3 common fly-casting problems—and how to fix them

#3 THE LEADER PILE

The third common problem with a forward cast is when the line appears to be extending properly, but then nosedives into the water, leaving your leader (and sometime 20 feet of line) looking like a tangled pile of yarn dumped out of grandma’s knitting bag. This is caused by letting your hand creep forward before beginning the forward snap, which tilts the casting plane downward—your line will still extend crisply, but into the water well before reaching its target. When you’re nervous or excited, it’s so easy to make this mistake. To correct the problem, remember that when you stop your backcast, the rod should be totally motionless in the second or two before accelerating it forward.

The irony with all three of these of these casting mistakes is that they’re often caused by trying too hard; even experienced anglers aren’t immune. And they often happen at critical moments when you’re desperate to land the line perfectly, but without realizing it, you add a little extra juice to your cast. Just remember that casting is about form and timing, not strength. You must also trust your fly rod and avoid giving it any extra help. Just let it do the job it’s designed to do—deliver your line, and fly, to the fish.

Associate editor Scott Gardner is always upping his fly-fishing game.

BONUS TIP: TAKE FIVE

When you try to remedy a casting muddle but it only seems to get worse, it’s time to take a break. Sit by the water for a few minutes, hydrate a little, appreciate your surroundings and let your head clear. Then get back to it. After all, fly fishing is supposed to be fun, not frustrating.