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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4 Fall Fly Fishing Gear Essentials

Fall fishing usually means changing your approach to pursuing fish. Hitting different spots and using different flies are   usually required. Switching up your gear is almost as necessary.

Personally, I carry more in the fall. Generally speaking, this comes down to the fact that I employ (and switch up) more layered clothing. My terminal gear usually hops up a line size or two as well.

Here are four examples of items that are on my fall fishing essential list. They serve valuable purposes getting me to the water and keeping me prepped and comfortable while I’m out there.

Feel free to check out my suggestions and why I chose them. Then, shop around and compare. You might find something that does essentially the same thing that is a better fit for you, your fishing, or your budget. But I’m confident these four pieces of gear will serve you well in the fall and year-round.

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Podcast Ep. 254: All. The. Fly. Shops.

What’s your fly shop?

There is a good chance that you have a local shop, considering that there are nearly 400 of them around the lower 48.

A new and exciting part of Casting Across is the “Fly Shop Box” – an online directory of all the fly shops. In this episode I talk a little bit about why I decided to put this together, how you can use it, and how you can help keep it relevant.

Give the podcast a listen, then hop online to check out if your favorite shop is there… or if there is a fly shop where you live or fish that you didn’t know about!

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

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No Fishing, for Trout’s Sake

Low flows in Shenandoah, NPS photo

Luray, Virginia: Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park’s streams and rivers are closed to fishing due to low stream flows and high water temperatures. This closure is being implemented to ensure the long term health of the fish populations in the park.

Dry conditions have led to extremely low stream flows throughout the Park, including some river sections that are completely dry. Under low-flow conditions, high water temperatures occur with hot weather and dissolved oxygen levels go down, which are stressful and potentially fatal for fish.

Angling during these conditions could harm the native brook trout populations. This closure is for all streams including both open-to-harvest and catch-and-release waters. The closure will be lifted when stream conditions improve. Stream flows are expected to remain low until significant precipitation occurs across the area.

For the last three weeks, I’ve seen this message countless times. Between my internet browsing, various email lists I’m subscribed to, and scant social media use I’ve been reminded that something rotten is in the state of Virginia.

Shenandoah National Park was where I first experienced native brook trout. It was the first place I experienced small stream fly fishing. It was the first place I experienced a long drive on secondary roads, followed by a long drive on a dirt road, followed by a long hike before getting to water.

Needless to say, it holds a special place in my heart.

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