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No - not that kind of record. While you are more than welcome to try to catch the largest fish in a particular line class, I'm talking about record-keeping. What kind of records, you ask? Well, I have four that I discuss on this episode of the podcast. Whether you have a fancy Moleskine journal or (like me) use Excel, there is some information that can be beneficial to you if you take a few moments to record it. And who knows: maybe it will help you catch a world record fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry flies looked about the same 100 years ago. Streamers? Things were a little different. We hadn't gotten around to articulated flies that use half a bucktail yet. But we still caught fish. And the flies that were being fished worked. Plus, you could cast them on your regular trout rod. All was well in the world. And it still is. There is no reason why you can't fish a Mickey Finn, Grey Ghost, or Edson Tiger today. In fact, I suggest you do. So much that I recorded a whole podcast on the worthwhile enterprise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little can go a long way. When it comes to your fly fishing gear, taking a couple of hours can keep your equipment functioning well and actually improve your time on the water. In this episode, I quickly run through six things that you can do to take care of your gear and get it ready for the upcoming season (or tune it up during the season). I also add six more quick steps that aren't as vital, but are nevertheless helpful and probably worth your time. All in all, most fly fishing gear will give you season after season. "Fishing hard" doesn't mean that your stuff will fail after a year of use. A few simple steps will keep you and your equipment happy and hooked into fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't get bent out of shape to often about fly fishing. But one thing does make me look sideways at what is happening in our little angling community. It is when people get bent out of shape. Sound hypocritical or oxymoronic? Hear me out. A lot of the battles that are fought online or over fly shop counters are akin to two sculpins jockeying for position on the bottom of a giant pool. They don't matter that much. They're much ado about nothing. They are controversy for controversy's sake. They're not worth it. In this podcast, I discuss two areas where people get fired up: fly fishing "celebrities" and product reviews. Check it out, think about it, and let me know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is never too late to do better. Two of the three things I mention on this episode; I'm really still working on them. But all three are real examples of aspects of fly fishing that would have been great to be keyed in on when I started. This fourth edition (six, if you count fly tying) of this series touches on getting more out of gear, fishing, and the experience. You can have a blast and catch a lot of fish without doing what I suggest. But honestly, I would consider these three things as simple, effective facets worth adding to your approach to fly fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much can you say about wading boots? Well, at least 20 minutes. I've long maintained that wading boots are one of the pieces of gear that deserve your hard earned money. They keep you comfortable and they keep you upright. Or, they keep you fishing. In today's episode I talk about some things to think about when shopping for wading boots (and I do intend that as plural!). This is a great discussion to share with a new angler, as I walk through some of the most common questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes. I know that for most fly fishers there is no "offseason." But at the bare minimum, contending with shorter days and impossible weather will render the December-February period less intense than June or September. With that big caveat out of the way, I want to share what this episode is about: Redeeming the time. Today I talk about four things that you can do sans fly rod that are perfectly suited to cold days. Plus, each and every one will have a tangible payoff come springtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hear that Pebble Mine is toast? One of the most significant conservation initiatives in fly fishing history has (hopefully) come to a positive conclusion. In this episode, I give a brief recap of what the proposed mine was all about and why it elicited such a strong reaction from the outdoors community. Also, toward the end of the podcast, I throw in a few items that should be food for thought for those who have been paying attention to this long battle. Check out this brief show, and then head online to dive deep into the multi-faceted subject that was and is the fight against Pebble Mine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast docket is relatively diverse: brown trout strains, multipurposing your hiking boots, and how our worldview impacts our pathway toward conservation. Yeah... there isn't a lot of continuity there. However, all three of the messages I received regarding these issues were thoughtful and worth my time. I think that my interaction with all three of these issues are worth your time too. As always, listen, think, and feel free to reach out yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of a trout to a dry fly is perhaps one of the most quintessential moments in all fly fishing. A good cast, a proper drift, and a picturesque take all come together to create what many consider to be the pinnacle of trout fishing. You can achieve this with any old gear. But there are a few things that will probably make it more attainable and more enjoyable. Today I walk through the seven things I think are helpful to have with you as you head out. Some you can buy, others are a little less tangible. But they're all important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't think of a better way to spend a cold, dismal January day than walking around a convention hall filled with flannel-garbed anglers. But I know that there are some out there who can't see the appeal. My perspective is that many who poo-poo fly fishing shows are doing it wrong. In today's episode, I share 5 things that I'd do if I was heading to a fly fishing expo event. And to get out ahead of the number one critique: only one of them involves spending any money. Whether you're planning on heading to a show or not this winter, this podcast will hopefully give you some ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ideally, we'd all be thoughtful and intentional fly shop patrons out of our own wisdom. Sometimes, we need tales of woe to correct us. And sometimes, we like to be entertained by the ridiculous goings-on that occur at fly shops. Once again, I'm turning back a few chapters in my life to when I spent some time working at a fly shop. I share a few stories and pass along a few things I've learned from my days selling rods, flies, and ugly sweaters. Lastly, I encourage you to head into your local fly shop to hear some good (and maybe hairy) stories from these important parts of our culture. Also, use code CASTING right now to save 20% and get free shipping at manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, really it is your favorite fly fishing stuff on Casting Across in 2022. But I did want to talk about the articles and podcasts that got the most attention over this past year. I think that both of these segments reflect some good stuff in the fly fishing community, and hopefully what I bring to the table is beneficial to all that stop to read or listen. I also share some of what I've done over the past year, and what I plan to do in 2023. And, as always, I did want to thank you for being a part of Casting Across! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am not an Euro Nymphing guru, and this is by no means a comprehensive treatment of the technique/gear/universe. So it is with trepidation that I wade into what is only meant to be a quick, initiatory overview of a topic that elicits very strong emotions. But you don't need to have an emotional response to how anyone fishes. You can use an incredibly productive tactic and some helpful equipment to catch more fish. I'll share some quick thoughts, and encourage you to check out some more resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

STOP! If you're a veteran fly tyer or if you've decided that fly tying just isn't your thing, this podcast is still for you. There are a lot of "bad first steps" for people who are interested in taking up fly tying. In this episode, I share what I believe to be the first three things you should do if you are considering trying your hand at tying. Similarly, these are the things I think are wisest to recommend to someone who has asked you about fly tying. After all, you don't want to miss out on something fun because you didn't start out well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talk through four flies that work for me in the winter. Notice I said for me. That doesn't mean that they won't work for you. In fact, I think that they will work for you. But I have a lot of confidence in these four patterns. And confidence matters, because there is no silver bullet fly that you can use for trout in the cold months. But there are certain facets of some popular flies that will appeal to fish that aren't as active or aggressive in the winter. Hear what the four flies are, hear why I choose them, and hear how to fish them in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tailwaters are a big part of fly fishing. So big, in fact, that this episode organically became a two-parter. Today I talk about what a tailwater is, where you can find them, and why they are so important for fly fishers. More appropriately: why they are so important for trout. Of course, there is another side of tailwaters that is worth discussing as well. Most of all, I hope that the 20 minutes of content in this episode get you thinking about dams, rivers, and some of the fishing opportunities that these interesting ecosystems provide.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving from Casting Across! This episode was recorded around noon on Thanksgiving. Consequently, I talk about turkey and what I am thankful for. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Regardless of your lot in life or how many fish you catch, we all have so much for which we can express gratitude. My advice is that you make that known. True thanksgiving occurs when you share a genuine "thank you" with someone else. So after football, pie, and a nap, think about sending a quick text saying "thank you." Also, use code CASTING right now to save 20% and get free shipping at manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast I interact with some questions that are the most common interactions I receive month after month, year after year. Fly line for small streams and fly fishing books are two things that I'm (relatively) passionate about. Consequently, I get feedback about both topics. I also talk about the (legitimate) passion surrounding nippers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though the footprint of the Great Lakes' tributary system is relatively small, its' opportunities are significant and easily accessible by most people in the US. Whether you're chasing steelhead in Pennsylvania, lake run browns in New York, or salmon in Michigan, you have the opportunity to tangle with huge fish in smaller rivers. Some days are incredibly hot, while others might make you wonder if you're completely in the wrong place. While there are certainly some situation-specific techniques that will put you on fish, being there and putting in time is the most important thing. It feels like "you should have been here yesterday" is a common refrain in Great Lakes tributary fishing. Today I talk about getting on the water. Take that first step and yesterday can be today (you know what I mean). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices