Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast

The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.

Good casting starts with learning to grip a fly rod correctly and adopting the right stance to maintain comfort and balance.

Gripping the Fly Rod

The normal grip is with the thumb on top and slightly to the left of center (assuming a right-handed grip) so that the 'V' between the thumb and the index finger is in line with the top of the rod. Your grip should feel comfortable and firm - but not tight. Your rod and reel only weigh a few ounces, so it won't require a death grip to contol it.

If you prefer, placing the thumb directly on top of the rod is acceptable, and you might find this useful if extra force is needed on the forward cast. Another variation is sometimes used for accuracy when casting short distances, or just as a "change up" to relieve fatigue during a long day of fishing. Instead of placing the thumb on top of the rod, try shifting the index finger around so that it lies along the top of the rod instead.

Fly Casting Stance

The correct stance is important to maintain comfort and balance. It's very easy to lose your balance when trying to get the most distance out of your cast, or to lose your footing on the loose, water polished rocks in the bed of a stream.

The proper fly casting stance is to lead with the foot on the same side as your casting arm (i.e. right foot forward for a right-handed caster). Your feet should be set approximately at shoulder width for balance and stability. This will allow you to easily transfer body weight from one foot to the other during the cast.

Casting

Start the cast with the fly rod extended horizontally in front of you with your forearm and the rod in a straight line, and the line straight. Accelerate smoothly in an upward direction making sure that the rod tip stops just short of vertical (the "12 o'clock" postion) so that the line will project backwards above the horizontal plane. In other words, the line will still be rising as it continues backward. If you go beyond vertical before stopping the back cast, the line will go downwards! A precise stop causes the rod energy is to be transferred to the line, and catapults it through the air.

Once you have stopped the back cast, pause so that the line reaches full extension above and behind you. Once you begin the forward cast, accelerate the the rod forward smoothly and stop the forward movement when the rod is at approximately the "10 o'clock" position. The line will project forward and straighten as it falls towards the water. Follow through with the rod to ensure that it lands taut, straight and softly.

Note that the vertical plane has been used for this discussion. That's why this method is called the overhead cast. The line flies overhead and over the rod tip. The same can be done in any plane to make straight line casts. Once you have mastered the overhead cast, you can apply the same techniques using the horizontal plane to keep the line low and avoid obstacles; or cross your body on the back cast, bringing the right hand toward the left shoulder in an off-vertical plane for a backhand cast.

More Fly Fishing Tips, Techniques, and Resources available from My Secret Stream.

---

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP)

I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My thinking was that I would somehow get to fish more. I was applying the business proverb of "that which gets measured gets done".... Read More

Hawaii Sport Fishing

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you have one heck of an adventure awaiting you! Anglers from all over the world journey to these deep blues waters teeming with trophy fish.... Read More

Local Bass Fishing

If you are like me, you love to fish at the drop of a hat. While I do plan fishing trips, I also like to go on a whim.Sometimes the urge strikes out... Read More

Where The Bassalo Roam

Have you ever thought why fishing timbers is so productive? Well, for one, most anglers don't want to fish them because they're afraid of losing a $5.00 lure. This makes it better for... Read More

A Simple Way To Identify and Catch The Big One in River!

River dry fly fishing considered as the purest form of fly fishing inspired generations of writers, artists, poets and even philosophers to wax lyrical about its pleasures.The gist to river dry fly fishing... Read More

Concentrate on Your Fishing

I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and he was talking about concentration. I thought well this is going to be a boring show but of course, it wasn't. Matter of... Read More

Fly Fishing the Tide Rips for Coho Salmon off the Northwest Tip of Washington State

Tide rips are one of the most common areas to fly fish for salmon at Neah Bay. I'm addicted to fly fishing tide rips for coho salmon in the saltwater. The stronger the... Read More

Lake Trout On The Fly

The name Lake Trout lends a slight misnomer to the actual species of this incredible fish that is actually not a trout at all, but a char. The Lake Trout resides in some... Read More

Introduction to Lake Fly Fishing Techniques

Often lake fish will gather in schools and cruise around looking for food, but often it is the small fish that rise to take surface insects while the bigger ones feed in deeper... Read More

Online Fishing Forums Change the Way Anglers Fish For Information and Photos

As the landscape of the World Wide Web changes at lightning speed, so do many online trends. Communication and the exchange of information have become instantaneous and the rate at which we can... Read More

Fort Lauderdale Swordfishing - The Perfect Fix for the Experienced Angler

If you are looking to do battle with the toughest game fish South Florida has to offer, evening swordfishing in the Gulfstream of the Atlantic is your best bet. South Florida has an... Read More

Fishing on Your Pontoon Boat

Fishing on your pontoon boat can be both a relaxing and fun experience. Fishing from a pontoon boat can much more enjoyable than fishing on other smaller vessels. While fishing on a pontoon... Read More

A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques

IntroductionMany of the people about to take one of my guided trips don't believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting... Read More

Cabo Sport Fishing is Like a Box of Chocolates

As Forrest Gump would say, you never know what you're going to get.Not too many things get me more excited than the prospect of hooking and landing big fish. The mere thought of... Read More

Are You Interested in Alaska Trout Fishing?

For those of you that don't know, Alaska trout fishing is one of the most beautiful, most unbelievable experiences in this world. Not only are the trout big and beautiful, but the area... Read More

Saltwater Fly Fishing -- A Tide Runs Through It

Saltwater fly fishing is all the rage these days. This excitement is quite understandable because there's hardly anything more thrilling to a saltwater fly rodder than a bluefish blitz, a tailing red drum... Read More

The Worlds Top Water Bass Fishing Champion And His Techniques

I was fishing a small lake in central California back in 1980, I think it was that year. I had been fishing for a couple of hours and doing ok, catching some 1-2... Read More

Trout Species ? Brook Trout

Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook Trout are wonderful trout to fish for - especially since they frequently inhabit the most beautiful stream settings in the U.S.The Brook Trout was originally... Read More

Fishing Charter Need To Know

There are several elements that go into creating the ideal charter fishing experience. The most important of these elements are not within the control of the charter service, captain, or the customers:THE WEATHER:... Read More

What Has Happened to the Cod Stocks Off the Shores of Newfoundland?

The Newfoundland cod stocks. What has happened to cod fishing off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland? Several centuries ago, John Cabot, sailing under the English flag, found the richest fishing area the world... Read More

A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques - Part II

Method 1EquipmentI fish baits at all depths, not just the bottom, in wide-open water. I always set up and fish deep lake structures. Besides an understanding of the contours on the bottom of... Read More

How To Catch Largemouth Bass

Six strategies for a good day's fishing(1) Largemouth Bass like plastic worms. Purchase a variety of colours from clear to bright and in varying shades. If fish don't seem to be biting on... Read More

Saltwater Fishing Tips

Get Rid Of SharksSharks buggin' you? To get rid of them pour some fish blood on a paper towel or newspaper and roll it into a ball. Toss it overboard and the sharks... Read More

Understanding the Effects Moonlight on Swordfishing

In order to better understand why swordfish concentrate their feeding habits in certain depths on any given night or why the bite is better during different times of the month requires you to... Read More

Fly Fishing Secrets for the Novice as Well as the Seasoned Angler

Perhaps the most rewarding element of fly fishing is the variety of beautiful natural surroundings in which anglers often find themselves; a secluded stream up in the mountains, a peaceful meandering river deep... Read More

Night Boat Fishing Checklist

Boat Fishing At Night ChecklistHere is an easy checklist of items you will need before you head out for a night fishing trip.** Two Flashlights with new batteries in each.-Sure enough, one of... Read More

Successful Fishing: The Mysterious e Factor.....

Successful Fishing: The mysterious "e" Factor.There has always been a strange, and to this day, unsolved mysterious theory in the fishing world.My wife knows of this theory and she thinks I am crazy,... Read More

Ever Said: We Should Have Caught Bass By Now?

Have you ever been on a lake and thought to yourself or said to your fishing partner, "We should have caught some fish by now"? Well, maybe it's time to downsize. One reason... Read More

North to Alaska

For many fishermen Alaska is the ultimate "mecca" of fishing. Early childhood dreams of Salmon choked rivers and Bears of every shape and size basking in the sun, their bellys full of fish-... Read More