Different Types of Fly Fishing Casts
by Bob Bastian
The art of casting is a very important skill in fly
fishing. It requires gradual, synchronized movements. It helps to think of each
movement, both the back cast in the forward cast, is divided into three steps.
The first is loading, the second is the momentum of projection, and the third is
the pause. It takes a lot of practice to master the art of casting in fly
fishing.
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.
In fly fishing 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. It
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. Practicing
this type of cast helps to build precise timing that is required in fly fishing.
In fly fishing 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 a wall of
vegetation. 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 can cast forward without needing to execute the 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 much 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, 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.
Article courtesy of:
Bob Bastian
Copyright 2007 Global Sports Zone - Free Sports Articles
