The judicious reader of this website will be well aware that he may encounter content that is fly fishing adjacent. The very subheading of the website, in contrasting white for all to see, promises that what follows is about “the quarry and culture of fly fishing.” The quarry is the fish. But as soon as …
Recently the good folks at Hatch Magazine published an article entitled “Let’s Stop the Tiny Tippet Nonsense.” Essentially, it argues that 6X and 7X tippet isn’t a necessary or ethical choice for fly fishers pursuing trout. I want to be clear: the intention of the article is good and there are some good, thought-provoking areas …
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” – Oscar Wilde “Sorry, we’re not allowed to read newspapers. They angry up the blood!” – Grandpa Simpson I find myself darkening the doors of social media less and less. These days the drinks aren’t worth the barrage of scum and villainy. …
There are a lot of misconceptions about fly fishing out there. Some of them are repeated enough with such careless disregard for the truth that I’m comfortable in calling them lies. Today, I address three of them. Two have to do with technique and angling itself; one has broader social implications. Whether you’re a new …
Here’s to a new tradition. Here’s to giving thanks. Here’s to the trout. It is the day after Thanksgiving. It was a good holiday. The meal is over. The family is still in town. The sales are in full swing. All of these things are fine and good. In fact, they’re great. Leftovers, loved ones, …
If you enjoy fly fishing, specifically the uniquely American take on dry fly fishing, you need to be familiar with the Catskills. Names like Gordon and Dette, places like the Beaverkill and the Upper Delaware: the profound impact of this special part of New York has left an indelible mark on fly fishing. This fantastic …
Do you have a fly shop? Only a generation ago, it would be virtually unthinkable for a committed fly fisher to answer “no.” Fly shops were one got gear, got information, and got community. Today, the internet can and does provide all of those things. But we all know that it isn’t the same. Statistics …
Fly fishing is about a whole lot more than catching fish. I’ve expressed that sentiment in quite a few ways over the years here on Casting Across. This week’s podcast touches on that theme in a few different ways. While I do give some practical, “tips-n’-tricks” information at the end, the majority of the ~20 …
This is part 5 of the story. Read the beginning of River Apollo here. Paul had stepped out onto his slate front porch and closed the door behind him as Gerry talked to him about the potential habitat improvement. Practically, it was to keep the bugs out. At a deeper level, Paul was subconsciously moving …
Unless you’re angling for the purpose of sustenance or competition, species and size are less important than the challenge wrapped up in the pursuit. Where you catch a fish matters to you. How you catch a fish matters to you. The fight of a fish matters to you. Particularly for catch and release anglers, the …
