The improved reach cast (First part)

The traditional reach cast: a straight line between the fly and the tip of the rod



We've already dealt with the basic version of this very versatile cast. Now we'll see how to improve it and how to get the most out of it. There's one thing that I can't emphasize enough. You first have to make your movements second nature and develop a degree of accuracy with the basic version. Then you have to be eager to go further and not settle for being just a good flycaster.











Improvement 1: parachute reach cast

Some slack line next to the tip will come handy in cetain circumstances
Use: There is a strong current at your feet, faster than the main current (where the fish is). It pulls this part of your line, reducing the effectiveness of the reach cast. So your drag-free drift is much shorter.

Description: Heap of slack line right below the rod tip.

Execution: After stretching your arm out and very high, flick the rod tip backwards a bit to free a little line.

Controlling the variables:

  • amount of slack: This will depend on the path of the rod tip and the amount of line released with the backward flick.

If it doesn't come out right, it's because…

  • you haven't practiced the basic reach cast enough.
  • you don't free enough line executing the reach and parachute at the same time. This shortens the cast too much.
  • you don't raise the rod high enough.





Improvement 2: puddle (sky drop) reach cast

Some wriggles along the straight line will always come handy
Use: To free the leader and the fly of the possible tension and pull of a straight-line reach cast.

Description: Lots of little S's along the line all the way to the leader.

Execution: After stretching your arm out and stopping the rod high, drop the rod tip down to the water vigorously but smoothly. Note that you must inevitably shorten line to execute this cast.

Controlling the variables:

  • size of the S's: this depends on how high you stop the rod. The higher you stop it, the bigger the S's will be.

If it doesn't come out right, it's because…

  • you haven't practiced the basic reach cast enough.
  • you haven't practiced the puddle cast enough.

click for movie!