Fly Fishing Introduction with Chris Derkas

Fly Fishing

Fly Casting Introduction 

Time Limit:  2hrs Total

Equipment-Time 20min

Table, easel, 40ft Yellow rope, hula hoop, loop illustrations, fly illustrations, paper plate.

Rods- several different weights (3 wt., 7 wt., 8 wt.)  Explain differences from spinning rods.

Reels- explain difference in how holds fly line.

Line and Tippet-   differences and knots to attach, tippet importance and function.

Flies- different kinds (dry, wet, streamers and nymphs)  

Other equipment-   Waders, vest, fly box, tippets, pliers.

** No need to go crazy-inexpensive alternatives, beginning rigs (pflueger intro set @ Dicks)

Casting- Time 40 min total.

Part 1- 20 min

Objective- Accuracy, distance and presentation.

Throw a fly- Demonstrate how a fly needs line to move.

Arm motion- No wrist, start with 10 o’clock & 2 o’clock, smooth easy motion.

*** no absolute correct way, learn basic motion then develop own style.

End of rod tip points to direction of cast.

Explain objective of cast-placing of fly, explain a loop (tight and open)

Practice with a dowel and yarn-loops and parallel to ground.

** time for individual practice.

Part II-20min

Explain what a false cast is and why and when to use it.

Explain how a back cast relates to a forward cast and demonstrate open and tight back cast loop.

Why stand in stream to cast?   Room for back cast.

Shooting line-how to get line out.

Explain 40ft rule-no need to throw 90ft when most fish are caught within 40ft.

Demonstrate upright, side arm, ¾ on plane cast.

Back cast-use hitch hikers' technique *** again no absolute.

Smooth easy motion-power comes from short backward and forward snap-look for results, not form; watch for tailing loops that can rob distance and accuracy.

Demonstrate double haul and distance by shooting line.

Targets- land line on paper plate at 40ft; use 40ft rope to demo 10 and 2; Hula hoop forward and back cast; distance over 60ft-different casting motion past 10 and 2.

** time for individual practice

STREAM PRESENTATION- 60 min.

Explain proper position to cast from in stream.

Reading the water-estimate where fish may be and where they would feed.

Presentation-smooth casts to prevent spooking fish.

Roll cast- explain where and why to use.

** Time for individual practice.