START LEARNING FLY ROD CASTING

       Fly fishing is not that difficult to get started. Do not think fly rod casting is all about all those shows you have seen with an angler making long cast with dry flies, the reality is most of the time you will only have to do a roll cast, simply flipping your line for short cast. I use a simple roll cast about 90% of the time I am fishing. I use stone fly nymphs and scuds just about every time I go trout fishing. The exception is when there is a caddis hatch when I use dry flies and emergers. 

 Optimize your gear for casts in the 20’ to 30’ range, and concentrate on the water close to you, rather than trying to throw your line to the other side of the river. 

 The fly rod roll cast is a simple way to flip your line out. Let out about 8-10 feet of line with the rod horizontal, then lift the rod to 90 degrees then flip the line forward by returning to horizontal the line will roll on the surface of the water and propel the fly forward.

Strip out about 3-4 feet of line, with the rod in a 90 degree position, then using the wrist thrust the rod forward toward your target until the rod is level with the water. The line flips over to your target, this is ideal for nymph fishing in small streams.

Learning to cast a dry fly will be challenging, the best thing to do is practice in your yard, no fly attached. I hold the rod in my right hand and at a 45 degree angle off to the side. Strip off about 10 feet of line. Using your wrist snap the rod back then snap the rod forward. When the line is travelling forward feed out about 1-2 feet of line, then snap back and when going forward feed more line. When the line goes forward ease the rod tip down to allow the line to gently fall to the water. A smooth cast is important not to spook the fish.

    Practice!