Unlocking the Secrets of Saltwater Fly Casting

[cannistp]

I'm trying to better my saltwater fly casting abilities which are currently quite poor. Does anyone have any insight as to any low cost/free lessons in MA (preferably in the North Shore area) where I might be able to improve my technique?

I can cast my 6WT just fine but I recently picked up a very fast 10WT for stripers and blues to broaden my horizons and am having a bit of trouble doing so...

[tsheehy]

Probably the best way to go is to hook up with one of your local fly-fishing clubs.. [warning shameless plug coming]

For example, the New England Saltwater Fly Rodders is one such club which meets every month starting in October at NECC in Haverhill.

But if you were to check the club website (http://www.neflyrodders.org) you may find details about the club BBQ this weekend, where you just might run into a group of guys who are willing to help you out.

In any event, I will be there, and if you show up I'll try and help you out.. depending on who else attends, we might also have some real casting instructors.

-- Tom

[Soundking]

First Light Anglers in Rowley has inexpensive fly casting lessons that they do. Both Nat and Derek are great guys and will definately improve your casting ability (hell, they taught me how to cast and I'm about as coordinated as a drunk chimpanzee with an inner ear infection). If you have a fast action 10 weight, then these are your guys. They are great casters, specificially salt water casters. Also, they sponsor RT can't go wrong with that.

[Pauper Piscator]

What kind of line are you using? WF floating is a poor choice for a fast 10wt. If you bought a "combo" it prob came with marginal WFF line.

Try a heavier sinking line with a shooting head. Limit yourself to three false casts and shoot the running line. Stripping basket is almost a must have.

Lefty Kreh has a good slim book called "Longer Fly Casting" that is worth a look.

Otherwise I bet a dollar that somebody in this board will meet you for a lesson.

[cannistp]

I do have WFF line on there right now since I thought that was the easiest to use when finding the rhythm of the rod and all, but it sounds like I should switch to a sinking shooting head line.

I have heard about Lefty's book -- thanks for the recommendation.

[Strat]

With some practice and learning how to double haul/shoot line on your backcast, you should be able to master that floater. Just remember on 10 wt rods, it's all about generating line speed with as few false casts as possible - and then shooting the line. You do not want to be carrying line the way you would when making a delicate presentation to trout. Heavy rods are not designed for this application.

Once you learn the floater, shooting a sinker will be a peice of cake.

I think George Roberts has a video that may help you out if needed...

[haguebrook]

Sans lessons, I would recommend picking up a decent book on flycasting and then casting as much as you can. Carlos Santana said "every kid wants to be a guitar god, but nobody wants to practice. You need to play four or five hours a day to be great."

Like you, I started saltwater this summer. I am using a Sage RPLXi 9 Wt, but I overweighted it with 10 WT line. I like that a lot better than my TFO 8 WT. It is really fast and easier to cast for distance.

I stuck with it and kept practicing. I am slowly getting better. Not great, but better. I found that using one backcast and shooting the line works pretty well. Keep with it!

[wannastripper]

George Roberts has a video that will teach you to throw the entire fly line. Its about 45 bucks but worth every penny. I bought it this past winter in anticipation of a bonefish trip and it made a huge difference. I was maxing at 60 feet tops and after working with the tape and book that comes with it I can throw 90' to 100 feet WF line. Keep in mind you must put in the time to practice what he teaches.