Fishing Information

Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast


The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.

Good casting starts with learning to grip a fly rod correctly and adopting the right stance to maintain comfort and balance.

Gripping the Fly Rod

The normal grip is with the thumb on top and slightly to the left of center (assuming a right-handed grip) so that the 'V' between the thumb and the index finger is in line with the top of the rod. Your grip should feel comfortable and firm - but not tight. Your rod and reel only weigh a few ounces, so it won't require a death grip to contol it.

If you prefer, placing the thumb directly on top of the rod is acceptable, and you might find this useful if extra force is needed on the forward cast. Another variation is sometimes used for accuracy when casting short distances, or just as a "change up" to relieve fatigue during a long day of fishing. Instead of placing the thumb on top of the rod, try shifting the index finger around so that it lies along the top of the rod instead.

Fly Casting Stance

The correct stance is important to maintain comfort and balance. It's very easy to lose your balance when trying to get the most distance out of your cast, or to lose your footing on the loose, water polished rocks in the bed of a stream.

The proper fly casting stance is to lead with the foot on the same side as your casting arm (i.e. right foot forward for a right-handed caster). Your feet should be set approximately at shoulder width for balance and stability. This will allow you to easily transfer body weight from one foot to the other during the cast.

Casting

Start the cast with the fly rod extended horizontally in front of you with your forearm and the rod in a straight line, and the line straight. Accelerate smoothly in an upward direction making sure that the rod tip stops just short of vertical (the "12 o'clock" postion) so that the line will project backwards above the horizontal plane. In other words, the line will still be rising as it continues backward. If you go beyond vertical before stopping the back cast, the line will go downwards! A precise stop causes the rod energy is to be transferred to the line, and catapults it through the air.

Once you have stopped the back cast, pause so that the line reaches full extension above and behind you. Once you begin the forward cast, accelerate the the rod forward smoothly and stop the forward movement when the rod is at approximately the "10 o'clock" position. The line will project forward and straighten as it falls towards the water. Follow through with the rod to ensure that it lands taut, straight and softly.

Note that the vertical plane has been used for this discussion. That's why this method is called the overhead cast. The line flies overhead and over the rod tip. The same can be done in any plane to make straight line casts. Once you have mastered the overhead cast, you can apply the same techniques using the horizontal plane to keep the line low and avoid obstacles; or cross your body on the back cast, bringing the right hand toward the left shoulder in an off-vertical plane for a backhand cast.

More Fly Fishing Tips, Techniques, and Resources available from My Secret Stream.


MORE RESOURCES:

Brothers' fishing outing ends in death, but no charges filed
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 8 hours ago
The brothers had gone fishing Saturday, said Jimmy Lee, spokesman for the Sheriff's Department. Mark Greer's body was found about 7:30 am Sunday east of ...
Brother of man found dead in Delta jailed San Jose Mercury News
all 33 news articles


Hands-on when it comes to fishing
Houston Chronicle, United States - 10 hours ago
He could employ a spear, a fishing rod, or a handline. But no, that would be too easy and not sporting at all. Puig, cable television’s Tarzan of the Seas, ...


The Fishing Report
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 8 hours ago
Tom doesn't have much to say about it other than he has a business to care for and part of caring for his business is to go fishing and to keep his name out ...


Salmon fishing perks in rivers
Seattle Times, United States - 9 hours ago
Saltwater salmon fishing slows down, and now anglers are concentrating their time in the estuaries, bays and lower rivers where chinook and coho are staging ...
The 10 top recreational fishing prospects for the fall HeraldNet
Fishing report The Columbian
Coho appear to be pushing into Sound Seattle Post Intelligencer
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
all 5 news articles


Fishing boats run aground near Port Ludlow
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 17 hours ago
By MIKE BARBER The US Coast Guard is investigating two fishing vessels aground at Port Ludlow. No injuries have been reported and no signs of damage or ...
BREAKING NEWS: 2 Fishing Vessels Run Aground Near Port Ludlow KIROtv.com
Two boats run aground near Port Ludlow Peninsula Daily
all 3 news articles


DNR: Salmon action to intensify in Mich. in Sept.
MLive.com, MI - 3 hours ago
by AP As the end of August approaches, Michigan begins to move into the fall fishing patterns, the Michigan Department of Resources said Wednesday in its ...
Fishing report Carlsbad Current Argus
all 6 news articles


South Florida fishing report
MiamiHerald.com, FL - 6 hours ago
He was fishing in 1200 feet of water off of Fowey Light. . . . Lucas Anson, almost 2, was fishing with his father, JD, when Lucas caught his first fish, ...
With snook, bigger is not always better The News-Press
all 3 news articles


FISHING REPORT
Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV - 6 hours ago
LAKE MEAD -- Early-morning hours still are productive for anglers fishing from Sand Island to Government Wash. Striped bass are responding to top-water ...
Fishing report Nevada Appeal
all 2 news articles


Outdoors: Bass fishing should be interesting for IHSA
Dekalb Daily Chronicle, IL - 9 hours ago
By James Nokes - Daily Chronicle DeKALB - For the first time ever, bass fishing will be an IHSA-sponsored activity this spring. ...


Fishing Report: Ross Barnett Reservoir
Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS - 10 hours ago
Due to the weather, few fishing reports have been available from the weekend through Tuesday. Some of the reports below are based on week-old information. ...
FISHING REPORT Scott County Times
all 2 news articles

Fishing - Google News

home | site map
© 2006