The best heroes are flawed. The simplest explanation for this is that we can identified with such a person. Sure, there are plenty of deep literary nuances that a reader with an analytical mind can probe and ponder while reading about protagonists with obvious shortcomings. That is fine. For most of us, we read ourselves …
You write, I respond. And it is one of my favorite parts of Casting Across. This week I discuss net storage, what to wear inside your wading shoe, and fishing alongside someone who thinks existential thoughts. These three reader/listener comments were really good, and I think that you’ll benefit from my answers to their questions. …
If you look back at previous years’ gift guides, you’ll find some common themes. I always recommend small businesses, American made items, and some of my favorite gear. As much as possible, I attempt to source items that span the price spectrum. Often, I try to showcase things that I have used over a prolonged …
Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! On today’s episode, I share three things that I’m thankful for. Each one is directly tied to fly fishing, but there is a lot more involved. I’ve found that some of the best angling memories that I’ve made and the most profound fishing moments I’ve experienced have a lot more …
In the last 20 months, most fly fishers have been able to get out on the water without too many hassles. For all the inconveniences and serious caution that we’ve had to endure, the rivers and the fish haven’t been significantly impacted. However, there are plenty of other fly fishing activities that have been on …
Grand Lake Stream sits only a short canoe ride from the Maine/New Brunswick border. For centuries, anglers from all over Maine, New England, and points much further away have come up to explore this remote tip of the country. They are rewarded with smallmouth bass, brook trout, and the much-coveted landlocked salmon. There are plenty …
One of my favorite parts of Casting Across is that it keeps me close to an industry that I have truly come to appreciate. The people in and around fly fishing are, in my opinion, a great and diverse group. Over the past six years, my writing and speaking have given me more chances to …
I had something planned for today, for the 6th Anniversary of Casting Across. The plan was to share some of the highs and lows of writing and talking about fly fishing three times a week for six years. There were some angling stories, some life events, and some interesting perspectives that come from recording my …
Inevitably, you’ve heard about the “four stages of the angler.” I don’t know who first came up with this timeline, but I do think it holds true. That being said, I don’t necessarily agree that it is as linear as is often implied. Often times progress means building upon the foundations you have already laid …
Have you been fly fishing for decades or even just a few years? Consider the volume of knowledge that you have amassed. All of the on-stream experiences add up. Include all the guided trips, books, blogs, and YouTube videos: that is a lot of angling data. If someone asks you to take them fly fishing, …
