Casting Across Fly Fishing

Tailwaters are a big part of fly fishing. So big, in fact, that this episode organically became a two-parter.

Today I talk about what a tailwater is, where you can find them, and why they are so important for fly fishers. More appropriately: why they are so important for trout. Of course, there is another side of tailwaters that is worth discussing as well.

Most of all, I hope that the 20 minutes of content in this episode get you thinking about dams, rivers, and some of the fishing opportunities that these interesting ecosystems provide. 

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Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across!

This episode was recorded around noon on Thanksgiving. Consequently, I talk about turkey and what I am thankful for.

We all have a lot to be thankful for. Regardless of your lot in life or how many fish you catch, we all have so much for which we can express gratitude. My advice is that you make that known. True thanksgiving occurs when you share a genuine "thank you" with someone else.

So after football, pie, and a nap, think about sending a quick text saying "thank you."

Also, use code CASTING right now to save 20% and get free shipping at manscaped.com.

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This week on the podcast I interact with some questions that are the most common interactions I receive month after month, year after year.

Fly line for small streams and fly fishing books are two things that I'm (relatively) passionate about. Consequently, I get feedback about both topics.

I also talk about the (legitimate) passion surrounding nippers.

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Even though the footprint of the Great Lakes' tributary system is relatively small, its' opportunities are significant and easily accessible by most people in the US.

Whether you're chasing steelhead in Pennsylvania, lake run browns in New York, or salmon in Michigan, you have the opportunity to tangle with huge fish in smaller rivers. Some days are incredibly hot, while others might make you wonder if you're completely in the wrong place.

While there are certainly some situation-specific techniques that will put you on fish, being there and putting in time is the most important thing. It feels like "you should have been here yesterday" is a common refrain in Great Lakes tributary fishing. Today I talk about getting on the water. Take that first step and yesterday can be today (you know what I mean).

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Casting Across is a lot more than written and spoken words.

For 7 years, Casting Across has been the vehicle for my interaction with the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish. Today, I talk about a few aspects of this past season of my life that you might find interesting.

The core of Casting Across is just that: my desire to share something interesting about the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you. Hopefully one of these topics will resonate and get you thinking and fishing.

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We've all seen that guy: he's got the entire Orvis catalog hanging from his vest.

...okay, I've been that guy. Maybe you have too.

In a lot of ways, fly fishing and other outdoor pursuits have shifted away from carrying more to taking a minimalist approach. It is a great thing. You can move lighter and faster. You can spend more time honing skill. You can focus on the experience.

But there are some situations that warrant more. So how do you do that well? Can you carry a lot without being encumbered by fly boxes, gadgets, and angling miscellany? I think so. I talk about it this week.

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They've been around for at least 75 years, but Tiger Trout have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade.

But what is a tiger trout?

In this episode, I briefly talk about what makes a tiger a tiger, why we're in the business of putting them in rivers, and how we should think about having these hybrids swim alongside native fish. Even if you're not a scientist, there are certainly some aspects of ecology and conservation that you'd do well to pay attention.

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I like fly fishing gear. I really like it. But I'm also not unreasonable.

There are only a few things that you absolutely need to go out, catch fish, and have fun. If you're using ads or catalogs to compile a list of things that are necessary, there is a good chance that you'll be quickly overwhelmed. But knowing what is essential and what is simply nice to have matters.

Today I'm sharing three things that might seem essential. But they're not. I give my reasoning, which might be as helpful as the list of items itself.

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You've got land: fish it!

Make plans to visit a National Park. While there may be other, more premier fly fishing spots in the vicinity, parks provide something unique and special.

Our National Park Service includes locations as diverse as the breadth of our country. Whether it be famous rivers in Yellowstone, brook trout creeks in Great Smoky Mountains, or the wild mangroves along the Everglades, anglers should be heading out to your land.

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There are so many trout out there. Why care about one particular population of trout?

One of the most interesting aspects of conservation work is the cataloging, investigation, and protection of individual fish populations. Acknowledging species and subspecies demonstrates the understanding of a fish's unique adaptations for it's native watershed. There are also the benefits of environmental stewardship and historical preservation.

Today I talk about a few fish that fit these criteria. Hopefully it gets you thinking... and maybe out exploring.

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