This may very well be the longest episode of the podcast yet. And it could have been longer if I mentioned every interesting conversation, unique piece of gear, or novel observation from my four days at The Fly Fishing Show.

In this quick look back at my weekends in Marlborough, MA, and Edison, NJ, I talk about presentations, products, and people. And at the end of the day, it is the people that made the time at the events the most worthwhile. 

Whether you're planning on going to an event, or you simply want to hear which "stuff" I found to be noteworthy - give this week's installment a listen. Then go chase down some of my recommendations online.

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Two whole podcast episodes devoted to how fly fishers can be lazy?

Oh yes. And I could do a handful more just on those issues I see in myself.

Recently I defined laziness as choosing to not do what you know you should do. If the goal is catching fish, why would you only try 95%? or 50% Certainly, you shouldn't be bothered by being skunked if that is the case.

Today I highlight three more things anyone can and should do when fly fishing. Whether we do it or not is another story...

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We don't talk enough about how much of a problem laziness is. That goes for people and society as a whole. But, of course, today I'm talking about how laziness is not the friend of the fly fisher.

If you're being lazy, it means you know better. It means you can do what you should do but you choose not to do that. Why? It is easier not to.

In this episode I walk through three issues where you might be a little lazy in your fly fishing. While  I can say that I don't err in one of these topics, talking about the other two was a little bit convicting.

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Today's episode is a snippet from one of the presentations that I give at The Fly Fishing Show. It is about a third shorter and you don't get the benefit of PowerPoint slides, but the content promised to be quite helpful for the small stream angler.

Why? If you primarily fish small streams, there might be some trepidation over heading out to the larger rivers. Sprawling waterways can be intimidating when you're used to being able to cast bank to bank. However, the skills and observations you make on the smaller creeks can easily be translated to the bigger rivers.

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What if I told you that if you think that outdoor shows are all about spending money that you've got it all wrong?

Sure, there are opportunities to shell out wads of cash. But you can also support small businesses. In fact, some of them are so small that they might not even technically be a business! Beyond that, there is a lot to see in person that you may otherwise only experience through the cold, distant medium of YouTube. And whether you're in a giant convention center or the local VFW hall, there are probably people there that are worth taking a few minutes to meet. Why? They're into the same things you are.

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Hear me out: I am not saying everyone can or should practice fly casting indoors.

But if you can, why not?

In today's episode I am really discussing how a lot of us would benefit from more and more diverse fly casting practice. Although it is essential to practice casting under ideal circumstances, it makes a whole lot of sense to also practice in realistic settings. Can you always face your target? Are you always able to go 10-to-2? Is it always feasible to fully pivot your hips while double hauling? The answer is no. So  go ahead and prepare for those situations.

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Happy New Year from Casting Across!

...but keep listening, even if it is May or September. Why? If you resolve to do something that matters, don't wait. Just make it happen.

Today I share a few interesting things  about Casting Across. Then I walk through five resolutions, goals, and ideas for fly fishing in 2026. And they're not particular to me, either. These are the kinds of things you can think about if you're staring down a new year. There also ways to enrich your season regardless of when you consider them.

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Merry Christmas from Casting Across!

On this short holiday episode, I read from the 1883 edition of Fishing With the Fly. This prominent work was compiled and sold by none other than Charles F. Orvis. In this essay there are some wonderfully quaint ideas. But there are also some incredibly pertinent proverbs. As is the case with all good writing, it stands the  test of time.

Sit back with a creamy eggnog and enjoy.

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One of the lessons I learned too late in my fly fishing was that trout live in places that aren't labeled "trout water."

Although I love and appreciate the fly fishing only, catch and release streams that are out there, they only represent a fraction of the excellent trout fishing that is available. If you limit yourself to a type of river you're missing out. Even streams that don't have any special regulations and allow for the harvest of multiple trout can be great options for the catch and release angler.

Today I approach the topic of regulated water from a general perspective. Take what I say, check out your local regulations, and then pull up a map. Find fish wherever they may be.

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Don't get scammed.

I don't sound like anyone (I think).

Combat fishing is a choice.

Those three short sentences sum up this edition of my regular "Fly Fishing Accusations" podcast. You ask questions, make comments, and level accusations about those things I've written and/or said. I respond. I think it is an awful lot of fun. You might, too. So give it a listen.

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