Fly casting practice goes (on the) green

Outdoor bowling gives unexpected opportunities for improving our casting

For the Wessex Fly Dressers, any chance to improve our casting (and our fishing) is always welcome. One of these came on the same night as our regular Tuesday meeting. Instead of having our usual meeting, we had the wide vacant green to ourselves for an evening of fly casting practice.

Something different for this Tuesday meeting

That evening, everyone came in carrying their casting kit: fly rods and reels loaded with fly lines. A surveyor’s tape was on hand to measure distances cast. No actual flies were used as they could snag on the grass and cause damage to the green. Instead, we attached a piece of wool to our leaders. We wouldn’t be scaring any fish tonight.

In this informal session we shared hints and tips on increasing our casting distance and accuracy. We were also able to practise casts that we hadn’t had the opportunity to use before. Some of us even learned new techniques. Members who are qualified coaches were able to help others improve their casting that evening. And from this mix of teaching, trying out and sharing, we increased our confidence in our own skills.

Practice makes perfect

This evening was also an opportunity to try out and compare each other’s fly rods. One member even brought a new rod that he was having trouble casting with. With everyone around eager to troubleshoot, it didn’t take long to sort his technique out. Of course, it helped that everyone out on the bowling green that evening was an experienced fly dresser and fly fisher.

Given the success of this event, we plan on holding another ‘green day’ next year.

If you’re interested in tying your own flies and increasing your fly fishing know-how, sign up for a taster evening with the Fly Dressers’ Guild – Wessex. Fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.

Photos by Alan and Paul