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Casting Across Fly Fishing

CastingAcross.com

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.

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21 episodes
weekly
Avg 25 min
English

Episodes 21

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S1 · E407
Friday · 26 min
Terrestrials (& Misc.)
The first half of the show this week is a little different. I share some unfortunate news about the podcast on one of its major platforms. This does present an opportunity for me to explain why the podcast operates the way it does, and it serves as a good reminder for why certain content gets pushed (while others get pushed aside). Also, I talk about the kind of media that thrives on controversy. Spoiler: I say it is not good. I do end up getting to terrestrials. Ants, hoppers, and their friends are some of the best patterns for anyone to fish in the summer. Not only do they present a great chance to build confidence on the water, but they also build confidence behind the vise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E406
August 21 · 26 min
[Cast1] 4 Ways to Get Flies Deep
We all know these simple facts: Fish eat bugs. Most of the bugs fish eat are underwater bugs. Still, we struggle with getting imitations of said bugs in front of these fish. This is a recurring challenge when prospecting for trout and dialing in presenting the fly. Thankfully, we have equipment that can help us overcome this small (but real) obstacle. Today I talk about four things you can do to get your fly deeper. I share the pros and cons of each. And, in a remarkable move from most "how to" content, one of these things isn't going to cost you a dime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E405
August 14 · 27 min
[Cast1] Adding Fly Fishing to Your "Normal" Fishing
It is important to remember that when you start fly fishing, you don't have to bury your spinning or baitcasting rod six feet under. While the rods are emblematic of relatively diverging angling cultures, they are simply tools. You can use both. But if you've been throwing lures for any length of time, there are some adjustments you'll need to make when picking up a fly rod. Today I briefly cover six things that are different enough between fly and conventional fishing that they warrant an explanation. These are real world examples that come from years of teaching and my own personal observations. Lastly, it is important to remember that fly fishing isn't as complicated as some make it out to be. It is, after all, just fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E404
August 7 · 27 min
When You Don't Have The "Right" Gear
I do talk about fly fishing gear a lot on Casting Across. But there is something that will trump equipment nine out of ten times: skill. Within reason, your proficiency with equipment will overcome not having that rod, fly, or gadget that is designed specifically for a particular task. This is a good thing. Because with little expense and without filling up another closet, you can keep doing more on the water. But there are also times when you are on the water and you don't have that one thing that would make fishing a little easier. There are still things you can do. Today, I talk about three of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E403
July 31 · 27 min
Why Fish Downstream?
Let me start off by saying that fly fishing downstream is not my method of choice. It is harder. It is a lower probability approach. It is less than ideal. But sometimes it is necessary. Today I talk through three situations that might demand a downstream presentation. Even though all those caveats are probably still in play, fishing from an upstream position might be the only play at a particular fish. And all that said, there are better ways to do it if you must. *Note* My dislike of fly fishing downstream is pragmatic, not wrapped up in ethics or tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E402
July 24 · 26 min
The Tiniest Blue Lines
How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger. When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn't immediately yield fish, it isn't automatic that you should abandon all hope. You might just need to go a little higher up. Or, to rule out a host of other potentially complicating factors it might be best to start at the top and work your way down. I talk through this approach to tiny blue lines and more on this week's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E401
July 17 · 23 min
Fly Fishing Accusations, XL
XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels. One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to respond to readers, listeners, and viewers of content on Casting Across. I feel privileged that you take the time to consume what I produce, and even more so when you reach out. Today's topics include: Stream temperatures Fly rod prices Wader repair Angling authors & podcast audio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E400
July 10 · 27 min
Guests! (Who Spend Most of Their Life Outdoors)
Although the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast usually doesn't feature interviews, when it does it goes big. Today I have 5 guests in the studio. And I'm confident that they spend more time in the woods than most fishing, hiking, and hunting celebrities. Who are these remarkable figures? You'll have to tune in and find out. And when you do, you'll also be listening to the 400th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast. Thank you: whether it is your first time listening or if you've been with me since the beginning. It has been a pleasure to share the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you for all these years through this medium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E399
July 3 · 26 min
Fly Fishing Etiquette... Its on You
One of the most ridiculous assumptions that you can make in fly fishing is that everyone is going to be just as considerate and respectful as you. First, there is a good chance that your angling foibles are simply in your blind spot. Equally important, all people make mistakes out of one kind of ignorance or another. Today I talk about three areas of fly fishing etiquette. There is a chance that this will be new information to some listeners. But (and more importantly) I also talk about how we can communicate, be courteous, and do a lot to diffuse potential conflicts on the water. And at the end of the day, this potentially puts the impetus on the person being "wronged." After all, etiquette is just that - it isn't the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E398
June 26 · 26 min
Fly Fishing Under Cover
Under, over, around, and (if you're feeling lucky) through. Trout absolutely love cover. Downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and undercut banks are just three examples of places fish like to safely fin and eat. But how does one get a fly into these locations? Sometimes the path forward presents itself. Other times, you have to get kind of creative. Today I talk about some ideas for problem solving these tricky, fishy spots. I also share some helpful gear recommendations for approaching fish that are hiding under cover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E397
June 19 · 25 min
[Cast1] Approaching a Mountain Stream
There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your nose at them at all. But if that is all you know, you're missing out on some tremendous fly fishing. It just requires wrapping your mind around the fact that trout live in tiny pockets of water in the mountains. Today I'm walking through how I approach fly fishing on a mountain trout stream. If you've been doing this for years, it is probably second nature. But if you're the kind of angler I alluded to above? It might provided some helpful ideas as you add some range to your time outdoors with rod in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E396
June 12 · 22 min
Even More on Fly Fishing with Less
Fly fishing minimalism is not just about throwing things out of your pack willy-nilly. In fact, jettisoning necessary items doesn't score you any virtue points. If anything, it is simply bad practice. Today I'm sharing three mentalities, paradigms, or reasons why you might want to slim down your angling load. There are other resources on the particulars (including articles, podcasts, and videos on Casting Across). This episode is all about the why. So whether you have to simplify or want to simplify, give a listen. Then, let me know what you leave at home when given the chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E395
June 5 · 25 min
Topwater is Tops
For the last 24 hours, I've enjoyed some very aggressive bass and panfish. And while I have no reservations using streamers, I'm more than happy to toss topwater flies if they're what is on the menu. Today I share some topwater fly tactics for warmwater fish. I discuss some of my preferred approaches to gear, to casting, to presentation, and to setting the hook. But at the end of the day, getting out there and getting after these fish in the summertime is worth doing any way you want to and are able. So wherever you are, grab a handful of cork poppers and spend an evening at the local pond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E394
May 29 · 27 min
Swing Integration
I am not an expert in swinging flies in the most orthodox sense of the concept. In fact, I've never made any kind of presentation to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or Atlantic salmon. However, I have swung wet flies in ways that might not draw the ire of purists. But none of that is what I'm talking about today. The weird uncle of that noble tactic, swinging streamers and nymphs for bass and trout is a little less dignified but a whole lot of fun. And, if you're more about pragmatism and less about fun, it is more efficient. Today I share three ways to swing flies at your local river. It doesn't take any special gear or a lot of practice. Just get out there and swing away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E393
May 22 · 27 min
5 Wading Ideas (More or Less)
Perhaps this is a little pedantic, but it is worth saying: You don't need to wade to fly fish. What do I mean? Well, I think a lot of anglers wade too much. We get in the water where we don't need to. We move too close to where the fish are. We disturb things as we wade and then wonder why the fish aren't interested in our fly. Today I share a half-dozenish thoughts on wading. Some have to do with safety and equipment. But more importantly, I discuss how less wading might be a good idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E392
May 15 · 25 min
3 Lies that Get People Into Fly Fishing
Last week I did my darndest to debunk three big lies about fly fishing that keep people away from this wonderful pursuit. Today I'm coming at it from another angle. In this episode, I'm addressing three misconceptions about fly fishing that get people into the sport. Thankfully each of these three items have good news/bad news components. So I'll start with the bad and then cycle over to the good. After all, everything worth doing does entail a little challenge and a little work. Note: The team (me) is aware of some audio issues in the past few episodes. The audio engineer (me) and quality control manager (me) are keeping a close eye on the situation. Thank you for your patience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E391
May 8 · 26 min
[Cast1] 3 Lies that Keep People from Fly Fishing
You've probably heard them yourself. There are some myths about fly fishing and fly fishing culture that keep people away from either giving it a try or sticking with it after a little bit of frustration. I'm here to tell you that three of the most common reasons people steer away from fly fishing are just not true. Today I address this triad of lies. If you're considering fly fishing, hopefully this clears up any misconceptions. If you've tried fly fishing and hit some roadblocks, perhaps this will encourage you to stick it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E390
May 1 · 26 min
Fly Fishing Accusations, XXXIX
Today's feedback is pretty interesting. The second segment is about tying flies and and approaching trout in a way that will yield many more fish. But the first and the third? Those are all about the fly fishing community. But that whose conversation is a major part of Casting Across: the quarry and the culture of fly fishing. As always, I am thankful for every read, listen, and watch you give me. And I'm also appreciative of all the feedback I receive. Thanks for being such an important part of Casting Across. And enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E389
April 24 · 24 min
[Cast1] Fly Fishing with Technology
This is not a podcast about using AI to find fish. Nor is this a podcast about building a social media presence. I like to think of these four fundamental pieces of advice as the 21st century version of what was commonly practiced by anglers only a few generations ago. With the overwhelming quantity of information we have in our hands, sometimes it is hard to wade through that which is quality or not. On top of that, what data is useful for the angler? Again: four quick tech tips that will inevitably help you fly fish - whether you're new or have been doing it for generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E388
April 17 · 23 min
Best in Show 2026
Whether I'm in the market for new gear or not, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what is new and noteworthy in fly fishing. For a few years The Fly Fishing Show has held the Consumers Choice Awards. While not exhaustive, it does feature that which is often new and that which is somewhat noteworthy. And that alone warrants a few minutes of my time. And I'd wager, based upon your interest in this podcast, my talking about it warrants a few minutes of your time. Today I discuss a handful of the Consumer Choice Awards selections that I think are interesting. It may or may not surprise you that the one I find most intriguing is also the least expensive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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