Well here we are at the finally essay on casting.  Hopefully you noticed a subtle secret.  Casting extreme distances is no different than a basic four part cast.

There is no added strength.  Drifting is probably the only real change in technique.  All we really learned is how to be more efficient.  That’s enough.  Distance is just one instance in which having an efficient cast is desirable.  Blind fishing, working against a wind, using heavier gear, and well I really can’t think of an example of when being efficient is a negative.

I believe that this teaching method was developed in New England, specifically for guys who were transitioning from very small streams to fishing the open ocean.  Using heavy gear in the wind to cast distance can be very tiring, especially if your cast is inefficient.  I could be wrong about the history but I doubt it.  This method teaches you, by breaking bad habits, and drilling…Puritanical New England if you ask me, which you didn’t.

I bleed Cranberry juice and Maple Syrup.

Also I hope you noticed one other theme…

I am under no delusion that what I wrote alone will add one inch to your cast.  Everything depends on practice, especially with this methodology.  Some of you will take this to heart, most of you wont, that’s just human nature.  I didn’t post these articles to make anyone feel bad or to express that what you have been doing is wrong.  I just wanted to detail the process by which I learned to cast, and how I still continue to practice.  Also, I wanted to show that it can be done, and it’s not all that hard to learn, but it does take time.  Again as I have said before, I don’t believe in talent, but hard work and dedication.  If you want to be able to do this you can, but you have to put in the work.  15 minutes a day doesn’t sound like much, but it requires drive when you have to string a 9’ rod and then find an ample casting place.

I still practice nearly every day…because it’s like Ernie said:

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”

Ernest Hemingway

Granted he was speaking of writing.

This brings me to another point…

I am going to continue to update Flyosophy with articles but perhaps at a slightly slower pace.  After a lot of soul searching and heel dragging I have decided to make an attempt at my boyhood dream of being a writer.  I used to write all the time as a kid…mostly Lord of the Rings type stuff.  I wrote through college but then stopped.  It wasn’t until I had my accident and Will Mullis recruited me for Hatches that I started writing again.  I really can’t thank him enough.  So anyhow I have written an outline for a fiction book that I will be working on, hopefully you’ll enjoy it someday, and if things don’t pan out hopefully I’ll learn enough from this attempt to make a more successful second one in the future.  The book is not directly related to fly fishing – its actually going to be a fairly dark comedy – but I also am planning to write a few more narrative essay style articles for Flyosophy…well just wanted to keep you guys appraised of what I’m doing so you don’t think I died or something.

By the way, I have it written in my will to have no memorial service when some jealous twit finally manages to take me out.  I don’t want anyone faking they cared and getting time off work…that’s how bitter and hate-filled I am…inspiring!!!

Back to work…

So let’s recap what we have learned so far.

The back cast is incredibly important to not screw up.

A casting stroke is a smooth acceleration of the rod, it is more important that each moment of the cast be FASTER, than the actual speed of the cast.

A positive stop is necessary to release the energy of the cast into the line.  The more abrupt this stop the tighter the loop and the more efficient the cast.

A drift can be used on both the back cast and the forward cast to increase the casting arc.  The Positive stop should still be aimed high, the rod drifted back AFTER the positive stop.

The ideal timing for the start of a forward cast is immediately after the back cast has straightened out.

Hauls can and should be used to increase the load on the rod.

During the final back cast line can be shot into the back cast, not only to increase the mass used for the final forward cast, but also so that when the angler pinches down on the shooting line he can instantly pre-load the rod at the start of his forward cast.

In my opinion, casting a fly rod should be one of the biggest joys in fly fishing, not something to struggle against.

The final drill is to simply cast.  Cast as often and in as many ways as possible.  I believe that if you repeat the same cast over and over the amount your will learn is minimal.  Practicing a cast is different that drilling.  The back cast drill for instance is designed to teach muscle memory and develop feel.  When you have these you can cast in any plane at any angle.  Try making a cast from your belly.  Always cast at a target.  Practice on windy days.  You get the idea.  Imagine the rod stopper, or take the time to tie the rod to your wrist again for a few casts.  It is these subtle tweaks that will transform you from someone who can cast into a true Master.

Did I miss anything…oh yeah, practice is everything.