I use a closed stance in accuracy competitions where targets are as close as 20 feet and as far as 70 feet away – typical fishing distances. I also use a closed stance to fish.
A closed stance, however, is not always an option when fishing. The river bottom is typically an uneven surface and it can be slippery. If wind and flowing water are included, a stable stance seems even more critical. But, once we develop good mechanics, a good cast can still be delivered – regardless of stance.
Unfortunately, an open stance inherently makes a straight rod path difficult to achieve: the front foot is typically too far off to the side of the casting arm, and there is a tendency to turn the shoulders and torso during the cast.
An open stance can work, but it requires more practice and time to perfect. Fly casting is hard enough. Why make it harder?
In many ways, if a weight shift were not so critical, a square stance might arguably be better than an open stance for most casters.
Choose a closed stance, and remember to spread your feet far enough apart (front and back) to promote a proper weight shift. It’s important to commit to a stance, and not to adopt one that is a compromise between two options.
“Fly casting is hard enough.
Why make it harder? “
The closed stance certainly makes watching our back cast difficult – perhaps impossible. That is not a deal breaker. In fact, during the back cast, our eyes should really be directed towards the target, whether it is a rise, a fish, or a floating target. We should be lining up the front cast and measuring the distance to the target. In essence, aiming. We should not be looking behind us in real time – unless you are a competitive distance caster, or more importantly, you are in bear country. :)
For my back cast, I use video recordings to analyze timing, trajectory, and tightness of the loop. I also have an awesome coach. She tells me when something is not right.