Dig the Long Rod

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

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