By nature, writing is introspective. It is nearly impossible to not insert yourself into what you write about. Words betray objectivity. Experience influences everything. And people, by and large, are nostalgic and sentimental critters. (Coincidentally, Trout don’t have that burden.) A lot has transpired over the course of the past three years in and through …
Today marks three years of Casting Across! For three years I’ve been writing about the quarry of fly fishing: fish, rivers, and personal achievements. I’ve been writing about the culture of fly fishing: literature, podcasts, and gear. The people, places, and things are as much a part of Casting Across as I am. It is …
The astute reader may have noticed an anomaly this week on Casting Across. None of the content was original. Well, it was original in the sense that it was me. I wrote it. Unless you read all the way down to the postscript on the bottom of each article, you wouldn’t have known that both …
The average post on Casting Across runs around 600 words. That isn’t a lot. That is like a few pages of a book. (Books are like websites that people have printed out and stapled together and you don’t need wifi to read.) Why keep it short? Well, I don’t spend a lot of time reading …
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. – Benjamin Franklin From what I know about Benjamin Franklin, I have to assume that his use of “war” allowed for a pretty wide range of interpretations. I also can’t find any record of …
Congratulations to Matt from New England for winning the Vedavoo Seam Sling. Thanks to all who entered! Earlier this week I wrote about the newest product to come from the good people at Vedavoo. Previously, I’ve told you about two of their core packs that I personally fish. Now, I’m giving you the chance to …
One year ago this Sunday, I shaved. Like any other morning when I’d have to get up and go to work or appear in some sort of formal capacity in front of civilized people, I showered, dressed, and shaved. All was normal. Things were smooth. Later that day I headed down to a conference in …
I don’t ask much of my readers. Aside from tolerating the occasional rant, sifting through language that may or may not be sarcastic, and dealing with an endless regression of in-site links, reading Casting Across is a relatively simple task. I know that most writers say this, but I can assure you that I mean it. …
Ah, vacation. I don’t vacation often. “But, Matthew,” you say, “you’re always talking about amazing fly fishing exploits.” Well, then I have used the power of the pen to sufficiently fool you into thinking I get out more than I do. It isn’t deception, per se, I just optimize those few chances I get. Pay …
All the way back in the winter, I saw a hat that I really liked at The Fly Fishing Show. Okay, I saw lots of hats that I really liked. There are plenty of companies putting out great looking gear for fly fishers, but RepYourWater has been at the forefront of angling style for years. …
