There might not be anything more frustrating to a fisherman or guide than a poor fly cast. This problem is not chronic, but requires the affected to take proper action. After years of guiding and even more of casting instruction I have seen a plethora of casting problems and all of them seem to have the same solution.......PRACTICE!
Most fly casting problems start from the instance the fisherman takes the fly off the water. So let me begin with a short description of a theory I have. You must stay connected to your fly!
To simplify this explanation we will assume the caster in question is right handed. The fly rod is an extension of your right arm and when you are relaxed holding the rod level to the water, with the fly line straight on the water (no slack line), you are connected to the fly. Everything is in a straight line. The fly rod is no longer an extension of your arm if you break your wrist during the back cast.
The take away is the first step in making a back cast. The water holds tension on the line and this tension must be broken before you make the back cast. The take away is done by removing as much line as you can from the surface of the water by LIFTING the rod. Lift with your forearm, not your wrist. The fly should skate briefly on the surface, then with one quick movement you will make your back cast. When you take the fly off the water you will briefly lose your connection because the line will form a loop, first going past you and then extending behind you, this is your back cast. You will reconnect to your fly on the back cast when the fly line and leader come tight (no loop) behind you, and momentarly stop. Once the line is tight you can once again move the rod to make a forward cast. This whole time imagine your pulling the fly through the air, not the line.
If you are trying to extend the cast, or making a longer cast, you will most likely need to have extra line to shoot. This line will be held by your left hand. If you let go of this line while your rod is in motion, you will lose the connection between the rod and the fly. The line can only be set free once everything has stopped moving, such as your arm, the rod, and the line.
Now to the practice. You should not practice fly casting while fly fishing. They are two distinct activities. It is helpful to use an old fly with the hook cut off or a piece of yarn to simulate the weight of a fly. Make a target, this can be a piece of wood, a rock, a hool-a-hoop, neighbor's cat.......be creative. When I was a kid, I would pull a piece of wood form the fire wood pile, throw it in the middle of the yard and cast at it for hours. For a right handed caster you should open your stance, meaning stand with your left foot slightly forward. This will allow your head to turn slightly to watch the fly being pulled through the air. Watching the back cast is the most effective way for a beginner to learn another casting fundamental, timing. Try different distances. Try shooting the line. Try shooting line through the back cast. PRACTICE.
Remember, stay connected to the fly. You are pulling the fly through the air, the line will follow.
Now take it to the river. To book a day of fishing with me call Snake River Fishing Trips, 307.690.0910
