Beginning fly rod casting

[Steel-Addicted]

For the 4 years that I've been steelhead fishing, I've primarily been a bait-chucker. In the colder months, I will probably always use bait, but I would like to expand my springtime techniques and that means fly rod. What basic casts should I practice in the summer (roll, reach, overhead)? I mainly fish the Chagrin, Rocky and Grand. I have a neighbor that is willing to show me what he uses from a boat, but not sure if this is applicable to stream fishing. Also, for a rank beginner, should I start by using a slow action rod of a weight that is right for steelies, or doesn't the weight matter when you are just learning to cast?? Thanks for any info.

[Cornbread]

If you are going to use it primarily for steel then I would go with a rod suitable for them. Being a new caster I suggest a mid flex rod, being for steel I suggest a 10' mid flex rod in a 7 weight. The cast I use most often for steelhead is just a plain single haul, the roll cast is essential but not needed much on a river like the rocky. As for line, RIO Nymph is the best I have used and everyone that I have suggested it to loves it. You can roll cast a brick with it. Shoot me a PM next time you hit the rocky and I'll see about getting you going.
CB

[Steel-Addicted]

Thank you. Will start practicing single haul cast. That was an incredibly generous offer. I have a lot of practice to do to get prepared, but if we do manage to hook up next season, transportation and lunch is on me.
Again, I'm going to show my ignorance on fly rodding, but should I be fishing with a sinking tip line, or a floating line with a few shot on the tippet. I'm no purist by any means, just looking for what works.

[BWANA-J]

CB gave you very good advise on the rod and line. I have the same outfit and like it alot. It would be to your benefit to get together with an experienced fly fisherman to help get you started. When you start out I'd stay with a weight forward line, learn to cast it without splitshot and practice the basics. One thing to remember when casting a flyrod, you're casting the line, it provides the weight to load the rod with the power to throw your line forward, the fly and leader are just along for the ride. Keep your casts short, mabe 15 or 20 ft until you can control it. Try going to small ponds and catch some gills on the fly. Its much more rewarding than casting on the lawn, and good practice.

Getting together with an experienced fly rodder will shorten the learning curve alot and is highly recommended. Good luck and welcome to the club...Jeff

[Steel-Addicted]

Thank you for the responses. I'm going to make notes of this and start getting prepared. Appreciate the advice about the line and rod and the offers for some personal pointers. I'll need a lot of practice before I embarass myself in front of others!!

[Cornbread]

I have been fly fishing for 21 years and still hook myself in the neck, hand, back, leg..... the list goes on. A good gust of wind and there's a chance of not only looking stupid but a little pain comes with it. Don't worry about more than 30 feet, just be able to put it where you want it and softly.
CB

[Brian Z]

I gotta say that this is a great site. I've been a lurker since I found this site at the end of steel season and you guys have convinced me to learn to fly fish. I was actually out this weekend with a fly rod for the first time and was learning how to cast. I bet the other guys fishing the lake had more than a few laughs watching me take my shirt off several times to get the hook out of my back. Maybe by steelie season I'll get it figured out.

[trouteyes]

Another suggestion, humbly offered: get a good basic video or preferably dvd on basic fly casting so that you can watch, learn , practice, and review.

I recommend two most highly to beginners: "Introduction to Fly Casting with Brian and Judith O'Keefe" which is a Scientific Anglers dvd; and "The New Fly Fishing Basics with Jim and Kelly Watt." The latter video also has sections on knots and equipment and the fly casting section has a segment titled "open loop casting for nymphing" which may save the upper part of your anatomy from constant attention by Clouser minnows and weighted stoneflies.

Later on when you feel these two dvds have given you an adequate knowledge base, move on to Mel Krieger's superb dvds, most notably his "Fly Casting Faults and Fixes."

When you practice on a pond or in the yard, remember that only perfect practice makes perfect, so if possible, work with an adept caster who can acutally show you where your mistakes are and what the correct moves look like.

Welcome to one of the most delightful pastimes on the planet, second only to the vision of a DeCoverly setter weaving her magic in the grouse coverts.

Best,

JFV