Casting Across Fly Fishing

A remarkable and diverse trout fishery is within a half day's drive of most of the US population. And, you can thank these rivers for those famous bagels and pizzas in New York City.

The Upper Delaware River system consists of multiple waterways featuring a diverse group of fishing opportunities. The trout that inhabit the rivers are strong, big, and plentiful. Whether you haven't tapped into this resource, or it is a favorite trip, listen to some thoughts on approaching and enjoying the Upper Delaware.

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There has been so much said about what we can't do, but there is truly so much that we still can do. For fly fishers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors, the world is still pretty much wide open.

This week on the podcast I talk about three things I've thought about and done during this weird turn of events: what do do before you go fishing, how to go fishing, and maybe even what you can think about while you're fishing. As always, my hope is that you take what you hear and do something with it.

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What do fly rod material debates, bad tying equipment, and a little county in Pennsylvania have in common?

These are the topics i discuss in this episode. And I'm discussing these topics because you have emailed, commented, and chirped on social media about these things. I get a good amount of feedback, and I enjoy being able to answer questions and comment.

Also, I talk for a bit about fly fishing podcasts.

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How would you rate your favorite fly rod? 5 stars? 2 thumbs up? Are you not into rating things?

Regardless, people rate, review, and chime in on rods, reels, nippers, marabou feathers, fly shops, guides, and even moderately interesting websites and podcasts. This all begs the question: What do you do with this information?

In this episode of the podcast I talk all about ratings and reviews. I also explain why I don't give out one particular piece of information when I talk about gear on Casting Across.

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Some people fish in places where access isn't a problem. By and large, most anglers are content to drive up to a state maintained parking lot or a well-used pull off. However, there is a lot of fishable water that isn't so convenient.

In this episode I talk about a different kind of map that is useful for finding all sorts of fishing access. Not only might you be able to find new ways into public water, but there is a chance the information will lead you down a lawful path to "private" water.

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There are plenty of reasons to mix camping and fly fishing.

Sure, there are some that are all about nature and the experience. But what I am talking about is the pragmatic things: proximity, cost, and a bad night's sleep helping you wake up early to hit that trico hatch.

In this episode I explore a few reasons why I'll often eschew the hotel room (and sometimes even the tent) when I am going on a fishing trip.

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I'm not an expert fly tyer. ...so why listen to 20 minutes of what I have to say on the subject?

While I'm not an expert, I am proficient enough to tie what I need. But I've taken the circuitous route to get to this point. I've started and stopped. I've used the wrong materials and tried to do things the hard way. I've made frustrating mistakes. And with all that, I can look back on some of the things that I wish I would have known about fly tying back when I started.

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Big flies catch some of the big fish, some of the time. But small flies catch most of the fish, most of the time.

And you can't get much smaller than midges.

In this episode I give a brief primer on one specific facet of midge fishing: using dry flies sized 20 and smaller. Getting comfortable with and dialing in this technique can be very beneficial. If you can present a size 24 well to a rising fish, you can present anything to a rising fish.

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Every January I spend a few weekends at The Fly Fishing Show. There is some networking, shopping, and top-shelf people watching. Above all, it is good to see people I might only talk face-to-face with a few times a year. But  this episode isn't a review of the show or a run down on the latest industry offerings.

There's a lot happening, and I think there are some conclusions that you can draw about the culture of fly fishing. My take might be a little controversial. And if so, I'm always willing to talk.

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If you're not using weight, you're not fly fishing right.

But split shot is just the tip of the weight-option iceberg. Weighted flies, poly leaders, and sink tips - what a time to be alive. In this episode, I discuss some of the pros and cons of these options. I also talk a little bit about some nontraditional ways to think about adding weight to your fly rigs.

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