Casting Across Fly Fishing

The fly rod. It is a beautiful, functional, and essential part of fly fishing. But if you're new to the pursuit, the hundreds of options (split into different weights, lengths, actions, and even materials - mind you) can be a lot to take in. Add a reel and line on top of it? That is what they call a "barrier to entry."

But it doesn't have to be. First and foremost, a good fly shop will get you set up with what you need at a price close to your budget.

On your way to said good fly shop, consider listening to this episode. It is a quick, thousand-foot flyover of the bare essentials of these three core pieces of gear. And trust me: this part of fly fishing becomes fun quickly.

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The Cast1 series of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast is all about exploring the fundamentals of fly fishing. In each episode, there will be plenty for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike.

Today we're answering these important questions:

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Oh I've got some good emails this week. All thanks to you. I mean, it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if I read emails I sent to myself outloud, would it?

This time around I talk about spacing out your fly rod purchases, finding an all-around wading boot, and climate change. Yes, one of those is quite different than the others. But hopefully my ramblings will be helpful in some way, shape, or form.

And as always, thanks for your emails. Keep them coming: even if they aren't accusatory.

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I mean that in the absolutely most positive way possible. Heck, I had to dumb down my fly tying when I started (and restarted) so that I didn't get so frustrated that I threw my vice through the wall.

So, apologies out of the way, what do I mean by dumbing down fly tying?

Some of the biggest hurdles that beginning tyers experience have to do with the sheer diversity of skills and materials that some common patterns incorporate in a tiny hook shank. All I'm advocating is taking a few steps out. You might be okay with this stripped down approach, or you could very well build from that baseline to go on to the next level. Either way, you're going to be tying flies that catch fish.

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What better for a final podcast episode of the year than a curated retrospective on 2023?

While I touch on other subject matter, this is what I get rolling with on this final episode of December. You might be surprised what the most shared episode of Casting Across happened to be. But you won't be shocked to find out which episode garnered the most ears. *cough* clickbait *cough*

Also, I'm impressed with how many new listeners hopped on board this year. Moreover, I'm encouraged that so many found their way here via text. That means you're helping Casting Across grow.

All that said: listen, thank you, and Happy New Year!

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While this episode is being released in late December, it isn't a holiday episode by any means.

However, I'm reviving something from a few years ago that was a part of the podcast around this time of year. The public domain is a treasure trove of fly fishing and fly fishing-adjacent content. And this particular story is really, really good.

So sit back, grab an eggnog (or a lemonade if you're listening in July), and enjoy.

Merry Christmas from Casting Across!

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Watercraft and fly fishing go together. But which watercraft are best suited for the job? And, consequently, your hard-earned money?

Today I dip my paddle into the wide, deep river of watercraft that one can employ in his pursuit of fish. There could be an entire podcast series on this topic, but hopefully this will serve as a sufficient introduction.

Whether you're starting out or whether you have been fishing for years, this primer on a half dozen types of boats can help you think about how you can get to fish easier.

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Giving and getting gifts are both good. But in an arena like fly fishing, things usually need to be just so. This makes shopping for fly fishers hard at Christmases, birthdays, graduations, Father's days... year-round.

But there are a few things that ought to be a hit for anyone, any time. And in today's podcast episode I share 10 gifts that will probably work for most fly fishers.

Inevitably there will be something on this list that will make someone in your life happy. Or, perhaps this list will encourage you to drop few hints for the gift-giver in your life.

Have other things that would suit this category? Let me know below.

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There are a lot of misconceptions about fly fishing out there. Some of them are repeated enough with such careless disregard for the truth that I'm comfortable in calling them lies.

Today, I address three of them. Two have to do with technique and angling itself; one has broader social implications.

Whether you're a new angler who is struggling against these things or a veteran who needs to think about combatting them, hopefully I frame the discussion in a way for you to navigate yourself and others towards the fly fishing truth.

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It is Thanksgiving. And I am thankful.

Today's episode is all about what I'm thankful for. It is about fly fishing. And it is personal.

But as is the case with a lot of what I put out on Casting Across, I hope my personal musings about fly fishing will resonate with you. Whether they run parallel or perpendicular, I think there will definitely be some benefit as you listen and consider my ramblings.

Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across!

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