I’ve mentioned in articles recently the importance of practice for anglers who want to learn and/or improve their fly casting.
There are many sources of instruction on fly casting, and good technique learned early will hold you in good stead. By far the best advice is to get instruction by a certified casting instructor. You can find instructors in your area by going to the Fly Fishers International website. This organization gives a comprehensive test both in writing and in the field so you can be sure these instructors are vetted. The site also has lots of instructional videos.
Once you’ve had a lesson on the basics you’ll need to practice to benefit from the instruction. Between lessons it can be helpful to get refresher tips from online videos. A word of caution is in order when searching for videos. Make sure you’re sourcing videos by tested professionals, of which there are many. There are also many others that might give instructions that are confusing or possibly incorrect.
And while videos are good for reviewing the fundamentals, you’ll never become a good caster if you don’t physically practice. Science has proven that it’s the repetitive “correct” motion of a cast that builds the pathways in the brain that eventually make casting skills “second nature” just like golf, tennis, biking, soccer and those times you fell repeatedly before mastering walking upright!
World renowned casters like Lefty Kreh and Doug Swisher (now deceased) and Joan Wolfe have created excellent videos that will stand the test of time. Some excellent current casting instruction videos by trusted sources like Orvis and Rio can also be found online.
For those on the go who might not be able to carry a fly rod around or who have limited space to practice, consider purchasing a Redington Form Rod. The rod offers beginners and veteran fly casters the opportunity to tighten and tune their casting and improve form. The rod is perfect for the angler on the go, as it can easily be broken down and thrown into your tote or luggage.
The practice rod comes with its own custom tapered RIO® fly line, appropriately weighted to the rod for a more accurate experience. See a certified instructor, review the basic cast occasionally online and practice, practice, practice. Doing this with purpose will greatly enrich your fishing experience, whether it’s in fresh or salt water.
