OK, so I have been testing my new fly fishing rod and reel. But I just cannot seem to keep it off of the ground. It is getting kind of frustrating. I knew it would be hard, but did not think it would be this hard. I have tried everything it seems. I keep my rod tip as high as I can, and try not to throw my arm back to far. I pull my line when I throw it back and occasionally let the line go when I throw the fly forwards. I am not using anything heavy either. What do I do to prevent this from happening? well I guess I will let you guys answer my question, after all you guys are basically pros.

Maybe keep this in mind - The line is going in the direction the fly rod is going when it stops. Keeping this in mind, try getting a short length of the line airborne and keeping it there with SHORT quick strokes that you start when you feel the line begin bending the rod a little. Watch your rod tip as you do this and note where the line goes when you stop at various points. Also keep in mind that when you see a fly fisher moving the rod all the way forward to the water in one long stroke in a beautiful cast, you are actually seeing TWO stages - the first with a barely perceptible stop to send the line forward and then a gentle follow of the line to the water with the rod tip. I hope this helps a little.

Short of finding someone to coach you, the best advice I could offer would be to find some Lefty Kreh videos on YouTube, study, practice, repeat.
But surely there are fly shops nearby that might have casting clinics? Where's the nearest Bass Pro or Cabela's?

Also, please provide the details of your new rig.

Define "can't keep it off the ground." Is it piling up at your feet? Spool out about 20 feet of line, pinch it between your forefinger and the rod, forget the haul for now. Pick it up, start your casting motion slowly. You should be able to feel it load the rod on your back-cast. You'll want to pause a bit before the forward cast, to let the rod fully load. It sounds like you're going "whip, whip, whip whip," when it should be a slow, relaxed, "whoosh, whoosh." Give the line time to do it's job, which is to load the rod.

Edited to add: If you're hearing "whip cracks" behind you you're definitely rushing your forward stroke. On the forward cast, at the release, don't aim the rod where you want the fly to land. You want to stop the cast when it feels right, then as the fly falls you can "guide it" to where you want it to GENTLY lay down. I know this is a lot, but you can get this.

Come find me next week at the Texas Expo and I'll help you get started. I'll be in the casting area Friday and Saturday.