Casting - practice is the key!

Developing a good casting technique is what makes the difference between being a successful fly fisherman or a frustrated one.

The easiest way to become proficient is to simply practice Use an outside wall of your house. All you need to do is place markers on the wall. Imagine you have a clock on the wall, now place markers at 11.00 and 1.00 positions. Now to start simply bring the line and rod upward in a lifting motion up and backwards. When the rod reaches a vertical position stop. Now as the line begins to straighten or fall you need to snap the rod back with your wrist from the 11.00 & 1.00 positions allowing the line to fly forward and land where you want it. Okay so it probably wont happen the first few times, but with regular practice you will become more proficent to the point where it becomes second nature.

Once you've mastered this its time to expand your fly casting techniques.
Slack Line Casting

Trout Fishing: A Guide to New Zealand's South Island
Fly Fishing for Trout in Streams
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Trout Fishing - The Fly

Fly fishing - The Fly
Heres a fly fishing tip that most old times don't even think about. To them it's second nature?
The size of you Fly. Size does matter particularly spring when the snow melts and fall when the streams are running high.This is the time when you'll want to be using lager flies. Its okay in summer, you can get away with the smaller ones when the streams are shallower but when the waters on the rise increase the size of your fly. I generally set aside time in the off season to build my favorite stash of flies both large and small. This way I am always prepared.


Fly Fishing for Trout - Learning to read the wet stuff

There always seems to be a debate over what is more important. Some say its casting, others say its the gear you use and then there are those that will swear black and blue that if you can't read the wet stuff you might as well pack up and go home.

Well I can't say I agree with that philosephy but I do know that once you learn how to read the flow of the current, where the deeps spots are and what to use in the shallows, your well ahead the rest.

So how do you learn to read the water. Probably the most effective way is to hook up with a fellow fly fisherman who has the experience and tag along. Most are happy to share their knowledge on how to read the flow, where your most likely to hook up and what to look for or even how to approach a fishing spot with out spooking the trout.

Most of the fly fishermen I have come across over the years enjoy the opportunity to pass on a little of their knowledge. 

Mind you if you don't have the opportunity of hooking up, this is covered in detail in the 6 part Trout Fishing Tips.