Q&A for How to Cast a Fly Fishing Rod

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Question

How do I get a better fly cast?

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Kathy Sparrow, MA

Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

The biggest mistake that people make when they're casting a fly fishing rod is trying to cast too fast. You have to pause slightly on the back cast or forward fast to allow the line to build momentum.

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Question

How do I prepare the line for fly fishing?

Dennis J Gwin

Community Answer

The heavy casting line should need no prep. It should be clean and float well. Consider wiping a light coat of pure silicone on twenty feet of the line starting ten foot back from the tip. This helps the line slide through the fly rods line guides. Use a barbed eyelet to attach the mono filament to the casting line,, these are sold in most tackle stores (picture a short sewing needle with barbs along the shaft pointing back toward the eye). You can slide the point into the hollow casting line. Loop the mono filament through the eye and tie a clinch knot. This will give you a streamline knot that will pull easily through the water when starting a back cast.

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Question

What is double pull casting?

Dennis J Gwin

Community Answer

Begin the cast by pulling line in with your left hand while lifting the rod with your right. This gives the fly line additional momentum. Trap the fly line between the index finger of your right hand and the fly rod handle. This allows you to reach forward with your left hand and grab another length of fly line. When the line has straightened out begin you, once again pull in fly line. This adds momentum to your forward cast. When most of the line is once more in front of you,release the line in your left hand and it will play out. Timing is crucial.

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Question

Why do you keep casting?

Community Answer

The continuous casting mimicks the way bugs land on water. This lures in the fish and attracts them.

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Question

Why is fly fishing line heavier than mono?

Community Answer

Fly fishing line has to be heavier or you would not be able to cast it without adding weight to it. Mono line uses heavy lures or weights. A fly line has the weight built in to the line.

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Question

What's the difference between a fly rod and a spin rod?

Fisherman3401

Community Answer

The technique is different.

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Question

How should a fly fishing rod be held?

Community Answer

Hold it in your dominant hand with the thumb against the cork, tight but comfortable. Think about opening a screen door where you have to push a lever to open it. When you cast, you only hold the rod with one hand and the other hand gently holds the fly line as it goes out with your case. The exception to this is a switch or spey fly fishing rod.

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Question

Can I fish in a creek with a fly rod?

Community Answer

Absolutely. Lighter weight rods will be best. 3 weight is probably a good start.

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