So you want to buy and fish with an old fly rod. Not a collector's item or a rare antique: just a regular, old old fly rod.

Great. I'm a fan. And this week, I've been writing and talking about that very thing.

After putting together an article and video about fly fishing with old rods on small streams, I figured I'd keep a good thing going and explain a few things about the enterprise. In particular, in this episode I discuss finding a fishable rod and pairing it with the right modern fly line. There is much more to it, of course... but that will get you out on the water at least.

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"But why?"

This can be a very obnoxious question. Or, it could be a very revealing question. Do you know why we do what we do when we fly fish?

One of this week's questions was posed to me by a student in a casting class that I am teaching. Innocently, he asked why we  reel with our non-dominant hand. So I explained it to him.

And I'll explain it to you... along with two other viewer, listener, and reader pieces of feedback. This includes one that could be considered an accusation!

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So you're getting skunked.  All that expensive gear, all that planning, and all that podcast information you consumed... and for what! You're failing fly fishing.

Not so fast.

Sure, catching up on yardwork or taking a nap is all fine and good. But it isn't over until it is over.

Today I share three ways to approach what you're doing to see if you can pull the nose up before a crash landing. There are some days that just don't go your way (I recently had such a day). But with a little patience and conscientiousness, we'll try to get you closer to a fish.

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"I don't fly fish to compete."

That may be. But tell me, if you will, aren't you trying to outwit and then physically overtake the fish?

Even though you may not be into tournament angling (and I am not), we all have goals and challenges that we impose upon ourselves when we fish. In today's episode, I use a familiar angling motif to talk through some of the ways you can push yourself in your normal fishing or to augment your time on the water.

And I promise: you don't need a fancy, sparkly boat  to appreciate what I have to say.

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The first half of the show this week is a little different. I share some unfortunate news about the podcast on one of its major platforms. This does present an opportunity for me to explain why the podcast operates the way it does, and it serves as a good reminder for why certain content gets pushed (while others get pushed aside). Also, I talk about the kind of media that thrives on controversy. Spoiler: I say it is not good.

I do end up getting to terrestrials. Ants, hoppers, and their friends are some of the best patterns for anyone to fish in the summer. Not only do they present a great chance to build confidence on the water, but they also build confidence behind the vise.

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We all know these simple facts: Fish eat bugs. Most of the bugs fish eat are underwater bugs.

Still, we struggle with getting imitations of said bugs in front of these fish. This is a recurring challenge when prospecting for trout and dialing in presenting the fly.

Thankfully, we have equipment that can help us overcome this small (but real) obstacle. Today I talk about four things you can do to get your fly deeper. I share the pros and cons of each. And, in a remarkable move from most "how to"  content, one of these things isn't going to cost you a dime.

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It is important to remember that when you start fly fishing, you don't have to bury your spinning or baitcasting rod six feet under. While the rods are emblematic of relatively diverging angling cultures, they are  simply tools. You can use both. But if you've been throwing lures for any length of time, there are some adjustments you'll need to make when picking up a fly rod.

Today I briefly cover six things that are different enough between fly and conventional fishing  that they warrant an explanation. These are real world examples that come from years of teaching and my own personal observations.

Lastly, it is important to remember that fly fishing isn't as complicated as some make it out to be. It is, after all, just fishing.

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I do talk about fly fishing gear a lot on Casting Across. But there is something that will trump equipment nine out of ten times: skill.

Within reason, your proficiency with equipment will overcome not having that rod, fly, or gadget that is designed specifically for a particular task. This is a good thing. Because with little expense and without filling up another closet, you can keep doing more on the water.

But there are also times when you are on the water and you don't have that one thing that would make fishing a little easier. There are still things you can do. Today, I talk about three of them.

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Let me start off by saying that fly fishing downstream is not my method of choice. It is harder. It is a lower probability approach. It is less than ideal.

But sometimes it is necessary.

Today I talk through three situations that might demand a downstream presentation. Even though all those caveats are probably still in play, fishing from an upstream position might be the only play at a particular fish. And all that said, there are better ways to do it if you must.

*Note* My dislike of fly fishing downstream is pragmatic, not wrapped up in ethics or tradition.

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How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger.

When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn't immediately yield fish, it isn't automatic that you should abandon all hope. You might just need to go a little higher up. Or, to rule out a host of other potentially complicating factors it might be best to start at the top and work your way down.

I talk through this approach to tiny blue lines and more on this week's episode.

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XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels.

One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to respond to readers, listeners, and viewers of content on Casting Across. I feel privileged that you take the time to consume what I produce, and even more so when you reach out.

Today's topics include:

• Stream temperatures
• Fly rod prices
• Wader repair
• Angling authors
• & podcast audio!

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