things that are entering the long rod, thick line, tiny fly space. That is all fine and good. But it does breed some skepticism from consumers who are being presented with the latest and greatest. I can appreciate that. A new coat of paint or some imperceptible engineering jargon is not worth hundreds of dollars; dozens might even be a stretch.

But there are plenty of people within fly fishing who are trying to tweak and tinker with what they have because they want better. Scott Wilday, the man who created and runs Lid Rig, wants a better mousetrap. His mousetrap just so happens to feature magnets and a design meant to keep one of an anglers’ most important tools right at hand all the time.

Although Lid Rig has churned out other products, most significant being other magnet-based fly and tool storage options, it is the brand namesake nipper that is getting another upgrade. Having fished with earlier models, I can say that the Lid Rig 3.0 was not created because the 2.0 failed. With hands on experience and a conversation with Wilday, it is evident that his desire was to push a good thing to be better.

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Podcast Ep. 328: [Cast1] Preparing for a Fly Fishing Trip

So you’ve made plans to go fly fishing. Not just a few hours at the local pond; not just the better part of a day at the river. You’re going on a fly fishing trip.

How do you prepare? Do you buy any and every fly that might be hatching? Do you do your best to not think about it so that the time doesn’t drag on  and the doldrums of normal life become painful compared to the coming angling glory?

On the heels of last week’s episode, I glance over some of the things that are wise to consider as you move from the planning stage to the preparing stage. You can do some things that will make  real difference once you make your first cast on your trip.

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

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Fly Fishing Book Review Videos

There is something pleasant about creating new media highlighting old media. And that is precisely what I am doing with my latest project on Casting Across: fly fishing book reviews on YouTube.

With five videos up at the time of writing and a few more in the can, this series seeks to show off some good angling books. New and old releases are being featured. The diverse subject matter spans everything from literature to guidebooks to history. This format also allows me to insert some of my experiences with the books and, in some cases, the connections that the books themselves helped form in my pursuit of fish. Along with simply sharing books I enjoy, my intention is to introduce people to titles they  either haven’t heard of or those they forgot they read decades ago.

In the nearly ten years of content on Casting Across, I’ve consistently encouraged anyone I can to familiarize themselves with the rich literary tradition in fly fishing and consider how curating a library is a rewarding aspect of angling. My goal with this video series is to continue moving that goal forwards with a new format and a wider audience. If you have ideas for more books, there’s a link to share that below. If you know a fly fisher who enjoys reading, please pass the links along.

Check out a link to the whole video playlist and a lot more fly fishing book content below:

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VIDEO: The Authority on Pennsylvania Limestone Streams

One of the most important facets of anything done for fun or profit is the individuals who will dive deep into the minutiae of things. While the quantity or specificity might not be for everyone, the consequential byproducts usually benefit everyone.

While I personally love the intricate detail of A. Joseph Armstrong’s Trout Unlimited Guide to Pennsylvania Limestone Streams, any angler must admit that the undertaking was impressive. Cataloging any and every spring creek he could find, Armstrong produced a work that still informs and inspires anglers three decades later. If you regularly fish the commonwealth, it is a must-have.

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

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Podcast Ep. 327: [Cast1] Planning a Fly Fishing Trip

Adventure can be had simply by heading into the wild or booking a stay at the first deluxe lodge that pops up on Google. But there is a better way. And many anglers I’ve talked to wish they had adjusted their fishing vacation plans slightly early on in their time chasing trout.

Today’s podcast is another installment in the Cast1 series. Although it is directed more towards new fly fishers, there is information that anyone should consider. Moreover, it is the kind of thing worth sharing with other anglers in your life.

Plus, you might be interested to hear that of all my priorities when planning a fly fishing trip money isn’t at the top.

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

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A Quick, Great Film on Helping Adirondack Brookies

I only come across a few things in fly fishing that captivate me right off the bat. In my opinion, the short films that Frequent Flyers Fishing have been putting out in such a short period of time fall squarely into that category.

These guys tell simple, straightforward, and meaningful stories. Most importantly, their work captures true aspects of the ethos of fly fishing. Clearly communicated, important in content, and beautifully created, Connected Conservation is another excellent short film project from Frequent Flyers Fishing.

Connected Conservation – A Future for Adirondack Brook Trout explores a cooperative effort between Trout Unlimited and the New York State DEC. Although remote, the headwaters of many major watersheds in the Adirondacks are not immune from threats. These watersheds are also home to brook trout. This video articulates some of the steps that conservation partners can take to make a real difference in these small, special streams.

Watch the video and get all the important links below:

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2025 Show Report: New, Practical Gear

While I am surprised from time to time  with something novel in fly fishing, I think it is safe to say that the industry is squarely in the business of building better mouse traps. Tweaks and variations on themes are fine. If anything, any gear that makes for a noticeable improvement of on-steam quality of life is worth  considering.

Walking the exhibition hall floors of The Fly Fishing  Show I am always on the lookout for new, unique, and helpful equipment. Nearly every company has something of interest. Even if the mousetrap only features shiny new spring colors, they’re worth handling and considering how they’d work for an angler somewhere.

Although there were numerous noteworthy items (including fly rods, which I share last week), I am sharing two that I found particularly captivating. Check out my thoughts on RestorLine and RockSpring Nets below:

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Podcast Ep. 326: Real Easy Reel Maintenance

One of the most amazing things about fly fishing is that the vast majority of our gear works great 100% of the time without paying any attention to it.

One of the most frustrating things about fly fishing is when your gear suffers a catastrophic failure while you’re on the water.

I’m not saying that routine maintenance will avert all disaster. But it doesn’t increase the odds; it certainly diminishes them. Today I walk through the relatively simple process than anyone with a tiny amount of mechanical know-how can follow to keep their reel running smoothly and ready for the upcoming season. I also offer up some of my routine fly line PSAs while I’m at it.

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

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VIDEO: The Best Brook Trout Books

Some of the earliest English writing about the new world included descriptions of the fish that were encountered. Some of those fish were brook trout, and the words penned about these amazing little char have only increased over the centuries.

There are many books that focus on brookies. Some focus on history or lore. Others focus on biology or ecological matters. Then there are works that straight up help people catch fish. Today I’m discussing three that are worth adding to your angling library. One of them is, in my humble opinion, a non-negotiable necessity for anyone interested in eastern fly fishing.

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

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2025 Show Report: New Fly Rods

The Fly Fishing Show is often the best place to go hands-on with gear that has just been or is about to be released. In fly fishing, on the pinnacle of that gear pile sits the fly rod. There are a lot of fly rods at the Show. From under $100 to over $1,000, there are bamboo, fiberglass, and graphite options that range from state of the art to antique. The biggest labels and garage makers alike have their handiwork on display.

With casting pools available for anyone to use, it is worth picking up a rigged up rod from a booth and playing around for a bit. If things aren’t too crowded, you even have the opportunity to cast two similar models back-to-back. It is a great way to make a decision. It is also a great way to see what is new and noteworthy in fly fishing.

While I could write about a dozen rods I checked out in MA and NJ, I wanted to focus on two new rods from two  established brands. Neither are high-end, but both were a pleasure to cast. Most importantly, I think they are each rods that will appeal to a wide range of anglers. Check out my thoughts on the new Orvis Superfine and the Redington EDC below:

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