Guys, this may be something you have used on a regular basis but the old "Light Bulb" came on yesterday for me after more than 60 years of fly fishing. I discovered something that works for me even in 15-20kt wind.

This is particularly important when fly casting from a yak.


Fly Fishing Tip # 114. Casting across wind.

When casting across wind, I prefer to have the wind off my left side since I am right handed. Unfortunately I don’t always have this luxury. When the wind is strong off my casting side, I sometimes get hooked or at least get popped with my fly. Poppers, Clousers, Bead heads, and other heavy or bulky flies are the worst offenders.

There are at least 3 methods of countering wind from your casting side. My long time favorite has been downsizing flies and using un-weighted flies but it is only marginally effective. Another “Sometimes it works” solution is to switch to a full sinking line. Sinking lines have much smaller diameter than floating lines and are less wind resistant.

Yesterday, (3/10/10) I discovered a technique that works every time at least for me. My normal casting stroke varies from almost horizontal off the right side to perfectly vertical. Angle your rod tip to the left on the forward cast and line and fly passes over your left shoulder. I can still make easy 60’ casts with decent accuracy and little danger of getting the hook. I need to work on this a little because my loops seem go be a little large which, in this case may not be a totally bad thing because these loops catch a little more wind so the fly passes even further off my left side.


(My) Fly casting ain’t always pretty.

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Capt. Ken

Here's another way around it. Face in the direction that will keep the fly off your casting side, (this will put your back cast in the direction you want the fly to land). When you have the line out you want, let the fly go on the back cast and turn around to retrieve it. This works best when wading or on the bank though. It doesn't work so well in a kayak unless you are standing.

Man I have a hard enough time making a fly land where I want it to land under the best of conditions. Unfortunately, seldom have the option of changing sides unless I swap hands with the rod which doesn't work too well for me. I try to drift with the tide or wind. When the wind is in control, I don't have too many problems.

Some days, I just make short roll casts with long sink tip. These are the days when I don't see much to cast at.

I have absolutely quit working at fly fishing. It isn't nearly as much fun for me when I beat myself up casting.

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Capt. Ken

What you are describing is basically Off Shoulder casting. You simply cant your rod about 45 degrees to the left (for righties) which now has the rod across your chest and cast off the other shoulder. It takes some practice to get it down -- try to maintain the straight line path of the rod tip during your casting stroke, increase the line speed (lengthen the stoke, drift on the back cast, double haul), keep the stoke smooth, accelerate to an abrupt stop and do not over power. Let the rod do the work.

My suggestion would be to keep your loops as tight as possible for smooth presentations and accuracy. A slightly opened loop with heavy flies is not always bad, but a tight loop keeps the wind from totally dominating the cast.

Apart from this type of cast, using your left hand (not as hard as one might think) or some complex trick casts, not many other options to deal with a left to right wind. But, how often have you fished in saltwater without some level of wind to deal with.

Good luck.

Steve O.

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"Anything worth doing well is worth doing badly at first"
Fly Fishing Addict!!
FFFCCI

I was wondering if I was the only one who casts like this on a regular basis. I thought it was just another way to cast, but I've never actually seen anybody else do this. The "spin cast" you described is another good way to do it if you have a strong cross or slight head wind. You can cast a lot stronger in front of you. So turn around and cast into the wind then your "back cast" would be your front cast. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks "outside the box".

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Machinist by day, fisherman by, well, day...

Heritage Kayaks Redfish 14 (Baby Puke Green)