Casting Across Fly Fishing

Who is this guy you listen to every week?

Valid question. In fact, I think that it is incredibly helpful to know at least a little something about the life, experiences, and worldview of the author you're reading. Or podcaster you're hearing.

So this week, in incredibly short (and arbitrarily scheduled) fashion, I give you a little bit of an introduction to who I am. Perhaps it will give you some insight into Casting Across. Or you may potentially find some parallel aspects of our lives. Either way, thanks for listening!

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Every 10 episodes I read and respond to listener and reader feedback. This 25th edition of this facet of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast includes the most diverse sources to date.

Today I interact with a Facebook comment, a YouTube question, and a conversation at Dunkin' Donuts.

Yes. A conversation at Dunkin' Donuts.

I'm confident that something I cover in this week's podcast will be relevant to you and your angling. And as always, thanks for all your questions, comments, and accusations.

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250 episodes. That is a quarter of the way to a really impressive benchmark.

But let's not focus too much on the future.

Today, I break my format rules and bring three guests into the studio. We talk travel, big bass, and fall dreams. There is also a very serious discussion regarding gummy bears.

Thanks for listening; whether this be your first time with Casting Across or your 250th.

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We live in a day and age when we can use products off the shelf and they'll perform incredibly well. But if you spend any time on YouTube, you know that there is nothing that is off-limits when it comes to modifying everything from Nerf guns to leaf blower carburetors.

Fly fishing gear is no different.

While I don't advocate chopping up your rod or sewing something onto your waders, there are some simple things that you can do to improve the efficiency and effectiveness. Today I share four quick modifications that you can do with your gear to get a little more out of it on the water.

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Most of us rely upon others' reviews of products and services as we attempt to make decisions regarding our hard earned money. More importantly: as we attempt to do our best to catch more fish.

What makes a good review? What kinds of things should you look for as you shop, discern, and discriminate? To make it more personal, what kinds of things do I attempt to do as I write reviews on Casting Across?

Is this a review of reviews? In a sense: yes. Give it a listen.

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It could be the season of life, the weather, or even just the recent (lack of) success on the water. But whatever it is, you've found yourself in a fishing rut.

What can you do to get back to where you should be? Well, you could power through and just make it happen by doing the same thing over and over again. Or, you could make some small changes that grease the skids.

Unless you're fly fishing machine who never skips a beat, this topic probably applies - or will apply - to you. Hear my three suggestions in this week's episode.

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I'm not a biologist.

But I do have enough common sense to analyze data, listen to experts, and pay attention to the world around me. Consequently, I'm aware that it isn't wise to fish for trout as the thermometer goes up.

It is more nuanced than "don't fish when it is hot" though. Air temperature is something to consider, but water temperature and dissolved oxygen are significantly more important. Today I talk about how this works, how it impacts trout, and what you might do to be a more conscientious angler.

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Bass anglers learning how to fish for trout have an uphill climb. There is an entirely new lexicon to master and lots of tiny, particular gear to figure out.

However, trout anglers - specifically fly fishers - have a lot to learn when it comes to chasing bass. One hurdle they have to overcome is the propensity to use diminutive gear. Tiny rods, flies, and lines can be effective and fun for trout. But bass need something a little more... more.

Today I talk through some helpful things to think about when picking your tackle as you tackle America's #1 gamefish.

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You've got a work trip or family vacation coming up. You think that either:

a) There's no way you can bring all you need for any legitimate fishing. Or,

b) There's no way you can fit anything in your luggage/minivan.

I'm here to alleviate all of your worries.

Taking a moment from doing the very activity of packing for a trip, I walk through my system for making sure I have what I need for a variety of angling opportunities. It is all about gathering a loadout that isn't too much but without any compromises. Hear my thoughts and process, and see if there are any tips and tricks that can help you fit a little more in so that you can fit a little fishing in your next trip.

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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.

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