Fly Rod Operation And Casting
Fly fishing is a little different to bait fishing or spinning.
It’s important that you choose the right fly fishing rod, as this is the piece of equipment that is the most crucial to your success.
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 back casting, the rod should be swept back only as far as the vertical, at which point the line should be stopped by your spare hand and a pause should be allowed whilst the line pulls the rod back. When you feel the rod “load”, that is the time for the forward cast, moving the rod forward at increasing speed and releasing the line.
It is therefore the action of the rod, rather than the power of the cast that is key to a successful 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.
The experts suggest that you do not want to use more than three false casts. This is really down to the individual, but putting too much line into the air can result in a loss of control.
Relaxing and casting smoothly, remembering to pause at the top of the back cast are the keys to successful fly line casting.
Zac has been a steady fly fisherman for many years, and loves to pass on tips and techniques. When starting fly fishing Zac recommends buying fly fishing combos. The great thing about fly fishing combos is that you get all the main elements, rod, line and reel at a discounted price.