The eye does amazing things. With our vision alone, we can discern and identify a dazzling array of variables. You can see intricate vermiculation lines across the back of a brook trout, unique spot patterns on a mountain cutthroat, or a shimmering azure cheek of a wild brown trout. And while that counts for a lot, it doesn't take into account what makes a trout what it is: genetics.

Today's episode is truly just a surface-scratching introduction to the aesthetic and conservation value that genetic research brings to the table in the world of trout. Along with a brief introduction and a few examples, I send you towards some organizations and people who can give you more data than you can handle.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can do it. You can fish teeny, tiny flies.

Moreover, you want to do it. Why? Because if you can fish midges then you can probably fish dry flies any day you want to. In virtually all healthy ecosystems there will always be some tiny insects on the surface film. And somewhere, trout will be feeding on them.

Today's podcast is a lightning quick overview of fishing little dries and emergers: flies, gear, tying, and technique. Not only is fishing midges productive and versatile, but it can be a lot of fun if you are willing to see the value in no-see-ums.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why did you pick the fly rod that you did? Was it the label? Was it the price? Was it how it felt when you wiggled it in the store?

Or, was it because the rod cast a line in a way that fit your stroke and your fishing?

Okay, now: why does the rod do that?

Dozens and dozens of hours could be filled with discussions about the engineering, manufacturing, and application of fly rod action. In about 20 minutes, I give a cursory look at how fly rods "get" action and how you should choose one that will fit your needs.

This episode has some real rabbit-hole potential... and I hope you take a deeper dive if interested!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fly fishing is about a whole lot more than catching fish.

I've expressed that sentiment in quite a few ways over the years here on Casting Across. This week's podcast touches on that theme in a few different ways. While I do give some practical, "tips-n'-tricks" information at the end, the majority of the ~20 minutes is about the peripheral stuff that makes fly fishing what it is.

And as always, thanks for all your questions, comments, and accusations.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I was doing some research on how safe fly fishing is compared to other outdoor activities.

Good news: it is safe.

Bad news: it puts you in a position where you'll be facing 2 of the 3 most common causes of death outside.

Take a listen to the podcast to figure out what they are, but you can probably guess by the title of the episode that they have to do with wading. I share 5 quick and easy things that you can (and should) do to wade safe and stay alive. You can never eliminate risk, but you sure can take some simple steps to reduce it while on the water.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They're not the biggest or most technically-challenging fish, but there is something special about a wild trout caught high up in the mountains.

And while those who spend a lot of time walking trails with fly rod in hand know that it is possible to catch dozens of feisty trout in these secluded creeks, this kind of fishing can be intimidating. It can be intimidating to a new angler. It can also be a bit perplexing to the experienced fly fisher who has only every cast into expansive runs and wide pools.

Today I'm scratching the surface of this topic by walking through what my first steps are when approaching mountain trout.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bamboo might be what your great grandpa's rod was made out of. But that doesn't mean that you can't fish with it too.

And maybe, that means fishing with grandpa's clunky five-and-dime bamboo fly rod.

Why fish with a rod material that is now three generations old? Today I talk through three reasons why you should consider adding bamboo to your arsenal. I also discuss a few ways that you can procure a bamboo fly rod. Spoiler: Two of them don't involve thousands of dollars.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. They work just fine, but there are plenty of ways to fish these flies.

One of the most effective ways to fish dries and nymphs is in the surface film or just below the surface. While a high-floating dry is romantic and bottom-ticking nymphs get a lot of hype, fish absolutely hone in on bugs drifting high and tight.

Today I talk through three ways to make this valuable presentation. Nothing requires fancy gear or a different box of flies. Using what you have, you can target some hungry (and usually visible!) fish.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we evolve in our pursuit of fish, our gear evolves with us.

There are some items that we inevitably obtain as beginners that we either discard or simply disregard. Today I talk about three of those things. While you might not pay them much attention, or they might not be a regular part of your time on the water, they (or the concept behind them) still have value.

Sometimes the simple, little things can have a big impact on your efficiency on the water.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you haven't noticed, our culture is pretty polarized.

Ah for the days when we fought about Pepsi or Coke, Yankees or Red Sox, and flies or bait. Alas.

But just because there are some major rifts between politics, religion, and worldview doesn't mean that we can't come together to improve riparian habitat and pick up trash out of a local river. Maybe, just maybe, if we take a mere conservationism approach we can do those things and have a genuine, in-person conversation with one another.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices