Long live fly fishing elitism. In a different sort of podcast episode, today I talk about why the stereotype of the old, stuffy, tweed-jacketed fly fishing elitist isn’t really valid anymore. In his place a new figure has emerged to stand as arbiter of what is “authentic” fly fishing. And while I’m always interested in …
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, …
Happy New Year from Casting Across! …but keep listening, even if it is May or September. Why? If you resolve to do something that matters, don’t wait. Just make it happen. Today I share a few interesting things about Casting Across. Then I walk through five resolutions, goals, and ideas for fly fishing in 2026. …
Don’t get scammed. I don’t sound like anyone (I think). Combat fishing is a choice. Those three short sentences sum up this edition of my regular “Fly Fishing Accusations” podcast. You ask questions, make comments, and level accusations about those things I’ve written and/or said. I respond. I think it is an awful lot of …
The first group of anglers had camped out overnight. Their truck beds and backseats had been carefully prepared for such adventures. Pillows, sleeping bags, and power from sources other than car batteries were set up right alongside waders, jackets, and pre-rigged fly rods. It was less about comfort and more about sliding from a quasi-comfortable …
I realized that I enjoyed writing in 3rd grade. I can distinctly remember the classroom in suburban Chicago where I learned about narrative and persuasion, introductions and conclusions. Like many people, my zeal was somewhat diminished as the scale of assigned words increased exponentially in high school and undergrad. But sometime in my first seminary …
Today’s podcast features a question, an accusation (maybe), and a response to a dozen or so comments. All in less than 25 minutes! I discuss “traditional” nymphing tactics and encourage you that you already fish this way. Then, I field a statement made about how we cut the tag end off our knots. Lastly, I …
There aren’t many articles in fly fishing magazines that lay out the technique required for taking a streamside nap. However, it is an aspect of angling that has been connected to the culture for centuries. Some swear by the practice. Some unintentionally integrate it into every expedition. Some have a particular process; some happen into …
Work has a bad reputation. This is perhaps best illustrated in the modern concept of the weekend. Many see the time from Friday evening until Monday’s alarm as sacred. The rest of the week is there to be endured. Labor is pitted against rest. But this isn’t true. And fly fishers should understand this very …
Some hot weather and a spur of the moment decision turned into an excellent 24 hours of father-and-sons fly fishing time. In this episode, I talk about the great time that my boys and I had in Manchester, Vermont. The occasion was the American Museum of Fly Fishing’s Summer Festival. There were vendors, exhibits, and …
