Picture your flybox. Close your eyes and do it. Is it messy? Is it full? Does the messy fullness bring you joy? Okay: now picture the last flies that you’ve used. Picture the flies that you turn to over and over again. Is there a disparity between the first and second image that came to …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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. …
There are two schools of thought when it comes to sleeping on a fishing trip. Some people want comfort: resorts, hotels, your own bed. Some people want quick: tents, cabins, someone’s futon. Both approaches have their place. Your budget and your destination might be the determining factors. But the benefits of quick are cost, effort, …
Most fly fishers do a decent enough job of looking over, cleaning, and organizing their gear before the season starts. But if you have been fishing hard (or intermittantly) there are a few things that you should take a look at before you head into the fall. Today, I share three different things that I …
Fooling fish gets a lot of press. In the grand scheme of angling, it is definitely the most complex variable in the entire system. Still, once you manage to trick a fish and fight it in you better know how to seal the deal. While many situations and species don’t call for the use of …
