The Mosts of Casting Across Fly Fishing

I write and I talk. That is what Casting Across is. I don’t dive into data, calculate SEO strategies, or find ways to push my content. I write. And I talk. Perhaps that is short-sighted and limits my exposure. Perhaps not. Either way, it is what it is.

But once a year I do purposefully look at some statistics that I think are interesting. I click around and figure out the content that you read the most over the past 12 months. What do I find, year in and year out? You like small stream fly rods. And who can blame you? It is one of my favorite things to write and talk about, too.

There are also some other interesting things that the audience of Casting Across has enjoyed over the last year. Below I’m sharing a handful of links from a number of categories. Whether you’re just finding the site for the first time or you’ve been around adding to those visits and views for nine years, there is sure to be something you’ll enjoy.

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9 Thoughts for 9 Years

This week marks 9 years of Casting Across. Since October of 2015,  three posts a week have been published on the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish.

First and foremost, Casting Across is a creative outlet for me. It has been a way for me to flex muscles in a way that I don’t get to as much in my ministry. Second, it is a celebration of the wider sphere of fly fishing. That is where the “quarry and culture” tagline comes in. The stuff that some intense angling types might label distractions are, in my opinion, part of what makes fly fishing such a holistically wonderful activity. Third, I like doing what I can to help people catch a fish or two.

Today I’m distilling the ethos of Casting Across into 9 thoughts. As you’ll see, they aren’t about what weight rod you should pick or how to target spring creek browns. These thoughts are upstream from those items.  These thoughts hit at something a little deeper, and inform who we are as people – people who happen to like fishing with long rods and little feathered hooks.

Thanks for reading and listening to Casting Across. Here’s nine quick thoughts for you from me:

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Podcast Ep. 311: Voting Fly Fishing… & More

Did you know that is a presidential election year?!?

Since I think the “rule” to avoid talking about money, religion, and politics is stupid, I talk about politics today on the podcast. But I think you’d agree that it is more philosophical than partisan.  And it has to do with fly fishing. I promise.

And just so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth, I also add  in a quick gear tip in the beginning.

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

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A Different Kind of Fly Fishing Book

There is a very good chance that the first four or five fishing books you’ll name fall into one of the main literary sub-genres: memoirs, novels, techniques, or guides. And although there are enough quality entries in those categories to keep you going for quite a while, perhaps you’re looking to switch things up.

How about a massive tome of artifacts?

What about a fly shop owner’s stream side meditations?

Have you ever read a fishing horror story?

The tried and true types are worth reading and rereading. But there is something to be said for seeking out a different kind of fly fishing book every once in a while.

Here are three book suggestions that aren’t your normal fly fishing reading fare:

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4 Ways to Think About Scouting

The afternoon started in abject failure. Trees blocked the river in both directions. We were covered in cobwebs, decaying bark, and more sweat than is befitting a mid-October day. There would be no ducks or trout in this spot.

My oldest son and I were on a two-fold mission: locate a new waterfowl hole while also identifying some late-season fishing opportunities.

The next three locations were even less successful. Long and winding drives essentially led to dead ends. No access, no water, or NO TRESSPASSING  wasn’t what the maps indicated. But that was the reality we faced.

Then, on a last second jerk-the-steering-wheel-because-that-looks-like-water maneuver, we were presented with what looked better than everything we had planned on looking at. Within ten minutes there were two birds in the boat and we were surrounded by evening swirls as fish pursued their evening meals. Not bad for  a last resort.

I shouldn’t be surprised. At least once a season for as long as I can remember I’ve stumbled upon something excitingly surprising for hunting or fishing. There isn’t a formula for serendipity. But here are four ways to think about and undertake thorough scouting:

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Podcast Ep. 310: Fly Fishing Accusations, XXXI

I do miss things from time to time. And on this episode I come clean about missing two important things. You’ve probably survived, but I need to make it right.

On another feedback-based episode, I answer questions about the following:

  • Beginner vises
  • Expensive sunglasses
  • Why I don’t have more video content

Check out those segments, along with a really excellent weekly recommendation, on this week’s podcast.

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

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The Phonaesthetic Fly

October Caddis.

Say it with me. There is something about the syllabic rhythm; something in the way the vowels and consonants cycle about your mouth. It sounds perfect. It is a joy to say and a pleasure to hear. This two-word phrase may be in the running for fly fishing’s “cellar door.”

Now, euphony won’t catch you any fish. But imitations of the genus Dicosmoecus will. It is that insect coupled with the time of year it is most prevalent that adds the real harmony to the common name October Caddis.

The October Caddis combines some of the best parts of fly fishing. It is a big, bushy dry that floats high and is easy to see. Trout voraciously chase them, even as the weather gets colder as the hatch goes on. This dance occurs as the trees’ colors change and the crisp air of fall comes on in earnest. These flies flitting about fill anglers with favorable feelings.

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Back to Costa’s Grand Catalina (For the First Time)

Nostalgia and aesthetics aren’t the only reason you should buy fly fishing gear. But those two aspects do count for something. And in the history-rich, artistically inclined world of fly fishing nostalgia and aesthetics  are often embraced willingly. Bamboo rods and waxed cotton packs are still   made and used because they work. They are examples of equipment that tethers today to yesterday.

For anyone aware of fly fishing in the late 80s and the 90s, Costa Del Mar‘s reintroduced Grand Catalina sunglasses will immediately reel you back to yesterday. Their marketing is unashamedly capitalizing on that. And it works.

As a teenager hungry for all things fly fishing in the mid-90s, I tuned in with countless others across the nation to ESPN on Saturday mornings. Trout-centered shows were opportunities to take notes and improve on something the next time out. Bass tournaments scratched both competitive and infomercial itches. But  Walker’s Cay Chronicles stood alone among  programs. Flip Pallot’s exploration of Florida’s coastline was about as adventurous to a suburban teenager as  summiting Everest. For thirty minutes, with commercial breaks, I was able to  ride the ragged edge where the fish were big and wild.

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Podcast Ep. 309: John Gierach & Fly Fishing Voices

With the passing of a great author, something much more significant is lost than a new title every few years. First and foremost a man is gone. Beyond that, the fly fishing world has lost a voice.

Today I reflect a bit on Gierach’s impact on the fly fishing world. From adding popular phrases to spurring on countless imitators, he moved generations of anglers in many ways.

At the heart of it all is the fact that he was a consistent voice for anglers across five decades. Consistency, especially today, matters.

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

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Firsts

Today is opening day for waterfowl in New Hampshire. Opening days aren’t something I’m used to, since I’ve generally fished special regulation water that is open year-round. So for the last handful of years I’ve enjoyed the anticipation and gentle pomp of getting out early for the first day of ducks.

Although a payoff is sweet, there are many more “firsts” that come with the date in October circled on my calendar.

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