Casting Across Fly Fishing

28:39

So You Have to Show Someone How to Cast

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/10/02

You might not fancy yourself a teacher. But if you're going to be a "fly fishing guy" there is a good chance you're going to need to pass along some essential knowledge to a friend, coworker, or brother-in-law. And casting is about as capital-E essential as there is in fly fishing.Today I walk you through what I focus on in my first 45 minutes of any fly casting lesson. The basics are basic, but we all to often fly past them in order to get on the water or into a hula hoop. Hopefully my process

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29:36

A Few More Thoughts on Old Fly Rods

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/09/25

So you want to buy and fish with an old fly rod. Not a collector's item or a rare antique: just a regular, old old fly rod.Great. I'm a fan. And this week, I've been writing and talking about that very thing. After putting together an article and video about fly fishing with old rods on small streams, I figured I'd keep a good thing going and explain a few things about the enterprise. In particular, in this episode I discuss finding a fishable rod and pairing it with the right modern fly line

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24:15

Fly Fishing Accusations, XLI

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/09/18

"But why?"This can be a very obnoxious question. Or, it could be a very revealing question. Do you know why we do what we do when we fly fish? One of this week's questions was posed to me by a student in a casting class that I am teaching. Innocently, he asked why we reel with our non-dominant hand. So I explained it to him. And I'll explain it to you... along with two other viewer, listener, and reader pieces of feedback. This includes one that could be considered an accusation! Learn more

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24:47

Failing Fly Fishing

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/09/11

So you're getting skunked. All that expensive gear, all that planning, and all that podcast information you consumed... and for what! You're failing fly fishing.Not so fast. Sure, catching up on yardwork or taking a nap is all fine and good. But it isn't over until it is over. Today I share three ways to approach what you're doing to see if you can pull the nose up before a crash landing. There are some days that just don't go your way (I recently had such a day). But with a little patience and

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24:55

Fly Fishing Goals & Challenges

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/09/04

"I don't fly fish to compete."That may be. But tell me, if you will, aren't you trying to outwit and then physically overtake the fish? Even though you may not be into tournament angling (and I am not), we all have goals and challenges that we impose upon ourselves when we fish. In today's episode, I use a familiar angling motif to talk through some of the ways you can push yourself in your normal fishing or to augment your time on the water. And I promise: you don't need a fancy, sparkly boat

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26:27

Terrestrials (& Misc.)

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/08/28

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

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26:38

[Cast1] 4 Ways to Get Flies Deep

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/08/21

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"

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27:14

[Cast1] Adding Fly Fishing to Your "Normal" Fishing

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/08/14

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

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27:37

When You Don't Have The "Right" Gear

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/08/07

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

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27:06

Why Fish Downstream?

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/07/31

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

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26:06

The Tiniest Blue Lines

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/07/24

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

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23:37

Fly Fishing Accusations, XL

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/07/17

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 &

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27:42

Guests! (Who Spend Most of Their Life Outdoors)

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/07/10

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

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26:44

Fly Fishing Etiquette... Its on You

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/07/03

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

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26:34

Fly Fishing Under Cover

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/06/26

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

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25:49

[Cast1] Approaching a Mountain Stream

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/06/19

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

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22:52

Even More on Fly Fishing with Less

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/06/12

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

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25:25

Topwater is Tops

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/06/05

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

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27:43

Swing Integration

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/05/29

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

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27:11

5 Wading Ideas (More or Less)

Casting Across Fly Fishing ·

2026/05/22

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

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