Tip #27: Standard Casting

Posted by under General Tips, Pics and Pointers

Standard casting is very simple: the fly line and the rod are both lifted in a smooth motion. You’ll use an up and backwards direction which you stop when the rod is just at the vertical point. When the line starts to straighten out or fall downwards the cast will begin increasing in speed at the same time that your wrist snaps the entire rod back from the 11:00 and 1:00 clock positions. The line will they fly forward to where you want it to land.

When you’re ready to cast, make it a long cast that moves straight out from where you are standing. Strive for about a ten foot cast. When the bait hits the bottom wait for a minute or two before you start to drag it slowly up along the slope. When you’re ready to cast again throw your line out a bit to the right. Then cast to the left the next time, so that you’re fanning the area in front of you.

You also have the option of wading knee deep out into the water to cast your line so that it runs parallel to the bank. This allows you to fish the entire area of the bank so that you have the most success.

Wear clothes that are going to let you blend into the bank, such as camouflage. And walk softly and carefully as you walk along the bank to avoid spooking the bass or other fish in the area. Keep all your movement slow and steady at all times.

Fishing for fish from the bank can really challenge you as a fly fisher. Once you get those first few bites you’ll be convinced that bank fishing is just as good as fishing in the stream or lake.