In “ORVIS – The Back Cast Fly Delivery” video by The Orvis Company, Keith Kountz, an expert from Orbis fly-fishing schools, demonstrates the crucial technique of making a back cast in fly fishing. By mastering this skill, anglers significantly increase their chances of catching fish. Contrary to popular belief, fly fishing involves two casts: a back cast and a forward cast. Keith emphasizes the importance of executing the back cast properly for optimal results. Rather than making a high angle cast, which may get affected by wind or draft, anglers should aim for a low angle cast. This technique ensures that the fly travels straight and far, increasing its usability for catching fish. By practicing this technique and refining the delivery of the back cast, anglers can enhance their fishing experience and potentially catch a lot more fish.
In summary, the video highlights the significance of the back cast in fly fishing and how mastering this technique can immensely improve one’s chances of success. Keith Kountz provides valuable insights and practical tips to ensure a smooth back cast, including the use of a low angle cast for better control and precision. Implementing these techniques will undoubtedly enhance the fishing abilities of both novice and experienced anglers, allowing them to reel in more fish and enjoy a fruitful day on the water.
ORVIS – The Back Cast Fly Delivery
Introduction to the Back Cast
In the realm of fly fishing, understanding the intricacies of casting techniques is vital for success on the water. While many anglers focus solely on the forward cast, the back cast plays an equally important role in achieving a precise and efficient fly delivery. Mastering the back cast offers anglers greater control, flexibility, and an increased chance of catching fish.
Understanding the Two Casts in Fly Fishing
Fly fishing encompasses two primary casts: the forward cast and the back cast. The forward cast propels the fly line and leader in front of the angler, allowing for accurate placement of the fly. Conversely, the back cast involves sending the line behind the angler, setting up the forward cast. Together, these casts form a fluid and seamless motion that enables effective fly fishing.
Importance of the Back Cast
While the forward cast often receives more attention, neglecting the back cast can hinder an angler’s overall performance. The back cast serves as the foundation for a successful forward cast, setting the stage for accurate and efficient fly delivery. Developing a strong back cast not only enhances an angler’s skill set but also offers greater versatility in fishing approaches.
Benefits of the Back Cast
Mastering the back cast provides anglers with numerous benefits, ultimately doubling their chances of a successful day on the water. Let’s explore some of these advantages in detail.
Doubling the Chances of Catching Fish
By honing their back cast skills, anglers significantly increase their ability to catch fish. A proficient back cast expands the fishing zone, allowing anglers to reach areas that would otherwise be out of reach. This extended reach opens up a whole new territory for targeting fish, increasing the likelihood of success.
Flexibility in Fishing Approaches
The back cast offers anglers greater flexibility to adapt to varying fishing scenarios. Whether faced with tight spaces, obstructions, or different fishing techniques, the ability to execute a successful back cast provides anglers with more options. This adaptability allows for quick adjustments, ensuring that the optimal fishing angle can be achieved, regardless of the circumstances.
Technique for Making a Back Cast
Mastering the technique of the back cast is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient fly delivery. Let’s delve into the key elements that contribute to a successful back cast.
Stopping the Rod During the Cast
To generate a powerful back cast, it is essential to stop the rod abruptly at the end of the stroke. This sudden stop transfers energy from the rod to the line, propelling it smoothly behind the angler. By mastering this precise stopping technique, anglers can efficiently load the rod, preparing it for a strong forward cast.
Lowering the Rod Tip in the Back Cast
During the back cast, it is crucial to lower the rod tip towards the water’s surface. This motion helps create a wider casting loop, minimizing the risk of tangling the fly line or leader in surrounding obstacles. Lowering the rod tip allows for a smoother line trajectory, ensuring a seamless transition into the forward cast.
Ensuring Straight Fly Delivery
A straight fly delivery is paramount for accurate casting and a successful presentation. Maintaining a straight line path during the back cast is achieved by keeping the rod tip in a straight line, parallel to the water’s surface. This alignment minimizes line drag and allows for precise fly placement, increasing the chances of enticing a strike.
Low Angle Casting for Windy Conditions
Windy conditions present a unique challenge for fly anglers. However, utilizing a low angle approach during the back cast can significantly mitigate the effects of wind and improve fishing success.
Avoiding High Angle Back Casts
In windy conditions, high angle back casts are more prone to being affected by gusts of wind. By avoiding a steep trajectory, anglers minimize the surface area exposed to wind interference. This adjustment reduces air resistance and enables more accurate fly delivery.
Utilizing a Low Angle Approach
A low angle back cast offers excellent resistance against wind gusts. By keeping the casting plane close to the water’s surface, anglers create a more streamlined profile, reducing the impact of crosswinds. This technique aids in maintaining line control and precision, even when faced with challenging weather conditions.
Preventing Fly Displacement in Breeze
Fly displacement caused by wind can reduce the effectiveness of a presentation. Employing a low angle back cast mitigates this issue by minimizing the impact of crosswinds on the fly’s path. This approach ensures that the fly lands precisely where intended, maintaining the illusion of a natural insect or baitfish and enticing fish to strike.
Increasing Chances of Catching Fish
Enhancing one’s back cast skills can significantly improve the chances of catching fish. Let’s explore some strategies that can increase an angler’s success on the water.
Practicing the Back Cast for Improved Accuracy
Dedicated practice of the back cast is key to achieving improved casting accuracy. By honing their skills through regular practice sessions, anglers can refine their technique and develop muscle memory. This enhanced accuracy allows for more precise fly placement, increasing the likelihood of attracting fish.
Optimizing Fly Placement with Low Angle Casting
Utilizing the low angle cast enables anglers to optimize fly placement, particularly in specific fishing scenarios. By carefully considering the trajectory of their casts and adjusting their approach accordingly, anglers can position the fly precisely where fish are likely to be, maximizing their chances of success.
Positioning for Maximum Fish Exposure
A well-executed back cast allows anglers to position themselves strategically, increasing their exposure to potential fish. By carefully analyzing the water’s currents, structure, and likely holding areas, anglers can position themselves to take advantage of optimal casting opportunities. This deliberate positioning maximizes the angler’s chances of presenting the fly to actively feeding fish.
In conclusion, mastering the art of the back cast in fly fishing is fundamental for achieving accuracy, control, and overall success on the water. The back cast, when executed with precision and finesse, empowers anglers to reach inaccessible areas, adapt to different fishing scenarios, and increase their chances of catching fish. By incorporating the techniques and strategies discussed, fly anglers can elevate their fly delivery and enhance their overall fishing experience. So, next time you hit the water, remember the power of the back cast, and may you be rewarded with unforgettable angling adventures.
