Homework
It’s coming up. Your day chasing your first saltwater species. You are probably watching YouTube videos, buying/tying flies, and fine tuning your gear. Trust me I know the stoke you have, I get it every time I hear my outboard fire up.
The truth to success on your first trip boils down to one thing. Showing the fish the fly. How do we show the fish the fly? Casting efficiently. This is where your homework comes in. Hear me out, you do not want your time on the water to be a casting lesson. 1. It’s expensive and 2. It’s frustrating for you and your guide. Believe me, we want you to put your hand on that fish as much as you do!
In my fishery, a consistent 40’ cast will for the most part get it done. Often, I ask these questions before my trips. What is your honest casting ability? What are you usually fishing for? And have you ever fished from a skiff? This helps me gauge what their norm is and give my suggestions. Rarely, do I believe suggestions are followed but listen to your guide he or she is not going to point you down the wrong path. Success out here takes teamwork.
Here are some tips to prep for your trip that will actually be worth your while.
Target practice - cast at a dinner plate, patch of dead grass, or your dog. Practice throwing at it, 3’ in front, 3’ behind, cover it up. Work out from 20’- 60’ it’s amazing how much 10-15 minutes will help you get more consistent and confident.
Stop false casting- like clockwork do I see the first two false casts look perfect then the presentation cast just falls apart. Try to get comfortable to limiting your delivery to 1 false cast. Pick up false cast, load rod and deliver. I once heard “confidence comes with less false casts.” It holds true. Every. Time.
Good Mechanics- an efficient cast is dictated by two abrupt stops on a consistent plane between the forward cast and back cast. The rod will do the work and your haul hand. Never throw your arm at the target keep it tight and connected. Put a sock under your armpit when practicing it should never fall out. Check out the video links I will put at the end.
Dump the trout set. Go to your bass pond, fish streamers and do everything in your power to keep the rod top down during the hook set. It’s going to hurt but do it. When you get an eat and you lift the rod it is not only heartbreaking for you it is for me too!
It sounds like a lot but all together it’s very simple. Make some time to practice, make your time out here count. We can get you there, the last 30’ is up to you.
Starting your cast- https://youtu.be/wljwui_gezo
How to double haul- https://youtu.be/D5tIbK6xcjI
