How to cast a fly rod!

The major difference between fly casting and any other form of fishing is the cast itself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fly rod
• fly line
• leader
• fly

1. As discussed in the first installment of this fly fishing topic, we have a fly rod and attached to it is a fly reel with the reel loaded as follows. The first line on the reel is the backing followed by the fly line itself and then the leader with fly at the terminal end.

2. In fly casting you cast the line not the terminal tackle. This fact makes fly fishing different then most other methods where you are casting bait or lure and it is that weight which facilitates taking the bait to its destination.

3. With a good 10 feet of line plus the leader extended in front of you start the back cast with the rod in a ten o'clock position. Very rarely is force or strength needed to make a proper cast. This might be a reason why so many women are good fly casters. The line will travel back in a loop. Stop the rod motion at the 2 o'clock position momentarily which will load the rod and permit the line to straighten behind you. Start the rod forward back to the ten o'clock starting point and the loop will accelerate toward the target, the leader will roll out and drop onto the target. Remember to not bring the rod forward to hard or beyond the ten o'clock position as it will make the leader splash in a heap over the target spooking any trout in the vicinity.

4. This basic cast has many variations which are employed based upon conditions like wind, trees etc that prevent a clean execution of the basic fly cast.

Tips & Warnings

• With no fly on your terminal tackle you can practice in the yard at a park just about anywhere. The idea is simple, practice putting the leader end on a designated target. Practice with the wind impacting your cast from all sides.