Merry (early) Christmas from Casting Across!

I’ve got something fun for you to unwrap today. Three things,  to be precise. Whether you’ve been naughty (bobbers?) or nice (strike indicators!), feel free to crack into them a couple days before the main event.

• The first item is a new spin on an old holiday classic. Instead of lords a-leaping and turtledoves, I’ve got some of the less desirable species that swim in our waterways. Of course, liking weird fish is cool these days.
• Up next is another song. This is a celebration of the most despicable and despised style of fly out there. The fly that intends to suck the joy out of little dry fly purists’ dreams.
• Last? Ideas to get you on the water and away from the… whatever you have going on otherwise. It is the holidays, but that means it is the holidays.

Check out each article, below:

The Twelve Trash Fish of Christmas

I’m unable give everyone a unique, personal present.

However, I have the next best thing: an angling-themed parody Christmas carol. I know – just what you’ve been wanting.

So gather with kith and kin around the old piano. Pour yourself a tall, frothy eggnog. Get the fire  crackling. Have Aunt Gertrude flex her ivory-tickling muscles and join together in song.

For today, I present to you… The Twelve Trash Fish of Christmas (to be sung to the 1909 Frederick Austin melody).

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Nymph

You’re a mean one, Mr. Nymph.

You really are a heel.

Even though you catch all the fish,

You make me fish by feel,

Mr. Nymph.

You’re a bad little hare’s ear with some tungsten steel.

(The whole song is here… trust me)

How to Fly Fish During the Holidays… With Family

No matter where you live, there is probably an option available to you. Plenty of other anglers will be playing nice with kith and kin, so you’ll have the water mostly to yourself.

But isn’t that the crux of the matter: How do you graciously extract yourself from familial goings-on to get a few hours of fishing in? You could just announce it in the middle of dinner, but that will break grandma’s heart (and this might be her last Christmas! Shame on you…).

Here are three excuses, or “good reasons,” for you to employ as you seek to get a few hours on the river.