Whether you’re a beginning fly fisher or are a proficient caster it’s important to be aware of what are commonly known as the essentials of fly casting. In addition it’s important to know that there is no right or wrong casting style. Fly casting is governed by physics, and there are some essentials that every fly caster must master, no matter what his/her individual skills or styles. This is the difference between the art (style) and science (physics) of the cast.

Secondly, beginners should know that fly casting is a lifelong learning experience that you can practice at 9 or 90. Different people learn at a different pace. Some people pick up casting quickly and then plateau. Others start slowly, but when they finally get it they’ve got it. It can be compared to learning how to ride a bike. To become a good caster, you need to practice, but that practice will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure and provide the opportunity of the company of good friends.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait, which carries it to the target. In fly casting the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight, and the butt of the rod is at a 45 degree to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45 degree down angle then returns to straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

There are five basic movements that make up what we refer to as the essentials:

1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.

2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum in the casting stroke. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.

3. In order to form the most efficient, least air resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line.

4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases the stroke must be increased to load the rod.

5. Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

One of the best ways for you to master fly casting is to practice on a regular basis. Create a practice schedule that you can stick to. Start by practicing three times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be over emphasized.

There are lots of resources on the Internet to help you perfect your cast and lessons with a caster trained by the Federation of Fly Fishers can be invaluable. Some of the best videos to search for online are those of master casters and instructors Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh.

Locally anglers can research rods and tackle at AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria Island www.amioutfitters.com. If you’re a beginner, it is highly recommended that you get lessons from a professional, thereby avoiding learning bad habits!