Rickard Gustafsson | Saturday, 22 February 2025
I saw a post on Facebook about five reasons why you should learn to cast 90 feet. It was posted with tongue-in-cheek, and the source also seems to be in the same tone. It was posted in the big group about fly casting and becoming better at fly casting. Still some of the usual suspects showed up. The crowd that for some reason loudly must declare that they don’t need to cast far because all their fish is caught within some arbitrary short range. I suspect that all these people would be called Joe Schmuck by Mel Krieger.
But let’s move on to something more fun—let’s take a look at the five reasons..
1. Why else are fly lines so long (90 feet long)?
Paul recently mentioned in a FP that casting too far is probably the biggest mistake in fly fishing. So maybe the reason fly lines are 90 feet long is just a friendly reminder—to take a step back and relax a bit. But that’s no excuse not to learn to cast at least 90 feet. If anything, being able to do so makes shorter casts even more enjoyable.
2. It’s a good way to lose weight.
You could take this to mean that casting 90 feet requires so much effort that it will help you lose weight. If that’s the case, you’re doing something wrong. But spending time outside working on your casting keeps you away from the fridge, and that’s how you lose weight—by not putting caloric things in your mouth.
3. It’ll look great on your résumé.
Unfortunately, being able to cast 90 feet probably won’t boost your résumé. But someone who enjoys learning new skills and has the mental flexibility to improve will likely have a better résumé than someone who doesn’t.
4. Fly casting may someday be an Olympic event.
Probably not. I know that in Sweden, the organisation overseeing all sports requires at least 20 nations to be represented at a World Championship before they even consider supporting the top performers in a sport. So, don’t hold your breath.
5. It will enhance your love life.
I’m a bit skeptical. However, better casting means using less energy, which leaves you with more energy for other activities after fishing. Just saying.
Better casting might also help you catch more fish, which could lead to shorter fishing sessions—something that couldimprove your love life.
And if fly casting helps you lose weight, that would probably be the biggest boost to your love life.
But let’s be realistic: better casting will probably just mean you’ll be able to fish for longer hours. So, in reality, becoming a better fly caster might actually risk your love life.
And why the fly lines in general is around 90 feet long? I don’t know. Sorry. I did a quick search but didn’t find an explicit answer so I will save that one for later.
Cheers, Rickard
And the source where I shamelessly stole the five reasons from: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1549343761904061/permalink/2720140314824394/
Thank you for the inspiration Vince Brandon