Casting Across Fly Fishing

In a day and age where big, heavy, articulated streamers get a lot of publicity, it is important to remember that there are similar flies that accomplish  slightly different tasks. There are a number of fish and fishing situations that benefit from or necessitate using weightless streamers.

Today I walk through four main reasons why you should have some bead-less and cone-less baitfish imitations in your fly box.

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A fly fishing debate as old as the rivers themselves: Which weight should you fish if you want the quintessential trout fly rod? First of all, there is no right answer. That doesn't stop me from trying to answer, though.

I go through a handful of categories and considerations that lead me to answer this question. I suggest that you listen, think through each of the situations/scenarios I discuss, and then come to your own conclusion.

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One of the biggest drawbacks to the last year has been the significant reduction in organic conversation. Sure, there are still opportunities to get together. It just isn't as easy. However, I've had an uptick in online interaction with listeners and readers of Casting Across. I'm always happy to get messages, and I do my best to respond in kind.

I'm taking this "10th" episode to read and interact with some emails. I touch on flies, forbearers, and faith.

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Truth be told, there are plenty of reasons why beginner fly tyers get frustrated, stall out, or give up. I have done all of those in the past 20 years.  However, I really made some efforts to get this fly tying thing figured out over the past 5 years or so. I'm no expert, but I'm more proficient and happier... and my flies look better, too.

Today I share three things that have made me a better tyer.

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I know. You like your flies. But really, how many do you actually use?

While it isn't for every angler (or every situation), cutting down the flies you carry on the water can actually streamline your fishing. It will certainly make packing and organization much  simpler, but it can actually help you zero in and focus on fishing better.

Today I share my reasons for slimming down assortments in certain circumstances, as well as some examples of how I have done it.

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While it is a broad-brushed, stereotyping statement, there is some truth in the "cantankerous fly fisher" archetype. In this episode I encourage us to take a better approach. We're not going to win people to our side and our cause if the goal is to shame, discourage, and tear down. We can avoid conflict and promote conservation.

Today I share three stories. One of which involves me falling and flailing on a streambank.

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Some of the rivers that our grandfathers lauded as destination waters have declined in one way or another. The quantity or quality of the fish just isn’t there anymore. There are still fish present, and there is still good fishing to be had, but things have changed.

And people don’t like change.

But change shouldn't keep you off the water. Aside from the viable fishing still present, there is a whole lot more to be gained from spending time on these famous waters.

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As they're large gatherings, fly fishing shows and outdoor expos aren't happening these days.

You might be looking with sadness at a weekend or day that you'd usually spend in a giant convention hall that is now wide open. You might not give a hoot that they've been cancelled. Personally, I trend toward the former. I think there's a lot of value in "the shows."

Briefly, I  share how you can still get some (but not all) of the benefits... even if you're in front of your computer screen.

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Deep blue pools, frothy eddies, and overhanging limbs all look incredibly fishy. Another spot that ought to be in that list is the undercut bank. Fish, especially trout, covet these spaces for the purposes of safety and food.

In this week's episode I talk about undercut formation, why fish like them, and how I approach these productive spots. It is a broad overview, but ought to provide enough for you to get out and targeting undercut banks on your favorite rivers.

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Fly choice. Feeding lane. Approach angle. Your emotions?

When was the last time you stopped and considered how much your attitude impacts your fly fishing? In this episode I stop short of psychoanalysis, but I do consider how your mental state impacts a few essential parts of your fishing. Your casting and fishing should be thought of as being influenced by everything that is happening between your ears.

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