Don't Buy That Gear, Buy This Gear

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