Casting Across Fly Fishing

...and a few of them are pretty inexpensive, too.

For one reason or another, you might find yourself fly fishing in the kind of weather that isn't found on catalog covers. But there is also a very good chance that such outings yield experiences that you won't forget.

By and large, the gear that you have will work when water is high, fast, and coming from the sky. But there are a few things that are really helpful for you to have on hand when the fair-weather anglers are warm and dry.

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I was blessed to get a week and a half of vacation in one of my favorite places in this world: Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Along with general rest and a lot of family time, I was able to get out and do a little bit of fishing. In this week's episode I talk through why this region is special, how I spent my time on the water, and some tactics that you might find useful.

On a related note, I usually get some great feedback from others who fish the areas I mention on the podcast. Please reach out and let me know if you have fished or are planning to fish the mountain brooks and spring creeks of central VA!

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This installation of "fly fishing accusations" is all about dogmatic opinions.

Included are convictions regarding:

Does that last one sound like it might not fit in with the others? Well, if the feedback I received from a recent article is any indication: it certainly does.

Enjoy, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions, comments, or accusations.

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The initial Cast1 podcast series is wrapping up this week. The response to the first batch of episodes has been great, and I promise that there will be more podcasts along these lines in the future.

Today's episode presents you with some next steps. Whether you're just getting into fly fishing or you've been on the water, rod in hand, for decades, I believe that this advice is equally valid.

As always, feel free to reach out with podcast topics or any other questions, comments, or accusations.

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Is fly fishing just you, a rod, and a fish?

In one sense, it is. But in a much broader, more realistic way of thinking about things it certainly is not. There are a lot more people doing what you do, and being a part of that culture is not only unavoidable but enriching.

Today I cover some important subject matter in the periphery of the fly fishing image. Things like literature and conservation aren't directly in the cast+bug=trout equation, but they have been, are, and will be what makes fly fishing what it is.

Whether you've been angling forever or just getting started, it is worth thinking about how you're part of a community of people who happen to like chasing fish with long rods.

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Yes: you can fly fish for panfish and bass.

Before the seasoned and refined fly fisher scoffs at this question, it is important to realize that this is actually a very common query among new anglers.

In an incredibly cursory manner in today's show, I go over how and why the trout angler can and should spend some time on their local pond. The benefits include honing skills. Not to mention, catching a mess of bluegill on a 5-weight is all sorts of fun.

As always, check out the back catalog on Casting Across for more info on the subject.

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If you fly fish for trout, you can fish 12 months out of the year.

There are a handful of very important caveats to that statement, but it is true nonetheless. Exceptions aside, it is key to understanding some of the reasons why fishing changes throughout the year and why.

In another surface-level introduction, I walk through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Covering what you will encounter and how you might find success, I give you a glimpse at how someone might fish in all but the most extreme weather.

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You've got a fly rod. You've wrangled a few dozen flies into a box. You've even managed to get a hot tip on where some trout might be found.

...now what?

Having all the gear and all the intel won't amount to anything unless you can cast your fly and cast it in the right spot. That is where casting and presentation come in.

In an incredibly brief overview of these two pivotal angling topics, I share a few key things you ought to be thinking about as you approach the water. What casting and presentation both have in common is the importance of getting the essentials nailed down followed by quality opportunities for repetition.

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Water, water everywhere... but is it water worth fly fishing?

Today we're asking the question: "Where can I find fish?" The answer has two parts:

Books have been written about both of these topics. But this episode will give enough of a head start so that you can get out on the water with a few essential things to look for. Still, it is worth acknowledging that looking for water and reading water are lifetime practices that are part of the fun of fly fishing.

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"How do you put a fly on that thick line?"

"Can I just wear my hiking boots over my waders?"

These are perfectly honest questions that I've been asked by new fly fishers. Multiple times.

Today I talk through some of the other essential fly fishing gear that you need to pursue fish. Once you have a rod, reel, and line, there are still a few more items required.

Again: fly fishing isn't all about equipment. But knowing what is necessary and how much it matters helps get you on fish faster with less encumbrances.

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