Casting Across Fly Fishing

Well, I know that people like finding and catching wild trout... but I was still quite surprised when this article blew up as much as it did.

Casting Across was glowing red hot from all the online traffic a post generated this week. I'm not sure what I did right (or wrong), and I don't think I'm going to ask too many questions. Regardless, there is a good chance you're new to the site and the podcast because of it: so welcome!

Today I explore the three pieces of research that go into my wild trout pioneering. They're not radical or complicated, but they're effective. As I talk about them and share a handful of anecdotes, I hope you're encouraged to go out and find some wild fish where "there's no fish there."

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How should you think about fly reel acquisition? Should you buy the best? Should you buy the least expensive thing that will hold line? Should you skip the headache of such questions and aim towards the center?

While I don't begrudge anyone who wants a premium, machined reel or the angler who is content with gear made of plastic, I do have a recommendation for an option that will give you more for less money. More what? More fishing. More fishing options, specifically.

Figure out what I'm talking about, and hear my rationale, in this week's podcast.

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Every once in a while I do get a legitimate accusation. Recently I was called out for platforming high-end, pretentious fly fishing equipment.

While I don't want to eliminate your anticipation for what this might have looked like, I do think it is important to mention that a quick email exchange brought swift resolution.

Still, you should listen to this week's episode to hear what I'm talking about. And, before you get to that, you'll hear me discuss beginner fly tying and online fly fishing auctions. As always, thanks for your questions, comments, and accusations that make these episodes - and Casting Across - special.

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There are plenty of all-inclusive fly fishing adventures that only require you to pay and show up. Such experiences are probably quite exquisite... and quite expensive. But even if you are able to afford such fineries, you'll get more out of your fly fishing trip if you take a few things  with you.

Today I'll talk about those things. Some are physical items that are worth packing. Others are expectations. And, as you might imagine, having the latter list in order is just as important as organizing the former.

This is the third of three podcasts focused on fly fishing trips. Hopefully these ideas can be a help if you're going on your first or 101st angling outing.

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So you've made plans to go fly fishing. Not just a few hours at the local pond; not just the better part of a day at the river. You're going on a fly fishing trip.

How do you prepare? Do you buy any and every fly that might be hatching? Do you do your best to not think about it so that the time doesn't drag on  and the doldrums of normal life become painful compared to the coming angling glory?

On the heels of last week's episode, I glance over some of the things that are wise to consider as you move from the planning stage to the preparing stage. You can do some things that will make  real difference once you make your first cast on your trip.

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Adventure can be had simply by heading into the wild or booking a stay at the first deluxe lodge that pops up on Google. But there is a better way. And many anglers I've talked to wish they had adjusted their fishing vacation plans slightly early on in their time chasing trout.

Today's podcast is another installment in the Cast1 series. Although it is directed more towards new fly fishers, there is information that anyone should consider. Moreover, it is the kind of thing worth sharing with other anglers in your life.

Plus, you might be interested to hear that of all my priorities when planning a fly fishing trip money isn't at the top.

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One of the most amazing things about fly fishing is that the vast majority of our gear works great 100% of the time without paying any attention to it.

One of the most frustrating things about fly fishing is when your gear suffers a catastrophic failure while you're on the water.

I'm not saying that routine maintenance will avert all disaster. But it doesn't increase the odds; it certainly diminishes them. Today I walk through the relatively simple process than anyone with a tiny amount of mechanical know-how can follow to keep their reel running smoothly and ready for the upcoming season. I also offer up some of my routine fly line PSAs while I'm at it.

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As both a presenter and a participant, I spent the better part of two weekends at The Fly Fishing Show this January.

On today's episode, I give a recap of my experiences and highlight a few things that stood out to me from the Show. I do talk about a few products that are brand new for this season; including two great fly rods. Also, I share a few reflections from my presentations as well as some of the presentations that I attended.  And, once again, I talk about what I think you ought to do to get the most of your trip to an outdoor show.

While the MA and NJ stops of The Fly Fishing Show are over for 2025, there are still 5 more events this season!

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It has been a long time since I've covered a destination. And the dead of winter is as good as it gets when it comes to talking about travel.

On one hand, it is fun to daydream about trout when it is frigid outside. It is also a great time to start putting plans together to make a few trips. But in the case of this week's area of focus, you could actually head there and fish dries today.

And it isn't a tailwater down south. It is in the heart of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of Iowa and Illinois.

I give a quick synopsis of why you should fish the Driftless. And to put a fine point on it, I tack on an apologetic for the Pink Squirrel.

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