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Fly fishing is a little different to bait fishing or spinning.
Perhaps the most important single item to consider is the rod itself. In fly fishing, it is the rod that does the work for you.
One of the problems people first have when the take this variation of the sport up, particularly if they have spun or bait fished before, is adjusting to the fact that the more effort you put into the cast is not, unlike the other forms, the determining factor in how much distance is achieved.
There are no weights attached to the fly line to build momentum in the cast, but the fly line itself is usually tapered, giving more weight to the first twelve yards or so of the line. It is the technique used to cast that determines how far one can cast the fly.
The most important part of the cast is what is called the "back cast", where the line is cast backwards over your shoulder. This "loads" the rod. The great temptation is to cast the line back, and then immediately throw the line forward on the forward cast. This is incorrect.
When you back cast, you should stop the rod just before it hits the vertical position and wait. It's only a second or two, but the pause is vital, as is the "stop" at 90 degrees. This is because as the line goes back and reaches its limit, the rod bends back as well. This is when the rod is loaded and ready for the forward cast. The forward cast should not be too aggressive and the rod tip should end just above the water.
This allows the line to flow freely through the rod rings, the impetus caused by the springing action of the rod. The temptation is to back cast violently and with the rod ending 90 degrees to the ground, then throwing the line forward as in a bait or spin fishing cast.
The problem is, if you let the rod travel more than the vertical on the back cast, the rod does not load, and therefore does not spring forward to cast the line effectively. Indeed sometimes all that happens is that the line lands in a tangled heap around you.
During casting, there should be a number of "false" casts. This is where you stop the line with your hand on the forward cast, before it hits the water, then back cast again.
This way more line is cast out. The optimal number of back casts is said by some to be three. More than three and you will miss the "sweet spot" in the line, where the weighted part of the line is pulling out more unweighted line and impetus and energy in the cast is lost.
Above all casting should be done with the body relaxed, and a smooth casting action applied.
About this Author
Zac is a keen fly fisherman. For some great tips and deals, visit his latest website about fly fishing combos where you can get information on buying balanced fly fishing combos which is generally cheaper than buying the individual components you need.
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