How to cast a fly fishing rod

Unfortunately, you’re not always in the wide open when learning how to fly fish in saltwater. A lot of saltwater fly fishing (especially in Florida) takes place while wade fishing in shallow water close to mangroves. Some of your time fishing will be parallel to the mangroves, but to cover the most ground you will eventually have to cast your fly rod straight out. The only way that’s going to be possible is to learn how to spey cast.

Here is the first how-to video that will teach you how to spey cast a fly fishing rod:

Back casting a fly fishing rod is necessary when re-adjusting your flies position

Back casting a fly fishing rod is probably the most common cast used.The reason back casting is a must have in your bag of tricks is because once you learn it well you will be able to lift your fly line up from wherever your fly is and reposition it to a different target.

Learn how to back hand cast a fly fishing rod in yet another great instructional video:

The difference between roll casting a fly fishing rod and spey casting a fly fishing rod

To roll cast a fly fishing rod you must lengthen the string and get it out in front of you. Then, you sweep the line in an arc-like motion behind you, whip it forward and the line seems to form a loop. It then "rolls" out in front of you and that is where the name "roll cast" comes from.

Here is our last instructional video on how to roll cast a fly fishing rod:

So, the difference between the spey cast and the roll cast is: in the spey cast, the back cast is made under the rod tip. Several feet of line touch the water before you cast. The line hitting the water creates an anchor that creates tension and seems to work better for most anglers.

If you liked this article and found it informative, visit TheOnlineFisherman.com. It is the World's ONLY online ONE-STOP fishing magazine. Anything you could ever want to know about fishing can be found on this website. How To Fish, Where To Fish (Google Maps to our Hot-Spots!), When To Fish (Tides, Weather and Solunar Calendars), Fishing Reports (From Reputable Captains and Guides), Fishing Forums, Fishing News, Fishing Products & Services and Fishing Politics.

The right saltwater fly reel

Saltwater fly reel selection is not always as easy as one would think. There are small ones, big ones, light ones, heavy ones, some with a lot of bearings, some with a little, some that hold 400 yards of fishing line and some that only fit 100.

Understanding what saltwater fly reels are made of

Understanding the difference between choosing a freshwater reel and choosing a saltwater reel is important. Let's go over a few different types of metal saltwater fly reels are made of:

• Cast aluminum
• Forged aluminum
• Carbon fiber
• Aero space aluminum

The best option is aero space aluminum. They are built to last in tougher conditions than freshwater reels are. They will be a little more expensive, but worth it in the long run.

Picking the right drag system for your saltwater fly reel

Here’s the next issue: There are many drag designs on the market. Drag is also one of the most important parts of a reel. If you hook a big fish and don’t have the right drag system, there goes the couple hundred dollars you just spent! Here are a few different types of drag systems for saltwater fly reels:

• Cork disc drag
• Spring and pawl
• Cone drag

The cork drag system is in my opinion the best. Cork is fairly cheap to replace if needed. It’s easy to clean and it stands up to heat very well.

This article is a very quick “break-down” of an article that you can find on TheOnlineFisherman.com. It goes into more detail on drag systems and bearings. If you would like to read more, CLICK HERE.

If you liked this article and found it informative, visit TheOnlineFisherman.com. It is the World's ONLY online ONE-STOP fishing magazine. Anything you could ever want to know about fishing can be found on this website. How To Fish, Where To Fish (Google Maps to our Hot-Spots!), When To Fish (Tides, Weather and Solunar Calendars), Fishing Reports (From Reputable Captains and Guides), Fishing Forums, Fishing News, Fishing Products & Services and Fishing Politics.