Reel Cast Fishing

Reel Cast Fishing Podcast

Reel Cast Fishing Podcast providing listeners useful fishing tips and a forum to discuss other fishing topics!

  1. Micro Fishing in Cold Texas: Homemade Wine Cork Rod, Feeder Creek Challenges, and Tiny Victories

    Apr 28

    Micro Fishing in Cold Texas: Homemade Wine Cork Rod, Feeder Creek Challenges, and Tiny Victories

    Micro fishing is the ultimate test of patience and precision—especially when you're chasing sunfish or bluegill in a tiny feeder creek during a cold Texas winter. In this latest adventure, I set out with my homemade wine cork micro fly rod, a quirky little setup I built for fun and finesse, determined to see if anything would bite despite the chilly conditions. Texas winters can be unpredictable, and this day was no exception. The water was clear but cold, the fish were lethargic, and the wind added an extra layer of difficulty to every delicate cast. But that's what makes micro fishing so addictive: the challenge of presenting a tiny fly perfectly to a wary panfish that might only be 3–4 inches long. The star of the show was my homemade wine cork micro rod. It's short, light, and surprisingly capable—built around a wine cork handle for that classic DIY feel, with a flexible tip section that loads easily with micro lines and tiny flies. Paired with a simple reel and ultra-fine tippet, the whole setup feels like holding a feather. Casting is more about gentle flicks than big loops, perfect for tight spots along the feeder creek where overhanging branches and shallow water make every presentation count. I worked the edges slowly, drifting small nymphs and dry flies through likely holding spots. The proof ball came out for every potential catch—quick measurements without harming the fish, and a fun way to document just how small these little fighters really are. The cold made things tough. Strikes were subtle (if they happened at all), and I had to stay focused to detect the lightest takes. But the thrill of seeing a sunfish or bluegill finally commit to the fly—tiny but mighty—makes the effort worthwhile. Micro fishing in cold weather isn't about numbers—it's about the craft, the creativity of the setup, and the satisfaction of coaxing even one tiny fish to the net. This adventure reminded me why I love it: the challenge, the ingenuity, and the pure joy of connecting with the smallest residents of the creek. Tight lines, stay warm, and never underestimate a homemade rod!

    37 min
  2. Fly Fishing a Local Pond in Chilly Allen: New Gear, Bluegill Bites, and a Quiet Day for Bass

    Apr 21

    Fly Fishing a Local Pond in Chilly Allen: New Gear, Bluegill Bites, and a Quiet Day for Bass

    There's something special about grabbing your rod and heading to a hidden gem right in your backyard—a quiet pond tucked near the movie theater in Allen, Texas. In this recent outing, I paired my newly repaired Cabela's Prestige rod with a fresh Sunray Fly Line and braved the colder temperatures for some classic fly fishing action. Winter fly fishing in Texas can be challenging. The water cools down, fish become less active, and casts feel a bit stiffer in the chill—but the rewards are still there, even if they're modest. Bluegill were the main targets, and they cooperated with a few nice eats on small flies. Bass? Not today—no bass were caught despite working the deeper spots and trying different presentations. The Sunray Fly Line really stood out during this session. This weight-forward floating line is incredibly smooth to cast, with excellent turnover for delicate presentations—perfect for small ponds where spooky bluegill can shut down quickly if your fly lands too hard. The line's slick coating made mending and stripping effortless, even in the cold when hands aren't as nimble. It loaded the rod beautifully on short to medium casts, allowing me to cover water efficiently and keep the fly in the strike zone longer. The line's buoyancy kept the fly just under the surface without sinking too fast, which was key for those finicky winter panfish. The Cabela's Prestige rod felt great after the repair—light, responsive, and a perfect match for the Sunray line on these small-pond targets. Chatting with a few fellow anglers added to the fun—sharing tips, comparing notes, and enjoying the community vibe that makes local spots so special. Cold-weather fly fishing reminds us that not every trip ends with a bass on the line, and that's perfectly okay. Sometimes the biggest wins are the smooth casts, the handful of colorful bluegill, and the simple joy of being on the water, rod in hand, no matter the season or the results. If you're in the Allen area, check out that little pond near the theater—it's a hidden treasure for quick sessions, even on slower days. Tight lines, stay warm, and keep casting!

    50 min

About

Reel Cast Fishing Podcast providing listeners useful fishing tips and a forum to discuss other fishing topics!