Shows
Fish UntamedThe People, Places, and Things that Go Into Fishing, with Matthew LourdeauMatthew Lourdeau runs the Casting Across blog and podcast. I love the topics Matthew covers, which often include finding ways to connect more deeply with the things we enjoy doing. In this episode, we talk about how he got his start in the industry, how he transitioned to running Casting Across, ways to find out more about your local fly fishing history, and how to get “deeper” into the rich culture of fly fishing.Website: castingacross.comCasting Across Fly Fishing PodcastInstagram: @castingacrossFacebook: /castingacrossTwit...2023-05-1152 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, XIIIIn this week's episode, I answer questions about rods, reels, and leaders.
But they're some awfully specific questions. That being said, I'm confident that you - the fly fisher - will appreciate and benefit from the scenarios that elicited these questions. What pushes us to experiment and innovate is questions, problems, and curiosity.
Hopefully what I talk about today gets you thinking and trying new things out on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-05-0727 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing (with Kids)I've written a lot about fly fishing with kids over the years. However, this is my first podcast on the topic.
In just under 20 minutes, I go over three ideas that will probably be helpful as you fish with your own children or the kids in your life. I'm not an expert, but I am a dad who is trying to get my boys to love and take care of the outdoors.
Also, if you don't have kinds in your life: You can translate 90% of what I say into how to fish with a new angler. Including getting them good...2021-04-3028 min
Casting Across Fly FishingBuying Rods, Bug Spray, & Bag ChoiceThis week's episode is a hodge-podge of topics in and around fly fishing.
I talk about choosing between two rod weights, which bug sprays you shouldn't use while fly fishing, and how we should think about conservation in light of COVID.
The only thing that ties any of these things together is that they've been on my mind recently. But chances are, at least one of these brief conversations will get you thinking about your fishing this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-2326 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Tips for MousingFly fishing for trout with a mouse fly is a really exciting way to revisit your favorite water. It also may very well yield some of the biggest fish... fish you didn't even know swam in your well-known holes.
Using mice is also a pretty straightforward and easy way to fish. But there are a few things worth knowing before you give mousing a shot this season. I talk through three simple things that will help orient or reorient you for chasing big, hungry, carnivorous trout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-1625 min
Casting Across Fly FishingA Wider World of Fishing GearWe have the convenience of buying not just rods & reels, but socks & undies, from fly fishing companies. For some that is a great option. For many, that might not be the best fit (size, preference, and/or budget).
While fly shops get a good amount of your business, there are plenty of "outside the industry" options for everything besides the core fly fishing gear. You never know what you'll find in the camping, automotive, or exercise section of the store that improves your time in & around the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2021-04-0926 min
Casting Across Fly FishingAnother IntroductionIf you've been fly fishing for any length of time, there is a good chance that major life events are bracketed by rivers and trout.
I can certainly say that. And in this episode of the podcast, I do say that.
Although Casting Across has a lot of me in it, I don't usually get too autobiographical. However, I think there are some pretty valid reasons to share a little bit about myself. I'll share where I've been, how I've fished, and what else I do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-0226 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing4 Things for Starting the SeasonEven if you have been getting out on the water over the winter, now would be an opportune time to take inventory of some of what you have and what you're doing. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss four things that you might overlook as you prepare for all of the fishing that lies ahead. Two have to do with stuff; two have to do with planning.
You may very well be totally fine to just tie on a fly and get after it. But it might also be good to stop, think, and prep for a few...2021-03-2625 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhen to Kill a FishMost people in the world think that fishing results in harvesting. And, across a wide spectrum of concerns, non-catch-and-release anglers are the allies of fly fishers. We’re largely fighting for the same things.
Definitely keep advocating for our fish, our waters, and our environmental concerns. But also keep in mind that we’re part of a culture that is bigger than us. There is a lot we have to offer, but there is a lot that we can learn.
Sometimes, that means killing a fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-1927 min
Casting Across Fly FishingStreamers Don't Need WeightIn a day and age where big, heavy, articulated streamers get a lot of publicity, it is important to remember that there are similar flies that accomplish slightly different tasks. There are a number of fish and fishing situations that benefit from or necessitate using weightless streamers.
Today I walk through four main reasons why you should have some bead-less and cone-less baitfish imitations in your fly box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-1227 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing5 or 6? The Weight DebateA fly fishing debate as old as the rivers themselves: Which weight should you fish if you want the quintessential trout fly rod? First of all, there is no right answer. That doesn't stop me from trying to answer, though.
I go through a handful of categories and considerations that lead me to answer this question. I suggest that you listen, think through each of the situations/scenarios I discuss, and then come to your own conclusion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-0527 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, XIIOne of the biggest drawbacks to the last year has been the significant reduction in organic conversation. Sure, there are still opportunities to get together. It just isn't as easy. However, I've had an uptick in online interaction with listeners and readers of Casting Across. I'm always happy to get messages, and I do my best to respond in kind.
I'm taking this "10th" episode to read and interact with some emails. I touch on flies, forbearers, and faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-2626 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 More Things I Wish I Knew - Fly TyingTruth be told, there are plenty of reasons why beginner fly tyers get frustrated, stall out, or give up. I have done all of those in the past 20 years. However, I really made some efforts to get this fly tying thing figured out over the past 5 years or so. I'm no expert, but I'm more proficient and happier... and my flies look better, too.
Today I share three things that have made me a better tyer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-1927 min
Casting Across Fly FishingOne Box to Rule Them AllI know. You like your flies. But really, how many do you actually use?
While it isn't for every angler (or every situation), cutting down the flies you carry on the water can actually streamline your fishing. It will certainly make packing and organization much simpler, but it can actually help you zero in and focus on fishing better.
Today I share my reasons for slimming down assortments in certain circumstances, as well as some examples of how I have done it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-1227 min
Casting Across Fly FishingConservation ConflictsWhile it is a broad-brushed, stereotyping statement, there is some truth in the "cantankerous fly fisher" archetype. In this episode I encourage us to take a better approach. We're not going to win people to our side and our cause if the goal is to shame, discourage, and tear down. We can avoid conflict and promote conservation.
Today I share three stories. One of which involves me falling and flailing on a streambank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-0525 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFamous & FishableSome of the rivers that our grandfathers lauded as destination waters have declined in one way or another. The quantity or quality of the fish just isn’t there anymore. There are still fish present, and there is still good fishing to be had, but things have changed.
And people don’t like change.
But change shouldn't keep you off the water. Aside from the viable fishing still present, there is a whole lot more to be gained from spending time on these famous waters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-2926 min
Casting Across Fly FishingThe Show Must Go OnAs they're large gatherings, fly fishing shows and outdoor expos aren't happening these days.
You might be looking with sadness at a weekend or day that you'd usually spend in a giant convention hall that is now wide open. You might not give a hoot that they've been cancelled. Personally, I trend toward the former. I think there's a lot of value in "the shows."
Briefly, I share how you can still get some (but not all) of the benefits... even if you're in front of your computer screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...2021-01-2226 min
Casting Across Fly FishingThe Undercut BankDeep blue pools, frothy eddies, and overhanging limbs all look incredibly fishy. Another spot that ought to be in that list is the undercut bank. Fish, especially trout, covet these spaces for the purposes of safety and food.
In this week's episode I talk about undercut formation, why fish like them, and how I approach these productive spots. It is a broad overview, but ought to provide enough for you to get out and targeting undercut banks on your favorite rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-1527 min
Casting Across Fly FishingAngry AnglingFly choice. Feeding lane. Approach angle. Your emotions?
When was the last time you stopped and considered how much your attitude impacts your fly fishing? In this episode I stop short of psychoanalysis, but I do consider how your mental state impacts a few essential parts of your fishing. Your casting and fishing should be thought of as being influenced by everything that is happening between your ears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-0827 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Resolutions, 20/21I don't make a lot of New Year's resolutions. Sure, I decide to do a lot of things... they just happen to be more spur of the moment than calendar-based.
I do like to think about my fly fishing on an annual basis. Perhaps it stems from buying licenses on January 1st for so many years. This year I offer up 3 resolutions for fly fishing. Maybe you'll want to take one of them for yourself. Maybe you'll simply copy the exercise. At a minimum, I hope you'll enjoy thinking about your fishing in the coming year. Learn...2021-01-0122 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing StorytimeMerry Christmas from Casting Across!
Since this episode is being released on the night of Christmas Eve, I thought I'd go ahead and do something a little different.
Nostalgia and tradition is a big part of the holiday season. Stories of those who came before us and the way things used to be come part and parcel with this time of the year. So along with the normal segments on the podcast, I'll read some selections from The American Angler's book (1864). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-2520 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, XIThanks for reading and listening. And an extra thanks for those who get in touch.
This week I push back on some people who pushed back on an article I wrote about topics of conversation while fly fishing. What is appropriate? Read, listen, and you decide. Also, I relive some more harrowing wildlife encounters. Lastly, I get my accusations going. I critique a seemingly nonsensical social media complaint that I see from time to time in fly fishing circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-1825 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWintertime Fly Fishing Time, Part 1The calendar should not and can not dictate your fly fishing.
Sure, the water might be frozen over. Maybe it is even illegal to fish in certain months where you live. There is a chance that you hate being cold.
Still, you can stay plugged in to fly fishing and everything that entails.
This week, I talk about three things you can do in the "off-season" to keep those fly fishing connections all winter long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-1127 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWading in the Footsteps of GiantsUnless the circumstances are exceptional, the pivotal men and women of fly fishing history can't offer you hands-on, in the stream instruction.
Their mentoring must occur in the pages of a book or journal; their words and deeds informing and influencing through a necessary medium. Whether you have a “real life” mentor or not, these insights and experiences are priceless. Lasting the test of time, the best of the best understood how to combine the what and the how with the who and the why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-0425 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWaders: Fixing, Buying, WadingIt is no fun to be wet when you're not expecting to be wet. That means waders need to be functioning at 100%. If you're fishing in cold weather or cold water, 95% is no good.
In this episode I talk about end-of-season wader care. Included in that is inspecting, cleaning, and repair. I also share some of my preferred wader repair products and methods. Lastly, I do offer up some advice on buying waders. This is a relatively shallow dive into a deep topic, but it should be a helpful starting point. Learn more about your ad choices...2020-11-2726 min
Casting Across Fly FishingA Fly Fishing Cornucopia'Tis the week of Thanksgiving. Which means all of the food and fun of Christmas without the stressful shopping, wrapping paper, and cold(er) weather. And, if you play your cards right you might get to sneak a little bit of fishing in.
On this episode I delve into a few topics:
Why check out holiday fly fishing gift guides?
Do you need to break the bank on your next gear purchase?
How can I start a holiday angling tradition?
What is a good way to prospect for fish at the end of November? Learn more about...2020-11-2027 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSemi-Perilous Wildlife EncountersWho doesn't like to see some wildlife when they're out fly fishing? Majestic elk, brilliant songbirds, and delicate butterflies add a little something to your angling.
But there is a whole host of other critters that are less than pleasant to encounter. Some are downright awful.
In this episode of the podcast, I recount a few harrowing tales of my own. And while I strongly advocate a "live and let live policy," I also encourage some of these varmints to do their living somewhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-1326 min
Casting Across Fly FishingChill in the Air, Trout in the WaterIn this episode I talk about a few tactics for finding fish in the colder months. The approaches aren't revolutionary, but for many of us any kind of change takes some significant effort. I mention locations, flies, and other gear that I use when I'm diagnosing a river when it is chilly out.
Also, I share how I handle iced-over guides and make a recommendation on a nymph rod that punches above it's price point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-0628 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Writing, Speaking, & VotingThis podcast episode is really a 4-in-1. And you get to listen to it at your normal price - I guarantee it.
First: 5 years of Casting Across! I talk a little bit about why and how the website came to be.
Second: I explain why people are the greatest benefit I've received through my writing and speaking.
Third: Want a controversial take? Check out the piece I read.
Fourth: Vote! I don't know if you have heard, but there is an election coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-3024 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFish Tales: Under the BridgeWe all have memorable fish that we have caught. Some of the most memorable might be fish that we didn't catch right away. That is the story of this fish.
This episode is a little different than most. Hear me talk through a season of chasing one particular brown trout. Along with some of the narrative, I share a little bit of the "how" and "why."
Hopefully you enjoy it. More than that, hopefully it will get you thinking about chasing after that one fish yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-2327 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, XWhy have more than one pair of sunglasses?
Why spend a lot of time creating loop-to-loop line/leader connections?
Why listen to anything I say?
I answer those questions, and a few more, on this week's podcast.
I always appreciate getting feedback, and have a lot of fun interacting with emails, comments, and social media chirps. Having that back-and-forth is a great aspect to Casting Across, and one of my favorite things about being a part of the fly fishing community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-1625 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSpecial Guests for #100100 episodes.
That is a lot of my voice.
So, this week I have a few special guests that join me on the podcast. All three have been fishing for their entire life, and I think that you'll appreciate their perspectives. I can honestly say that they keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it fun.
Also, I wanted to convey a big thank you to all who listen. Thanks for making these 25 minutes part of your week. I truly appreciate it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-0925 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhy You Should Fish Manchester, VTWhere can you go to get some fly fishing history, beautiful scenery, fun for the whole family... and a few trout?
Nestled in the bottom left corner of Vermont sits the little town of Manchester. Orvis is there. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is there. They're there because the Battenkill River is there.
If you find yourself wanting to spend a long weekend in the region, you'll not be disappointed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-0227 min
Casting Across Fly FishingNostalgia, Losing, & Rock n' RollWhere have you fished the most?
Do you remember the first time you went? Was it a remarkable success or a tragic comedy of errors? Regardless, I'd wager that you can remember the first time you went fly fishing on your favorite river, stream, or lake.
In this episode I recount my first trip to a beloved spring creek. I came to know it very well, but the first time I tried to lure out a brown trout was hardly successful. Still I remember it - and I remember it fondly. Learn more about your ad choices...2020-09-2525 min
Casting Across Fly FishingAngling Observances & MiscellanyEvery week I approach podcast recording time with a handful of ideas. Most fill up a 20 minute episode. Some are a little more brief, derivative, or otherwise not enough.
This episode is a compilation of 4 or 5 topics, only strung together by the common thread of fly fishing. There is some theory, some practical advice, and even a commentary on death. (It's brief, but i got it in there.) It is a quick run through a number of miscellaneous angling observations - enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-1825 min
Casting Across Fly FishingA Few Trashy FliesMany a fly shop counter has heard the debates and the arguments.
"Those aren't flies."
"If it is within the law, it is a fly."
"That's a lure."
"You're just jealous you can't catch as many fish."
...and so on.
In this episode I take a brief look at the spectrum of fly authenticity. I attempt to get at the root of the quarrel, and try my hand at some conflict resolution.
Maybe you'll scoff. Maybe you'll cheer. Hopefully you'll be entertained. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-1129 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFishing Away From PeopleGood weather means a good day to be outside. And that isn't a secret. Spring, Fall, and pleasant Summer days can cause your favorite spots to fill up quickly.
In this episode I talk about four ways I’ve learned to beat the crowds and still get into fish. You don’t have to give up your favorite water, but with a little outside the fly box thinking you can get into some really great good weather fishing… and be all by yourself.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-0424 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Gear, Spend or No?Fly fishing is about the experience, not the labels or the quality of your gear... but you need gear to fish, right?
In this episode, I quickly go through a dozen or so pieces of fly fishing gear. I share my opinion on what kinds of gear warrant a little more money and which don't. There are countless variables that I don't explore, and you know your budget and your angling better than I do. Still, you may benefit from hearing why and how your priorities could stand a slight reshuffling. Learn more about your ad choices. V...2020-08-2825 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Ways to Shake Up Fishing Dry FliesCast at a 45-degree angle upstream. Mend. Allow the fly to drift without dragging. Repeat.
Honestly, that sounds like an ideal situation. The stereotypical dry fly presentation is fun. However, there are plenty of times when the fish or the setting are anything but stereotypical:
if you have ever encountered situations where the fish aren't playing ball, you can't get into "proper" casting position, or you need a little help seeing your fly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-2125 min
Casting Across Fly FishingDon't Take Fly Fishing Too Seriously"I'm in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I've just caught an enormous fish. But I don't give a crap." ...at least that is what your face is saying.
That is just one example of how people take fly fishing too seriously. Unless you are part of the 2020-08-1426 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 More Fly Fishing "I Wish I Knew Thens"A year ago I released a podcast entitled "3 Fly Fishing Things I Wish I Knew Then." Believe it or not, there are more. In this episode I discuss why the new angler ought to consider some parts of fly fishing that might not be readily apparent. But with the benefit of time and perspective on my side, I can also say that anglers who have been on the stream for a while might need to consider them too. Me included. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-0725 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, IX90 episodes in, and it is still a lot of fun!
On this installment of the podcast, I interact with three messages from listeners/readers. I discuss Euro rods on small streams, how to find water that is easy to walk or wade in, and a heartfelt response to a memorial article.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or accusations please don't hesitate to reach out. Use the comment form on the website or email me: matthew[at]castingacross[dot]com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-3124 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFish Trippin'Road trip!
Depending upon your particular experiences, that phrase might elicit great joy or terrible fear. But what if you have a fly rod in the car? Or, what if you've had a fly rod in the car while taking that same route in the past?
Adding a little fishing to a longer drive can break things up. But, there are a lot more benefits than just a pair of wet boots and a few fish in the net. Getting off the highway and into some of the local flavor can really increase your enjoyment of a place and a...2020-07-2425 min
Casting Across Fly FishingTrout Mission: AccomplishedThere is one fish that I have been trying to catch for nearly 20 years. It isn't a specific fish, per se, but any rainbow trout out of a particular stream.
This week I caught that fish.
It was a little fish. Really little. But that is okay. After numerous failed attempts (some of which resulted in law enforcement intervention), it was immensely satisfying to catch & release this one trout.
How can one little fish be so hard to catch? And why would I have some quixotic obsession with it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...2020-07-1725 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSneak a Little Fishing InIf you can negotiate some time on the water, then you should absolutely sneak some fishing into your family trip. Want my advice? Don't bring what you would normally bring on a fishing trip. Pack lighter. Be it out of necessity or simply to keep the peace, choose what you're hauling along with coolers, strollers, and scooters wisely. Even if you are flying and going solo, there should be a minimized method to your madness. Today on the podcast, I talk through fitting fly fishing into trips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-1026 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSpinners, Scum Frogs, & Fly FishingI'm pretty confident that my audience is beyond the "fly fishing is the only kind of fly fishing!" thing.
Don't get me wrong: I love fly fishing. 9 times out of 10, I'm fishing with a fly rod. But that "1" makes for plenty of opportunities. And I can honestly say that all of my time fishing with a fly has made me a better angler when I'm using spinning or baitcasting gear.
In this episode I talk about three ways that fly fishing techniques have honed and improved my time on the water. Learn more about your ad choices...2020-07-0323 min
Casting Across Fly FishingTaught by a Twenty-Inch TroutA benefit of fishing a lot is the ability to be a little choosy.
Instead of splashing at every chance at a big fish, it allows for a more measured approach. With a lot of fly fishing comes an increased sample size to consider. There are more experiences, more insights, and more observations. Most importantly, it is a lot like the feeding habits of a big trout: just be there, and opportunities will present themselves that require very little of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-06-2624 min
Casting Across Fly FishingThe Right Fly Box for the JobYou can keep your flies in anything. At the end of the day, it is how you fish your flies - not where you store them - that ends up catching fish.
Of course, for only a few dollars you can get the right fly box. It might lead to better organization. It could even mean your flies stay protected. And, it could be argued, both of those might mean catching more fish.
In this episode I walk through the styles and types of fly boxes I think are most beneficial for a number of patterns and uses. 2020-06-1926 min
Casting Across Fly FishingCabins, Covid, & CastingWhat makes a good fishing cabin?
Maybe, just maybe, it doesn't have to be a cabin to do what you need it to do. Today, I talk about how I've been finding fly fishing trip lodging for a while now.
Also, I start of the podcast by talking about healing, documentaries, and another podcast. It is a little bit of everything, but it touches on a diverse range of fly fishing experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-06-1227 min
Tailer Trash Fly FishingEpisode 48 - Tailer Trash Fly Fishing - It's Always Summer 2.0Despite the Corona induced cancellation of the 2020 guiding season in Alaska, Chip and Sky are headed to Bristol Bay to spend the summer as caretakers of the shuttered lodge where they typically spend their summers. We catch up with what has been happening in their life over the past year, talk safety on the water and take our typical serpentine path through fly fishing through the balance of the episode.
We mention another great podcast during the episode when talking about being smart with Personal Floatation Devices on the water.
Here’s that article:
https://castingacross.com/astral-sturgeon-the-pfd-for-fishing/
Astral makes so...2020-06-072h 14
Casting Across Fly FishingHow to Fish Better & LongerThere are some ways that you can get more fishing in.
And they all involve moving; just a little bit more.
In this episode I talk about how a little bit of attention to fitness can translate into better fishing. The bulk of the discussion focuses on getting deeper into the woods and away from the crowds more efficiently and effectively. This might mean running, jogging, or just a little bit more of a brisk walk. I also discuss gear selection for times when you're moving a little bit faster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...2020-06-0528 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhere I've FishedWhere do you fish?
I field this question a lot. Recently, when I solicited ideas on social media, this was asked even more. So while I won't necessarily be spot burning, I do want to highlight some rivers and regions that I've enjoyed.
This week I talk about three places that I've really enjoyed fishing. They're all in the US, but they're thousands of miles from one another. They are very different from my normal fly fishing destinations... but they also have a lot of points where they connect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...2020-05-2924 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, VIIIThis week, I talk about opening day, wildfires, little pike, and mop flies.
What ties all of those topics together? Well, you asked for it!
On this 80th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast, I field questions and comments from listeners and readers. It is a lot of fun to get feedback, and I enjoy being able to interact with a few things on the podcast.
If you ever have a question, comment, or even an accusation - just let me know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-05-2224 min
Casting Across Fly FishingUltralight Fly FishingWhen was the last time you tried a rod that was two or three weight designations lighter than your usual setup? Whether you fish in the salt, for warm water species, or trout, there are some legitimate reasons to downsize.
In this episode I focus primarily on the true ultralight line weights - 2, 1, and 0. There are some principles that you can apply regardless of how and where you fish. Most of all, hopefully it gives you an idea of what modern lightweight fly fishing gear is capable of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...2020-05-1525 min
Casting Across Fly FishingGetting Lost, Wet, & StuckWe all do dumb stuff while we're fly fishing.
...or am I alone in that?
In this episode I share a few big and potentially costly blunders I've made in my fly fishing life. Perhaps they will be cautionary. Perhaps they will be of entertainment value. Regardless, they're there and through them I offer a few things to think about. After all, we learn more in difficulty than we do while at ease.
And stuck on the opposite site of a rapidly rising tailwater is definitely "in difficulty." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2020-05-0826 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing5 Things You Need in Your Car for FishingThere are a lot of articles and podcasts that tell you what you need for fly fishing. There is even content out there that details the backup gear you'll need.
In this podcast, I talk about 5 (plus 3 more, at the end) non-fly fishing things you should have in your car if you're going to be spending a good amount of time on the water. Sound abstract? Check it out, hear some of my horror stories, and think about if you'd be prepared in the same situation.
...and yes, duct tape is on the list. Learn more about...2020-05-0125 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhy You Should Fish at HomeI'm try not to be judgmental. However, if you long to get out on the water an ignore the ponds in your backyard you're doing it wrong.
Across the country there are farm ponds, ponds in parks, and neighborhood retention ponds filled to the brim with fish. They might not be trout. But who cares? Bass, sunfish, and even rough fish are legitimate targets for the fly fisher.
In this episode, I talk about a few ways to think about approaching local bodies of water. I discuss gear, species, and more. Learn more about your ad choices...2020-04-2425 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Angles of Short Fly RodsIn my experience, short fly rods are perceived as "small rods for small water." While there is truth in that, a sub-7' rod does a lot more than just measure a few feet less than your normal fly rod.
This episode, I share three things that I think anyone using a short fly rod should be familiar with. I talk about casting, presentation, and fighting/landing fish. I also make the case for why you should use a longer rod when you can get away with it on smaller streams. Learn more about your ad choices...2020-04-1725 min
Casting Across Fly FishingCoronaCast, Week 4Depending on how you look at things, a lot is happening... or not a lot is happening.
Still, I have a few things to share. I got an interesting email from a handful of entities within the fly fishing industry that I wanted to talk about. Also, I have a tip on how to pack your gear in light of quarantine once this is all over.
I've had some great feedback over the past few weeks, and I'd encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...2020-04-1024 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing InsideHow are you redeeming your time?
Obviously, in a crisis there is great suffering and hardship. But there are always blessings in disguise and silver linings on clouds. Often times those things only come in hindsight. However, when you have a lot of time on your hands there are definitely some opportunities at hand. Even if you're stuck at home you can cast. You can read. You can tie. And you can get better at all of those things - in spite of the uncertainty in the world. So, how will you redeem your time? Learn more...2020-04-0325 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhy You Should Fish the Upper DelawareA remarkable and diverse trout fishery is within a half day's drive of most of the US population. And, you can thank these rivers for those famous bagels and pizzas in New York City.
The Upper Delaware River system consists of multiple waterways featuring a diverse group of fishing opportunities. The trout that inhabit the rivers are strong, big, and plentiful. Whether you haven't tapped into this resource, or it is a favorite trip, listen to some thoughts on approaching and enjoying the Upper Delaware. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-03-2727 min
Casting Across Fly FishingCoronaCast, Week 1There has been so much said about what we can't do, but there is truly so much that we still can do. For fly fishers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors, the world is still pretty much wide open.
This week on the podcast I talk about three things I've thought about and done during this weird turn of events: what do do before you go fishing, how to go fishing, and maybe even what you can think about while you're fishing. As always, my hope is that you take what you hear and do something with it. 2020-03-2027 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations, VIIWhat do fly rod material debates, bad tying equipment, and a little county in Pennsylvania have in common?
These are the topics i discuss in this episode. And I'm discussing these topics because you have emailed, commented, and chirped on social media about these things. I get a good amount of feedback, and I enjoy being able to answer questions and comment.
Also, I talk for a bit about fly fishing podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-03-1322 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing5-Star Fly Fishing (...or not)How would you rate your favorite fly rod? 5 stars? 2 thumbs up? Are you not into rating things?
Regardless, people rate, review, and chime in on rods, reels, nippers, marabou feathers, fly shops, guides, and even moderately interesting websites and podcasts. This all begs the question: What do you do with this information?
In this episode of the podcast I talk all about ratings and reviews. I also explain why I don't give out one particular piece of information when I talk about gear on Casting Across. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-03-0625 min
Casting Across Fly FishingTaxes, Trespassing, & TroutSome people fish in places where access isn't a problem. By and large, most anglers are content to drive up to a state maintained parking lot or a well-used pull off. However, there is a lot of fishable water that isn't so convenient.
In this episode I talk about a different kind of map that is useful for finding all sorts of fishing access. Not only might you be able to find new ways into public water, but there is a chance the information will lead you down a lawful path to "private" water. Learn more about...2020-02-2824 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing from Your Sleeping BagThere are plenty of reasons to mix camping and fly fishing.
Sure, there are some that are all about nature and the experience. But what I am talking about is the pragmatic things: proximity, cost, and a bad night's sleep helping you wake up early to hit that trico hatch.
In this episode I explore a few reasons why I'll often eschew the hotel room (and sometimes even the tent) when I am going on a fishing trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-02-2125 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Things I Wish I Knew: Fly TyingI'm not an expert fly tyer. ...so why listen to 20 minutes of what I have to say on the subject?
While I'm not an expert, I am proficient enough to tie what I need. But I've taken the circuitous route to get to this point. I've started and stopped. I've used the wrong materials and tried to do things the hard way. I've made frustrating mistakes. And with all that, I can look back on some of the things that I wish I would have known about fly tying back when I started. Learn more about your...2020-02-1426 min
Casting Across Fly FishingMidges: A Big Little Part of Fly FishingBig flies catch some of the big fish, some of the time. But small flies catch most of the fish, most of the time.
And you can't get much smaller than midges.
In this episode I give a brief primer on one specific facet of midge fishing: using dry flies sized 20 and smaller. Getting comfortable with and dialing in this technique can be very beneficial. If you can present a size 24 well to a rising fish, you can present anything to a rising fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-02-0729 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Fly Fishing Show ObservationsEvery January I spend a few weekends at The Fly Fishing Show. There is some networking, shopping, and top-shelf people watching. Above all, it is good to see people I might only talk face-to-face with a few times a year. But this episode isn't a review of the show or a run down on the latest industry offerings.
There's a lot happening, and I think there are some conclusions that you can draw about the culture of fly fishing. My take might be a little controversial. And if so, I'm always willing to talk. Learn more about y...2020-01-3125 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSplit Shot! (& a Wide World of Weights)If you're not using weight, you're not fly fishing right.
But split shot is just the tip of the weight-option iceberg. Weighted flies, poly leaders, and sink tips - what a time to be alive. In this episode, I discuss some of the pros and cons of these options. I also talk a little bit about some nontraditional ways to think about adding weight to your fly rigs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-01-2425 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Shop LostA lot more goes into a good fly shop than some big-name decals on the windows.
Sometimes, a good fly shop has faded sign with a cartoon worm underneath the words "live bait."
I'm not kidding. What makes a good fly shop is all about the soul on the inside. You need flies, rods, and all the miscellany to make it a store. But it is the people, and what they offer, who give it soul.
On this episode of the podcast, I recount some formative fly fishing experiences from an unlikely angling location. Learn more about...2020-01-1725 min
Casting Across Fly FishingYou Sure You Know Which Fly Rod You Want?Of course you know which weight you want for your next fly rod. Or do you?
I'm only questioning you because I've had to question myself. Sometimes we get stuck thinking about what the marketing, or our fishing buddy, or our biased presuppositions tell us we need in new gear.
While there are countless great articles out there that give some tips on buying your next fly rod, I wanted to come at the topic from a slightly different angle. You don't need a rod: you need the rod that does the job you want done Learn m...2020-01-1027 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations VIQuestions, questions, questions. I am well aware that my writing and speaking might leave you with a few things you're still wondering about.
Which is great.
Go out and experiment. Open a book and read. Show up to a TU meeting. Bend the ear of your local fly shop proprietor.
Or you could always email me or leave a comment on the website. Here I talk about neoprene waders, getting kids excited about fly fishing, and short furled leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-01-0326 min
Casting Across Fly FishingTrout Quixote II*This is the second installment of a two part series ; listen to episode 58 for part one.*
My first grand scheme was met with mixed results. I was at the point where the chase was as attractive as the catch. I wasn't going to stop until I found trout nearby.
With dozens of top-notch trout options within a few hours, why go through the hassle of a long hike and a quasi-clandestine fishing trip? And would it even be worth it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-2722 min
Casting Across Fly FishingTrout Quixote IHow far do you have to drive to get to trout?
How far do you have to drive to get to native trout?
The second question is one that has been on my mind for as long as I have been fly fishing. There is something about wild fish, even if they're teeny-tiny, that encapsulates so much of why I do what I do.
And I'm not alone.
This is the first of a two-part narrative of my wild-eyed quest for local, native trout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-2019 min
Casting Across Fly FishingX Marks the TroutReading maps is a lost art. Creating maps might be all about precise science, but interpreting maps is much more nuanced.
Even if you don't think about maps, most fly fishers rely on maps in some way. You need to find the stream, the special regulation section of the stream, & the place on the stream where the fish are supposed to be.
In this episode I share some map-centric memories, & give 3 tips for using maps to find fish that you might have otherwise overlooked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-1325 min
Casting Across Fly FishingThe FIRST Interviews of the PodcastCasting Across isn't an interview- or discussion-based podcast. There are plenty of those out there, and I encourage you to listen and subscribe. There are some great ones.
But as this is the one-year mark of the podcast, I thought I'd break out of the mold and into an interview for an episode. Two interviews, actually.
Hear me talk to two of the people who have impacted my fly fishing the most. Actually, these are two people who have had a tremendous impact on my life.
My 7- and 5-year old boy Learn more about your ad ch...2019-12-0622 min
Casting Across Fly FishingA Lot of Fly Fishing Thank YousWhat are you thankful for? We ask that question a lot, especially towards the end of November. This is also a natural time to ask what in fly fishing you are thankful for. The heart of the season is wrapping up.
This week, I mention a handful of things that I am thankful for. While I doubt our experiences are exactly the same, there is enough commonality within fly fishing that I know you'll be able to relate.
Also, I talk about some programs that truly deserve all of our gratitude. Learn more about your ad choices...2019-11-2920 min
Casting Across Fly FishingHead to Toe Winter Fly FishingEven when it is frigid outside, the fish have to eat.
Which means you can go out and catch them. The only problem is that going out entails being out. Thanks to modern technology and a little common sense, it is actually pretty simple to stay warm in even the coldest situations.
Whether you're in the below-zero conditions of the Great Lakes tributaries, or a brisk 40 degree day on a North Carolina tail water, you're going to bundle up.
Here are some practical ideas: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-2224 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Fly Fishing Things I'm Glad I Knew ThenYour first months and years of fly fishing will probably produce some of your most treasured moments. You won't have all of the knowledge, experience, or gear, but every cast will yield something new and wonderful.
This week I look back at three things that made my first few years of fly fishing matter. I've caught a lot of fish in a lot of places since then, but I can honestly say that the three things I mention played an enormous role in shaping me as an angler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...2019-11-1522 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Areas of Angling ConfidenceFly fishing is 90% mental, the other half is physical... or something like that.
Truly, having the right mindset when approaching the stream and presenting your fly matters. You have got to be reasonable in what you're doing and how you're doing it, but having confidence counts for a whole lot.
I quickly cover 3 things you can have confidence in as a fly fisher, and how this can be helpful as you fish for the 2nd time or the 1,000th time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-0824 min
Casting Across Fly FishingYou Make Fly Fishing What It IsThis week marks 4 years of Casting Across; 4 years' worth of articles about the people, places, and things that go into the pursuit of fish.
Even though the fly fishing community includes an incredibly diverse array of experiences, there are two common denominators that make fly fishing what it is.
And fish is only one of them.
20 minutes doesn't do 4 years justice, but in this episode I talk about some things I've gleaned through countless hours behind the keyboard... and a few on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-0123 min
Casting Across Fly FishingGolden Fly Fishing Accusations50 episodes! But really, the milestone for a weekly podcast is 52...
This week I respond to four listeners/readers. I discuss the quality of my podcast, keeping your eyeballs safe, a few pieces of gear an angling "noob" might want to pick up, and a fly rod that I am embarrassed I don't own.
Even though 50 isn't really an anniversary, thanks for listening and for the comments, emails, and reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-2522 min
Casting Across Fly FishingSteelhead PrimerI'm surprised at how many devoted fly fishers haven't tried catching Great Lakes steelhead. Big fish, manageable rivers, and easy access seem like a perfect combination.
Sure, this isn't the Pacific Northwest. But being a half-day's drive from a unique seasonal fishery is something that anglers from Chicago to Boston ought to consider.
I present a quick survey on what goes into giving steelhead a shot: gear, technique, and some excellent tips on when to go to maximize your chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-1824 min
Casting Across Fly FishingBeauty & Chaos in Fly BoxesBy the time Fall rolls around, most fly fishers' fly boxes are looking pretty rough.
Truth be told, many new anglers also have chaotic and bizarre collections of fly patterns.
Although it might not be for everyone, I have a concept that I've tried to implement in how I fill and maintain fly boxes. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about one of my methods for fly storage/usage. I also go above my pay grade and discuss tying and fishing cress bug patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-1124 min
Casting Across Fly Fishing3 Fly Fishing Things I Wish I Knew ThenContrary to popular Hollywood tropes, you can't go back in time.
However, others can learn from your mistakes. And hindsight can also help you make better decisions going forward.
All of that is true in the big, important parts of life. It is also true in fly fishing. In this episode I talk about three things about fly fishing that I wish I knew when I was younger. More accurately: these are things I knew about when I was younger, but I should have actually done them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-0423 min
Casting Across Fly FishingEuropean Trout-cationI could hear it. It was coming closer. And there I was: alone in the woods, halfway across the world, holding only a fly rod.
It wasn't even that great of a rod.
10 years ago I went to Italy. There was culture, cuisine, and an ill-fated fly fishing adventure. Hear me talk about the fish, the fishery, and the fishing guide that made it such a bizarre story. Also, learn how I escaped the aforementioned, tense situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-2723 min
Casting Across Fly FishingNever Confess Your Sins to a TroutWhat would you say if you were told that you owed every fish you caught an apology? How about that you actually needed to find a fish and atone for your angling?
Recently a school held a service where students prayed to plants. What might sound like satire actually has real worldview implications. In this episode I talk out of my weight class and explore some of the implications of seemingly compassionate ecological concepts that, in reality, actually might end up hurting plants, fish, and us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-2024 min
Casting Across Fly FishingReels: Not a Real Big DealRod, reel, line.
I say no! It shall be rod, line, reel.
For most fly fishing scenarios, your reel is the least significant part of your terminal tackle equation. Of course there are some real, legitimate exceptions. But more often than not most trout fishing doesn't necessitate a super-premium reel. You need something to hold line, and you need some basic fish fighting skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-1322 min
Casting Across Fly FishingYou Are Not a Trout BumI don’t want to feel like you’re being attacked.
I am sure that you are really, really into fly fishing. If you were to tell me everything you know, share your angling expense report, and rattle off where you’ve been I bet I’d be impressed. Seriously. No sarcasm. There is a very good chance that you’re an angling enthusiast or a fly fishing aficionado or a hardcore fisher-person.
You’re just not a trout bum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-0619 min
Casting Across Fly FishingScared of Fishing in the Rain?For some reason, the myth exists that fishing isn't any good in the rain. Maybe we should keep that fallacy going, because getting out on the river in the rain is a great way to get to spots and fish that would otherwise be hard to approach. Whether it is because the rain is keeping away crowds or creating angling opportunities, a few drops might be the catalyst to getting you on the water.
I share a few tips, some observations, and my unscientific opinion on why fly fishing in the rain isn't scary at all. Learn...2019-08-3023 min
Casting Across Fly FishingCast Better to Fish BetterWant to know how to make a better presentation with your fly?
Want to know how to catch more fish?
Want to know how to have more fun fly fishing?
Learning to be able to cast a fly rod better is part of growing as an angler. It might be about distance, accuracy, or efficiency. Regardless, a little bit of perspective, patience, and practice can go a long way to make your time on the water better.
I discuss a few ways to think about fly casting practice in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices...2019-08-2325 min
Casting Across Fly FishingFly Fishing Accusations IV40 episodes in, and I have a lot of questions, comments, and other feedback to interact with.
This podcast I answer a question about fishing while backpacking, sing the praises of old fly rods, and address "Japanese shower climbing." Briefly, but I address it.
It is a lot of fun to hear what readers/listeners are thinking when they interact with Casting Across, and these episodes allow me to take previous content to another level of specificity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-08-1623 min
Casting Across Fly FishingBeyond Dry/Dropper: Creative 2 Fly RigsIf you're not fishing a dry/dropper, you're missing out on an excellent way to maximize your fish-catching potential.
But there are other "dropper" rigs that work really well in a variety of scenarios in which a dry fly trailed by a nymph just wouldn't make sense. In this episode I talk about four ways you can utilize two flies to improve your fishing and your catching.
How many of these techniques have you tried? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-08-0923 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhat Makes the Good Fly Shops Good?Even today, brick and mortar fly shops are an integral part of fly fishing culture. Beyond supplying rods, reels, flies, and tying materials, they offer angling insight and legitimate community.
Although there are many factors that lead to fly shops succeeding or failing, there are certain things that most of the truly good shops have in common. And, in my opinion, the most important facets aren't fishing gear.
What do you like in a fly shop? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-08-0223 min
Casting Across Fly FishingHere's a New Spot for You to FishWhen it comes to reading water, the fly fisher who is observant of details will be rewarded.
This way of angling doesn’t mean casting your fly to every square inch of the creek. It entails reading the water at a level that goes beyond riffle, run, pool. Slow down. Think and assess. Don't just fishing the holding water that usually has a trout or two.
There are plenty of fish that aren't where you usually look. You just need to realize they are there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-07-2624 min
Casting Across Fly FishingHow to Know if You Know How to Fly FishIf you can’t explain it, you don’t really get it.
Think of it this way: Can you explain the basic mechanics of a cast? Could you give a quick overview of why the feeding behavior of fish changes with the weather? Why should I buy a medium-action fly rod over a fast one… or vice-versa?
You don't need to be an expert to know how to fish or, more importantly, enjoy how to fish. But learning how to communicate fly fishing might be one of the best ways to learn how to fly fish better. Learn...2019-07-1923 min
Casting Across Fly FishingPro Deals... What's the Deal?I'll go on record as saying that I think "Pro Deals" and "Pro Staff" are totally fine. But just like anything else in fly fishing (or in the rest of the world), abuse can ruin a good thing. Kirk Deeter's recent Angling Trade piece articulated some of the real problems that exist with this system. It is clear why "Pro Staffers" give this legitimate marketing tactic a bad name, and it makes sense why some are agitated by the whole institution. In this episode I talk about a few different perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices...2019-07-1224 min
Casting Across Fly FishingWhy You Should Fish the Cumberland ValleySituated in south central Pennsylvania, the Cumberland Valley boasts some remarkable spring creeks. Who doesn't like big fish in small, beautiful water? While the rivers aren't what they once were, they are still worth seeking out. Moreover, a great opportunity for trout, stewardship, and some real fly fishing history is only a short drive away for Eastern fly fishers.
Check out this primer on Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley, and then check out some of the links on CastingAcross.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-05-3125 min
2 Guys and a RiverS3:E27 Matthew Lourdeau @castingacross on Fly Fishing ShowsFly fishing shows are not our expertise. We’ve been to a grand total of one in the last five years. We needed an expert, and so we called on Matthew Lourdeau, a fly fishing blogger and fly fishing show frequenter. Matthew lives on the east coast, and in this episode on fly fishing shows we …
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2017-12-1020 min