Im new to using a flyrod and I need some help. I have one of the BPS specials and have been using it off and on for a couple weeks now catching small bass and perch. My main problem is that I can get my fly past 20 feet. If I try getting more line out than that it starts to whip and causes alot of damage to my flies. Are there any good books or videos out that take you step by step on how to cast? Better yet is there anyone in southeast dallas county that would be willing to give a lesson?

Allen Crise on this list is a Certified Fly Casting Instructor who lives just north of Glen Rose. I am sure when he sees this, he will post an offer to assist.

The other alternative is to get with the Dallas Fly Fishers and see if they have something going on. www.dallas-flyfishers.org.

Third alternative is to stop my my place if you are headed to Canton and I will be happy to show you a thing or two, but the best choice is to get Allen.

BigAl

gone-jiggin

Big Al speaks true words. As a matter of fact Al Crise will be giving some casting lessons at a clinic in Colleyville in June I believe. Try to make it. I am sure that he will post the exact dates here soon.

In the meantime, surf the web, look for "flycasting" and any other variations that you can think of; do all the reading you can and get out on the lawn and practice. That is no substitute for lessons but it sure beats nothing at all. I can tell you that from personal experience.

You are in Dallas no? There are several fly shops in the Dallas area. I'd pay them a visit, see which ones you like and see what's shaking there as well.

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RRhyne56

Here are the dates for Colleyville June 22, 29 and July 6.
Here is Al�s web page with information on how to contact him he�s a great guy and always willing to help. http://www.geocities.com/rrdoctor/hawkridge.html
Read & watch everything you can get your hands on the Internet has a wealth of knowledge to be had and practice practice practice.
Watch your back cast! Remember the line has to straiten out on your back casts if you start your forward cast before the back cast has had a chance to straiten out it will �whip�.
Give it a try tonight in your yard you should see a difference. Let us know how you do.

Call the fly shop at BPS. They have FREE casting classes every weekend if it isn't raining. I think they are around 1 p.m. on saturday
Hack

Thanks for the help/info ya'll. Someday (hopefully soon)I'll get the hang of it. Im going to try and make one or two of the classes.

gone-jiggin

How goes the csating? Hope you have not given up on it. Give us a shout.

Best

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RRhyne56

Its going better. I get out and practice on the brim when the wind allows it. Im gettling a little further out with the casts and there a little smoother. I still catch the grass behind me once and a while but improving with every outing. I have not made it to BPS for the casting class yet, but its still on my list of things to do. Its just down below all the things my wife has on the list.

Watch your backcast like kennesm mentioned. Stop your rod abruptly at 90 degrees & wait until your loop is almost completely unrolled before starting your forward cast. You also might try the double haul technique to load your rod. This will allow you to use less force. Simply pull down on your line about six inches with your line hand before starting your forward & backcasts. This puts the rod to work & makes your casting much more efficient. When I was learning, I tied a piece of yarn to the end of my line & got out in the backyard for hours...Good Luck!