roll cast help

[oldogre]

Could anybody help me on roll casting? I've had three goes with my new fly gear, and on the second go I had a real need for a roll cast. My free lesson was in a park and my instructor said i needed water for it to work so no help there. my 20 or so goes in the creek were dissapointing to say the least, they all fizzled before the end. I had about 8 meters of line out, slight headwind, and weight forward line. any advice?

[bigred]

Roll casting is a very important skill to master. The good news is that it does not take too long to get the hang of it.

You really do need to be on water, as the surface tension is what makes it work properly.

Basically, all you need to do is have some line out in front of you, lift your arm a little at the shoulder, raising the rod above the water. point the rod tip BACK behind you to about 2 o'clock. The line should be falling behind you at this stage.

In one swift movement, flick the roddown to about 9/8 oclock, pointing the tip where you want the line to go. The line will pull itself out of the water, and flick off in the direction of the rod tip.

Roll casting is crucial, especially on streams and rivers, as t is the best way to get your line back out into the strike zone when drifting for finicky trout. Once you have it sussed, it is also the best way to get your accuracy up, and your false casts to a minimum.

Cheers.

If you want some video, go here for free downloads:

http://www.goulburnvlyflyfishing.com.au/

These are the blokes from the flyshop in Thornton. Awesome instructors and guides. I highly recommend them to anyone who comes to vic for some trout stalking. Good shop with a good online flyshop. (not affiliated with them in any way, but had a days tuition with them a while back. Got me sorted straight away!)

[oldogre]

Thanks mate, excellent video, noticed a number of differences straight away, mainly that his worked. Will give it a go on the weekend. Also, that's a great site you recommended.
thanks again