A river in the west - an angler's paradise
Ask any dedicated fly fishing enthusiast – casting a dry fly is an art. It’s not just a matter of getting the fly into the water without getting tangled up in your own line, or reaching the required distance. Even accuracy is only one piece of the puzzle. Fly casting is about understanding where the line should be, and how it should fall. So, when a fish does hit the fly, you’re in the best position to hook it and bring it in. For those who do it well, casting a fly is both practical and beautifully measured. To me, it’s more than a little complicated. I can’t reach the level of art because I’m floundering with the simple actions. So, unsurprisingly, I’m not that good at fly fishing. I prefer to sit and watch others – those who excell at it. And, sometimes, those who don’t. Luckily, my dad is a true artist and he’s given me a few tips. Advice he thinks that everyone should be able to follow – even me.
1. Wear sunglasses – being able to see what you’re doing and where any hazards lurk is vital. Polarized lenses help by blocking glare – light travelling in the horizontal plane. We have a great range of sunglasses designed to give anglers good coverage, lightweight styles and the advantages of our superior lens technology.
2.Start the cast when your line is straight – paying attention to this will reap dividends later. Lift your line with a steady arm movement. And always start with your rod tip pointed down.
3.Lift your arm only to a 90 degree angle – pitching your arm backwards like your signalling a small aircraft is a mistake. Instead, gracefully lift your arm so it forms an L. It’s not about expending energy, it’s about conserving it.
4.Let the line straighten our behind you – looking backward to check is fine. Try watching your line and giving it time to reach it’s full length.
Of course, entire books are written on fly fishing and casting. But reading them can confuse the inexperienced. My advice is to focus on three easy things. As you progress you can add more details and learn all the finer points. The other thing I would recommend is bravery in the face of any error or confusion. Fishing is a great equaliser and gives both the great and small ample opportunity to make mistakes.
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