Casting Across Answers Google

Google doesn’t just answer questions. Google gives you questions that you might not even know you want to ask. Then, it gives you some answers to those questions.

What a time to be alive.

There are plenty of things that are informative and/or entertaining about the internet. But the multifaceted, user-centric experience of a goliath search engine like Google provides the meticulous web surfer with plenty of fodder for observation. Such as the four most common or most consistently asked questions regarding fly fishing.

They are, at least as of today, as follows:

  • What is the point of fly fishing?
  • Is fly fishing the hardest fishing?
  • Is fly fishing for beginners?
  • Why is fly fishing so difficult?

These are all good questions. A bit vague, but good. And while Google has answers for each one of them, I thought I’d give it a shot.

Now, something like “what is the point of fly fishing” has been the nucleus of novel-length treatments. But in the spirit of quickfire online responses, I’ll keep my answers short. So here is what I have to say, internet:

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Calendar Ready: The Fly Fishing Show 2024

October is a relative plateau on the calendar before a fast, precipitous drop into the busyness of November and December. By the time you skid to  manageable pace in the new year you’re playing catch up while also gasping for breath. And, for much of the country, this is being done underneath a blanket of heavy snow.

This is why I am a big advocate of nailing down some early year priorities this far in advance. Potential vacations, house projects, and kids’ sports can (and should) be penciled in three months in advance. While you’re at it, make sure you block off a weekend for the closest stop on the nationwide tour of The Fly Fishing Show.

Outdoor expos are an excellent way to spend a cold Saturday in January. They serve as launch pads for trips, skill goals, and general enthusiasm for the coming angling season. There are numerous local fly fishing  shows and larger events that include fly fishing, but The Fly Fishing Show is the marquee expo in the US.

Check out the lineup of shows for 2024 below, and start making plans today to get out to a great indoor fly fishing event:

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Podcast Ep. 257: How to Read Big Rivers

My introduction to fly fishing was on small, intimate rivers and streams. The first time I waded into a broad, sprawling trout river I was confident I wasn’t going to catch a thing.

But you know what? I did. And by employing a few simple techniques I landed more big river trout that day… and quite a few more in the decades since.

Today’s episode is a classic three-step how-to. I share three things that you can do to build confidence and get onto fish as you chase them in even the widest flows.

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

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Our Parasocial Fly Fishing World

I listen to a relatively diverse catalog of podcasts. My podcast app features a lot of theology, some history, and a few fly fishing shows sprinkled in for good measure. Every once in a while, I hop on to a true crime or celebrity podcast bandwagon. And, like hundreds of thousands of other listeners, I download Stuff You Should Know every week.

Josh and Chuck have been a part of my commutes, my lawn mowing, and my long drives to the river. I’ve tagged along on their quest to explain everything  since 2015. The subject matter is all over the place, and is equally entertaining whether I’m familiar with the topic or completely clueless.

This week, the episode Parasocial Relationships: That Podcaster Is Your Friend! fell into the latter category.

Once they got around to explaining  the concept, I realized how appropriate it was for the fly fishing community. And since I said “fly fishing community,” it’s time to tell you what I mean.

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Don’t Fear the Heavier Rod

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “what line weight should I use for trout?” The same holds true for smallmouth, pike, striper, panfish… you name it. Every species, and any circumstance you might find yourself in while fishing for that species, can be pursued with a range or rod and line weights.

While it is certainly fun to try to see how much you can get away with while using the lightest rod possible, there is merit to jumping up to a heavier rod.

And if one is better…

Here are three situations that warrant jumping up not one, but two line sizes.

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Podcast Ep. 256: When to Jump Up 2 Line Sizes

Okay. Here’s one that you can put in the debating fly fishing minutiae category.

What situations should trigger jumping up two rod weights/line sizes?

Today I talk through three circumstances that might push you to a heavier terminal rig. I give three common, real world examples. There are plenty of misconceptions that drive people to use gear that is too light. And while I love using lighter, more finesse equipment it should never be at the expense of decent casting and proper presentation.

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

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Rusty Flybox: Alone

Fishing is good alone. Fishing is good together. Why? Because fishing is good.

Today I’m sharing three articles from the Casting Across archives, spanning nearly the entire 8 year history of the site. Each has to do with going fly fishing and the alone/together tension that exists every time you get in the water.

Interestingly, and as I point out below, sometimes we feel the most connected when we are miles from anyone else. Whether you are a lone wolf or part of a piscatorial pack, I’m confident that these pieces will resonate with you.

Click on the image or the heading to read the entire post:

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Blue Ribbon Fish Art

I’m blessed with four amazing boys. Each is gifted in his own way. Each loves the outdoors; including the water and everything in it that crawls or swims. This past month my three oldest submitted artwork to a local fair. Before running off to funnel cake and ferris wheels, the boys sprinted into the exhibit hall to see where they placed.

Ribbons were won by all. Once again; I’m blessed with good, talented boys.

But for the sake of Casting Across, I’m sharing this blue ribbon winner. My seven year-old used watercolors to paint this bluegill. Perhaps I’m biased, but I think that it was certainly deserving of the award it received. And, more pertinently, that he was deserving.

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Podcast Ep. 255: Urban Fly Fishing

There is a certain picture most of us have in our minds when we think of fly fishing. Rolling hills, dense forests, and barren beaches are the kinds of scenery we seek out as we pursue fish.

But have you ever tried to lure a brown trout out from under an overturned shopping cart to the sounds of a machine shop?

Either because of adventure or proximity, you may very well want to pursue fly fishing in town. Big cities and small villages have water. And as long as the water is in good shape, there will probably be fish there. Today I give a brief overview of the how and why of fishing in and amongst the hustle and bustle. Hopefully you feel compelled to give it a shot.

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

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4 Ways to Know You Shouldn’t Fish in Fall

To fish or not to fish?

That is a good question, come fall. Why? Some of our most beloved quarry have been making fish babies for millennia in the autumn. Proper stewardship necessitates we wade lightly and cast conscientiously during their more amorous intervals.

So when do you lay off? Ask four different anglers and you might get four different answers. There is no hard and fast rule (although there is often a hard and fast law). Today I’ve put together four of my own criteria. And that is all it is: my criteria. Take a look, think about how you want to approach fishing around the fall spawn, and make a good choice for yourself and your local waterway.

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