Even today, brick and mortar fly shops are an integral part of fly fishing culture. Beyond supplying rods, reels, flies, and tying materials, they offer angling insight and legitimate community. Although there are many factors that lead to fly shops succeeding or failing, there are certain things that most of the truly good shops have …
Fly fishing gear is a big part of Casting Across. I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetics, the marketing, and, most importantly, the function of fly fishing gear. Consequently, I’ll review new products on the site from time to time. But appreciating fly fishing gear shouldn’t only be about the latest model or newest technology. The things …
Fly fishing for trout in still water – lakes and ponds – is a different game than pursuing fish in moving water. Most of us have caught trout from a pond by just casting to rising fish or stripping a woolly bugger. That works. But there is much more to this type of fly fishing. …
I’ll go on record as saying that I think “Pro Deals” and “Pro Staff” are totally fine. But just like anything else in fly fishing (or in the rest of the world), abuse can ruin a good thing. Kirk Deeter’s recent Angling Trade piece articulated some of the real problems that exist with this system. …
I’ve been using the Pirate’s Fly Patch for over two years, and it has become an indispensable part of my fly fishing. It stays clipped to a panel in the back of my car, giving all my flies have a place to live. Whether it be drying out wet patterns or simply serving as a …
One of the great misconceptions about fly fishing is that it costs a lot of money to get started. In some ways, that’s true. There are a lot of specialized types of fly fishing and angling techniques that aren’t easy or possible with entry level gear. And although small stream fly fishing for trout or …
Waders and wading boots are often afterthoughts in fly fishing gear discussions. But if you fish a lot, would you rather have a great fly rod and mediocre boots or a mediocre fly rod and great boots? I don’t think I’m overstating things when I say that another few feet of “castability” isn’t going to …
Let me be clear: I did virtually everything I should have done beforehand. The rod was stored disassembled, in it’s sock, in it’s tube, sealed. Nothing was applied to the male ferrule. No paraffin, no candle wax, and definitely no nose grease. I know that there are different sides to this debate, but rod makers …
I’m willing to wager that the bulk of my audience/readership fishes primarily or exclusively in freshwater. That makes sense, because I fish primarily in freshwater. But saltwater fly fishing is spectacular. While there are plenty of common elements between the trout stream and the surf, the differences stand out. And they can potentially be daunting …
Carrying only a handful of flies can make you a more efficient angler. Especially when fishing small streams (like high-gradient mountain creeks), the less you carry can really make a difference. Wearing an overburdened vest into the back country just isn’t necessary. Furthermore, you’d be much better served to bring along water or food – …
