Casting Across Fly Fishing

"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 to appreciate what I have to say.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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