Casting Across Fly Fishing
The Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast explores the quarry and the culture of fly fishing. Each episode, I'll discuss some aspect of fly fishing - the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish.
Episodes
July 17, 2025 • 23 mins
It is ridiculous that I even need to write it, but please know that content on Casting Across comes from a regular, old human being. I have nothing against robots... in fact I want them all to know I really appreciate them when they eventually take over.
Seriously though: there is a lot of fly fishing writing out there that is actually AI generated. I don't think it is prideful to say that Casting Across is better than that.
Tod...
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July 10, 2025 • 26 mins
In what is effectively a trip report from my most recent jaunt down to Virginia, I cover all the topics in the episode's title and more.
I don't assume that you have a vested interest in what I do in my leisure time... well, aside from fly fishing. However, I do think that you and I have a lot in common. At a bare minimum, we can enjoy that together. Potentially something I did will give you some ideas for what you can do.
That s...
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July 3, 2025 • 26 mins
Times have changed... I think. It doesn't seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire group.
More pragmatically, there is no reason to jettison an entire approach to catching fish.
To...
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June 26, 2025 • 25 mins
One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn't give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying.
And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn't force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I'm talking about some of the options yo...
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June 19, 2025 • 26 mins
Trout are trout, right? Especially if two brookies or cutthroat are swimming only a few hundred yards from each other, they're going to behave, eat, and look the same. Right?
Maybe. But if you're talking about a fish in a mountain stream versus a fish in the mountain lake that feeds said stream? Maybe not.
Mountain trout ponds or lakes offer some beautiful, fun, and diverse angling options for fly fishers on the east or west coas...
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June 12, 2025 • 27 mins
You can catch so many panfish with the flies in your trout fly box. So many. In fact, give me a well stocked trout fly box over a typical panfish fly assortment any day.
But... having some of those poppers helps. And make sure there are a few leggy nymphs. Oh, and a couple of crayfish-looking streamers.
Today I round out a two-part series of panfish fly fishing gear ideas. They're such a fun group of fish to pursue, and for many ...
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June 5, 2025 • 26 mins
You absolutely can (and should) fish for panfish with whatever gear you own. Fish for trout, stripers, and peacock bass with whatever gear you already own, for that matter.
Of course, you'll have a slightly easier and more enjoyable time if you have equipment that is either specifically designed for the particular pursuit or within a relatively appropriate spectrum. And while panfish have a low bar for angling entry, a focused e...
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May 29, 2025 • 25 mins
This episode drifted. And while I'd like to say that is a clever fly fishing pun, it wouldn't be super appropriate because this week we're talking about retrieving flies.
The original outline was about all kinds of retrieves, but as I talked about what was most effective I kept returning to one simple truth: slower retrieves usually catch more trout.
Fast retrieves do have a place in the skill set of the angler. But when you're f...
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May 22, 2025 • 26 mins
Okay, in reality it is presented in more of a "toe to head" fashion.
And, please hear me on this, you can wear all the wrong things and still catch more than anyone dressed in all the finest outdoor clothing available.
All that said, there is wisdom in wearing the clothes that can keep you comfortable as the weather is in a transitory phase. Not only is it relatively simple to source said garments, but it is clear that being prop...
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May 15, 2025 • 24 mins
What makes a fly a fly?
How much money do you need to spend on a fly rod?
What level of risk should you take when going fishing?
In one way or another, I address all three of these questions on today's podcast episode. And while I'm very much interested in all three debates, I'm simply responding to some very good emails and comments I've received on Casting Across lately.
As always, thank you for reading, listening, watching, ...
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May 8, 2025 • 27 mins
There are a lot of benefits to hiring a guide. They show you new water, put you on fish, and teach you new skills. One of the less exciting facets is the focus they bring to your fishing; less exciting, but incredibly helpful.
Today I talk about some of the aspects of fly fishing that I help others focus on while on the water (that is the + in the title). But it is just as important to consistently remind yourself of them while ...
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May 1, 2025 • 27 mins
Some of the flashiest fly fishing gear is undoubtedly very, very nice. But it isn't necessary.
If you're just starting out or you're operating with a limited budget, there are some pieces of equipment that will vie for your attention. While each person has different parameters and priorities I think that some purchases are better than others for those aforementioned angler demographics.
Today I walk through four alternative optio...
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April 24, 2025 • 28 mins
Some people only fish dry flies. Others throw streamers exclusively. And then there are those who have gone all in on Euro nymphing.
Every one of those approaches will catch fish. More importantly, you can enjoy your time on the water utilizing each method immensely.
My only advice? Don't give up on throwing nymphs with traditional gear too soon.
This week I'm sharing three practical ways to improve your nymphing skills with the ge...
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April 17, 2025 • 24 mins
If you don't have kids, don't skip this episode. The reason? Kids are people.
So while I'm certainly framing the content in the context of working with youth, the principles will apply to anyone you want to make into an angler.
Although sometimes just taking a kid fishing is enough to get them into the sport, there are some things you can do to make it a more enjoyable and accessible experience. With a slightly more complicated set...
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April 10, 2025 • 24 mins
Who doesn't like getting a trophy?
While "best in show" awards draw the ire of people who like to complain (Complainers? In fly fishing?!? Egad...), these lists are great for everyday anglers to see what is new and notable in angling gear.
Today I walk through a half dozen Consumer Choice Awards recipients from The Fly Fishing Show's 2025 slate. I talk about everything from $1,000 fly rods to tiny packs of hackle. If you are shoppi...
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April 3, 2025 • 22 mins
You may be the kind of angler who can pony up $70,000 for a tricked out fly fishing rig. Or you might be a Toyota Camry kind of guy. Both work. But today I'm talking more to the sedan and station wagon crowd.
Even if you don't have the kind of vehicle that they feature in outdoorsy commercials, you can tailor your ride to make fly fishing a little easier. Your car won't help you cast or pick flies. But being organized, prepared, an...
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March 27, 2025 • 27 mins
We're all busy. Some are busier than others, but everyone has their own busy. And one consistent thing is that any kind of busy usually interferes with fly fishing.
Once people find out about my kind of busy (having 5 kids, serving as a pastor, etc.), I get asked "how do you go fly fishing?" They're not asking about technique or fly selection. They want to know how I fit it in.
Today I share five things that are helpful in fitting...
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March 20, 2025 • 26 mins
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!
Toda...
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March 13, 2025 • 24 mins
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 fishin...
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March 6, 2025 • 25 mins
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...
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