Is fly fishing just you, a rod, and a fish? In one sense, it is. But in a much broader, more realistic way of thinking about things it certainly is not. There are a lot more people doing what you do, and being a part of that culture is not only unavoidable but enriching. Today …
Fly fishing means a lot to me. I genuinely, truly enjoy being outdoors chasing fish with a fly rod. Make no mistake about that. And I am so appreciative of the experiences and opportunities that fly fishing has afforded me. Most recently, with Casting Across. But over the past 25 years I have met remarkable …
Sometimes it takes something jarring to get you to realize that you’re not as safe as you thought. While fly fishing isn’t a risky or dangerous activity, the fact of the matter is that it has elements of risk and danger. Why? It is outside, it is near the water, and you can’t control everything …
I listen to a relatively diverse catalog of podcasts. My podcast app features a lot of theology, some history, and a few fly fishing shows sprinkled in for good measure. Every once in a while, I hop on to a true crime or celebrity podcast bandwagon. And, like hundreds of thousands of other listeners, I …
Fishing is good alone. Fishing is good together. Why? Because fishing is good. Today I’m sharing three articles from the Casting Across archives, spanning nearly the entire 8 year history of the site. Each has to do with going fly fishing and the alone/together tension that exists every time you get in the water. Interestingly, …
How can you retreat without running away? As a pastor, this is a question that I regularly think about; for those who come to me for counsel and for myself. What do I mean, and how does fly fishing fit in? First, it is important to define retreat. There are times when it is very important …
Every 10 episodes I read and respond to listener and reader feedback. This 25th edition of this facet of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast includes the most diverse sources to date. Today I interact with a Facebook comment, a YouTube question, and a conversation at Dunkin’ Donuts. Yes. A conversation at Dunkin’ Donuts. I’m …
“One more cast.” Of all the softly spoken magic spells in fly fishing, this one might be the most frequent incantation. Part desperation, part closure; the idea of a final presentation has a certain hopeful romance to it. The fish can’t tell that you’re about to call it a day. But the thought behind the …
One should carefully approach the trout stream and objectively read the water before tying on a fly, stepping into the current, or making a cast. The alternative is to assume that what has worked for you before will work again this time. The latter is my inevitable default. Particularly when I’m feeling pressured to catch …
I caught my first trout on a fly rod in south central Pennsylvania. The lush valley with its limestone streams was different enough from suburban Virginia to be aesthetically enchanting to an otherwise distracted teenager. Closer streams with less challenging trout were an option. But I was smitten. Without any ties aside from a few …
