I wrote this essay in 2017. I’ve made some revisions, but the original message is still important. Here’s an updated version.
When Chris Korich asked me what my goal was for casting, I naively told him that I want to be able to cast to the other side of the small pond – about 93 feet. His reply? Start casting at the three nearest hoops.
The three nearest targets: blue, yellow and red.
I was bewildered by Chris’ reply. Why do I need to cast at three targets ranging from 20 feet to 30 feet, when I want to cast 95 feet?
In retrospect, it was like the scene from the original Karate Kid (1984): Daniel-san didn’t understand why he was tasked to paint the fence or wax the car to learn karate, but Miyagi-sensei had a plan.
When we aim for targets at manageable distances, we learn to control three critical elements in fly casting: trajectory, loop size, and power. Let’s discuss each component.
Trajectory
Trajectory is important because if our cast is aimed too high, the line will straighten out high above our practice surface, and as the fly flutters towards the ground or the water, the wind will blow it away from the target. If our trajectory is too low, the fly will be driven into the ground or the water, short of the target.
Loop size
A tight loop will also make delivering the fly to its destination much easier than a wide loop for several reasons. A tight loop is more aerodynamic than a wide loop, and consequently, it will cut through the air more efficiently.
A tight loop is also better than a wide loop in crosswinds. For loops formed with the same amount of energy, a tighter loop, regardless of aerodynamics, should reach its destination more quickly than a wider loop. As a result, the tighter loop will not be blown off course as much as a wider loop since the tighter loop spends less time in the air.
Power
Power is the last crucial consideration. As we learn to reach a given distance with less and less power, the more power we have remaining to cast farther. It’s that simple – and that complicated.
Power is probably not the right word – especially if you are into physics. I’m not sure what the correct term would be, but the concept is efficiency.
What is the least amount of energy that we can expend to fling a string a given distance using only a stick? What is the best tempo so that the fly line’s inertia on the back cast loads the rod to minimize the power needed to make the front cast? How should we grip the rod so that the energy generated by our muscles will be transferred completely to the rod without any waste?
Energy is also wasted when the path of the rod tip is curved, causing our fly line to tail or the fly to hook left or right at the end of the cast.
Slack is another form of waste. When we overpower a cast, we increase the counterflex of the rod and it makes dampening the rod tougher. And when we don’t dampen the rod well, waves are introduced into the line. That’s slack. It takes time and energy to remove slack before we can move the fly line in earnest.
Fly casting is all about efficiency.
Epilogue
When we can control the trajectory, loop size and power, we will be able to present flies delicately to the most wary fish in a shallow pool. We can also slap the water’s edge with a hopper pattern, or make our nymphs sink faster with a long tuck cast. We will also be… more accurate.
And for those of you who may still think that aiming is not helpful, consider Steph Curry. Do you think that he shoots balls into thin air to practice his 3-point shot? No. He shoots at a basket – a target – working on trajectory, power, and mechanics.
Although rebellions are built on hope, hope will not make us better fly casters. So, start aiming at the three nearest targets, Daniel-san. Your casting will improve. Just be patient.