Advertisement

Fly Fishing Casts

Learn three useful casts you've probably never seen.
  • Updated: January 4, 2013
quick-change-cast.jpg
The Quick-Change Cast: Here is how it’s done Step 1: Make your cast as you normally would. Keep your rod low and pointed at the fly. Step 2: Forget about the line and follow the fish with the rod tip. Always keep your eyes on the fish. Step 3: Raise the rod slowly and make a brisk backcast 180 degrees from your new target. Don’t worry: The line will straighten beautifully behind and will be ready for the forward stroke.
misdirection-cast.jpg
The Misdirection Cast: Here’s how it’s done Step 1: Once a fish is spotted, slowly turn your back to it. While keeping your rod tip as low as possible, make a false cast one rod length away and parallel to the target while slipping out the desired amount of line. Step 2: On your forward cast, add a bit of speed and “shock” the rod to a stop in order to curve the line. Try this at various distances until you have the confidence to hit your target.
sky-curve.jpg
The Sky Curve: Here’s how it’s done Step 1: Choose a target behind a tree or telephone pole. Now choose a secondary target beside and 10 feet beyond the pole. Step 2: Make one false cast to the secondary target to build line speed. Step 3: On the final forward cast, begin by bringing the hand slightly inward and move the hand forward in a single, spiraling motion (just like a proofreader’s “delete” mark). A brisk stop at the end of the stroke should curve the line, leader and fly nicely around the pole.
Advertisement

Email Newsletters and Special Offers

Sign up for Salt Water Sportsman emails to receive features on travel destinations, event listings and product reviews as well as special offers on behalf of Salt Water Sportsman’s partners.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Salt Water Sportsman and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

  • More Photos
Advertisement

Read More

SUBSCRIPTIONS
ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
BONNIER BRANDS

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Salt Water Sportsman may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2023 Salt Water Sportsman. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.