Adapted from Cathy Beck's Fly-Fishing Handbook by Cathy Beck

False Casts

A"false" cast doesn't go anywhere except back and forth. We false cast when we practice our casting and when we are trying out a new rod. By false casting we can get a feel for how the rod will perform.

We also false cast when we're fishing. It helps dry our dry flies by shaking out the water as the fly travels through the air. It buys us some time if we're studying a particular fish or a spot where we think we might have seen a fish.

By false casting a couple of times, we can delay making a commitment until we're sure of the target. Sometimes we'll use it when we're changing directions with our cast. But most important, false casting helps us increase line speed. (Line speed is how fast the line moves back and forth.)

We false cast on the grass as well as on the water. The line is kept in the air and does not hit the grass (or water) until we're ready to complete the cast. False casting is a very important practice exercise because it helps us develop timing and rhythm.

When practicing, make five or six false casts and then complete the cast, allowing the line to lie extended on the grass. Pick up the line and make five or six casts again. Casting too many times without resting will tire your arm, so don't overdo it!

Rod Loading

"Loading the rod" refers to how much or how little the combination of rod action and line weight bends or flexes the rod during the cast. Each rod responds differently, and it's a proper mix of the two that puts the spring into the cast, or loads the rod.

Blisters most commonly occur from grasping the rod too tightly. I've never seen a rod fly out of anyone's hand! So try to loosen your grip as you move the rod from one end of the cast to the other.

You need more grip strength during the speed-up and stop at each end than you do through the middle. After about five minutes of casting, put the rod in the other hand and shake out your rod hand, flex your fingers, and rest for a minute before starting up again.

As you become comfortable with your casting and equipment, you should find that you're not gripping the rod as hard as you were in the beginning.