Casting Across Fly Fishing

What's on the end of your fly line?

It isn't a fish. It is a leader. Which, as you may well have surmised, is essential for getting your fly to a fish. And getting your leader onto your fly line isn't necessarily a straightforward endeavor.

Not all fly line/leader connections are created equally.

Today I walk through four of them; three of which I recommend for one reason or another.

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The weather outside is frightful. Or, at least it will be.

And you're all ready to fish in it. Right?

If you have the gumption and the warm socks, there is no reason why you can't fish in the coldest months out of the year. Today I tackle two big hurdles that people face when it comes to fly fishing in cold weather. I also give two techniques that ought to encourage you to get out and explore your local waters in a new way this season.

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So I messed up.

To my knowledge, I have never deleted an email from a reader or listener. But just today, right before recording, I did. So whoever you are, this week's podcast starts off with my heartfelt apology and an answer to your question.

Along with that little bit of Q&A, I interact with two other bits of feedback that will be worth your while.

Thanks for listening!

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Casting Across is not a "gear review site." But it does feature quite a few gear reviews.

And, apparently you like them.

My gear reviews receive thousands upon thousands of views every year. I usually keep those opinions confined to the specific articles, but because there are a lot of thoughts that surround the gear and how I've used it over the years I thought I'd mention them on the podcast.

Today I'm talking about the top three gear reviews (by views) I have on Casting Across.

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Sometimes it takes something jarring to get you to realize that you're not as safe as you thought.

While fly fishing isn't a risky or dangerous activity, the fact of the matter is that it has elements of risk and danger. Why? It is outside, it is near the water, and you can't control everything all the time.

Today I share a few sobering anecdotes, along with ways to stay safe on the water. You're never going to eliminate risk and danger. These are four things you need to know that will hopefully limit what could turn a good day into a tragic one.

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My introduction to fly fishing was on small, intimate rivers and streams. The first time I waded into a broad, sprawling trout river I was confident I wasn't going to catch a thing.

But you know what? I did. And by employing a few simple techniques I landed more big river trout that day... and quite a few more in the decades since.

Today's episode is a classic three-step how-to. I share three things that you can do to build confidence and get onto fish as you chase them in even the widest flows.

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Okay. Here's one that you can put in the debating fly fishing minutiae category.

What situations should trigger jumping up two rod weights/line sizes?

Today I talk through three circumstances that might push you to a heavier terminal rig. I give three common, real world examples. There are plenty of misconceptions that drive people to use gear that is too light. And while I love using lighter, more finesse equipment it should never be at the expense of decent casting and proper presentation.

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There is a certain picture most of us have in our minds when we think of fly fishing. Rolling hills, dense forests, and barren beaches are the kinds of scenery we seek out as we pursue fish.

But have you ever tried to lure a brown trout out from under an overturned shopping cart to the sounds of a machine shop?

Either because of adventure or proximity, you may very well want to pursue fly fishing in town. Big cities and small villages have water. And as long as the water is in good shape, there will probably be fish there. Today I give a brief overview of the how and why of fishing in and amongst the hustle and bustle. Hopefully you feel compelled to give it a shot.

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What's your fly shop?

There is a good chance that you have a local shop, considering that there are nearly 400 of them around the lower 48.

A new and exciting part of Casting Across is the "Fly Shop Box" - an online directory of all the fly shops. In this episode I talk a little bit about why I decided to put this together, how you can use it, and how you can help keep it relevant.

Give the podcast a listen, then hop online to check out if your favorite shop is there... or if there is a fly shop where you live or fish that you didn't know about!

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Recently I took my oldest son fishing on one of my favorite streams. It has taken me this long to take him, an accomplished angler for a pre-teen, because it is an incredibly small creek with remarkably spooky fish.

But those fish happen to be native brook trout.

I warned him of the challenges while singing the praises of what was in store.

After a rough hour of fly fishing, we sat and talked. I shared four pieces of advice that were encouraging for him. In hindsight, they would be encouraging to anyone who is taking on the challenge of fishing a small creek with spooky fish. Check out what I had to say in this week's podcast.

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