Fishing Footsteps, I

Of all the angling destinations out there, why drive all the way from New Hampshire to south central Pennsylvania?

Maine’s wild and expansive opportunities for fish are closer. So too are those of the Catskills, which had to be crossed to get down into the Mid-Atlantic. And even our home state has ample water of various kinds that could keep us occupied and into fish for as long as we’d like.

But his choice wasn’t just fish. It was where I had fished; where I learned to fly fish and where I learned about fly fishing.

Years ago  my wife and I decided that we were going to mark milestone birthdays in our boys’ lives with special experiences. Turning ten gets you a night away with dad; thirteen gets you two. That’s as old as the eldest is now, so we’ll need to figure out what comes next. But there are plenty of boys and other parenting priorities to tackle between now and then.

My eldest turned thirteen in February. Not only was this outdoor enthusiast’s options somewhat limited by the wintery conditions, but his baby brother was born early in the morning on his birthday. So we had some time to plan.

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Podcast Ep. 339: Guiding Yourself+

There are a lot of benefits to hiring a guide. They show you new water, put you on fish, and teach you new skills. One of the less exciting facets is the focus they bring to your fishing; less exciting, but incredibly helpful.

Today I talk about some of the  aspects of fly fishing that I help others focus on while on the water (that is the + in the title). But it is just as  important to consistently remind yourself of them while casting and presenting flies over the course of a long day. These four  simple  concepts are good reminders for  experienced anglers, and they’re ways you can guide along those you’re  introducing to fly fishing.
Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Video: Learning to Take Smallmouth Seriously

The notion of smallmouth bass fishing doesn’t come across as romantic as the picturesque dry fly,  trout angling aesthetic. The warmer water and the casual wet-wading  vibe probably contributes to this. But just as often as fast and loud presentations catch bass, the ticket for a productive day is a finesse approach.

In Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass,  Harry Murray covers the entire range of methods for finding and catching smallmouth. A prominent fly fishing figure on the east coast for both coldwater and warmwater species, Murray’s work has been a must-read in five decades.

Whether you’re new at chasing bronzebacks or have brought big bass to hand for a long time, this title should be required reading.

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

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Boiled Frogs & Fly Fishing

Mike couldn’t help but eavesdrop. The two guys that sat next to him at the bar weren’t quiet. But they were also talking fly fishing. Judging by their attire, they did more than just talk about fly fishing.  He had just come off the river himself, and was celebrating a decent day with a burger and a couple of beers. Other people’s business was usually the last thing he cared about. Their volume and proximity made avoidance difficult. And, truth be told, the conversation was more interesting than the ballgame.

“Well I started fly fishing when I was like 12 or 13.” This was the guy just to his right. He had on a red hat with a big tackle company’s name on the front. “I  bought an old rod and reel at a neighborhood yard sale and used anything from my dad’s tackle box that I could cast. Little soft plastics and panfish lures. It was awesome. Well, getting hooked in the back of the head by a treble hook because my cast stunk wasn’t awesome. But it was fun and I was learning every time I went out.”

Red’s friend  (drinking Bud, so Mike thought of him as Bud, naturally) made a few jokes about using panfish lures on a 5-weight.

“I didn’t know any better,” Red said. “It wasn’t until some old dude that lived by the park where I fished came and brought me a bunch of woolly buggers and little poppers. He told me they’d be easier to cast and a whole lot less dangerous. That guy was really cool. I mean, taking the time to just talk to a kid he didn’t know? Give him flies? That was when I first really fly fished, I guess.”

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Podcast Ep. 338: Don’t Buy That Gear, Buy This Gear

Some of the flashiest fly fishing gear is undoubtedly very, very nice. But it isn’t necessary.

If you’re just starting out or you’re operating with a limited budget, there are some pieces of equipment that will vie for your attention. While each person has different parameters and priorities I think that some purchases are better than others for those aforementioned angler demographics.

Today I walk through four alternative options for spending your hard earned money on fishing gear.

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

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VIDEO: A Special Kind of Fly Fishing Road Trip

The allure of the road trip is all of the things that you experience on the way to your destination. The best experiences often come off the beaten path,  slightly beyond the main attractions that command most people’s attention. Fly fishers should understand this concept as good as anyone.

In Storied Waters, David Van Wie journeys from his New England home across the Mid Atlantic and into the upper Midwest. All the while, he stops and fishes. Some rivers are the most popular names in American fly fishing. Others are less well known. The commonality of his waypoints is that each has ties to a significant contribution to fly fishing literature or art.

The result is a fun, informative, and engaging read. It is a book that truly celebrates the multifaceted nature of our wonderful fly fishing culture. Any angler who appreciates history, writing, or adventure ought to add it to his library.

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

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Underneath Counts: Whitewater Luswea Jogger

Regardless of budget, most fly fishers do their due diligence when shopping for waders. After all, no one wants to be wet. The right pair of waders at the right price will give you peace of mind as you spend seasons on the water. For some that price reaches well over $500. However, there is one simple step that you can take that will make budget waders great or cause frustration with premium waders.

What are you wearing underneath?

Many anglers have very nice waders. Yet they settle for wearing not so nice clothing  under them. You can wear jeans under your waders, but it isn’t recommended. Cotton sweats are comfortable, but they’re also not a great idea. The wrong material will bunch in the wrong places, inhibit that breathable technology that makes waders work, and generally cause temperature  or flexibility issues. In fact, many “leaks” are simply sweat getting trapped in  creased fabric.

Any well-made wool or synthetic base layer will perform better than old sweats or your favorite blue jeans. But there are also some pants that have been specifically designed for under-wader wear, or situations a lot like it.

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Podcast Ep. 337: 3 Ways to Gain Nymphing Confidence

Some people only fish dry flies. Others throw streamers exclusively. And then there are those who have gone all in on Euro nymphing.

Every one of those approaches will catch fish. More importantly, you can enjoy your time on the water utilizing each method immensely.

My only advice? Don’t give up on throwing nymphs with traditional gear too soon.

This week I’m sharing three practical ways to improve your nymphing skills with the gear you already have. With some practice and some technique, you can gain a lot of confidence in what your fly is doing down in the unseen depths.

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

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VIDEO: A Key into a World of Fly Fishing Treasure

This is, quite simply, the best book of its kind.

I have been known to use hyperbole. But this labor of Steve Woit’s is truly the exemplar of titles celebrating fly fishing collections. And that is precisely what Fly Fishing Treasures is: a collection of collections.

In their own words, custodians and owners of some remarkable tackle and memorabilia walk through the things that have been central to pivotal moments in the evolution of fly fishing and its culture. If you are a lover of the history of fly fishing, this book 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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Post Tenebras Lux

Some of the most popular articles over the nearly ten years of Casting Across have very little to do with fly fishing. Fly fishing is the setting, the segue, or the thespian’s mask. It is there, but it is not the main story. Just as men often need to stare into a campfire to have deeper conversations, fly fishing is the alluring flame for the most important content on Casting Across.

But it isn’t a bait an switch. First, remember that this is free. You’re getting precisely what you paid for. Second, and I’m certainly not putting my writing into this category, but  A River Runs Through It and Big Two-Hearted River weren’t written to help you choose a fly rod or find trout in high water. I think these articles are knee deep, downstream of  a greater literary heritage.

Today I’m shifting the scene from the river to the pews. Here’s the thing to remember: the content is identical. The core of the message is the same. My perspective on reality, my reason for doing things, and my message is consistent. What you’ll find below just has the flies, mountains, and brook trout  far in the background. They’re there though, because I believe everything is there.

What, exactly, am I getting at?

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