Whether I'm in the market for new gear or not, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what is new and noteworthy in fly fishing. For a few years The Fly Fishing Show has held the Consumers Choice Awards. While not exhaustive, it does feature that which is often new and that which is somewhat noteworthy. And   that alone warrants a few minutes of my time.

And I'd wager, based upon your interest in this podcast, my talking about it warrants a few minutes of your time.

Today I discuss a handful of the Consumer Choice Awards selections that I think are interesting. It may or may not surprise you that the one I find most intriguing is also the least expensive.

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Long live fly fishing elitism.

In a different sort of podcast episode, today I talk about why the stereotype of the old, stuffy, tweed-jacketed fly fishing elitist isn't really valid anymore. In his place a new figure has emerged to stand as arbiter of what is "authentic" fly fishing.

And while I'm always interested in your feedback, I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on this topic. After all, this has been a big part of fly fishing culture for as long as I've been chasing trout.

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Opening Day. For generations, this was a high holiday among anglers. With the success of resource management programs and special regulations, year-round fishing is available for most of us. Still, there are some reasons to circle a particular date on the calendar.

In this Cast1 episode, I walk through some of the reasons why opening day should still be held in high regard. I also list a few things new (and seasoned) fly fishers should pay attention to before they hit the water and a couple of things they should be thinking about when they encounter spring conditions.

Regardless of if you're  just getting into fly fishing or you can remember "when opening day meant something," you'll find something in this episode to enjoy.

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Recently I hit the "50" mark on my fly fishing book review series on YouTube. I've filmed myself doing "show and tell" with over 60 books, and it has been a lot of fun.

Today on the podcast, I talk about some thoughts (five, to be precise) I have on reading fly fishing books. There is a whole lot more that I could share, but this is a nice little synopsis of some questions I've fielded and some observations I've made.

If you haven't yet, subscribe to Casting Across on YouTube. And  it goes without saying: get reading!

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I love questions. And you should too. Never feel dumb for asking a good question. That said, I'm also happy if I can give you some information on the front end so that you can ask an even better and more applicable question. 

Since a good chunk of the fly fishing questions I field pertain to fly rods, I've put together a whole page on Casting Across dealing with the most frequently asked questions. I try to answer them succinctly on the site. But today I'm elaborating a little bit. I'm taking on three questions that I've received countless times. Maybe they'll answer your questions. Or maybe they'll spur you on to ask something else. Either way, I'm happy.

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With over 1,600 pieces of content at the time of this episode's recording, navigating the Casting Across website might be a little daunting. But the depth and breadth of what is available is worth clicking through. Today's podcast is meant to help you in that endeavor.

Knowing that there isn't a perfect overlap of podcast listeners and website readers, I introduce the content on the site. Then, I walk through some of the features that can help you find the most pertinent information in the quickest way possible. And, since I'm certainly not the web expert, I ask for your feedback in a few places.

It is a quick listen, but hopefully it sends you down a rabbit hole of angling articles.

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Like many a dace that have taken aa dry fly, only to get hook-set into the streamside vegetation - I bit off more than I could chew last week on the podcast.

When I thought about talking predatory fish, I figured I could shoehorn carp into the discussion. They aren't predators in the same way musky and big largemouth are. However, the rods and rivers overlap. Regardless, this is an episode where I make things right.

Which, of course, entails talking about carp for nearly 30 minutes. These weirdo, invasive fish are worth knowing about if you are in North American and own a fly rod.

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In fly fishing, "predators" is a bit of an arbitrary designation. Why? Well, bluegill are predators. Brook trout are predators. Tiger sharks are predators. What we often mean is  the larger, piscivorous (fish eating)  freshwater species in North America.

Today I'm talking about some of the considerations one might make when thinking about gear for larger bass and toothy fish. As you can imagine, this includes a wide range of species and waters. Still, there are some general principles that all come into play when acquiring equipment for targeting predatory fish.

Also, I throw carp a bone. I mean, they do get big.

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It is that time again. You ask, I answer. I like these episodes so much, that I do one every few months.

Today I interact with questions regarding:

And I transcend my normal 3 topic boundary by addressing two logistical/technical items.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out!

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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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