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Want the good news or bad news first?
Ok, bad news: you're not going to learn how to cast a fly by reading a few articles on the internet and watching some videos.
Now the good news: you're going to learn how to cast a fly by picking up a rod and going out to your backyard or some other place nearby and practicing - the best part is it's fun!
What we can do on the internet is discuss how a fly rod works and what you're doing when you cast with one. Fly rods are different than spinning and baitcasting rods in that they do not use the weight of the lure to propel the line to reach the fish - they use the weight of the line to move the lure. This is why a special casting method is required.
Basic fly casting is not entirely difficult, however there is a learning curve involved. It is possible to learn how to properly cast a fly by yourself; however if you were to spend the money to get a few lessons (just one would be worth it's weight in gold) you would be light years ahead of your ability to teach yourself. Besides, why take the time to reinvent the wheel when someone has already done the hard work.
The mechanics of casting a fly rod are fairly simple. As mentioned before, the line is weighted to propel the fly. If the line were not weighted, it would not load the rod. Loading the rod refers to the bend placed in the rod during the backcast and forward cast. This loading of the rod is what propels the line, fly and leader to it's destination. When you move the rod forward you'll notice a bend is placed in the rod. This forward movement creates energy in the rod and when you stop on the forward cast the energy is transferred into the fly line which in turn moves it away from you. The same thing happens on the backcast, just in reverse.
There are a few things you'll want to remember when you first start practicing:
First: take it easy. You're having fun, remember? It can be frustrating to learn how to cast. If it stops being fun - stop practicing for awhile.
Second: casting a fly is fluid and relaxed. There are no 'jerky' movements. Hold the rod in a relaxed manner, relax your shoulders and arms - just relax.
Third: Watch your forward and back cast. The idea is to start the opposite cast when the line is straight. This means; when you make a forward cast, wait until the line is aljost completely level to the ground before you begin your back cast. Same applies in reverse to the backcast. This is why it is helpful to watch your line as you cast until you can learn what it feels like when your line is perpendicular to the ground.
Time to practice. This article won't go into how to cast, that should be reserved for one-on-one instruction, it will make your experience much more enjoyable. However, here are a few tips that you can take with you:
Find yourself a nice quiet area with grass or sand (using the road or driveway will eat your fly line up).
Grip the rod however it feels comfortable. jost people use the thumb-on-top method (like a golf club). Grabbing it like a bat yields less control, but if that works for you - then go for it.
How you stand isn't really important right now - just be comfortable and relaxed.
Make sure you're practicing somewhere comfortable. It will make a difference.
Strip off enough line to load the rod, but not too much.
Work on the basics and mechanics before you go for distance.
Accuracy is more important than distance.
When you hear a snapping or cracking behind you, slow down your cast and wait for it to level out behind you. This means you're starting your forward or back cast too soon.
Again, relax. Enjoy yourself.
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