I don’t think that the stretch of stream was cursed, per se. If I had to address the phenomenon that I experienced while fishing along this particular section I might use the term coincidental. But I’d say it with a wince and sideways glance. So, not a curse: just a really unfortunate set of circumstances …
So, you’ve just purchased a brand new fly rod. Congratulations! You’re probably holding the tube right now. It feels good, doesn’t it? But go ahead, open it up. Take the butt section out of the sock. Remove the plastic from the cork. Okay, now you can’t return it. Maybe that is for the best. Because …
“Hey Matthew, what do you think about…” I’d be lying if I said that my inbox was inundated with questions about my opinion on various things in the fly fishing community. But it does happen. Moreover, it happens quite often when hanging out with angling acquaintances. Between Casting Across and my own general interest, I’ve …
The angler is always unnerved when holding a fly rod and simultaneously hearing a crack. Even when a hand or eye is on the branch being broken, the ear startles the mind into thinking the thing broken is the thing that shouldn’t be broken. Sliding down the rock face, trying to keep himself upright and …
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 …
The first fish was a fat palomino. They’re bright anyway. Too bright. Unnaturally bright. Genetically modified bright, in fact. This one came out from underneath a tangled mess of roots against the bank to nail a small white streamer. Palominos get picked on. This fish had apparently had enough and it took it out on …
Earlier this week, I shared my annual holiday fly fishing gift guide. Over at Trout & Feather, I decided to take things in a little bit of a different direction. I don’t want to spoil the five delightful suggestions that I offer up in the article. Let’s just say that they include singing wall fish, …
Who doesn’t like to see some wildlife when they’re out fly fishing? Majestic elk, brilliant songbirds, and delicate butterflies add a little something to your angling. But there is a whole host of other critters that are less than pleasant to encounter. Some are downright awful. In this episode of the podcast, I recount a …
Many a fly shop counter has heard the debates and the arguments. “Those aren’t flies.” “If it is within the law, it is a fly.” “That’s a lure.” “You’re just jealous you can’t catch as many fish.” …and so on. In this episode I take a brief look at the spectrum of fly authenticity. I …
“I’m in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I’ve just caught an enormous fish. But I don’t give a crap.” …at least that is what your face is saying. That is just one example of how people take fly fishing too seriously. Unless you are part of the <1% of anglers who …
