Can't cast more than 10m

[luringbrrream]

I can't cast my fly more than 10m, what am i doing wrong??
Also any tips on improving and enhancing distance would be great!!
Please do not reccomend a clinic, book or video.

DAN

[jimi]

Dan, It's very hard to know what your problem is without getting a look at it, but it sounds like it may be timing related. You are probably coming forward or going back too early and thus not loading the rod properly. The more line you want to cast, the more critical your timing becomes. You need to slow down your timing as your get more line out as it takes longer to move through the air.

Here's a trick that helped me improve my timing - it's from Peter Morse's Intro to Saltwater flyfishing book (I know you didn't want a book recommendation, but this book is a bible if you're learning).

Strip some line off the reel. Pull the line out of the end of the rod and dump it on the ground.Hold the line against the rod with the fingers of your rod hand, so that it can't move.

Now aerialise the line and move the rod backwards and forwards through the casting stroke (between the classic 10 and 2 positions to start with, although this is not set in stone). Focus on letting the line fully extend on the front and back casts, before moving forward.

Watch the line and feel the rod load up each time before moving forwards. Let out more line as you get more confident.

If practicing down the park, do this before you start normal casting, and use it to reset your rhythm anytime you feel your timing suffer.

Hope that helps

James

[fatman]

A bit more info would help.
Length and type of rod, size and type, line type, size, and what are you casting? small jigs, wet/dry fly, size & weight.
You may be set up all wrong

FATMAN

[leamos]

I was just like you only recently but after a few hours of lessons with the pros I doubled my cast. The key is 'practising correct technique' simple as that

[torvic]

Yep even just watching any of the Breaming Videos would give u an idea of how to cast right...

[Thurls]

G'Day Dan,

Don't get too hung up on distance either, it is better to be able to cast 10 m accurately on the water then to cast the whole fly line in the park!

If you can learn to put casts in amongst pylons and snags from 10 m your doing ok. It's not good laying down a 30m cast if your putting it 20m past the fish!

The best advice I can give you is to get some lessons, you'll be surprised how much a professional can help in only a few hours. Look up a fly fishing club in your area, Saltwater Flyrodders of WA if your from around Perth.

Most people give up flyfishing because they get frustrated about casting. but it is pretty sweet when you work it out!

Cole

[luringbrrream]

Thanks guys for all your replys!!

FATMAN - 9ft 7wght, cortland intermediate clear, wet flys and short leaders

DAN

[leamos]

if you go a line weight higher then your rod is rated you'll actually feel the rod load. learning to control the loading of your rod is the key to better casting hth

[zimeric]

hey leamos whats that in yer avatar ...hehe looks like it could eat the fish!!!!

nah kidding looks pretty cool, whatya use it on? taylor? or bigger?

[i_wanna_fish]

hey im a new fly fisher in the area, i caught a couple of flathead but no bream. could sum1 tell me how to get started targeting sum bream ie where & wat fly, strip. could sum1 giv me sum spots near blackwall reach and that area (from red herring 2 bout the narrows) on the south of the river.
thanks

[CHUNQX]

I cast pretty well but I catch no fish!
When you practise in the park just be prepared to get someone yell at you "You ain't gonna get too many fish here mate!" or some other smartarse comments
All I can say is fly casting often is its own reward and there's where practise pays off. Another thing I do is try a slightly different stance. Instead of a open stance (tennis term) with 2 feet together try a slight forehand stance (left foot forward slightly, body facing 45 degrees to the right. That helps with my double haul too.