Casting Across Fly Fishing

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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