Education Episodes

In this Casting Angles segment of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown tackle high water fishing strategies as fall rains transform river conditions across the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions. Fresh from teaching in Arkansas during challenging turnover conditions, Mac shares critical techniques for bank fishing during elevated flows, explaining why staying out of the water lets anglers cover 8-10 times more productive water than wading. ...

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another essential Casting Angles segment with renowned guide and casting instructor Mac Brown, who brings over 40 years of guiding experience to this critical discussion on building foundational casting skills. Mac reveals why most anglers struggle with on-water situations despite countless hours of park practice, explaining how developing a strong foundational casting stroke facilitates the variability needed to adapt seamlessly to c...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, guide and instructor Mac Brown shares game-changing stillwater fishing techniques that will revolutionize your strike detection. With summer heat making trout fishing challenging, Mac reveals how fishing farm ponds for bluegill and bass becomes the perfect training ground for serious anglers. Learn his proven floating line method using a hand twist retrieve at 50-60 feet, positioning your rod just 1.5-2 feet off the water to master visual...

Join Marvin Cash on this episode of Casting Angles featuring expert guide and instructor Mac Brown as they dive deep into mastering drift presentation techniques for summer trout fishing. Mac Brown, renowned for his comprehensive fly fishing guide schools and technical expertise, shares game-changing strategies for achieving drag-free drifts when targeting rising fish across varying current speeds. Learn how to position yourself strategically to avoid perpendicular approaches that create i...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for another insightful installment of Casting Angles. The duo discusses the transition from cooler weather to the sweltering heat of summer, highlighting the challenges trout anglers face as the fishing season evolves. With high water conditions and the recent opening of delayed harvest waters, they explore alternative fishing options, including panfish and bass, while emphasizing the importance of skill developmen...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for another insightful installment of Casting Angles. The duo discusses the unexpected weather patterns impacting fishing, with Mac expressing his disappointment over the forecasted rain that never materialized. As they navigate the transition into summer, they explore how cooler temperatures have affected fishing conditions, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of dry dropper setups in the high 50s to low 60...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Mac Brown for another insightful edition of Casting Angles. As they navigate through the recent storms and high water, Mac shares his expertise on how anglers can still find success despite challenging conditions. They discuss the importance of fishing high in the water table, particularly in the Park, where clarity often prevails over the more turbid waters downstream. Mac emphasizes the value of knowing the water and the b...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with casting expert Mac Brown for another enlightening installment of Casting Angles. The duo reflects on their busy schedules, with Mac sharing insights from his recent casting and guide schools while Marvin prepares for a family milestone—his son's college graduation. They dive into the theme of efficiency in fly fishing, emphasizing the importance of keeping your fly in the water to maximize your chances of catching fish. Ma...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Ellis Ward for the latest East Tennessee Fishing Report. The duo kicks things off with a light-hearted discussion about Ellis' ongoing quest for the perfect focaccia recipe, emphasizing the importance of a good shore lunch for a successful day on the water. However, the conversation quickly turns to a common frustration among anglers: the relentless wind. Ellis shares his candid thoughts on how wind can ruin even the best fishi...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for another engaging installment of Casting Angles. Mac shares his recent experiences from various fly fishing shows, including the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo in St. Paul, where he was thrilled to see a strong turnout of families and young anglers. The duo discusses the importance of community in the sport, especially with events that draw in both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. As spring unfolds, Mac sh...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for an engaging discussion on casting and his upcoming fly fishing schools. Fresh off his western tour, Mac shares his excitement about returning home, only to face a weather shift that promises snow and high winds. As they dive into the nuances of casting, Mac recounts an inspiring story about a student named Al, who transformed his casting skills through dedicated practice and the use of technology. The duo emph...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with casting expert Mac Brown for another enlightening installment of Casting Angles. As Mac finds himself in snowy Denver after the Seattle show, he shares his excitement for the upcoming Denver Fly Fishing Show, where he will be teaching an all-day casting class and conducting various presentations and demos throughout the weekend. The conversation delves into the importance of education in fly fishing, emphasizing that unders...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Mac Brown for another engaging installment of Casting Angles. As they dive into the world of streamers, Marvin reflects on a recent trip to Michigan for Bobbin the Hood, hosted by Schultz Outfitters. This gathering, likened to Woodstock for predator fly enthusiasts, brought together top-tier fly tyers and anglers focused on species from trout to smallmouth to musky. Mac discusses the importance of streamer fishing as a gate...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Mac Brown and special guest Christopher Rownes to discuss their experiences at the recent Marlborough Fly Fishing Show and the upcoming Edison event. Mac shares insights into their all-day casting class, highlighting the importance of efficient movement and presentation casts, while Christopher offers a unique perspective on fly fishing education in the U.S. compared to Europe. The conversation delves into the benefits of learn...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for the first Casting Angles of 2025. Broadcasting remotely from Mexico, Mac shares his experiences of enjoying the warm climate before heading back to the snowy weather of the U.S. The discussion shifts to New Year resolutions, focusing on enhancing fly fishing and fly tying skills. Mac emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself, suggesting that anglers should set specific and measurable goals to improve th...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash dives into an insightful discussion with Mac Brown for another installment of Casting Angles. Mac discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by winter fishing and the importance of adapting to what the river offers. Mac emphasizes the significance of adjusting techniques to suit the season, particularly with the recent stockings in Western Carolina. The duo explores the concept of "taking what the river gives you," highlighting t...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown to discuss the unique challenges and joys of fall fly fishing in the Bryson City area. As the peak of fall foliage passes, Mac shares his insights on navigating the leaf litter that can deter anglers during this season. He emphasizes the effectiveness of using dry flies, particularly with orange hues, to avoid snagging leaves and offers a technique called the "circle pickup" to keep your fly clean. Mac and Marvin de...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown for another insightful "Casting Angles" segment. Mac shares his experiences from a successful casting school, highlighting the camaraderie and skill of the participants. They discuss the challenges posed by low water levels in the creeks and the implications of an upcoming hatchery renovation on trout stocking in North Carolina. Mac and Marvin delve into the technical aspects of fall fishing, emphasizing the importa...

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with seasoned fishing guide Mac Brown for another insightful segment of Casting Angles. Mac shares his experiences with brown trout fishing in the Park, emphasizing the effectiveness of terrestrials like inch worms, ants and beetles. They discuss the impact of recent cool weather and rainfall on fishing conditions and how these changes have been beneficial for the trout. Mac highlights the importance of drift in fly fishing, sha...

Join host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for an inspiring conversation with Adam Hortenberry, the creative mind behind Anchor Fly and Tackle. In this episode, Adam shares his rapid journey from a gear enthusiast to a passionate fly angler and fly tier. He also provides exciting details about the inaugural Rhode Island Fly Bash on July 13 at Rejects Brewing Company. Adam dives into his earliest fishing memories, recounting nostalgic days spent chasing bluegill with his grandfather. He discu...

Welcome back to another episode of The Articulate Fly with your host, Marvin Cash, featuring the insightful Mac Brown in our latest "Casting Angles" segment. This Memorial Day special kicks off with heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and active military members, honoring their sacrifices and highlighting the upcoming 80th anniversary celebration of the D-Day invasion in Bedford, Virginia. As Marvin and Mac dive into the essence of fly fishing, they tackle the unpredictable weather in the Mid...

Join host Marvin Cash as he explores the intricate world of advanced fly casting with the expertise of Mac Brown on The Articulate Fly. In this episode, Mac unpacks the mechanics of loops, the importance of movement coordination and the efficiency of full arm casting. As they dissect the subtleties of casting strokes and the role of the wrist, arm and shoulder at varying distances, listeners are treated to a masterclass in technique. Delving into the history of casting styles, Mac reflects on...

Learn to avoid the crowds with host Marvin Cash and the seasoned wisdom of Mac Brown in this enlightening episode of The Articulate Fly. As spring unfurls its greenery, Mac recounts his recent Appalachian Trail adventure with family and his return to his home waters. With the trout opener drawing legions to the water, Mac offers sage advice for those seeking tranquility and eager bites—venture to the lesser-trodden paths up high or embrace the thrill of warm water fishing for bluegill and bass. ...

Dive into the refreshing currents of early spring with host Marvin Cash and fly fishing virtuoso Mac Brown in the latest episode of The Articulate Fly. As the trees bud and the rivers swell, Mac shares his insights on the bustling hatch activity in Western North Carolina. With midday and evening waters teeming with life, he guides listeners through the prime time for dry fly and wet fly fishing, revealing the simplicity behind successful fly selection amidst the frenzy of the spring hatch. Ma...