Fly fishing casting

Fly fishing is a sport fishing technique performed with special baits that simulate the appearance of insects in every stage of their life. Although the method is called “fly” fishing, artificial insects such as ants, wasps and grasshoppers are used, as well as replica of creatures fishes feed on. Needless to say that, if you want to get the best out of fly fishing, special attention should be paid to casting.

How to hold the fly fishing rod

Fly fishing is a delicate operation that requires well-balanced movements and a high degree of attention. Some fishing lovers are naturally talented in fly fishing, while others refine their technique over the years and with the support of an expert instructor.

So, how should you hold the fly fishing rod? It is crucial to hold the rod as low as possible, while the thumb should be placed higher and on the opposite side of the reel. Moreover, you need to perform the move as nimbly as you can, and squeeze the rod applying the maximum pressure only when thrusting. To clarify: suppose we divide the movement of the fishing rod into six equal stages. In the first stage, immediately after projecting the fishing rod behind the angler, the movement will be gentle slow; from the second to the fifth stage the movement will follow the trajectory with more force, to then becoming less intense throughout the sixth stage.

Fly fishing casting techniques: single haul and double haul

The type of casting techniques in fly fishing can be ‘single haul’ or ‘double haul’. The single haul technique allows to bypass the problem of tails being too loose, through the use of the left hand. This is how it works: at the time of casting, you must bring your left hand (up to that moment positioned close to the right hand holding the barrel) to the trousers waistline. By bringing the hand as low as possible, the tail is pulled, and will fly at the back of the angler with speed, thereby projecting forward easily. In short, what is executed is a single action involving two moves.

The second technique - the double haul - is more complex. The start of the casting is identical to the single haul: the left hand is brought as low as possible in order to pull the tail and load it as much as possible. Once the tail is at the angler’s back, the left hand must move up to approach the first ring of the rod, so that it flows all the way backwards. Then, it is time to let go of the tail, so that it slides into the rings of the barrel, stopping at the end of the movement. Now the second cast, and with it the forward projection: the left hand, positioned near the first ring, will pull the tail again for its entire course.

Have you ever attempted fly fishing? If so, what sort of casting? Don’t forget to catch up on the world of fishing and start following the blog on Asso Fishing Line!