VIDEO: On Independent Fly Fishing Books

Most of the books I talk about come from major publishers or prominent fly fishing publishing houses. But just like the indie music scene or local artists galleries, there are other options for those looking for an interesting fly fishing read.

Today I talk about three books that are worth reading, especially if the  perspective or the setting resonates with you. Here are the titles and their authors:

  • Life and Death in the Middle, by Anthony Surage and Mike Aleckson
  • Fly Fishing Through the Crazy, by Tim Pynes
  • Rivers of Passage, by Ben Hohnke

All three came out in the last two years, and each reflects the labor of their writers – as well as their respective passions for fly fishing.

Watch what else I have to say about the books and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Standing in a River Smoking a Stick: Big Sky Cigar

Not every fly fisher smokes cigars. But for those who do, it makes a lot of sense. Enjoying a cigar is a methodical, deliberate activity. Not unlike fly fishing, it is most appreciated when there is some observation and reflection involved. It isn’t uncommon for fly shops to offer a small selection in a humidor, and it isn’t a surprise to catch the faint scent of fine tobacco as you  wade alongside other anglers.

Consequently, it is a little shocking that there aren’t a handful of labels or blends that tap into the aesthetic and legacy of fly fishing. But if you do go looking for such things, you’ll come across Big Sky Cigar.

A decade ago, Jess Coleman and Brandon Marsh were working in construction. “We always threw business ideas back and forth on the jobsite,” Marsh said, “and we had a lot of ideas.” But one day the river spawned an idea that took. “One day we were fishing, smoking cigars. One of us asked, ‘Why doesn’t Montana have a cigar company?’ The rest is history. It is a blue collar story of two guys chasing a passion.”

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Podcast Ep. 380: Fly Fishing Accusations, XXXVIII

It is that time again. You ask, I answer. I like these episodes so much, that I do one every few months.

Today I interact with questions regarding:

  • Fly line choices
  • Fly rod action
  • Fly fishing footwear

And I transcend my normal 3 topic boundary by addressing two logistical/technical items.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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

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VIDEO: Putting Trout on the Map

Some of my favorite fly fishing memories  include far more than a fish and some water. Looking back over the years, the physical context of so many angling experiences added to or defined the pursuit of fish.

Bob Mallard’s  25 Best Towns – Fly Fishing For Trout  is  guidebook which understands this principle. East coast to west coast, north to south, he highlights destinations that offer multiple fly fishing options plus  a whole lot more. These are places where rod racks, drying waders, and fly shops are a part of life.

This is an interesting and fun book that anyone who enjoys travel will appreciate.

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

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Rusty Flybox: Presidential

Well, apparently I’m not the only one who wouldn’t get an “A+” in civics. When I typed “is” in Google this morning, it either read my mind or assumed I was looking for the same thing most people were searching.

Yes. Presidents Day is a federal holiday.

As I often do on such hallowed calendar moments, I’ve put together a cluster of three articles from Casting Across’ archives. They all are presidential in nature.

  • The first talks about a federal initiative that blesses anglers.
  • Second, I spotlight a creek fished by many commanders in chief.
  • And last I propose something for the youth of our great country.

Click on the image or the headline to read each article:

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Podcast Ep. 379: 2026 Fly Fishing Show Recap

This may very well be the longest episode of the podcast yet. And it could have been longer if I mentioned every interesting conversation, unique piece of gear, or novel observation from my four days at The Fly Fishing Show.

In this quick look back at my weekends in Marlborough, MA, and Edison, NJ, I talk about presentations, products, and people. And at the end of the day, it is the people that made the time at the events the most worthwhile.

Whether you’re planning on going to an event, or you simply want to hear which “stuff” I found to be noteworthy – give this week’s installment a listen. Then go chase down some of my recommendations online.

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

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VIDEO: Enjoying Relatively Unknown Books

Most of the time, I’m spotlighting prominent fly fishing books on Casting Across. This works because very few of us have the bandwidth, resources, or shelf space to collect each and every good title released in the last 50 years.

But every once in a while, I do think it is important to talk about relatively unknown books. Today, it is Fly Fishing by Turhan Tirana. Subtitled “A  Life in Mid-Stream,” this short 1996  book is essentially a collection of his throughs and writings on a diverse range of angling topics. For a teenager who had just gotten his feet wet with fly fishing, it was eye-opening. Plus, it was remarkable to me that a published author fished the same Virginia streams I did!

Not every book needs to be heralded by the angling public to be worth reading. Often times the book to enjoy is the book you’ve found.

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

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Dark Skies Fly Fishing: February/March 2026

For a year I’ve been contributing to the excellent magazine Dark Skies Fly Fishing. Available digitally or in print, this periodical is the spiritual successor to a publication that Mid Atlantic anglers relied upon for decades.

In the February/March issue, I give a quick synopsis of what fly fishing looks like in the Shenandoah National Park. This popular destination is incredibly close to millions of Americans. Even still, real solitude is attainable. Those who press deeper into the “hollers” of the Blue Ridge will be rewarded with some truly tremendous scenery; natural and man-made. Of course,  brook trout are there as well.

Along with my article, there are pieces on Delaware River dry flies, sub-zero trout, and the world famous Walt’s Worm. Click on the link below to start reading and to learn how you can access the whole issue.

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Podcast Ep. 378: Don’t be a Lazy Fly Fisher, II

Two whole podcast episodes devoted to how fly fishers can be lazy?

Oh yes. And I could do a handful more just on those issues I see in myself.

Recently I defined laziness as choosing to not do what you know you should do. If the goal is catching fish, why would you only try 95%? or 50% Certainly, you shouldn’t be bothered by being skunked if that is the case.

Today I highlight three more things anyone can and should do when fly fishing. Whether we do it or not is another story…

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

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VIDEO: Spring Creek Essentials

I don’t throw around the word “essential” flippantly. But if you fish spring creeks in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Wisconsin, Mike Heck’s Spring Creek Strategies is essential reading.

There are other excellent books out there covering spring creek fly fishing from a broader perspective, often including the famous, sprawling western rivers. Heck’s writing addresses those waters, too. But his wheelhouse includes those small and medium streams that meander through woods, meadows, and towns. The fish are smart and big, but not super plentiful.  Knowing your stuff matters when fishing on most of these creeks.

The book is clear, concise, and chock full of beautiful photographs. I can’t recommend it enough.

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

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