Casting a fly is one of those irritating things in life that looks terribly simple when someone else does it but is not quite as easy when you have a go yourself! It is important to understand something of the mechanics involved. Before we start, there are two fundamental principles I try to instil:

1. The rod must do the work, not you!

A fly rod is a long springy stick. To cast efficiently, we must move the rod in such a way that its full potential as a long springy stick can be achieved. Think of trying to flick a piece of mud off the tip: the flex and recovery of the rod is the action required, not a pushing movement.

2. The line has to follow the path the rod tip and the rod tip follows the path of your thumb

The rod merely amplifies the movement of your hand. If you pay attention to what your thumb is doing (and getting that right), the rod tip will go where it needs to and the line will follow. Watch that thumb when trying to correct a fault, you will learn the correct movements more quickly.

The first hurdle!

The rod merely amplifies the movement of your hand. If you pay attention to what your thumb is doing (and getting that right), the rod tip will go where it needs to and the line will follow. Watch that thumb when trying to correct a fault, you will learn the correct movements more quickly.

Hold the cork handle very gently - thumb on top, as if you were shaking hands. If you hold the rod handle as if it were very fragile it lets the rod do the work and will automatically improve your casting.

Stance - I find beginners make fewer mistakes if they stand with the right foot slightly forwards (if casting right handed).

If you are learning on grass, go straight to the overhead cast. If you are learning on water, start with the roll cast. Click the Appropriate link in the sub menu.

SAFETY FIRST - ALWAYS WEAR GLASSES TO PROTECT YOUR EYES