How to Add Distance to Your Cast Using These Specific Techniques - Fly Casting Lessons

A quality fly line makes all the difference when casting!
Need more help with your fly fishing cast? Check this out! • Brad Pitt Learned How ...
#flyfishingcasting #howtoflyfish #flyfishdan
There is a lot to consider when casting a fly rod, especially for the first time. My hope is that you can integrate some of these best practices, tips and techniques into your own casting style to help with your fly casting growth. Remember, there is no one that can perform a perfect cast every time and don't let anyone tell you that you are doing it 'wrong'! There are just small adjustments you can make to improve and grow - the important part is that you are out there fly fishing and enjoying this amazing pastime - you got this! Just with a little practice and patience - your cast will improve! Cheers and FISH-ON!!!
This tutorial will provide you with techniques that with practice will provide you with the tools so you too can cast your fly rod 60, 80 and even 100 feet with little effort. While it is important to keep a mental discipline regarding your rod position at 10-2, your arc will begin to widen slightly beyond this point as your distance increases. However, it's important to have this mental discipline in place so that your cast won't degrade. You will find that your arc will widen to near 9 - 3 (or 170 degrees) as you continue to generate line speed with greater distance.
I will be creating additional videos weekly on fly casting techniques, tips and tutorials related to fly fishing. If you are enjoying these video's and want to see more; come and join me on the journey and subscribe! Also, if you have a suggestion on what you would like to see; give this video a 'thumbs-up' and leave your comments below. Thank you and FISH-ON!!
Online Outdoor & Fly Shops:
Trident Fly Fishing: alnk.to/apO3IST
Wyoming Fly Fishing Shop: alnk.to/h6AR0fO
O'Pros Fly Fishing Accessories: alnk.to/9boKRcb
Outdoor Clothing & Gear: alnk.to/6mKDayz
Things that I recommend for fly fishing:
O'Pros Rod Holder (Best Fly Fishing Accessory EVER!): bit.ly/3mlaQC9
Simms G4 Waders: bit.ly/3vQyl99
Korkers Wading Boots: bit.ly/3w3rIRj
Wading Staff: bit.ly/3bgM148
Fishpond Net (longer handle):
Fishpond Net (shorter handle):
Fishpond Waterproof Backpack: bit.ly/3v7LP23
SAGE Fly Rod (Great 1st Fly Rod!): bit.ly/31bVXKt
SAGE X Fly Rod (Fast Action next generation Sage TCR): bit.ly/3nBQJiq
ECHO Euro Nymphing Rod (Love this rod!): bit.ly/3BiOrcL
Winston 3-weight Fly Rod:
Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel (Bullet Proof Fly Reel): bit.ly/3CnUw98
Lamson Liquid Fly Reel (Great fly reel): bit.ly/3EkGrtH
Ross Colorado (Click & Paw - oldschool!): bit.ly/2ZtGELX
Rio Fly Line (The BEST Fly Line out there!): bit.ly/3ClzJ6r
Landing NET (Great net!): bit.ly/3CspJbC
Simms Sling Pack (LOVE THIS PACK!):
Simms Boat Bag: bit.ly/3BkPLMk
Fly Fishing Gear Bag (My recommendation; Simms no longer makes my exact bag): bit.ly/3pEDHU5
Top Quality Rain Jacket:
Waterproof Fly Box (Does not leak):
Love This New Fly Box (light and compact): bit.ly/3pJi990
Dry Shake: bit.ly/3CnBAr5
Forceps & Nippers: bit.ly/3Bj0LKk
Tapered Leaders: bit.ly/3EkpX4W
Tippet (5x, 4x, 3x): bit.ly/3ElZ5Se
You NEED a Dry Bag: bit.ly/3bnbrwF
Indicators (will not kink line):
Fly fishing for trout, fly fishing for Cutthroat in the Pacific Northwest has been a passion of mine for the last 40 years. I have spent most of my life fly fishing the great Pacific Northwest to include fly fishing in Alaska, fly fishing in Washington, fly fishing in Oregon, fly fishing in Idaho and fly fishing in Montana. I generally will fly fish and practice catch and release when fly fishing for trout, but I have been known to catch and cook during camping trips to many of my favorite fishing spots. I love to fly fish lakes in the higher elevation, though I have a few lowland lakes that are fly fishing only that are also on my most favorite list. I have a ton experience fly fishing rivers for trout and always enjoy discovering new rivers to fly fishing in and around the greater Pacific Northwest. I am also an accomplished at casting a fly rod - whether it is fly fishing casting for distance, fly fishing casting for accuracy, the double haul, roll cast, tower cast and many more fly fishing casting techniques - I can show you the basics when it comes to casting a fly rod. I also will cover many topics that relate to getting started with fly fishing. From your basic fly fishing setups, flies and fly boxes - we cover all the fly fishing needs for beginners. Thanks for taking the time to tune into FlyFishDan

[@flyguy3827]

Great tutorial - I appreciate the fact that you demonstrate clearly. Some of the other casting videos are just about someone talking ‘at’ you...this is very refreshing!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you - very happy to hear that it helped. Cheers!

[@leftymadrid]

You just gotta love this, especially if you fly fish!!

[@martinludvik8361]

A hlavně určitě víš co děláš. Nebojím se říci že jsi Pan rybář.👏👏👏👍👍👍😍😍😍🤠🤠🤠

[@stefg9161]

No matter how long one has been fishing, we all need a refresher, thanks for the tutorial.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! So true - even for me...revisiting some of these techniques has been good for my own casting growth as well. Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@willdyer9797]

You’re a joy to watch man. From the UK but love your videos. Such a friendly upbeat guy 👌🏻 cheers for the help

[@johndonovan7334]

Dan you the man. One of the best teaching videos I have ever seen and I'm no spring chicken. Even after all these years I've learned a lot watching your vids.

[@FlyFishDan]

Very kind of you to say - I do appreciate hearing that, thank you! Thank you for taking the time to watch. Cheers!

[@leemowers9395]

Thanks Dan for the lesson

[@FlyFishDan]

You are most welcome!

[@martinludvik8361]

Heeeeeej pane,tak tohle video by mělo normálně dostat nějaké speciální ocenění,minimálně za ten začátek.👍👍👍👏👏👏😱😱😱🤠🤠🤠 To se ti pane opravdu povedlo. Dobře ty.😁😁😁

[@ryanward58]

Great opening! And I can attest to the line making a difference. I haven’t change mine in forever until this year. Wow what a difference in line speed. Never thought I’d say that.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Ryan - I had a bit of fun with the opening. I appreciate the great comments! Cheers!

[@OverlandPNW]

Love the gunfighter intro !! Great casting tips. Totally agree about a quality line. I use Rio lines as well.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! Rio does make a great line - expensive...but worth the expense in the long run. I appreciate you watching!

[@stinkylefthandfishing]

That belt holder is so sick

[@FlyFishDan]

It's made a huge difference for sure having another rod ready - love mine!

[@randallblove8524]

What a great video! Thanks Dan!

[@martinludvik8361]

Nejdřív jsem si vážně myslel,že se tak pekelně soustředíš,jinak samozřejmě parádní video. Hlavně moc poučné,díky,díky, díky pane.👍👍👍👏👏👏😍😍😍 You are a very, very, very good men.🤠🤠🤠

[@det282]

This video was saved by me as it’s a great tutorial. Thanks for posting, Dan.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! I appreciate that and I am very happy to hear it helped. Cheers!

[@grahamwhitehead2258]

Wow, casting out the entire line. Impressive ! Loved the spaghetti western intro too.

[@FlyFishDan]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had a little fun at the beginning - I appreciate the fact that you appreciated it! Cheers!

[@cachi-7878]

Yeah, that was pretty impressive given that he wasn’t forcing it at all. I’ve been fishing for almost as long as he has yet I can’t get past 90ft, best case scenario. It must be the fly line…😉

[@cachi-7878]

@@FlyFishDan Dan, are you in WA? If so, maybe you can give me some pointers sometime…

[@hhal2065]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you!

[@garrett17roccaforte]

So I'm very new to fly fishing. Mostly self taught with the occasional KZbin videos. This was helpful, but can you explain the pull on the fly line and when to let go? Thats been one if my big issues with my casting.

[@FlyFishDan]

Welcome to the sport! Yes - I can...I think it would be best to demonstrate. I will put together something soon that explains the technique and cadence. Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@SeaScoutLeader56]

Great tutorial , at the moment as a newbie I'm just getting to grips with casting but it's something to aim for.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! You will get there...just keep at it! Cheers! :))

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Dan I hate to tell you but you could have extended your cast twenty feet by simply walking to the end of the dock... 😃 just kidding! Great video and awesome intro!

[@FlyFishDan]

Lol...so true! Thank you! I had a bit of fun with the intro for sure - thanks for watching and for your continued support! Cheers!

[@bradyward6345]

Thanks Dan! I follow you in the WA. Fly fish group as well and, your advice on "too much power" makes sense to me. After getting out 40-50 feet, I get a tailing loop.. especially if there's any sort of breeze (common on whidbey). Also, thanks for the advice on the quality line. My TFO NXT Black Label 8wt came with decent line however, I feel I need something a little heavier like a shooting skagit or something. The pro-tip advice on the reel is also helpful. 3 kids, mortgage, and other bills makes this an intimidating sport to get into, regardless of one's income. Thanks, Dan!! FISH ON!

[@FlyFishDan]

I am glad it helped! Took me a long time (and I am not always successful...Lol) to tone down the power to avoid the tailing loop. You are welcome and I appreciate you watching and for your support! Cheers and FISH-ON indeed!!!

[@daveschlom4033]

Awesome tutorial Dan. I got a new 5 wt rod yesterday and can't wait to go practice with it! Hoping it won't be as windy here today.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! You got this :))

[@daveschlom4033]

@@FlyFishDan It WAS windy. I struggled. But it was still good to practice!

[@rosiestein209]

Someone swiped the inflatable 🦄!! 😳

[@FlyFishDan]

Lol - I know!!

[@kristoferradzinsh4397]

Hi Dan, great video! Question on adding more line during false casts. Do you add it on both forward and backward casts of just the forward ones?

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! Yes - I release line to lengthen the cast both on the front and back cast. Cheers!

[@kristoferradzinsh4397]

Cheers, thanks for clarifying!

[@andy1or2]

Another great video..do you stick to the 5wt rod & 5wt Rio Gold, or overline for your faster action Sage...keep up the good work ...!!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! I stick with the same weight...but I have overlined by a size in the past...just fills the reel up quickly is the only down side. Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@srichard4047]

Thanks for the great demonstration! I’m curious to know how much line you're using when false casting. BTW, I learn a lot from watching you catch fish and enjoy your channel!!!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words and appreciate your support of the channel - thank you for that! I usually hold about half of the distance of the cast in the air. If I am aiming at a rising fish 60 feet away, the final false cast has about 30 feet of line held in the air. Hope that answers your question - Cheers!

[@johnneame2180]

Where does your line fall in the grain window Dan? Is your rod overlined to help load it? I'm using a Scientific anglers titan long on my #8 and it's two line weights heavy, perfect on a fast action rod.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello John - I am using a weight forward line that was engineered by Sage for the TCR Series Fly Rod (longer and a bit heavier shooting head)...I am going to need to change it out soon...I will probably size it up to a 6 weight as well - I have Rio on many of my reels that I have been very happy with. Cheers!

[@johnneame2180]

@@FlyFishDan Such a worthwhile investment in not only a quality fly line but one which suits the application. 95% of my 8 weight fishing is coastal and its all about covering water so a heavier, longer head (titan long is a 45 foot head) makes life so much easier. I'm pretty sure Rio will do you a bright orange version of your line to aid visibility for filming. A great informative video 👌

[@FlyFishDan]

@@johnneame2180 Thank you for the great comments and support - I appreciate your insight - Cheers!

[@christie2999]

Ty so much for the great info. Can this be done with a 2wt? I've got a Reddington butterstick I like to use for crappie and they are a bit skiddish here so, I'd like to create some distance.

[@FlyFishDan]

My pleasure! Yes - these casting principals can be applied to any weight rod - specifically a 2 weight. You just have to manage expectations...you won't be able to cast 60' with that light of a rod...but you will be better suited to reach it's intended casting distance. Hope that helps!

[@paulobainz1210]

Sound advice, thanks for sharing. What line are you casting in this video?

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! I am using Elite Rio Gold Ultraslick fly line. Cheers!

[@sportaventure29]

Thanks Dan. What kind of fly do you have on? What would be the largest or « best » fly to cast on that lake to be able to cast that far?

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet! I was using a large dry fly for the tutorial. If you pair of your fly rod with the right line and tapered leader - most small to large flies will cast well. It's when you get to jumbo flies (poppers/big streamers) that take more power and technique. Hope that helps!

[@ts0ngk0]

Sir I wanted to ask you for a best line I can get for saltwater? I am completely a beginner and still struggling to cast a distance. I am in the Gulf of Mexico where I can surf fish and also do a paddle boarding fishing at the same time mostly on saltwater fish species. I’d like to have an idea what line would you recommend sir? I heard cortland big shot is good or rio? Thank you in advance sir 🤙🎣

[@FlyFishDan]

Rio makes a great line - always perfer the outbound short for ease of casting. Cheers!

[@jontobey5051]

Curious why you conflate rod speed with distance. Rod speed is the % of the rod that flexes. Are you saying a tight loop is necessary for distance?

[@FlyFishDan]

There are so many components consider... from the speed in which you cast, to the flexibility of the flyrod to weather conditions... I would suggest this tutorial is a great baseline to work from considering all other factors.

[@billlovelace1522]

HOW MUCH LINE IS IN THE AIR ON THE FALSE CASTS BEFORE YOU SHOOT THE LINE. I HAVE JUST LEARNED TO DOUBLE HAUL ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, MY LONGEST CAST HAS BEEN 81 FEET, BUT MOSTLY I AM IN THE 60 TO 65 FOOT RANGE.

[@FlyFishDan]

That's a solid cast! I usually hold about 20-50 feet of line in the air before performing the final haul. By that time, you have a lot of line speed built up and it will shoot out the remaining line with ease. Typically, even in saltwater applications, if you can consistently deliver a 50' cast you'll catch fish. Cheers!

[@billlovelace1522]

@@FlyFishDan THANKS FOR THE ANSWER, I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING EVERYDAY FOR 20 MIN OR SO. THIS ANSWER WILL REALLY HELP. I THINK I HAVE BEEN PUTTING TO MUCH LINE IN THE AIR.

[@kamilsuchocki8576]

👍👍👍👍

[@Loyalist-ul6qm]

It's down to your fly line.

[@jakepage7383]

#dont work with cheap fly line.....learned hard way lololol

[@FlyFishDan]

I couldn't agree more Jake! It's tough putting up the cash for a good fly line...but oh so worth it!