Fly-fishing is becoming more and more popular, but there are those who continue to hold the misapprehension that it is somehow difficult. This is simply not the case, with the right instruction and a little practice you should soon be casting smoothly and easily. The instruction is easy to obtain. You can take a class, read a book, or watch instructional videos. Once you’ve done that then you need to learn to cast your flyline.

The key is your wrist action. Do not try to cast by throwing your arm; you’ll tire yourself out without ever getting much distance. Instead hold your arm parallel to the ground. Move the tip into a ten o’clock position. Lift the tip quickly and flip the line over your head. Stop your hand sharply and let the line straighten. Move forward by lowering your elbow and snap your wrist to a full stop.

Now practice. Find yourself a patch of grass to practice your cast on, as it is easier to see what you are doing and check for accuracy. Mark off the grass in five-foot intervals or place targets so you can measure your progress. Practicing will help you lock the correct movement of your body into your muscle memory. Remember that fly-fishing is about casting your line, not your fly. You want to put it on the water as delicately and as lightly as possible in order to successfully imitate an actual fly and lure the fish.