Fishing Cast Basics
You no doubt understand that a good fishing cast is just one of the strengths you can use to get consistently better results!
But are you using your fishing cast now to get the results you want?
Most likely at one point or another you have been fly fishing with your buddies, and saw them or someone else just up stream bing in more fish. Now you’ve no doubt heard that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish, so like a true fishing enthusiast you probably asked yourself ‘Why?’
Could it be their tools?
Could it be the bait they use?
Could it be their looks?
OR … Could it really be just their execution of the fishing cast?
The fishing cast is your best weapon in your arsenal, because a good fishing cast will make even a poor imitation fly look life-like; and therefore appetizing to the trout! On the other hand; even a great bait will NEVER make up for a poorly executed cast. The movement of the fly will not look natural, and the trout will just go for another bait.
So don’t buy expensive lures and flies until you perfect your fishing cast!
On to the basics then:
A trout fishing cast should not be extra long. You remember playing ‘catch’ as a kid; extending the distance further and further; seeing who can make the throw, and who throws short. It was an example of power and efficient execution. Similarly when it comes to fishing for trout; a long fishing cast is much like a kid throwing a ball as far as possible. It may be an impressive throw, but accuracy and technique will suffer.
Aiming the cast for the middle of the stream will not catch the trout that is often right under the rod tip!
A long fishing cast will prevent the proper presentation of the fly. Instead of furthering the distance, it’s more important to perfect the cast. The control of the fly or line, that is so neccessary for the delicate presentation, just isn’t there when the fishing cast is over 60 feet. As a general rule, 60 feet gives you plenty area to attract the prize fish.
So sacrifice the longer cast for the longer trout!
As for the grip, it’s important in the execution of a good fishing cast. The tighter you hold your fishing rod; the less dexterity you will have in your cast. I’m right-handed, so when I fish, I hold the rod with four fingers, and place my thumb along the top of the rod. I found that this grip adds accuracy and power to my fishing cast. Of course you can place your index finger along the fishing rod, OR use a popular ‘V-grip’ with your thumb along side the rod. That envolves holding your hand in a fist, with the base of the index finger and thumb creating a ‘V’ around the fishing rod.
Next, when casting, you have to be able to cast the line out. Fly lures by themselves are not heavy enough to pull the thick line after it when fishing. Cast the line then, not the fly! It is the weight of your line that is thrown, and it is the line that pulls the fly after it. The aim of every fishing cast is to make the line flip over and drop the fly at the end of the leader. You must therefore have some of your line out, (about 15 or 20 feet) beside you on the water.
Hold the fly with your left hand, and with your right hand, raise the fishing rod to a 45 degree angle in front of you. Then with a quick flip with your wrist snap the line up and back, stopping it just behind you. And bring it forward with relaxed muscle movements. Keep false casting the line you lifted on the original flip, to get a feel for the rod playing with the line. With the line in the air, pull another foot of line from your fishing reel with your left hand, and let it go out on the forward movement. Continue with this until you have fed out the original 15-20 feet. Now make the fishing cast.
Just like in driving; keep it at 10 and 2!
As in; don’t bring the fishing rod too far back (past 10), because then your line may hit the water behind you, and don’t lower it past 2 in front of you; because it may hit the water in front. Practice, practice, practice, and you’ll be a pro!
Catch a legend!
Perfect Your Fishing Cast and Catch Me!
