First Fly Outting In A long Time.. Could Use Some Tips.

[Kit]

Hey guys,

So I went out today on the Speed to explore and try some time on the fly. I did not catch anything was targeting bass for the most part. I know my technique is almost there getting the fly out there but sometimes I would cast out there and the leader would fall close to the fly line (My leader is 5 1/2' long). How can I avoid doing that? Also when casting the fly smacked the water a few times and I know that damages fly's how can I also avoid doing that?

Any tips or YouTube videos will help a ton!

 

[GuitarBuildingAngler]

Hey Kit.

When casting, remember to focus on using the first 2-3 feet of your rod tip for your power and momentum. Also, remember 10 and 2 when casting.
Swing 10:00, *Pause to create the loop*, swing 2:00, *Pause to create the loop*, Swing 10:00, *Pause to create the loop*, swing 2:00, *Pause to create the loop* ...etc...etc...

The rod and technique is what gives the distance and accuracy. I find trying to power the cast ends up ruining it.
Last bit of advice, have more fly line out then you plan on shooting. Don't let the fly line get all used up, causing the fly to snap back at you.

 

[Derrick Young]

I had/have the same issue with the leader. What I found was making a more conscious abrupt stop transfer the power through the line. The other thing I found was Leader and Tippet size relative to fly size made a difference

 

[Christopheraaron]

what flies were you using? some flies should be smacked down on the water, like hoppers.

 

[Madriverfisher]

Or poppers and I might make your leader a little longer but everything gba says is right it's take time but you will get it just keep at man it's hard to give you a lot of specific tips because I can't see you cast so I can't see where your having problems maybe plan on coming to the steelhead trip in November and I can work with you

 

[Kit]

Thanks for the replies guys! I have been watching this YouTube video and tells me exactly what to do. I have been using dry flies a woolly bugger most of the day. And a bumble bee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxVvVoqFbIU

 

[Madriverfisher]

Ya that works I didn't watch the whole thing but ya what he says is right but just get out and Practice and have fun with it

 

[Kit]

Heading out to the river again after 7 to give her a go.

 

[Madriverfisher]

Good stuff I'm jealous I'm stuck at work till 5 am tight lines let us know how it went

 

[Kit]

Will do.

 

[swiftcurrent]

I find aiming to a target a few feet above the water, rather then at the water, straightens out my leader.

 

[Kit]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Kit]

So went back out on the river this morning and did what the video told me and there was a huge improvement with how far that fly was going out into the water. 25-30ft no problem.

Finally caught 2 fish a smallie and a sun fish. Was the most rewarding thing ever. I love the fly now. I think the spinning gear will be collecting dust for a while now!

 

[Derrick Young]

another one to the dark side.

 

[Kit]

Lol. Yeah!

 

[RobH]

Private lessons will go a long ways. You can spend a pile of time "self exploring" but spend a hundred bucks with a good instructor and the curve will be considerably flatter.

 

[Kit]

Thanks for the input man.

 

[AaronKrick]

I got a lesson from grindstone angling when i started. They were great and taught everything

 

[Jacklake]

On the video, at the 12 minute mark, the instructor demonstrates the fault of bending the wrist and opening the loop. Everyone has thrown items forward from the time they pitched toys out of their crib - a lifetime of throwing. CASTING IS NOT THROWING. The rod tip must track as straight a path as possible from the 10 to 2 position (I like 11 to 2:30 better). New casters don't think they bend their wrist, but they do every time. Tuck the butt of the rod in your sleeve, or, put your finger on top of the rod instead of your thumb for a few casts and watch the improvement in the loop.
Also, when making the cast, squeeze the handle of the rod (like the squeeze when you open a screen door handle - pressing with the thumb) and stop the rod sharply at the end of the cast.
Good Luck.

 

[Kit]

My casting has improved a ton. Sometimes I bend my wrist and cast turns out bad. But I am slowly learning not to.

Thanks for the input!