I just started this fly fishing thing and still can not caste but I'm trying. Took the afternoon casting class at BPS a few months ago, picked up a 5/6 wt outfit (Scientific Anglers) and have been attempting to cast since then. Last night I went to the Colleyville nature center to cast (not really fishing yet) and was getting frustrated because could not cast more that 10 yards. Was about to leave when my son who was on one of the ponds mentioned the perch were biting. So I tied on a little Perch Popper and was only able to Roll Cast it out and wound up catching a nice little Crappie.
That did it - I have to work harder on this casting so I can really use this outfit. I think I have now been bitten by the bug!!

Good news indeed! That first fish is always a hoot. I would heartily recommend going back and attending as many of those BPS casting classes as possible, it's simply being shown the proper technique* and practicing, practicing, practicing.

(*strong emphasis on "proper technique. No point in practicing the wrong way)

I have a question here regarding 'proper technique'...

If you are accurately delivering tight loops time after time, under varying conditions, would that be all the criteria that constitutes 'proper'?

I only ask because if you watch Lefty cast in a video and then have people tell you in a clinic that what he is using is 'improper' casting technique, it just makes me kind of wonder how one might define 'proper'.

My feeling is it is probably like golf. There is what people consider to be proper form, however if your form works for you then that is what you should do. Proper form I think is the Starting place - then you refine to match your abilities. We are all made similar but not the same - plus with age some parts don't work like they used to!

Now as for my form - it sux - I dump all the line right in front of me most every time I cast!

That is a valid question. Proper technique is very, very simple. Unlearning wrong casting technique is tougher than learning it right the first time - which drives my statement above. If Wish2BFishN has been trying to cast for several months and still feels unsuccessful then I'd want to see him get some more coaching and start feeling like he's winning at casting as well as at fishing.

Congratulations on your 1st fly caught fish!

As to the casting, RRhyne is right. get some more instruction or at the very least, someone to watch you cast. They can probably figure out whats wrong in a hurry. I have a strong suspicion of whats wrong, but without actually seeing you work the rod, I'd be hesitant to make a call.

So as not to assume and have happen what happens when one does that, I'll just suggest reading this article and giving it a try.
http://www.sexyloops.com/beginners/lesson1/startingflycasting.shtml

I hope that it can fill the gap until you can get some more coaching.

Best

I really need to get with someone and work on this. I signed up to go on a fly fishing trip to NM in October with some men from my church and want to be able to use the equipment when I get there.

Also need to get an assortment of flies - first to use this sumer and then for trout in October. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

This summer here in Texas is easy. Some poppers, some spiders of various sorts (cap spiders, foam spiders etc.)streamers and ....well actually, an assortment pretty close to most of the ones demonstrated on this YouTube channel FlyFishVideo
will suit one well.
The NM trip, I suggest finding out where you are going and getting in touch with any local shop or shops for their suggestions. If you are buying flies from them they will most likely be enthusiastic in getting you properly equipped with flies.

The NM trip is a semi guided trip - the people putting it on are sending us info about what to bring/expect.
I am pumped about it just wish I had been doing this fly fishing longer so I would be more confident in my skills!

I hear ya, indeed I do! Read that sexyloops article, print it out and take it with you to practice it somewhere. It ought to start showing some improvement pretty quick.

My two generic tips 1. When they say stop they mean STOP! Not just slow down or gradually cease motion. Its a STOP. And give the line time to straighten out all the way after the stop before you start coming forward. Then STOP again.

That's enough out of me for one sitting

I am sure my technique sucks, but I can get the fly close enough to where I want it, I've been fly fishing for over 20 yrs now and am self-taught probably too late to worry about proper technique (btw, I am so far out of town...there are no BPS or any place else for lessons anyway).

If you are having fun then what more could one want?
Of course getting with someone and learning some new tricks is always nice. I learned a few new things just the other day that left me tickled. That is one of the things I love about fly fishing, there is always something new to learn.

WishSBFishN, go to Backwoods in Fort Worth, and buy an Echo instructional fly rod. This rod is designed to help improve casting, and it does. Kinda Like one of those golf clubs that helps your swing. Stop in and see Steven, and he will help you understand how it works. Great to use inside, and bug the sh-- out of your wife and kids like I do. I have several freinds that live in your area, and maybe we can all get together, and go catch some fish. Fish for them with dry flies, and it's just like trout fishing. Can also catch them on nymphs. Great practice for the real thing. Let me know how your progress is going.
Later, troutbum

Wish2BFishN, Any chance you work around DFW airport? I'd be happy to meet with you on my lunch and see if I can help.

I'll disagree that Lefty uses an "'improper' casting technique". Lefty has a different casting "style". There is a difference between technique and style. Some instructors try to teach a specific casting "style" and claim that anything else is wrong. But the same style doesn't work for everyone or in every fishing condition. Even the FFF's casting program and instructors teach casting technique and not style.

To quote Bill Gammel, there are 6 essential elements to a good fly cast. These are the essential elements regardless of whether you use an overhand cast or sidearm cast or something else.

1. The rod tip needs to travel in a straight line path (SLP).
2. Stroke length must be proportionate to the length of the cast.
3. Power must be applied in the correct amount and at the correct time.
4. Slack must be kept to a minimum.
5. There must be a pause at the end of each stroke.
6. The need for constant, smooth acceleration to a stop.

For those of you in the north Dallas area that want some help with your casting, I'm willing to meet you after work somewhere along hwy 75 between Forest Lane and Sherman for some casting.

Fly casting really is easier than it looks,
Rex

And remember practicing and fishing are two different things. It's best to practice in a "non fishing" mode so you can concentrate strictly on improving your cast.

Congrats on the first fish on the fly. I am new at this myself.... it is a whole lotta fun that is for sure!

Hang in there,it's frustrating but lot's of fun.I'm also a fly fishing newbie and spent lot's of yard time before I ever went flyfishing this spring.Probably had more fun catching sandbass on the nolan with the fly rod a month ago than any fishing memories i can recollect.Caught about 50 the first day out and over a hundred the second day.Everyone with fly rod's were wearing the sandbass out while the spinning rod fisherman were only having moderate success.Met Troutbum and his crew down on river this spring (very helpful people).Congrats on the first fish i'm sure there will be many more to follow

I work in downtown Ft Worth but have a very flexible schedule.

I've been thinking that getting out at lunch for a hour or so to just cast and fish would be good. I can meet up with you or others if I know in advance.

I have now read the entire sexyloops website!
Good information and I like his attitude.

Now if the weather will cooperate I will get back out and do some more casting!

Well right down the road, 3500 Camp Bowie to be exact, the Fort Worth Fly Fishers meet every month. Might be a worthwhile visit.

yes, he's extremely non-stuffy in a most Australian way

I have read their website and have read ALL their past newsletters. I have been thinking about joining but Tuesday nights are usually tough to get away - wife and kids want my time also!

Was looking they have a bream off later this summer sounds like fun!

Well I understand that. There are some FWFFers on here and also over on Texas Fly Report. If you post they'll contact you about fishing.