A Fly Rod Review How-To

It is awfully nice to be the first one to unwrap the plastic from a smooth cork handle or to wipe the excess factory grease from a disc drag. It is also nice to save a few hundred bucks. In this installment of Casting Across, I'm talking about finding and evaluating used gear. I'm focusing primarily on rods and reels, but the principles apply to pretty much anything the angler might need. Buying used can be a great way to snag a good deal. And, as I explain, not all "used" fishing gear has actually been used. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast features a question, an accusation (maybe), and a response to a dozen or so comments. All in less than 25 minutes! I discuss "traditional" nymphing tactics and encourage you that you already fish this way. Then, I field a statement made about how we cut the tag end off our knots. Lastly, I take a quick dive into a topic that transcends all others. The thing is, each and every one of these segments is very "Casting Across." It all feels squarely within the wheelhouse of what I do here. As always, I appreciate any and all interaction with my readers, listeners, and viewers. Please don't hesitate to reach out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you've noticed that there are a  lot of books about fly fishing. You needn't have consumed the loads of literary content on Casting Across to know that fly fishing and writing go together. Whether it be gripping narratives, applicable techniques, or pertinent stream guides, a book will help you in some way, shape, or form with your fly fishing. And they go a long way in tethering us to one another and the anglers who came before us. In this Cast1 installment of the podcast, I share some recommendations from the aforementioned categories for new anglers. Even if you've been doing this for a while, there should be something for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I enjoy putting together gear reviews. Not only is it interesting for me to think about how a particular piece of equipment works, but my perspective might help someone make a purchase that benefits their time outdoors. And in my humble opinion, there is no item more fun to review than fly rods. Today I walk through how I go about putting a fly rod review together. I approach the process in a particular way, with a handful of different variables in mind. I also share how I'll never be able to provide the depth of information some other platforms do. Still, I do think that my two cents are worth taking into consideration as you go on to spend your hard-earned hundreds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outdoor activities are inherently risky. While your home is likely where you're going to get hurt or run into trouble, being in wild places can lead to potential hazards. Some have to do with critters. Most have to do with other people. Even though there is a small chance of something problematic happening if you're on the river, there is still a small chance. With a few simple steps you can do a lot to mitigate those risks and pursue your hobbies with confidence and not fear. Plus, I start out the podcast discussing peace and meaning in fly fishing, the outdoors, and everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not all fly fishing presentations can be bushy dry flies over trout that will range five feet to rise with abandon. Because of the ridiculous quantity of foodstuffs in most rivers, fish are looking for a reasonable offering that is within a few inches of their noses. And since fish live underwater that means nymphs drifting at the right depth. Getting all that to happen involves more than experimenting with split shot. In fact, I'd like to offer up an approach where a cast-altering weight is the last ditch effort. Today I share five things I like to think about when it comes to getting your fly down deep in tricky scenarios. And as per usual, they involve using your head a lot more than your tackle box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I own some positively diminutive fly rods for angling in the mountains. And I revel in the plethora of options when it comes to 9-foot 4-, 5-, and 6-weights. But every once in a while the right tool for the job is just a little bit longer. Today I share four reasons why a longer fly rod might be the ticket for your fly fishing. That might mean taking a 9-footer up in the mountains, or that might entail fishing with a 9'6" rod. The reality is that rod length can really impact your cast and your presentation. If circumstances deem a different piece of equipment, it might be worth considering switching up your most important angling tool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I like questions. When I get the same question a handful of times in quick succession, that topic gets shifted to the top of the subject matter pile. Recently, a number of fine fly fishing folk have asked me about what I consider to be the essential gear for minimalism or travel. In this episode I give my answer. But before I go over the what I discuss the why. This is because your reasoning for carrying less may necessitate a completely different loadout  than what I bring with me when I travel or stash gear in my car. A fun topic to think about, consider why and what you bring with you when you want or have to move lightly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some hot weather and a spur of the moment decision turned into an excellent 24 hours of father-and-sons fly fishing time. In this episode, I talk about the great time that my boys and I had in Manchester, Vermont. The occasion was the American Museum of Fly Fishing's Summer Festival. There were vendors, exhibits, and competitions. (And there was food.) Needless to say, a good time was had by all. This is the kind of event that isn't fly fishing... but it is a quintessential to fly fishing culture.  Hear about our time and make plans to attend something similar near you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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