- As a basic casting guide, imagine standing beside a clockface with 12 o’clock over your head, 9 o’clock in front of you at waist level, and 3 o’clock behind you. Start your cast at 9 o’clock and continue cast backward to 2 o’clock, stop, then forward to 9 o’clock again and stop.
- Trial cast any new rod prior to purchase, as rods have varying actions and feels.
- A casting arm motion should be similar to throwing darts.
- During the back cast, stab upwards slightly when rear loop almost unfurls.
- Turn casting hand approximately 45 degrees when casting towards rear.
- If a snap sound is heard during rear cast, timing is off - Slow down your motion.
- If a tailing loop occurs (e.g. flyline hits leader), lower rod tip slightly on forward cast, plus reduce your casting effort.
- When casting heavy flyline, (e.g.. lead core), cast with slower motion and utilize a larger rear flyline loop.
- After learning basic casting motion, introduce a double haul technique (increases line speed and rod loading). Double haul is a quick, short pull on flyline during rear flyline snap and forward flyline snap. Remember to allow line to flow into guides after each haul.
- Use your casting forearm for casting. Your wrist should be fairly stiff for optimum loop control.
- If a strong wind is in your face, reverse casting direction (e.g. 180 degrees), and cast normally.
- A sudden stop during front and rear casting loads the rod most efficiently. Accelerate speed of forward cast prior to sudden stop.
- Use a waist level stripping basket (e.g. container to prevent flyline loop entanglemwnts) when fishing from beach, jetty, or boat.
- Note that fly on end of line does not move until line is straight. Also line will move in direction of rod tip’s final direction.
- A water haul (e.g. allowing flyline to add additional rod resistance, or loading) before rollcast or recast loads the rod quickly.
- When using shooting taper flyline, leave 1 1/2 feet to 2 feet of running line outside of rod tip prior to cast.
- Aim and stop forward cast at eye level, not downward. Allow line to drop into water.
- During windy conditions, move rod to side and use a sidearm cast towards direction of wind.
- Watch your rear casting loop - it should always be small or tight (least air resistant).
- Don’t swing fly rod, similar to casting with spin or a conventional casting rod, - this will cause sagging of flyline loop.
- Always keep casting elbow close to body during cast.
- While fishing from jetties, rollcast and then rear cast in one successive motion to avoid entanglements.
- Thumb on casting hand should be on top of rod handle for best mechanical advantage.
- Do not grip flyrod too tightly, relax when casting.
- Practice, Practice, Practice - your casting will improve much with consistant practice.
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