Spring is here. The weather is warming up and the trout are rising. If you’re anything like us, you like fishing dry flies. It’s what got you excited about fly fishing in the first place, and now is the time to take full advantage of risers. However, if your cast needs work, you’ve come to the right place. Below are four helpful tips to dial in your cast. Did we mention you don’t need water?... Head down to your local field with a rod and reel and start working that line!
Distance
If your local waters are tight, there’s no need for a 60 ft cast. Oftentimes, a roll cast is all you need on small mountain streams. Focus on what you’ll be using the most… save the big casts for the end of your session, ‘cause who doesn’t like hauling out a ton of line.
Accuracy
Lay down an object as a target-- a backpack, fly box, can-o-beer… whatever floats your boat-- at a reasonable distance (see tip #1) and work on hitting it. Once you’ve mastered one target, pick something smaller, or further away to increase the difficulty.
Punch Through the Wind
When out in the field, wind can play a real factor. Embrace it. Take it as an opportunity to practice punching your line through the wind. If you’re a beginner, it can be frustrating, but practice makes perfect!
Bring a Buddy
Have fun with it by bringing a friend. Compete for accuracy, distance, and bragging rights. Bringing a buddy allows for some observance and critiques on your casts. While this certainly serves as a fun activity, the goal is to improve, and a second set of eyes will do just this!
We aren’t experts, we’re right here learning with you. So, good luck out there and let us know how it goes in the comments below!
Article and photos by Native Release team member, Stephen Catalano. For more of his work, check him out on Instagram @stephenlano