The Perfect Fly Cast

// BY PAUL BRUUN

To deliver a trout fly accurately, a pair of nearly identical, linked fly rod casting motions are necessary. These are the backcast and the forward cast. A fly cast differs in one way from the formidable rotational bat, racquet, and club swings other recreations emphasize: The best casts result from a defined rod stoppage to punctuate both the backcast and again at the conclusion to propel the forward cast.

The stop elaborated: I’ll stand behind any beginner with his/her fly rod positioned vertically (12 o’clock) while I tightly hold 50 feet of their extended fly line, leader, and fly at my shoulder level. After my countdown and the simultaneous release of the fly and their forward cast, an admirable 50foot cast happens every time. That’s how important a properly straightened backcast produced by a definite rod stop is to making the perfect forward cast.

Beginners improve by peeking over a shoulder to watch their backcast.

Backcasts and forward casts done without completely releasing the line are called false casts and allow gradual line lengthening. One or two false casts to measure and add distance are necessary before the final forward cast. More valuable than expensive fly rods and lines, pronounced stops with the rod at both ends of the casting cycle consistently guarantee better results. Practice casting with a leader and hookless fly or yarn, and always have a target, even just a floating leaf, to improve accuracy.

A well-paused backcast followed by a smooth forward cast power application allows the rod to reverse its direction, sending the line forward. Another stop with the rod tip at or below eye/shoulder level accelerates the line forward and creates an aerodynamic tight loop that pulls spare fly line with the cast.

When the right timing occurs, fly rods radiate a noticeable and satisfying feeling that says, that cast was just right