How to Cast a Fly Rod
It requires gradual, synchronized movements. It helps to think of each movement, both the back cast and the forward cast, divided into three steps. The first is loading, the second is the momentum of projection, and the third is the pause.
There are several types of casts. The most common of these include the basic cast, false cast, side and reverse casts, roll cast, and double haul cast.
The easiest cast, called the basic cast, is simply casting the line straight back and then directly forward. Anyone new to fly fishing should master the basic cast before going on to other techniques. Use a short length of line to begin with if you are new to fly fishing. This will help you gain sufficient control of the line, while practicing short gentle movements.
The false cast is a variation of the basic cast. Practicing this type of cast helps to build precise timing that is required in fly fishing.The false cast is also used to dry out a dry fly that has lost its buoyancy.
The false consists of the same backward and forward movements as the basic cast, and is immediately followed by another set of the same movements. The fly line actually travels backward and forward repeatedly without touching the water.
The side and reverse casts are generally used when wind is a problem. They are also used if there are obstacles that can make a regular cast difficult.
A roll cast is generally used if the fisherman finds himself with his back to such obstacles as a high riverbank or overhanging trees. When these conditions exist, a basic cast is almost impossible. You need to let out a good length of line in front of you; it's best to let the current take it a short distance. The drag of the water on the line will load the rod, and you will need to gently lift and roll the line forward without executing a back cast.
Using a double haul cast in fly fishing will enable you to cast a much longer line than is possible with a basic cast. In order to do this you need to have a faster line speed. This is done by making much larger casting movements, applying more strength, and loading the rod more before the forward cast. During this cast both hands of the fisherman must work independently.
The above five types of fly fishing casts are the ones used most often. There are many other types of casts also, including the S-cast, the parachute cast, and the mend cast.
Casting is the basic physical skill involved in fly fishing. Its purpose is to place the fly exactly where you want it to be, and just like any other skill it takes practice. Accuracy and the delicacy of the presentation are very important when fly fishing. Mastering the basics of fly casting first will make it easier to move on to the more difficult casts. Good Luck!
Checkout this video which covers all the basics of casting, knots, and picking the right gear!
Fly Fishing Knots
Fly fishing requires knowing a few knots, and learning to tie the right knots can make all the difference in the world to your success or failure. It’s important to not only select the right knot for the situation but also to tie it properly. Poorly tied fishing knots will mean lost fish and frustration for you, so knowing about the right knots and how to tie them can be a huge part of your overall enjoyment of the sport, and the fly fishing experience.Quick Tip
Before you tighten a knot, moisten it with saliva or with the water you are fishing on. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which can weaken the monofilament. Heat is generated by friction created when the knots are drawn up tight. Moistening the knot will reduce this heat and allow you to have good, strong knots.Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. This is called seating the knot. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. To check this, pull on the line and leader to be sure it holds. It’s better to test its strength before you fish rather than to have it break once you get a hook-up.
You will need to know how to secure your line to the reel. This is called “Backing to the fly reel” and there is a specific knot as to how to achieve that. When you are backing to the fly line, you should use either an Albright Knot or a Nail Knot. The Nail Knot is also good for using when tying the fly line to the leader.
When securing the leader to the tippet, good knot choices include the Surgeon’s Knot or the Barrel Knot. Securing the tippet to the fly can be achieved easily with a Improved Clinch Knot.
Learn to tie these knots correctly, because the weakest part of a fly fisherman’s equipment is his knots. The video above has a section on knots. Practice tying knots before you get on the water.
Fly Fishing Accessories
Some of these accessories may seem strange, but when wading-out in fast moving water situations, it is best to have all of your gear and tools with you.
First is a fly fishing vest with plenty of large pockets, pockets large enough to fit your fly boxes.
You should also have a spring-loaded retractable spool that attaches to your vest to hold a pair of nail clippers. They come in very handy for trimming knots.
You might want to attach a patch of rubber for straightening leaders. Ideally, the vest should have a large back pocket to carry light rain gear. Some vests also have a ring at the back of the collar, where you can attach the net to keep it out of the way.
The choice of your fly boxes is very important. One should have large compartments where you can store dry flies without crushing their hackles. You should also have one or two smaller boxes with foam linings and metal clips. These are for holding your wet flies, nymphs, and streamers. Having a couple of small vials to hold your dry of flies after catching a fish also comes in handy.
A spare spool for your reel, already loaded with backing and line, is a good idea to have with you. Also a few spools of leader material, a leader wallet, a sharpening stone, and a sharp knife are important for the fly fisherman to have within easy reach. Insect repellent is essential when fly fishing.
Having a good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you to see the fish and protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. It's also important to have a small pocket flashlight with a flexible neck. This can be very useful for many things including changing flies at dusk or dawn.
Other useful items include a thermometer, a small first aid emergency kit, split shots in different weights (split shots are used to get nymphs and wet flies down deep, close to the bottom) and a small first aid emergency kit.
Many fishermen like to take a collapsible wading staff with them while fly fishing. It helps them to keep their footing if they are wading in a heavy current or on a slippery, rocky bottom. A small cotton mesh net with a short handle comes in handy for netting your fish.
There are many other accessories available for fly fishing today. Many of the choices depend on each fisherman's personal preferences.
Artificial Flies
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| Purple and Black BeadHead WoollyBugger |
Flies may be constructed to represent all manner of potential freshwater and saltwater fish prey to include aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, worms, baitfish, vegetation, flesh, spawn, small reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds, etc.
Dry Flies - Dry flies are designed to be buoyant, or land softly on the surface of the water. Dry flies typically represent the adult form of an aquatic or terrestrial insect. Dry flies are generally considered freshwater flies.
Wet Flies - Wet flies are designed to sink below the surface of the water. Wet flies have been tied in a wide variety of patterns to represent larvae, nymphs, pupa, drowned insects, baitfish and other underwater prey. Wet flies are generally considered freshwater flies.
Nymphs - Nymph flies are designed to resemble the immature form of aquatic insects and small crustaceans.
Emerger Flies - Emergers are designed to resemble the not quite mature hatching aquatic insect as it leaving the water to become an adult insect. Generally considered freshwater fly fishing trout flies.
Streamer Flies - Streamers are designed to resemble some form of baitfish or other large aquatic prey. Streamer flies may be patterned after both freshwater and saltwater prey species. Streamer flies are a very large and diverse category of flies as streamers are effective for almost any type of gamefish.
Egg Patterns - Egg flies are all designed to resemble the spawn of other fish that may be encountered in a river and consumed by the target species.
Flesh Flies - Flesh flies are designed to resemble the rotting flesh of pacific salmon encountered in a river and consumed by the target species.
Saltwater Flies - Saltwater flies are a class of flies designed to represent a wide variety of inshore, offshore and estuarial saltwater baitfish, crustacean and other saltwater prey. Most of the time you see a pattern it will represent of a shrimp, crab, baitfish, or a combination of them. Saltwater flies generally are found in both sub-surface and surface patterns.
