"Making The First Cast" - Far Bank Fly Fishing School, Episode 4

The art of fly casting is anything but simple - especially if you don't understand the basics of the cast. That's why we're bringing you an episode that focuses on the core steps needed to learn how to deliver your fly where it needs to be.
One of the hardest things to learn and control as a new fly fisher is the basic fly cast. As a fly angler, you need to know more than one cast, and this video will teach you the essential iterations to make your first cast today a success.
This episode dives into the main cast, the "Overhead Cast," that all aspiring fly anglers must know. You will learn the Pick-Up and Lay Down, False Casting, and Shooting Line to enable you to hit the water with confidence. In addition, we'll cover how a fly cast works so you can recognize common mistakes, making them easy to correct. Thanks to exceptional footage of casting in Far Bank's revolutionary "Loop Lab" along with clear, concise instructions from one of the leading fly instructors in the world-there's no denying this episode is the perfect place to start.
At the end of this episode, you will have learned the difference between fly casting and spin casting, as well as proper hand and body positioning. You will learn the concept of a casting stroke and how to make smooth, confident casts with ease, learn what a "loop" is, control it, and develop the correct timing to make casting effortless. In addition, you will be able to make the simple overhead cast in its various forms, be able to false cast, shoot a longer line, and change direction, and be left with some simple exercises that will help you speed up the learning process.
#flyfishing #learntoflyfish #howtoflyfish
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:30 CH1 - Safety Considerations
03:30 CH2 - Casting A Fly Rod vs A Spinning Rod
04:49 CH3 - Grip & Stance
07:56 CH4 - Safety Tip
09:16 CH5 - What Is A Casting Stroke?
11:45 CH6 - Casting Loops
14:38 CH7 - Casting Timing
18:02 CH8 - The Overhead Cast Step 1
20:18 CH9 - The Overhead Cast - Step 2
24:05 CH10 - The Overhead Cast - Step 3
27:00 CH11 - The Overhead Cast - Step 4
29:50 CH12 - The Overhead Cast - Step 5
31:59 CH13 - Casting Indoors

[@user-pe6dj6dq6o]

Greetings from Berlin, the capital of Germany! I must comment on the video as it truly blew my mind away! I've attended fly fishing casting courses in Germany several times, then in Denmark, Ireland, and Scotland, all in combination with casting courses and a fly fishing guide + fishing. I nearly gave up on fly fishing because I couldn't grasp it-I thought I was just too stupid! However, after watching your video, I've improved my casting skills from 30% to now 80%! This is absolutely incredible! You explained it so well! Thank you for the video and the other videos! It's amazing what you do-thank you in the name of all the fly fishing enthusiasts in the world. If your travels ever bring you to Berlin, I would be delighted to treat you to dinner. Best regards, Robert

[@FarBank]

Thanks a lot for your comment, and for letting us know the video helped you out so much. We'll tell Simon that your casting skills improved as a result of this video, and he will be really pleased to hear that. We'll also tell him about your invitation - assuming it was for him, not for the entire Far Bank staff 😂😂

[@user-pe6dj6dq6o]

@@FarBank😅 good reply ! - you know what - if the entire Team comes over - I will be your Tour Guide and take you out for drinks !

[@neilmushrow6593]

Love how it breaks everything down to the small details, there is no presumption that you know anything. I have been casting a year and if I had found this when I started out I would be so much better off. I Watch this over and over and it irons out my glitches. Great video. I am not paid to leave to feedback.

[@FarBank]

Thanks very much for your kind comment. It's great that you enjoyed the video so much, and that it helped you out with a few tips. Good luck with the casting going forward.

[@wschield608]

I grabbed my first fly rod 5 months ago. I wish I could have found this video back then. So much valuable information in one spot. Clear, concise and easy to understand. Thanks for posting.

[@FarBank]

So glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for commenting, and good luck on this fun, yet sometimes frustrating path

[@carlportegys7422]

I don’t know how many “how to cast” videos I’ve seen but this is by far the best. Thank you.

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for the comments. :)

[@sntdc2017]

Exactly. Excellent video. Thank you

[@joeyshatley9175]

He has tons of videos on KZbin.The Rio how to videos are worth a watch.I’ve watched most of them a dozen times.

[@specimenfishinguk6066]

I've been fishing a long time but fly fishing is brand new to me so I've been watching a load of video's. This is, without doubt, the best one I've seen on fly casting.

[@FarBank]

That's great to hear - thanks a lot for you comment. Glad you liked it, and good luck with your fly fishing going forward

[@alexdelgadillo1569]

This is by far the best intro to fly fishing video I’ve watched everything is explained well and you don’t need to go back to the video to see exactly what he said to do I didn’t learn how to cast excess line till I watched this video

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed this episode and learned from it - thanks for commenting :)

[@simonw4683]

This guy is great best casting video I've seen by far. Thanks fellow Simon

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting 🙂

[@roccorizzo3575]

Excellent video, probably best I’ve watched to date. Very much enjoy watching Simons videos as they are very informative and always learning something new. Simon is a great instructor.

[@FarBank]

Thanks, we're delighted you enjoyed it... Look out for season 2 in the new year

[@Choptraverse]

Nice to hear someone explain the reason for a tight loop. Nice work

[@FarBank]

Glad you liked it, thanks...

[@joshuaprice3884]

Loved it!

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for commenting...

[@charlesmurray1220]

Good stuff!

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting :)

[@andrewpark9015]

Wait a minute. I just realized something. I’ve been watching these videos and I ended buying my first fly rod from Redington and I got an email from Far Bank regarding my order. Coincidence?!?! 😂

[@FarBank]

Happy coincidence :) Thanks for buying one of our rods, which we hope will serve you very well over the years.

[@IrishSpursFan]

great instruction 👍

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting :)

[@rossmcnaughton2447]

Simon's videos are the best, this Far Bank channel is amazing, thank you!

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comments - glad you are enjoying the videos...

[@Abutado]

This is a master class. Thank you so much. I gave up on learning to fly fish but I think I'll try again. In fact, your video makes me excited to try again.

[@FarBank]

Thanks for the great comment. We are stoked the video inspired you in some way, and hope you get to enjoy fly fishing a lot more.

[@Abutado]

@@FarBank after watching this video yesterday, I took my fly rod out today and was actually able to get some decent casts in. I am so grateful.

[@FarBank]

@@Abutado - that is the best comment of the month, thank you :)

[@almircolan5322]

This is such a great video. U are so detail oriented and its always do this because of this. It feels like you know the questions beginner has in his head. Thanks for this!!

[@ticklefish4898]

I’m going to echo many have said already - best fly casting instructional video for beginners. I especially appreciate the safety call outs. The difference maker for me is the explanation of ‘translation’ and ‘rotation’ in the casting stroke - an a-ha moment for sure. You’ve earned (easily) a subscriber. Thank you!!!

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comment - glad you liked the video and found some good explanations there :)

[@georgecindyaustria4995]

Enjoyed your video. It’s probably the best one on the basic cast. Having the rod bend on the forward cast as well as the back cast is key. The weighted portion of your fly line, the thicker part of the first 30 ft. or so, will bend the rod if you can get it all out as you cast. Amazing how that works.

[@FarBank]

Got to love simple physics :)

[@johnx9318]

That was a fantastic summary for this beginner. An excellent presentation without a wasted word. PS - I'm off to Tasmania on Saturday and am grateful for such well-timed revision. Thank you Simon.

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it, John, and thanks for the comments. Have a great trip to Tasmania - we are all envious of that one!

[@psimhan]

This is the most informative video I have seen on KZbin so far. You've explained fly casting perfectly.

[@FarBank]

Thanks for commenting - glad you enjoyed the video...

[@robertparker7284]

Well done sir!

[@FarBank]

Thanks, glad you liked it...

[@brianspage.8887]

Thank you for the lessons. The best lessons I have seen on KZbin. I look forward to more.

[@FarBank]

Glad you liked them, and thanks for your feedback. FYI, Season 2 has been shot and is in the final editing phase, so should be out in early Spring. We hope you enjoy that new series too :)

[@maxless6655]

Great video, thank you.

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting 🙂

[@Fernando_Woolybooger]

I cannot begin to thank you enough for this thorough and well thought out video.

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting 🙂

[@johnaustin635]

Excellent presentation and I have been flyfishing for years, thank you.

[@FarBank]

Great to hear you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting :)

[@mariosch7803]

amazing tips. a lot of ppl would pay for your tricks and tips an we can get it for free. thats awesome. thank you. like nd abo is out. keep doin the great work

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comments - glad you enjoyed this episode, and hopefully some of the others :)

[@dtrout]

Excellent video content. Getting hooked happens more frequently than you might think, especially on windy days. If the wind is blowing from left to right or right to left, you are very susceptible to hooking yourself. Be sure the wind will take the fly away from you .... keep the rod on the downwind side of your body. A wide brim hat will reduce the chance of being hooked in the neck and is preferable to a baseball style hat. Sunglasses are essential but you may want amber or clear safety glasses for fishing in low light conditions. Ski goggles might seem silly but could partially protect your face until you feel comfortable that you have some control over the line. George Griffith, co-founder of Trout Unlimited, was blinded in one eye due to a hook he impaled while casting. It can happen. Kudos to Simon for emphasizing the importance of safety gear.

[@FarBank]

excellent feedback and safety tips, thanks a lot for commenting...

[@alexandruszilagyi1176]

I my opinion You have a Gift to explain everything.Great Information 👌👌

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comment - glad you liked it :)

[@t.thalheim]

Very good video quality and excellent presentation skills by Mr. Gawesworth. Relaxed, personable, clear and to the point, plus a dash of humor - very enjoyable to follow! Although I have some experience in fly fishing, even the basic videos are very watchable and entertaining. You can learn a lot if you want to teach someone yourself. In the "Casting Timing" chapter, I came up with the analogy of a metronome. The longer the line, the slower the rhythm, and vice versa - like a metronome. Maybe this will help some beginners to visualize it better. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Austria

[@FarBank]

Love the metronome analogy - we'll pass that on to Simon. Thanks for commenting, and glad you enjoyed the video

[@grahamhorlock2647]

Watched this numerous times…and the techniques shown have worked better than any guiding I’ve had or the endless other videos I’ve watched on casting..thanks very much and keep up the excellent series!

[@FarBank]

Thanks a lot for your comment - we are glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful

[@michaelbarger2078]

I love the LNT Message each class! Nice job with that!

[@FarBank]

We like that too!

[@arthurstovell8057]

best beginners video yet

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comments - glad you enjoyed the video...

[@travis8258]

This was done extremely well. Great job

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting :)

[@fotografo8324]

Gracias Simon.

[@niallburnside7227]

#legend … top, top video 🙏

[@FarBank]

Thanks for commenting. We are delighted you enjoyed the video and hope you found some of the others we have produced to be as interesting and enjoyable.

[@wakou222]

Wow! I am sure that people pay £100s for this kind of instruction and are happy to have done so, brilliant stuff! I am a 100% noob, and have recently blundered ahead and today ordered a "complete set-up" from a well-known Scottish shop. It was such a ridiculous price, that even if it is not very good, I will not be too depressed (£70.00, for £260 or something "worth" of kit inc. #5 8'6 rod with reel, lines, spools, 50 flies etc ). I have subscribed and will be watching a lot more of Simon! I will be fishing small slow, English rivers, mainly for coarse fish, trout will be a bonus, grayling even more so! I tried watching some other channels, but US teachers seem to need a rock guitar accompaniment and one-syllable instructions.. I am sure that they are perfectly lovely folk, but.... not for me.. It was only when he got to "identifying fish" that I realised that Simon was not in the UK! His accent? Welsh surely? Or Caribbean ??? I googled him and it said Speyside! I am happily subscribed!

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comments. We are delighted you enjoyed the video and hope it helps you out on your new fly fishing path. We'll pass your comments on to Simon (who is from Devon, actually), as he loves to know when people enjoy his videos.

[@gewangster]

Thanks very much. I like how you explain the essence of the basic.

[@FarBank]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@jorge195501]

Far Bank , great video, thank you so much.

[@FarBank]

Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed this video...

[@roccorizzo3575]

Best video I’ve watched to date. Your videos are so informative and I always learn something new. Keep up the great work.

[@FarBank]

Glad to hear it, thanks!

[@aaronrez5707]

This was really great information, very helpful!

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting...

[@noelslater822]

Fantastic tutorial! Definitely will keep coming back! Thank you for making this. Very educational!

[@FarBank]

Thanks for the feedback - we're delighted you enjoyed this video. Season 2 is about a month out from being released, FYI...

[@fishingfam611]

just starting out with fly fishing and this video is bye far the most helpful and detailed one ive been able to find ive learned a lot of eye opening and critical details that have been overlooked in other videos that really helped me understand how i can improve my cast performance and what to look for in my technique that may be causing problems for me being able to see the line in the loop lab so clearly also helped a lot for the visual aspect of learning the cast best part is im only half way through the video amd i already feel much more confident in catching my first fish on my fly rod

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed the video and got so much from it. Thanks for commenting 😃

[@seanbenstead7650]

Wow what an informative video buy fsr the best video on fly casting for beginners i have watched brilliant well done Ps i have been fly fishing for over 30 years and still go wrong at times ha ha ha

[@FarBank]

Thanks for the kind words, Sean. We'll pass that on to Simon as he will be flattered to hear them. :)

[@skelly2669]

Awesome tutorial, by far the best I have watched and I have watched hundreds!

[@FarBank]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@scotmclellan5190]

Great video for the novice angler. Picked up some valuable tips from it. Loved the loop lab, so much easier to see the line. Thanks Simon! Subscribed, :)

[@FarBank]

Thanks for your comments - glad you are enjoying the videos...

[@Goose001]

Excellent presentation. Thank you Simon.

[@FarBank]

Glad you liked it, thanks. We'll pass your comments directly on to Simon.

[@aidancameron7972]

Excellent instruction! So accessible and builds so well in easy steps. Liked and subscribed!

[@FarBank]

Glad it was helpful - thanks for subscribing too. Season 2 is less than a month away from release, FYI!

[@rayboudewyn4557]

Well done, I learned a lot. Many Thanks

[@FarBank]

Great, thanks for your comment, and glad you liked the video...

[@69adrummer]

Man, you guys are truly one of the best!!

[@FarBank]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it...

[@MegaNafo]

Nice tutorial , subscribed on your channel.

[@FarBank]

Thanks and welcome - much appreciated

[@tulix9572]

Super !!!👍

[@BleedingOz]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Exactly what I needed. Now I just need to practice…

[@FarBank]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it...

[@auslifeandy]

Quality vid mate I’ve been fly fishing since a little kid but always looking to improve… and there’s always room for that when fly fishing

[@FarBank]

Yup, always room to get better :)

[@naterouillard3965]

Love the tips for indoor practice, really helpful.

[@FarBank]

Thanks :)

[@MrPartzz]

So many great insights. I didn't relate translation and rotation into the standard geometric terms until your explanation. Trying to improve my novice casting skills here so can't wait to try some of this stuff in my next practice session.

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed the video and hope some of the tips help you out as you evolve along the casting path :)

[@pavelprochazka4271]

Krásný a názorný, dík

[@hickpoliceman]

Love the lab, easy to follow the line. Hard to see the line in videos outside.

[@FarBank]

Thanks. Yes, we found that out and hope we learned a good lesson for Season 2 - out in early March, BTW!

[@richardc6932]

What’s the purpose of the fellow behind you with a buggy whip” casting. Give him a lesson or two.

[@naterouillard3965]

Agreed, very distracting.

[@patrickmquiney1127]

Very impressed with the pace of instruction but I'm not sure you mentioned how much line you should have out of the rod to get the cast working .

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for your comment. We'll pass that on to Simon - sorry if it is missing something.

[@brianr9529]

It depends on the head length of the line you are using, some are 30 feet, 33ft some are 40 feet, some are more. You will feel the line being thicker and that is the head. As soon as you feel it get thicker as you retrieve start casting. In other words not the running line (thin part).

[@j7pro629]

When you are extending the line out as you are fault casting, is there a certain length that we should not go over or it really doesnt matter? Or is it based on the WT of the line?

[@FarBank]

There is no set amount, as it all depends on how much you start with and how much you can control. With a short length of line there isn't much weight, so you might only be able to slip 2 to 3 feet, but with 40 feet of line outside the rod, you could slip up to 10 feet. It does also depend on the line profile too - you 'll never slip as much with a Double Taper, or a light weight fly line.

[@TheBeefSlayer]

9:39 the loop lab looks a lot like a School Basketball Court.

[@FarBank]

That's about what it is :)

[@marioarellano5917]

Hello, what is the name of the indoor fly caster you used at the end?

[@FarBank]

It is a Redington Form rod

[@paulkennedy5953]

Whats the best fly rod on the market, to fish and practice...?

[@FarBank]

It really depends on what you want to catch and fish for, and what your budget is. Are you looking for a trout fly rod in particular? Do you want a top brand, or more of a starter rod?

[@user-ib5rn6dp1c]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ericcaruzzi8848]

Je trouve que le lancer arrière est stoppé trop tard, je préfère faire arrêter les débutants que j'initie à la hauteur des yeux sans casser le poignet. I find that the back throw is stopped too late, I prefer to have beginners stop that I initiate at eye level without breaking the wrist

[@Jasminepad]

Hi, may I ask the size of the fly rod you use?

[@FarBank]

Simon used a 9ft, 5wt rod in this video - at least for most of the scenes. It is a great all round size rod for trout.

[@Jasminepad]

@@FarBank Thank you so much.

[@FollowMagicBrad]

Simon, you’ve got an accent from outside of the 🇺🇸 USA

[@FarBank]

Simon is from Devon, in the United Kingdom :)

[@f-7670]

He just might be from one of the 194 other countries in the world apart from the 🇺🇸 USA

[@FollowMagicBrad]

@@f-7670 Simon is from Devon, in the United Kingdom

[@f-7670]

@@FollowMagicBrad well done for quoting!

[@Ridire]

Great video, are you guys aware that the "The New Fly Fisher" channel has stolen this video titled as "Probably the Best Casting Video Ever Made | Simon Gawesworth"?

[@FarBank]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting. Yes, we are aware of that - we thought we would share it with them to increase the number of views. Appreciate you checking in, though. :)

[@corbatuno]

Excell!ent

[@FarBank]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it...

[@francisk2615]

Hat great tip. Had a big streamer get stuck in my wool hat. Glad it wasn't my scalp

[@FarBank]

Good reason to wear a hat!! 😁

[@TheBeefSlayer]

11:09 ok…. What you are showing in the slo Mo is wayyy different than what he was doing behind you. He was not letting his hand travel at all behind you. Now he’s throwing punches.

[@TheHurricaneDaisy]

Wow. That’s a lot of wrist. Lefty would not approve

[@TheBeefSlayer]

You say 1 - 11 but she’s doing 12-9 22:55. 11:30 to 9 even. Your indoor casting stroke is 1- almost 9

[@ChrisHenry-bj2oi]

3 1/2 min in and I’m still wondering about making my first cast, wait now it’s about fly vs spin cast,… that’s it, I’m out.