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This interview was conducted as part of Behind the Vise and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter by The Fly Box. Behind the Vise  celebrates the makers, storytellers, and innovators keeping American fly tying alive, while Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month Join Us Here! Subscribe today and use promo code: ChuckingFeathers15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to our charity of the month Behind the Vise x Casts That Care   Throughout this article are photographs of Lance’s original flies, each one reflecting his precision, craftsmanship, and dedication to building patterns that balance strength, realism, and motion in the water. Chucking Feathers Fly Tying - Lockport, Louisiana In Lockport, Louisiana, Lance Renoux  ties under the name Chucking Feathers , creating durable, lifelike saltwater and predator flies built to withstand the toughest fish. What began as a practical way to save money turned into an obsession with design, detail, and craftsmanship. From Necessity to Passion “I started tying flies when I was in grad school in Arkansas,” Lance said. “Being a broke grad student, I was floored at the cost of the flies I was losing left and right." "So I figured I’d start tying to save money, that was the biggest lie I found out later.” What began as a necessity quickly became something deeper. “a whole other hobby that I was able to do when not on the water.” That shift from function to passion is what defines Chucking Feathers today. For Lance, the vise became more than a tool, it became a creative outlet that connects biology, craftsmanship, and the constant challenge of improving each pattern. Building for the Battle “I enjoy tying saltwater and predator flies because you have to make them so bulletproof so they can last more than one fish,” Lance said. “It’s also interesting to me from my background in biology and ensuring my flies are meant to mimic the natural forage of those big predators.” His approach is as much science as art. Each pattern is a study in structure and function, made to hold up against hard strikes and harsh conditions. His attention to durability runs through every step of the process. “I utilize strong thread, solid pressure, and solid mono bases,” he said. “This last technique, mono base, I learned from the trio — Allen Rupp, Jeff Rowley and Joe Jackson — who learned from the great Dave Whitlock. I also utilize super glue and UV resin to help lock in material and make it more durable.” His method shows how small details separate a good fly from a great one. Every wrap of thread and layer of resin serves a purpose, turning durability into an art form of its own. Flies That Tell a Story Lance’s patterns balance realism with resilience. “I’ve developed a few crab patterns that have taken off and sold across the US,” he said. “I also have developed some small baitfish flies that are a close mimic to commonly found prey items.” Each fly begins as a problem to solve — a design that must match the strength and behavior of its target species. It’s this creative problem-solving that keeps him at the bench. Whether it’s building a crab that swims like the real thing or crafting a baitfish fly that perfectly flashes under the Louisiana sun, Lance ties with intention. Connection and Collaboration  “In Louisiana it’s sparsely populated with tiers, especially in my area,” he said. “I collaborate with some guys I’ve met on Instagram and some local shows.” Louisiana’s fly tying community may be small, but it’s strong. That exchange of ideas, whether online or in person, keeps Lance connected to the broader fly tying world. He continues to learn from other experienced tiers and from those who tied before him, drawing influence from mentors, both at the vise, and when it comes to community connection too. "I would like to help contribute to the development of the sport by helping advocate for stronger built flies and developing solid patterns with natural and synthetic materials.” Goals and Growth Lance’s goals reflect his drive to push his craft further. With personal goals of growing and being recognized by big names in fly tying like, Umpqua Feather Merchants. “It would mean a level of validation but it’s more of being able to get my patterns out to a larger audience.” That milestone would not only recognize his work but also share his designs with anglers who value strong, functional patterns that last. His commitment to detail and durability is shaping a style that stands out in a field that rewards innovation. Advice from the Bench When asked what advice he’d give to new tiers, Lance keeps it simple. “Take your time,” stressing that, like the overall sport of fly fishing, fly tying is supposed to be challenging, and take a lot of hard work, and persistence the achieve. As for his best advice on tying quality “Source good thread and hooks as a base.” Emphasizing once again, that if you're going to do it, you've got to do it right! Lance's Fly Tying Station It’s the same mindset that has guided his own growth, one built on patience, quality, and continual learning. For Lance, every fly is a chance to test himself, to refine a technique, or to explore a new material. The Mindset of a Maker Lance’s approach offers a lesson for anyone who steps up to the vise. His process is a reminder that fly tying is more than repetition, it is a study in intention. Every material he selects and each knot he tightens reflects purpose. His balance between art and utility shows how a thoughtful mindset can turn even small adjustments into lasting improvements. For those learning the craft, his example teaches patience and observation. Whether experimenting with blends of synthetic and natural fibers or testing a new adhesive, Lance approaches each fly like an evolving idea rather than a finished product. It’s a process that reminds us to slow down, to refine, and to build with awareness. Each fly becomes a chance to learn something new about how motion, balance, and structure come together, and these are lessons that extend far beyond the bench. Looking Ahead Lance continues to tie and sell his patterns through direct orders, “It allows me to customize and create small batch orders.” he says. He remains focused on designing flies that perform in the harshest conditions while staying true to the craft. His blend of biological understanding and mechanical precision has made Chucking Feathers  a name synonymous with durability and design. Through his work, Lance Renoux shows that the vise is more than a place to tie — it’s where innovation and creativity meet the deep respect every fly tyer has for the fish they pursue. Where to Find Lance You can follow Lance Renoux  and see more of his work at @chuckingfeathers  and on YouTube . Lance takes direct orders for custom flies, building patterns designed for strength, realism, and performance in the toughest saltwater and predator environments. This interview was conducted as part of Behind the Vise and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter by The Fly Box. Behind the Vise  celebrates the makers, storytellers, and innovators keeping American fly tying alive, while Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month Join Us Here! Subscribe today and use promo code: ChuckingFeathers15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to our charity of the month Behind the Vise x Casts That Care

As the last leaves drift from the trees and early frosts creep into the valleys, rivers across the country are showing signs of balance and recovery. Fall has always been a time of transition in fly fishing, but this year, the word that keeps surfacing in reports from guides and agencies alike is resilience.

Why We Are Writing About This Canyon Ranch has been in the headlines recently with news of a $500 million wellness resort opening outside Austin, Texas, the brand's most ambitious project yet. But what caught our attention wasn't just the price tag; it was how Canyon Ranch has completely rebranded each of its destinations around specific states of well-being.

When the first section of dam on the Klamath River came down last year, we wrote about it here on Casts That Care . It felt less like construction work and more like ceremony. Generations of sediment, policy, and pain began to move again. And now, a year later, the Picture of the beginning of dam deconstruction Klamath is teaching us what freedom looks like when a river finally breathes. The story unfolding along those 400 miles of river is as complex as the watershed itself. Once choked by four dams, the Klamath is now reshaping its channels, flushing old silt, and reawakening the cold-water arteries that once carried salmon deep into Oregon and Northern California. In the first weeks after the final dam breach, observers counted thousands of Chinook pushing upstream, some reaching gravel beds that had not seen a salmon in more than a century. Mayflies and caddis returned too, almost as if they had been waiting. Before and After Dam Deconstruction It is not perfect. The sediment released from decades of still water is painting the lower river brown, and each rainfall pulls more soil from the newly exposed reservoir beds. There are stretches that still look raw and wounded. But the recovery is not just ecological, it is cultural. For the Yurok, Karuk, and Klamath Tribes, the river’s renewal is a homecoming, a living restoration of ceremony, song, and sustenance. “This isn’t the end of a fight,” one Yurok biologist told OPB. “It’s the beginning of something we get to take care of again.” What the Klamath Teaches Us The Klamath’s transformation has already become a blueprint for the future. Scientists from NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey have called it the largest controlled river restoration in modern history, with 15 million cubic yards of sediment released and more than 400 miles of habitat reopened. Early data show improving oxygen levels, temperature stability, and renewed nutrient transport, the signs of a river coming back to life. For anglers, it means more than fish counts. It means the return of movement, of possibility. To stand on the banks now is to see what happens when a river is trusted to heal itself. Across the country, similar stories are emerging: On Maine’s Penobscot River , dams removed a decade ago led to a 1,000 percent increase in river herring runs and a rebound in striped bass. On Washington’s White Salmon , salmon and steelhead returned within months of the Condit Dam’s removal. Even small systems in New York and the Midwest are showing that within three years of dam removal, oxygen levels, sediment balance, and insect diversity can return to near-natural states. The pattern is clear: when we remove the barriers, nature moves fast to reclaim what is hers. The setbacks, sediment, erosion, and temporary fish kills, are short-lived compared to the decades of stagnation that precede them. The Bigger Picture The Klamath has become a living classroom for every river still dammed, diverted, or forgotten. It is showing that restoration is not just a project, it is a process of patience and partnership. Scientists are learning that resilience comes not from control, but from letting go. And it is not just the fish that benefit. With water temperatures cooling, vegetation returning, and sediment flowing naturally, the entire food web begins to knit itself back together, from macroinvertebrates to osprey. The Klamath is becoming what it was always meant to be: a river of return. For those of us who spend our lives reading water, for fly fishers, guides, and conservationists, this story matters. It is proof that rivers remember how to heal. It reminds us that the sound of a riffle is older than politics, and that sometimes the best way to fix a river is to give it back to itself. Where We Go From Here The Klamath experiment has opened the door for a new era in water management. The federal government and tribal nations are already studying how the lessons learned here can apply to future dam removals in the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and even in parts of the Southeast. These projects take years of planning, cooperation, and funding, but they hold the potential to restore more than just fish runs. They can reconnect entire ecosystems, revive local economies through guiding and recreation, and rebuild relationships between people and place. What It Means for Anglers For anglers, the Klamath is a reminder that conservation and opportunity can coexist. The next generation of fly fishers will cast in places where their grandparents could not. They will see salmon in waters that were once still and sterile. And they will carry the responsibility to protect what was hard-won. The Klamath’s healing is not finished, but its progress is already changing what we believe is possible. Read our original coverage of the dam removal HERE , and see how far the Klamath has come.

This interview was conducted as part of Behind the Vise and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter by The Fly Box. Behind the Vise  celebrates the makers, storytellers, and innovators keeping American fly tying alive, while Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month Join Us Here! By Kevin Wolfe | Behind the Vise x Casts That Care Throughout this article are photographs of Lydia’s original flies, showcasing her precision, creativity, and love for color. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, self proclaimed "Unofficial hype woman for all women in angling, loves flannels, fly fishing, and tying flies' " Lydia Wickizer ties under the name Flannels & Flies, creating flies that blend creativity, curiosity, and reflection. She began tying after falling in love with fly fishing, drawn to the materials and the endless room to learn. A Craft Rooted in Curiosity “I like that I can fish with anything I tie, and that there is so much to learn,” Lydia said. “With the countless styles of tying for different regions, I get to learn about flies, materials, fish, and the region itself.” That curiosity drives her process. Each new fly is a way to explore something beyond her bench, whether it is a new material, a regional tradition, or a story waiting to be told through thread and hook. Her work reminds us that fly tying is not only about creating something that catches fish, but also about learning the places and stories connected to every pattern. Finding Calm Through Creation “Tying helps me relax and recharge,” Lydia said. “More often than not, it’s about playing with a material that I’m learning about. Sometimes it’s themed. I have a series of perdigons inspired by Cleveland, where I grew up. I’m working on flies inspired by competitive women’s angling, specifically the fly that was their confidence pattern or the fly that helped them win a competition.” For her, tying is both artistic and grounding. Each session becomes an act of focus, patience, and creativity, a moment to slow down and let the materials guide her. Her approach shows how fly tying can be both a technical craft and a form of personal reflection. The Simplicity of Euro Nymphing Lydia’s focus on Euro nymphing began with a moment that every angler remembers. “I had first cast luck when I tried Euro, and from there it was over,” she said. “I appreciate the underlying simplicity of Euro style flies.” That simplicity is part of what she loves most about the Perdigon, her favorite pattern to tie. “It was the first pattern I tied when I began doing demos. The endless combinations of colors and materials is wild fun.” She admits that tungsten beads are her biggest expense, but even that has turned into another avenue of creativity. “Light Pink and Orange are two of my favorites,” she said. “I tend to get my beads from Saluda Beads as they have a great price and a huge variety of beads. There are some really fun beads that are nymph head shaped or disco ball shaped, I just haven’t had a chance to pick any up to play with them.” Teaching and Tradition Lydia’s passion for tying extends beyond her own bench. She teaches intermediate classes at Arbor Anglers , focusing on technique and creativity. “I love seeing that spark or ‘ah ha moment,’” she said. “Arbor Anglers focused on teaching from a technique perspective, so it’s a lot of fun to see folks understand how a material works or a tool that will make their tying easier.” Lydia Tying at the LidRig booth at the Denver Fly Fishing Show Teaching connects Lydia to the larger story of women in fly tying. “Women are an important part of the history of angling and tying,” she said. “I consider myself lucky to have learned from other women tyers, and I want to carry on that tradition.” Her advice for women getting started is simple but meaningful. “Invest in yourself. Take classes, invest the time in watching videos, reach out to others with questions. This is a giant community of learners and teachers happy to help each other out. Also, forgive yourself, fly tying takes time to learn.” Her words reflect the patience and empathy that define both her craft and her outlook. She reminds others that tying is not about perfection but persistence, and that every tier has a place at the vise. Advocacy and Community Lydia hopes to help make the fly fishing industry more inclusive. “I really hope to see folks stop worrying about what women are wearing in public or on social media,” she said. “Neither fishing or fly tying are adversely affected if a woman wants to wear a dress or a bathing suit.” She works to amplify the voices of women in the sport through collaboration and community projects. “Last year I helped to create a Women’s History Month contest with another Instagram page, ‘Women.On.The.Vise.’ We wanted to increase the exposure of women tyers and brands that support us. We’re hoping to do that again this year if we can collect items for giveaways again. Last year we gave away loaded fly boxes, tying materials, a tying bench from Twisted Feather Chests, even a guided trip with Canopy Fly fishing .” Her approach to advocacy is as thoughtful as her tying. It is about visibility, collaboration, and building networks that allow others to thrive. Through her teaching, partnerships, and projects, Lydia continues to shape a more inclusive space for future tiers. Looking Forward Her goals are focused on learning and growth. “My dream path is completing the Bronze, Silver and Gold Fly Tying Certifications with Fly Fishers International and completing their fly tying teacher certification,” she said. “I love the idea of traveling to teach fly tying. I set a goal this year to travel out of state for a show, which will happen as I’m tying at the Virginia Wine and Fly Fishing Festival. My next goal is to travel internationally for a show.” Lydia’s vision is grounded in both ambition and generosity. She ties for local shops and nonprofits, sells at shows, and donates to causes that align with her values. “I will continue to sell my flies at shows, and have begun selling flies through my Instagram. I don’t see myself setting up a full online store though. There are a lot of great tyers that make their living tying flies, and there are some incredible up and coming tyers that want to tie full time. I donate a lot of what I tie for other non-profits to use in fundraising and would love to tie for guides and outfitters committed to inclusivity in the industry.” Her story is one of passion meeting purpose. Through Flannels & Flies, Lydia is helping reimagine what the fly tying community looks like, making it more welcoming, creative, and collaborative. Where to Find Lydia You can follow Lydia Wickizer  and see her work at @flannelsandflies .She also teaches through Arbor Anglers , and collaborates with Canopy Fly fishing and Twisted Feather Fly Tying Chests. Lydia’s flies can also be found through Canopy Fly fishing   guide trips and at local fly shows across Colorado.

When Orvis announced it would close 36 retail stores across the country, CEO Simon Perkins mentioned that tariffs had disrupted their business model. The comment raised a fair question across the fly fishing world: how much are tariffs really affecting the price of rods, reels, and gear today?

This interview is part of Behind the Vise in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter by The Fly Box. Behind the Vise celebrates those keeping American fly tying alive, while Casts That Care shares stories and ideas from the fly fishing world, donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different charity monthly. Subscribe today and use promo code: "Southeastern15" for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate an additional 25% to our featured charity. Sign Up Here! In Leesburg, Georgia, fly tying isn’t just an art form for Mack Bryson; it’s a way of life. The founder of Southeastern Fly Works has built a name recognized from Atlanta to Apalachicola, tying patterns that are as effective as they are authentic to the waters of the Southeast. His work is simple, honest, and born from years of tying for the fish that shaped his story. Mack Bryson - Southeastern Fly Works Early Ties and Lasting Lessons Mack’s journey began the way many great fly-tying stories do, with a spark of curiosity and good company. “I used to go over to my buddy RJ’s house, and his dad would be prepping for a trip to Montana,” he said. “The first fly I ever saw him tie was a San Juan Worm. I thought that would definitely catch the fish in the pond behind my house.” Not long after, Mack’s mother began driving him to Roanoke, where he took classes with Blane Chocklett at Blue Ridge Flyfishers.  “We started with basic flies, then moved into foam bugs and dragonflies, the kinds of patterns we’d actually use in our local rivers and ponds. It really took off from there.” Finding Therapy at the Vise For Mack, fly tying quickly became more than a pastime. After a serious car accident at seventeen, it turned into a form of therapy. “The hook is your canvas, no different than a piece of paper or cloth,” he said. Mack's Flies “It’s up to you to create the art. Since that wreck, my vise has been a place I could go and forget about a bad day or just clear my head.” The vise became his outlet, a quiet space where every wrap of thread replaced pain with purpose. That meditative side of tying remains central to his work, transforming a simple act into something restorative. Building Southeastern Fly Works Over time, that creative escape grew into a business and a brand that represents both his region and his resilience. “I was encouraged by someone to start selling about ten years ago. The name Southeastern Fly Works  represents the passion I have for this area and the water sources we have. I’m within three hours of some of the best fishing in the country, both fresh and saltwater.” Mack's Flies Mack’s flies reflect that geography. He ties for shoal bass in local rivers and for redfish, tarpon, and trout across the Southeast coast. “The water changes dramatically from the Gulf to Brunswick and Savannah. You can fish the same fly, but the colors and techniques have to change depending on the day,” he explained. “I tie my flies in natural tones but also in colors that pop in stained waters like those along the Georgia and north Florida coast.” His patterns have earned their place in shops like The Fish Hawk in Atlanta, On the Fly Outfitters in Brunswick, Old City Fly Shop in St. Augustine, and Forgotten Coast Fly Shop in Apalachicola. Anglers across the region recognize the simple, durable designs that have become the Southeastern Fly Works signature. The Philosophy Behind the Brand What sets Southeastern Fly Works apart is more than its location or look — it’s a philosophy. Every pattern Mack ties is rooted in observation. He studies the way baitfish move through the tannin-stained rivers of Georgia, how light reflects off scales in the clear shallows of the Panhandle, and how small color shifts can trigger strikes in brackish marshes. His flies aren’t just tools; they’re regional translations of life underwater. Each piece he ties embodies the idea that quality shouldn’t be complicated. The materials, proportions, and color palettes are chosen to last. not just to sell. It is clear that Mack values, Durability, and knows that durability and design go hand in hand. A good fly shouldn’t fall apart after a few fish. This mindset, equal parts practical and artistic, is what makes Southeastern Fly Works a name people can trust across the coast. Materials and Method When it comes to materials, Mack keeps things efficient and dependable. “EP brushes are in almost every fly I tie,” he said. “They’re durable, easy to work with, and come in so many styles. But the real key is thread. SemperFli’s Nano Silk  is the best thread on the market. These flies take a beating, and inferior thread leads to inferior flies. Just use the best from the beginning.” SemperFli's Nano Silk Thread - Mack's Go To For Tying His focus on functionality carries into every pattern. The colors and materials he uses are handpicked for the water clarity, depth, and behavior of southeastern species. Each pattern serves a purpose, and every fly that leaves his vise has been tested and refined through years of experience on the water. Mack's Flies The Spirit of the South Southeastern Fly Works isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of southern waters and the people who fish them... resilient, creative, and grounded in community. The brand represents more than just patterns; it stands for a way of approaching fly fishing that values simplicity, craftsmanship, and connection. Mack’s flies are tied for the same waters he grew up on, made to endure heat, humidity, and hard-fighting fish. Whether it’s a shrimp pattern built for the Apalachicola flats or a popper for Georgia’s river bass, every fly is tied by hand, designed by experience, and backed by the same purpose that started it all: a love for the water. The result is a collection of patterns that look southern, fish southern, and carry that same easy rhythm of life found along the region’s rivers and coastlines. Teaching and Community Beyond the bench, Mack is a familiar face at shows like the Fly Fishing Show and the Gulf Coast Classic, where he ties live, teaches, and connects with fellow anglers. “I love interacting with people, showing how to tie the flies, and hearing about the places they fish,” he said. “One of my favorite redfish flies is also a great bonefish fly, just tied on a smaller, thinner hook.” Teaching, for Mack, is as important as tying itself. “Mr. Bob, Blane, and countless other tiers have been influential in my career. They shared their knowledge with me, and now it’s my turn to do the same.” Mack's Tying Work Station He believes the craft thrives when shared face-to-face. “Tying is a contact sport,” he said. “You can learn from YouTube, but you really need to put your hands on the materials. Tying in person lets you interact, learn, and maybe even tie together. I got to tie a Clouser with Bob a couple years ago; that was incredible.” Looking Ahead As Southeastern Fly Works continues to grow, Mack is focused on expanding his reach, traveling to more shows, and one day licensing his patterns. He envisions future collaborations with brands that share his values and hopes to inspire more young tiers across the region to pick up a vise. But even as his business evolves, his mission remains simple; Keep tying flies that work and to keep telling the story of the South through every pattern he creates. Mack Bryson “I get the opportunity to tie with some of the greatest tiers every year,” he said. “We share ideas, techniques, and stories. That’s what keeps this whole thing alive.” For Mack Bryson and Southeastern Fly Works, it’s not just about the flies. It’s about the people, the water, and the timeless art of tying them together. Where to Find Mack You can follow Mack Bryson  and explore his work through the following links: Website: Southeastern Fly Works Instagram: @southeasternflyworks Stay up to date with his latest patterns, tying demos, and upcoming show appearances You can also find Mack’s flies in shops across the Southeast, including The Fish Hawk  in Atlanta, On the Fly Outfitters  in Brunswick, Old City Fly Shop  in St. Augustine, and Forgotten Coast Fly Shop  in Apalachicola. This interview is part of Behind the Vise in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter by The Fly Box. Behind the Vise  celebrates those keeping American fly tying alive, while Casts That Care  shares stories and ideas from the fly fishing world, donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different charity monthly. Subscribe today and use promo code:  "Southeastern15"  for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate an additional 25% to our featured charity. Sign Up Here!

Today is Leif Erikson Day, celebrating the legendary Norse explorer who reached North America nearly 500 years before Columbus. He was the son of Erik the Red, born in Iceland around 970 CE, and he grew up surrounded by cold rivers full of trout, Arctic char, and salmon. His life was built around the sea, and every settlement he touched, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland, was tied to fishing.

The News: Orvis Tightens Its Cast The fly fishing giant Orvis has announced plans to close 36 retail locations by early 2026, marking one of the largest contractions in the company’s 170-year history. According to reporting from VTDigger, the closures will include 31 full-line stores and 5 outlet locations across the U.S. and U.K. as part of a restructuring aimed at focusing on core strengths.

As the MLB postseason unfolds, players across the league are chasing glory under the lights. But when the season ends, many of them trade their bats for fly rods. Baseball and fly fishing might seem worlds apart, but both demand patience, precision, and timing. It’s no surprise that some of the sport’s best have found peace on the water. Ted Williams: The Original Fly Fishing Legend Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, was also one of its most accomplished anglers. After his playing days with the Boston Red Sox, Williams became a passionate fly fisher and even represented the United States in international competitions. He was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and hosted a television series about fishing. Williams was known to tie his own flies and spend hours studying casting techniques. Many who knew him said that while baseball was his career, fishing was his true love. Williams is the only person to be inducted into both the Baseball Hall of fame, and the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame. Rick Porcello: Finding Calm in the Current Cy Young award winning MLB pitcher with a deep passion for fly fishing, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello is one of the more recent players to embrace fly fishing. In an interview with the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Porcello said that the sport helped him slow down and focus during his time in the majors. He described fly fishing as a perfect balance to the chaos of professional baseball, allowing him to reconnect with nature and himself. Charlie Blackmon: The Modern-Day Outdoorsman Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, known by fans as "Chuck Nazty," was one of the most recent active players recognized in the fly fishing community. Blackmon has appeared in Flylords Magazine, where he spoke about his love for fly fishing and the escape it provides from the demands of a long MLB season. Living in Colorado gives him easy access to some of the best trout water in the country, and he often spends his off days wading mountain rivers. Norm Charlton: From Reliever to Saltwater Guide Norm Charlton, who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and other teams during the late 1980s and 1990s, took his fishing passion full-time after retiring. He became a licensed fishing guide in Texas, specializing in saltwater trips for redfish and speckled trout. He currently runs a guide business in Rockport, TX "Norm Charltons Big League Adventures". Charlton has said that his time on the water is more rewarding than his days in the bullpen, calling guiding the perfect second career. Other Baseball Anglers Several other players throughout history have shared a connection to the water. Wade Boggs, another Boston Red Sox great, was known for his love of deep-sea fishing in Florida. Bo Jackson has spoken about his time fishing and bowfishing, while Kirby Puckett often spent his offseason fishing the lakes of Minnesota. Even if not all were fly fishers, the same appreciation for quiet, patience, and skill runs through their stories. The Common Thread Baseball and fly fishing share an unusual kinship. Both require focus, rhythm, and an understanding that success comes from repetition and feel. For players who spend much of their year under pressure, standing in a river with a fly rod in hand is a reminder of why they love competition in the first place. The strike of a trout and the crack of a bat both demand one thing: perfect timing. Casts That Care A portion of every Casts That Care subscription supports fly fishing charities and conservation programs every month

The Season of Change As the days shorten and foliage shifts from greens to golds and reds, fly fishermen have long found in autumn a season of renewal. It is not only about scenery but also about tactics, behavior, and lore. Though spring often gets the romantic spotlight in fly fishing history, fall has its own tradition rooted in migration, spawning, and the transition of aquatic life. Over centuries, anglers have come to revere fall as a unique turn in the fishing year.

For decades, recreational anglers in North America focused their attention on trout, bass, and salmon. These species remain popular, but in recent years there has been a noticeable shift. More anglers are targeting non-traditional fish such as carp, buffalo, suckers, and even species once labeled as "rough fish." This trend is reshaping both the culture of fishing and the fishing gear industry.