Casting Across Fly Fishing

It is important to remember that when you start fly fishing, you don't have to bury your spinning or baitcasting rod six feet under. While the rods are emblematic of relatively diverging angling cultures, they are  simply tools. You can use both. But if you've been throwing lures for any length of time, there are some adjustments you'll need to make when picking up a fly rod.

Today I briefly cover six things that are different enough between fly and conventional fishing  that they warrant an explanation. These are real world examples that come from years of teaching and my own personal observations.

Lastly, it is important to remember that fly fishing isn't as complicated as some make it out to be. It is, after all, just fishing.

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I do talk about fly fishing gear a lot on Casting Across. But there is something that will trump equipment nine out of ten times: skill.

Within reason, your proficiency with equipment will overcome not having that rod, fly, or gadget that is designed specifically for a particular task. This is a good thing. Because with little expense and without filling up another closet, you can keep doing more on the water.

But there are also times when you are on the water and you don't have that one thing that would make fishing a little easier. There are still things you can do. Today, I talk about three of them.

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Let me start off by saying that fly fishing downstream is not my method of choice. It is harder. It is a lower probability approach. It is less than ideal.

But sometimes it is necessary.

Today I talk through three situations that might demand a downstream presentation. Even though all those caveats are probably still in play, fishing from an upstream position might be the only play at a particular fish. And all that said, there are better ways to do it if you must.

*Note* My dislike of fly fishing downstream is pragmatic, not wrapped up in ethics or tradition.

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How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger.

When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn't immediately yield fish, it isn't automatic that you should abandon all hope. You might just need to go a little higher up. Or, to rule out a host of other potentially complicating factors it might be best to start at the top and work your way down.

I talk through this approach to tiny blue lines and more on this week's episode.

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XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels.

One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to respond to readers, listeners, and viewers of content on Casting Across. I feel privileged that you take the time to consume what I produce, and even more so when you reach out.

Today's topics include:

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Although the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast usually doesn't feature interviews,  when it does it goes big.

Today I have  5 guests in the studio. And I'm confident that they spend more time in the woods than most fishing, hiking, and hunting celebrities.

Who are these remarkable figures? You'll have to tune in and find out.

And when you do, you'll also be listening to the 400th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast. Thank you: whether it is your first time listening or if you've been with me since the beginning. It has been a pleasure to share the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you for all these years through this medium.

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One of the most ridiculous assumptions that you can make in fly fishing is that everyone is going to be just as considerate and respectful as you. First, there is a good chance that your  angling foibles are simply in your blind spot. Equally important,  all people make mistakes out of one kind of ignorance or another.

Today I talk about three areas of fly fishing etiquette. There is a chance that this will be new information to some listeners.

But (and more importantly) I also talk about how we can communicate, be courteous, and do a lot to  diffuse potential conflicts on the water. And at the end of the day, this potentially puts the impetus on the person being "wronged." After all, etiquette is just that - it isn't the law.

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Under, over, around, and (if you're feeling lucky) through.

Trout absolutely love cover. Downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and undercut banks are just three examples of places fish like to safely fin and eat. But how does one get a fly into these locations? Sometimes the path forward presents itself. Other times, you have to get kind of creative.

Today I talk about some ideas for problem solving these tricky, fishy spots. I also share some helpful gear recommendations for approaching fish that are hiding under cover.

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There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your nose at them at all.

But if that is all you know, you're missing out on some tremendous fly fishing. It just requires wrapping your mind around the fact that trout live in tiny pockets of water in the mountains.

Today I'm walking through how I approach fly fishing on a mountain trout stream. If you've been doing this for years, it is probably second nature. But if you're the kind of angler I alluded to above? It might provided some helpful ideas as you add some range to your time outdoors with rod in hand.

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Fly fishing minimalism is not just about throwing things out of your pack willy-nilly. In fact, jettisoning necessary items doesn't score you any virtue points. If anything, it is simply bad practice.

Today I'm sharing three mentalities, paradigms, or reasons why you might want to slim down your angling load. There are other resources on the particulars (including articles, podcasts, and videos on Casting Across). This episode is all about the why.

So whether you have to simplify or want to simplify, give a listen. Then, let me know what you leave at home when given the chance.

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