If there is one truism in fly fishing, it is this: Everyone can work on their casting accuracy and distance.  In fact, the more I develop as a fly caster the more I see room for improvement in these areas. Today I share my thoughts on two ways to think about improving your fly casting. Neither necessarily costs money, and neither will take much time to consider. But with a few tweaks you'll probably see some marginal improvement. As always, something like fly casting is best discussed in person with rod in hand. Hopefully this episode will get you outside playing around and talking to those who can help you grow as an angler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I have two - yes, two - bona fide accusations. Now, I assume they were made with the best intentions. Still, I do  appreciate the opportunity to interact with a little pushback. One has to do with mountain trout fishing and the other pertains to fallfish. My two favorite topics. I also share how I'm prone to sarcasm. As always, I appreciate all my readers, listeners, and viewers. Please keep the feedback coming! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because you put a fly rod in a baby's hands doesn't mean he'll grow up to be a fly fisher. But in the case of my eldest son, it is working thirteen years in. Recently he asked to go on a fishing trip to one of the places I fished most as a teenager.  That got a quick yes from me. Although we had some inclement weather (not our choice) and fished some challenging water (our choice), we had a great time. As has been my practice on these milestone episodes, I invite a special guest on the podcast for a conversation. Hear about a historical fly fishing region and special father & son trip this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is ridiculous that I even need to write it, but please know that content on Casting Across comes from a regular, old human being. I have nothing against robots... in fact I want them all to know I really appreciate them when they eventually take over. Seriously though: there is a lot of fly fishing writing out there that is actually AI generated.  I don't think it is prideful to say that Casting Across is better than that. Today I am tapping into an interesting aspect of artificial intelligence. I received an email from a company offering aggregated data from feedback to the website and social media platforms. Out of curiosity, I'm responding to four of their suggestions on today's podcast. You tell me: are the robots accurately representing you, the audience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what is effectively a trip report from my most recent jaunt down to Virginia, I cover all the topics in the episode's title and more. I don't assume that you have a vested interest in what I do in my leisure time... well, aside from fly fishing. However, I do think that you and I have a lot in common. At a bare minimum, we can enjoy that together. Potentially something I did will give you some ideas for what you can do. That said, I did have a wonderful time with family for  the better part of two weeks this summer. My hope is that you can say the same. With a few fish sprinkled in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Times have changed... I think. It doesn't seem like there is the same kind of animosity from fly fishers directed towards folks tossing worms and lures. While there are some real potential problems with certain types of fishing (deep-hooking with treble hooks, litter from bait containers, etc.), there is no reason to vilify an entire group. More pragmatically, there is no reason to jettison an entire approach to catching fish. Today I'm sharing three reasons why you might want to pick up  a spinning rod. While I primarily fly fish, a spinning combo is in my hand around 5% of the time I'm on the water. You may use one less; you might use one more. Regardless, it is a good idea to know your options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn't give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying. And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn't force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I'm talking about some of the options you can choose. Focusing on footwear, bottoms, and gear storage, I walk through the pros and cons of the most popular choices. Again: the fish aren't going to care. But your feet and the rest of your body might appreciate the gesture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trout are trout, right? Especially if two brookies or cutthroat are swimming only a few hundred yards from each other, they're going to behave, eat, and look the same. Right? Maybe. But if you're talking about a fish in a mountain stream versus a fish in the mountain lake that feeds said stream? Maybe not. Mountain trout ponds or lakes offer some beautiful, fun, and diverse angling options for fly fishers on the east or west coast. Just like any other facet of fishing, understanding approach and presentation in these unique ecosystems is the ticket for success. Today I cover technique and gear in general, broad strokes. Hopefully it gives you some perspective and the curiosity to learn more... at home and on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can catch so many panfish with the flies in your trout fly box. So many. In fact, give me a well stocked trout fly box over a typical panfish fly assortment any day. But... having some of those poppers helps. And make sure there are a few leggy nymphs. Oh, and a couple of crayfish-looking streamers. Today I round out a two-part series of panfish fly fishing gear ideas. They're such a fun group of fish to pursue, and for many that fun is amplified when you have gear that works and works well. If we're honest? Rods, reels, and flies are fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You absolutely can (and should) fish for panfish with whatever gear you own. Fish for trout, stripers, and peacock bass  with whatever gear you already own, for that matter. Of course, you'll have a slightly easier and more enjoyable time if you have equipment that is either specifically designed for the particular pursuit or within a relatively appropriate spectrum. And while panfish  have a low bar for angling entry, a focused effort benefits from some wise gear choices. In this first part of a two-part  podcast, I explore what some of the considerations should be as you pick fly fishing gear for bluegill, sunfish, and their friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode drifted. And while I'd like to say that is a clever fly fishing pun, it wouldn't be super appropriate because this week we're talking about retrieving flies. The original outline was about all kinds of retrieves, but as I talked about what was most effective I kept returning to one simple truth: slower retrieves usually catch more trout. Fast retrieves do have a place in the skill set of the angler. But when you're fishing to animals that are used to seeing frogs, minnows, and crayfish do one thing over and over again there is wisdom in sticking with the routine. I discuss that, along with some tips on what to do with your hands and what not to do with your fly rod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay, in reality it is presented in more of a "toe to head" fashion. And, please hear me on this, you can wear all the wrong things and still catch more than anyone dressed in all the finest outdoor clothing available. All that said, there is wisdom in wearing the clothes that can keep you comfortable as the weather is in a transitory phase. Not only is it relatively simple to source said garments, but it is clear that being properly outfitted does help with comfort and focus. Hear about everything from socks to hats for spring fly fishing this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a fly a fly? How much money do you need to spend on a fly rod? What level of risk should you take when going fishing? In one way or another, I address all three of these questions on today's podcast episode. And while I'm very much interested in all three debates, I'm simply responding to some very good emails and comments I've received on Casting Across lately. As always, thank you for reading, listening, watching, and reaching out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of benefits to hiring a guide. They show you new water, put you on fish, and teach you new skills. One of the less exciting facets is the focus they bring to your fishing; less exciting, but incredibly helpful. Today I talk about some of the  aspects of fly fishing that I help others focus on while on the water (that is the + in the title). But it is just as  important to consistently remind yourself of them while casting and presenting flies over the course of a long day. These four  simple  concepts are good reminders for  experienced anglers, and they're ways you can guide along those you're  introducing to fly fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the flashiest fly fishing gear is undoubtedly very, very nice. But it isn't necessary. If you're just starting out or you're operating with a limited budget, there are some pieces of equipment that will vie for your attention. While each person has different parameters and priorities I think that some purchases are better than others for those aforementioned angler demographics. Today I walk through four alternative options for spending your hard earned money on fishing gear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people only fish dry flies. Others throw streamers exclusively. And then there are those who have gone all in on Euro nymphing. Every one of those approaches will catch fish. More importantly, you can enjoy your time on the water utilizing each method immensely. My only advice? Don't give up on throwing nymphs with traditional gear too soon. This week I'm sharing three practical ways to improve your nymphing skills with the gear you already have. With some practice and some technique, you can gain a lot of confidence in what your fly is doing down in the unseen depths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you don't have kids, don't skip this episode. The reason? Kids are people. So while I'm certainly framing the content in the context of working with youth, the principles will apply to anyone you want to make into an angler. Although sometimes just taking a kid fishing is enough to get them into the sport, there are some things you can do to make it a more enjoyable and accessible experience. With a slightly more complicated set of mechanics, this certainly applies to taking a kid fly fishing. Today I'm talking about three things I've done with my kids and other young people I've worked with. They aren't foolproof, but I can guarantee all will enjoy giving it a shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who doesn't like getting a trophy? While "best in show" awards draw the ire of people who like to complain (Complainers? In fly fishing?!? Egad...), these lists are great for everyday anglers to see what is new and notable in angling gear. Today I walk through a half dozen Consumer Choice Awards recipients from The Fly Fishing Show's 2025 slate. I talk about everything from $1,000 fly rods to tiny packs of hackle. If you are shopping for new equipment, or if you are simply interested in what is out there in the fly shops, this list is worth a peek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may be the kind of angler who can pony up $70,000 for a tricked out fly fishing rig. Or you might be a Toyota Camry kind of guy. Both work. But today I'm talking more to the sedan and station wagon crowd. Even if you don't have the kind of vehicle that they feature in outdoorsy commercials, you can tailor your ride to make fly fishing a little easier. Your car won't help you cast or pick flies. But being organized, prepared, and safe all go into the overall angling equation. Check out the practical tips in this short episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all busy. Some are busier than others, but everyone has their own busy. And one consistent thing is that any kind of busy usually interferes with fly fishing. Once people find out about my kind of busy (having 5 kids, serving as a pastor,  etc.), I get asked "how do you go fly fishing?" They're not asking about technique or fly selection. They want to know how I fit it in. Today I share five things that are helpful in fitting fly fishing into your busy life. They might not all work for you and your situation, but I've found all to be helpful in one way or another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices