Podcast Ep. 308: In Appalachia

This episode is an overflow of this week. On the website I’ve focused on the region that has been most impacted by Hurricane Helene, and I’m going to continue to do so on the podcast.

Even though southern Appalachia is remote and wild, it is incredibly close to so the vast majority of those who live along the eastern seaboard. That happens to be a large number of this country’s people. This is why the mountains and hollows are accessible and loved by so many. This is also why the relative silence about their present plight is confusing.

This podcast isn’t going to change anything. But people can.

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

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The Science of the Flood

photo: TU

Even since Monday’s article (which you can read here), more information has come to light regarding the terrible destruction of Hurricane Helene. First and foremost, the cost of human lives ought to be our concern. The death toll is increasing. Surprisingly, the state of human suffering is not being given the attention that one might expect.

We should pray for relief, for peace, and for purpose in the midst of this tragedy.

With all that said, I do want to turn to something I brought up on Monday’s post. It is a legitimate question that I have been asked as I’ve taught fly fishing and environmental programs:

Where do the fish go when it floods?

The short answer is that they find refuge. But there is much more to it than that. And since the internet is a very valuable resource, I figured I would share a few different articles that provide some very helpful information on the subject.

Here are three articles worth reading if you’re curious how small creeks, and their residents, survive significant storms:

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The Trout Will Come Back

photo ABC News

The trout will come back. But that is little consolation to the families of the hundreds who have died in the path and wake of Hurricane Helene.

Ripping through Florida and  Georgia before pounding the Carolinas, the storm did immense damage to the southern Appalachians.  The usual coastal and flatland issues associated with wind and rain were altered significantly by the terrain. The mountains and valleys supercharged the danger of water.

Consider what anglers enjoy about regions like this: small creeks begin high up on the ridge; they gather volume as tributaries enter during their descent; eventually they join larger rivers. Pragmatically, it means tiny brook trout then larger salmonids then bass. But historic rainfall in a short period of time turns every one of these flows into torrents that accelerate in scope and force. If the problems in the flatland come like a shotgun blast, the damage in the valleys are more akin to a large caliber round.

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Podcast Ep. 307: Cast & Blast

Not all of you are hunters. That is fine. But within the first five minutes of the podcast I have some real, practical advice for how anglers who don’t hunt have a legitimate opportunity for better fishing if they are aware of the hunting seasons.

That, and a piece of advice on how to not get shot.

In this week’s episode, I discuss the wonderful dilemma of “to hunt or to fish or to do both” that we encounter in the autumn. There are a few anecdotes, some gear recommendations, and a handful of questions I pose for you to answer for yourself.

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

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Time for a Good Book: A Fly Fishing Library

I love reading. I love fly fishing. It goes without saying that I truly enjoy a good fly fishing book.

For nearly nine years, I’ve been sharing books with those reading and listening to Casting Across. From guidebooks to technical volumes to famous pieces of literature, there have been recommendations of all shapes and sizes. Some of these articles have been the most read and commented upon posts.

Today I’m sharing the updated “Fly Fishing Books” page, now titled A Fly Fishing Library.

Here’s what has changed, and what is in store for you if you check it out:

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Catch/Snap/Release

Something rarely discussed in fly fishing is planning ahead for what happens next when you hook a fish. With all the words written regarding casting technique and fly selection. little is mentioned pertaining to proactive steps for landing and releasing fish. And these days, you can throw photography into that quick sequence of events, too.

In the categories of landing, photographing, and releasing fish, it is important to have  a plan. Not only will this lead to completing the process of catching more fish, it will lead to better pictures. Most importantly, it will lead to reducing fish mortality. You can never eliminate harming fish, but having a plan will certainly help you significantly mitigate that harm.

Here are 12 questions worth asking yourself as you plan on hooking a fish:

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Podcast Ep. 306: Taking the Best Fish Pics

In the realm of Casting Across,  visual media serves the written and spoken word. Still, a nice picture helps.

Today, I talk through some things that are important to consider as you photograph your fly fishing. From gear to approach to subject matter, I hit on some tips that might make your camera roll or your social media profile a little more interesting.

Plus, on the heels of “Releasing Fish Well,” this is a reminder that the fish are a lot more important than likes. But you still can take mementos with you as they swim away happy and healthy.

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

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Outdoors Via Online in VA

It isn’t often that you’ll find me gushing about government agencies. While I have deep convictions about submitting to the magistrate, I’m confident that the state likes to carry a stick to redraw lines in the sand in a manner that can only be described as “willy nilly.”

But when something good does come along it does merit recognition. And I’ve recently seen some good things from the Virginia Department of Wildlife. Even though I live in New England, I’m in Virginia fishing and hiking a few times a year. Consequently I keep my eyes on what is going on in one of my adopted home states. Whether you live near the Old Dominion State, I do think that fly fishers and outdoorsmen of all stripes should appreciate the user-friendly and creative initiatives that the VA DWR is promoting.

Here are two that are currently available:

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River Songs: A Review of A Hit

Why? Why read, let alone purchase one more compilation of loosely collected fly fishing stories?

Why not, if the stories are compelling? If they are well-written? If they resonate with you and with me even if our experiences and lives differ significantly? If the words  elicit that special mix of escapism and entertainment? If the end of the chapter compels you to take in one more, even though your eyes are heavy and its just one more fly fishing story? Why not?

Steve Duda’s River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing is a positive answer to those questions.

Along with his fair share of fly fishing bona fides, the author has a sizeable resume that spans editing The Flyfish Journal to contributing to Rolling Stone. Needless to say, he brings something interesting and notable to the genre.

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Podcast Ep. 305: [Cast1] Releasing Fish Well

You’ve managed to get on the water. You’ve figured out how to get the fly in front of a fish. You’ve somehow convinced it to bit said fly. You’ve fought it your your hand or net.

Now what?

If you’re interested in the common practice of catch and release, there are some things that are good to do. (They’re even better for the fish.) In this beginner-focused episode, I actually begin what releasing well involves long before you catch a fish. Some of these steps might be common sense. Others might sound odd. Regardless, this is helpful for anglers of all experience levels to know and to be able to communicate.

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

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