Fly Casting - What Every Angler Should Know
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Fundamental Principles
There is a right way and a wrong way to cast a fly and there is little use in taking up space or time with the wrong methods. In order to become a proficient fly caster there are certain fundamental principles and rules to follow and maintain at all times.
1. Proper balance of equipment.
2. Proper grip of the rod to insure free wrist action.
3. Freedom from all tension and strain.
4. A smooth stroke.
5. Proper timing on both the backcast and forward cast.
6. Proper position of the rod at all times.
7. Proper position or plane of the line at all times.
8. Patience and practice.
Fly casting is a close coordination of the mind, objective, muscle, and operation of the mechanical equipment. It is very important to remember that you are going to cast a line, leader, and fly-which are lightweight objects-with a lightweight rod which is somewhat heavier than the line, leader, and fly. if you have developed or have a tendency to develop a choppy or jerky stroke, then you may expect to have some difficulties. A smooth, snappy stroke is required but not as snappy as when snapping a whip. This type of stroke will cause the loss of many flies.
Another important factor to remember: it is not necessary to cast great distances in order to enjoy the pleasures of fly casting, whether casting for pleasure or to catch fish. Accuracy is far more important than distance. In the majority of cases, casts from twenty-five to thirty-five feet are sufficient distances for any fisherman to catch fish. Distance casting has its place when necessary, but first you should master the short casts to know where your fly will be cast.
Another very essential thing to know is that it is the line that is cast, not the fly. The fly is but a passenger which is attached to the leader. Both are propelled forward, following the line, by the momentum from the power of the caster added to the natural power of the rod. The fly itself is very delicate and of little or no weight and cannot of itself be cast. The same is true of the leaders. Of course there are larger flies which are somewhat heavier; however, this added weight does not make them easier to cast but more difficult because of the wind resistance of the heavier or bulkier lures.
Tommy Thompson is an avid fisherman who loves to share his Fly Fishing Secrets with other Fisherman. He has also wrote and published many of his stories on http://flyfishingguy.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Thompson
Posted By: RR Smith
Tags: Fishing, Fishing Information, fishing secrets, Fly fishing