It has been a long time since I've covered a destination. And the dead of winter is as good as it gets when it comes to talking about travel.

On one hand, it is fun to daydream about trout when it is frigid outside. It is also a great time to start putting plans together to make a few trips. But in the case of this week's area of focus, you could actually head there and fish dries today.

And it isn't a tailwater down south. It is in the heart of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of Iowa and Illinois.

I give a quick synopsis of why you should fish the Driftless. And to put a fine point on it, I tack on an apologetic for the Pink Squirrel.

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The 6-weight rod that you already own will work. It will work really well. You'll be able to catch smallies and have a blast doing it.

But there are some drawbacks to a lighter rod. If you want to cast all the bass flies, if you want to cast for distance, or if you want to cast some versatile lines, you're going to need a bigger rod.

If you have found yourself hitting this wall on your local pond or you've decided that warmwater fish are this season's goal, check out some of the preliminary recommendations and suggestions in this week's episode.

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The real title of this episode is much, much longer. But you'll have to listen to hear what it is.

That said, today is all about making some small changes to preparing, casting, and presenting your fly that will pay off significantly. I don't often promise that my advise will immediately lead to more fish... but refining these tactics will absolutely lead to more fish.

We all have areas where we can improve as anglers, and it is encouraging to know that there are some small areas of refinement that take a little bit of effort but will yield real benefits.

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I love questions about fly rods. And you love questions about fly rods. Guess what two of the three questions on today's Q&A podcast pertain to?

Along with this fan-favorite topic, I discuss downsizing. Yes, there is a time and place to get rid of things. Even fly fishing things.

In just under 25 minutes, I cover these three pieces of listener feedback along with my normal segments: what appeared on Casting Across this week and a recommendation. Plus, I drop some subtle hints on exciting content in the near future.

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Merry (early) Christmas from Casting Across!

Along with sharing some exciting news for the upcoming year, I return to a holiday tradition that has been a part of the podcast for a handful of seasons. It isn't exactly my reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but I think you will appreciate the selection even more than that classic.

Also, please send in your questions, comments, and accusations for inclusion on an upcoming podcast!

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Try as you might, you can't fish without knots. And just like a spelling test, you have no excuse to not do well. You can practice them until you fingers go numb.

Today I'm running through my favorite knots from fly to backing. There may very well be better knots out there, but these have served me well under varied scenarios in two decades of fly fishing.

But only start here. Head online and check out some diagrams and helpful animations to help put these knots into practice.

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No matter if you're a beginner or an expert, there are ways to improve your efficiency on the water. Now if that sounds clinical and not at all cohesive with the artistic flair that accompanies fly fishing, bear with me.

Efficiency is all about being able to to what you want to do when you want to do it. Today I walk through three things that anyone can do to gain a greater understanding of the equipment and technique that everyone needs to enjoy angling.

The best part? Nothing is expensive, complicated, or exclusive. Anyone can do it. And there is a good chance - I'd say a great chance that you have already dipped your toe in each of these three things.

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We have a lot to be thankful for. This is a universal truth, but is especially applicable for fly fishers.

Today I walk through a handful of things most fly fishers are (or should be) thankful for. But first, I dive into some gifts that are the kind of thing that you could (or should) give to anyone this holiday seeing. And, as I discuss, both giving gifts and being appreciative of the gifts we have been given are wonderful opportunities the season presents.

Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across.

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A random errand led to my being face-to-face with a $20 fly rod/reel/line combo. It even came with flies. Around me, people were shopping for car batteries and Barbie dolls. I examined the reel. I assessed the flies. I debated scanning the QR code on the package. It wasn't for me, but it didn't look half bad for a $20 Wal-Mart fly fishing rig.

For everyone who starts their fly fishing life off with the Orvis silver spoon in their mouth, there are probably a few others who get after it with department store gear. Who is to say who catches more fish on that first trip out?

Today I talk a little bit about the place that inexpensive gear plays in the fly fishing world. It might not be for you, but remember that it might have been at one time.

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In the complicated system required for fly fishing that is man and equipment, your wrist might be the most fickle. For the same reason it is an incredibly flexible and dexterous joint it can lead your cast very, very astray.

While the best way to straighten out your casting woes is to practice, today I share a few wrist-related issues that may lead to problems. And problems like reduced line speed and increased fatigue are worth ironing out if possible.

Hopefully these 20 minutes will spark some interest into making some small changes that will payoff big time.

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