Welcome to the latest in our series on fly casting! In this latest episode, Brian Flechsig from Mad River Outfitters introduces a unique concept that we've developed over the years, which will greatly enhance your fly casting skills. But before we dive into that, let's recap some essential fundamentals that lay the foundation for successful casting.
Fundamental Principles
During our fly casting classes, one crucial point we emphasize is the starting and ending position of your rod. Always remember to begin and conclude each cast with your rod tip positioned below your belt and as close to the surface of the water as possible. To illustrate its significance, imagine a runway for an airplane. Starting your cast from a higher position means you're only utilizing half the available runway. For a full and efficient cast, start low and make use of the entire runway. Similarly, when fishing, aim to have your rod tip as close to the water's surface as possible, ensuring a smooth initiation of your fly cast.
Thumb Placement
Another vital aspect that often goes overlooked is the placement of your thumb on the cork grip. It is crucial to position your thumb at the end of the cork grip, just as you would in Little League baseball or softball when choking up on the bat. This seemingly small adjustment offers enhanced control over the rod tip and increases the speed of your cast. Even shifting your thumb a mere half inch towards the end of the cork can make a significant difference in your casting performance.
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| Brian illustrating the correct placement of the thumb on fly casts |
A Musical Approach
Now, let's delve into the innovative concept that we're excited to introduce — a musical approach to fly casting. Drawing inspiration from my background in jazz guitar, Brian realized that fly casting follows a rhythmic pattern akin to music written in 4/4 time signature.
Understanding this rhythm will help you grasp the different components of a cast and improve your overall technique.
In a standard 4/4 time, there are four beats per measure. Similarly, a fly cast can be broken down into four beats: (1) stop, (2) drop, (3) stop, and (4) drop. Visualize these beats as you cast: one, two, three, four. Each beat corresponds to a specific action in your cast. The first beat is when you stop the rod tip and form the loop, followed by relaxing your wrist and dropping the rod tip back on beat two. Beat three involves pushing the rod tip forward (with your thumb), stopping the tip to form the loop, and finally, on beat four, lowering the rod to the fishing position.
By adopting this musical framework, you'll develop a better sense of timing and coordination in your fly casting. Just like tapping your foot to a song's rhythm, internalizing the four-beat sequence will help you execute each cast with precision. I encourage you to watch the full video that inspired this concept by Jim Green, a renowned rod designer. Additionally, make sure to explore our complete fly casting series, featuring insights from other experts like Flip Pallot. To stay up-to-date with new episodes, subscribe to our channel and remember, practice is key to mastering the art of fly casting.
Watch the full Fly Casting Video here
So, grab your fly rod, head outdoors, and embark on an exciting journey to improve your fly casting skills. The rhythm awaits you!
