Fly Fish out of a Backpack

Most anglers turn to tried-and-true options for carrying their essential gear on the water. Vests, chest packs, and slings have been standard fly fishing equipment for generations.

But there are other options that folks have used to great success that might fit you or how you fish.

For a number of reasons, fly fishing out of a backpack could be perfect for you. Multi-liter capacity packs aren’t just for overnight hikers, gearheads, and people who can’t leave a single box of flies at home. A backpack might make the most sense for certain people and the way that they pursue fish.

Below I explore why the capacity, versatility, and comfort of a backpack make it a great option for fly fishing. I also answer the biggest question people have: but how do I get to my stuff?

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Podcast Ep. 149: Fly Fishing, Come Fall

Fall is, without question, the objectively best season of the year. In my opinion.

Whether you are mourning summer or waiting for the water to freeze over, you have got to admit that fly fishing really shines in September, October, and November. Depending on where you live in the country you might experience some of the best fishing of the year.

In this episode I discuss four things that you can and should think about when fishing in the fall. Included is a refresher on avoiding redds – something that we should all be aware of.

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

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Costa Untangled: Good for You & the Oceans

Let me be clear: I’m not saying that you should but a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses because of what the frames are made of. I think you consider Costa Del Mar sunglasses because their glass lenses are, by far, the best money can buy. In my experience, they’re clearer and more durable than any other lenses I’ve worn in decades of fishing.

However, if a pair of frames from the Untangled Collection happens to fit your needs or your face? All the better.   Here’s how Costa describes this series of sunglasses:

Every year, an estimated 640,000 tons of discarded fishing material makes its way into our waterways. Discarded fishing nets are the most harmful form of plastic pollution in our oceans. But, in partnership with Bureo, we’re helping to change that. Made of 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets, our Untangled collection of sustainable frames includes Core Performance and Beach Lifestyle options that are as good for fishing as they are for the ocean.

Long story short, instead of random plastic frames they’re using repurposed plastic recovered from the ocean. These sunglasses aren’t saving all the whales or sea turtles. Costa and Bureo aren’t salvaging anything close to 640,000 tons of nets and garbage. By purchasing these premium shades, you don’t automatically become a better person.

But they’re great sunglasses that  are doing something.

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Fly Fishing towards the Illogical

This time I wasn’t simply fishing. I found myself explaining why  I was doing what I was doing. Not how to cast. Not why a dry fly. Why. The reason why I was fishing. For someone who writes and talks about that very subject three times a week,  and who has been doing so for nearly six years, I found it surprisingly difficult in the moment.

He’s astute. So I shouldn’t have been surprised that he was asking such questions. Furthermore, he’s well aware there are bigger fish in more accessible locations. But I had driven him two hours away and lead him four miles into the woods for these fish. Smallish fish; and small fish manifesting a rare discerning palette. And I had just told him that I was about to scale a cliff and drop down into a cave to make an attempt at one of these picky, diminutive brook trout.

Again, I can’t blame him for asking the obvious question. My fly fishing has the tendency to dangerously veer towards the illogical.

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Podcast Ep. 148: Late Summer Fly Fishing Whatnot

So, how did you spend your summer break?

To be fair, most of September is still summer. And there is a lot of great fly fishing to be hand well into the fall. But the natural flow of the seasons means there is a hinge between the 8th and 9th months in the calendar.

This week I discuss where I’ve been fishing and what I’ve been using. I also talk about my recent reading, listening, and social media habits. I’d be interested to hear what you’ve been up to, too.

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

This episode of The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Use the code CASTING at checkout for 20% off your entire order and free worldwide shipping.

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Fly Fishing Gear: When Bigger is Better

This spring I bought a new pair of running shoes. Unbeknownst to me, they’re considered “maximalist.” Instead of the stripped-down and barely there shoes we’ve grown accustomed to see on the feet of marathoners, this trend overbuilds a number of shoe components. While still lightweight, these shoes provide a ridiculous amount of support and cushion. But they look, feel, and perform very different from a minimalist running shoe. For some people, this alternative footwear choice might be the perfect way to go.

The same is true when it comes to fly fishing gear.

By and large, fly fishing, running, and all outdoor equipment has gravitated to smaller and lighter over the past few decades. Participants push themselves further and further. Technology, usually borrowed from sectors that depend on innovation, continues to open  doors and create options. As a result, we’re able to pack more or move with less encumbrances. No one argues that those are both good things.

However, sometimes less isn’t more. Sometimes you need a little more bulk, a little more capacity a little more substance. Thankfully, there are some options that fit those criteria out there. Here’s three big items that I think are worth considering:

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Fish Together for More Fish

From time to time I like fishing alongside a friend. Being in the woods and on the water is often pursued for the purpose of solitude. But there are plenty of reasons for being within earshot of another human being that you happen to know.

Yes, you get camaraderie and all of the good things that accompany shared angling experiences. There are also reasons why you might want to not be alone, even if you want to be alone. You can also problem solve with twice the efficiency. Pragmatism might not be your first reason for fly fishing with a companion, but it should be something you capitalize on.

At the simplest level it looks like this: “How about you fish a dry and I fish a nymph?”

An arrangement like that allows a team of people to ascertain what fish are interested in eating. If angler A has more success than angler B, B can snip off his fly and follow A’s lead. With even the most rudimentary and limited communication an incredible amount of information can be relayed. The trial and error of depth, color, and speed can be accomplished twice as quickly.

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Podcast Ep. 147: Reaching for a 3-Weight

I know. I talk about light fly rods a lot on Casting Across.

Part of the reason is because I really, really enjoy them. And the other part is because some of you still need to learn that they are really, really enjoyable.

In all seriousness, in today’s podcast I talk about the versatility of a shorter and/or lighter fly rod. They’re not just gimmicks. They’re really helpful for casting line, presenting flies, and playing fish. I also go down memory lane, sharing some anecdotes about my first times seeing and fishing with these rods.

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

This episode of The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED. Use the code CASTING at checkout for 20% off your entire order and free worldwide shipping.

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Laughing At Form: Fly Fishing Function

This image popped up immediately upon searching for “stereotypical ugly fishing gear”

Today, like every day, I opened my email to see a litany of messages from fly fishing companies. Each got a quick glance. One gave me pause. There was a new pair of wading boots that was being touted. New technology. New angling opportunities. New! I bet they work really well. But they sure are ugly.

Perhaps I’m being overly critical. Maybe I’m superficial. After all, fish don’t care. Fly fishing isn’t a fashion show. Only vain and inefficacious anglers give a second thought to how they look. Or it is conceivable, that if given the choice between something hideous and something less-than-hideous, people can take a moment to choose.

Styles come and styles go.  In my 25 years of fly fishing I can finger at least three distinct color palettes that dominated the catalog pages: British khaki and forest green, tan and sage, steel and navy. We’re not at neon and floral prints… yet.

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Smallmouth: A Fly Gear Primer

Smallmouth bass are an excellent species to pursue with a fly rod. In fact, smallmouth techniques have more in common  with traditional trout fishing than with popular largemouth bass practices.

While trout gear will get the job done in many situations, the angler who chooses to chase smallmouth with regularity will want some species-specific equipment. Making such changes will give you an advantage as you fight smallies. More importantly, you’ll be able to cast and present flies much more efficiently.

Here are some preliminary suggestions for smallmouth rods, reels, lines, leaders, and flies:

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