Fly casting did not begin as we know it today. It has gradually evolved, each step in its development firmly linked to concurrent developments in tackle. Fly fishing started as a “pole and string” sport, and only developed into a “rod and line” sport within the last 150 years or so. Certainly the progenitor motions of modern casting began in the “pole and string” era, when fly fishers would flick their flies onto the water with the 15 to 21 foot, two-handed sticks that they employed. But casting, as we know it didn’t begin until about 1850. In his remarkable book, “The Practical Angler,” (1857) F.C. Stewart notes:

“Rings are indispensable to a rod in order to convey the line from the reel to the point. A difference of opinion exists as to whether they should be fixed or movable. For our part, if they could be fixed so as not to move, we would prefer them that way, as they let off the line much more easily.”

At that point in its development, casting was basically a matter of the wrist. That is, the wrist was used as the principle, moving, anatomical component that cast the line. The arm was not used or used only to assist the wrist. Two styles, “Wrist Casting,” and “Arm-Assisted Wrist Casting” evolved in the early days of actual casting. These styles of casting developed when the “rings” that Stewart mentions were first added to rods (probably in the early 1700s). These first “rings” (guides) were literally rings of metal that flopped around. They worked great for their original purpose: they allowed the angler to use a line of any length. However, they did not allow the angler to “shoot” line. The needed line was worked out through the rings to the length need, and then this fixed length was cast. A reel or “winch” held the line, but was not used to fight the fish because the line could not be reeled in through the flopping guides.

Current teachers of fly casting push their students to avoid both of these early casting styles, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, if they are used for the purposes for which they have the greatest advantage. I use them frequently because they are so good at casting a very short line with a very tight loop. For example, I’m kneeling at the edge of a lake watching for big browns cruising in a few inches of water only a few feet from shore. If, when I spot a fish, I were to lift the rod in an overhead, full arm cast, the fish would spook instantaneously. So, I sidearm cast or cross body cast. And since the fish is so close, I want to move the rod the least amount possible and still generate fast line speed and a tight loop that delivers the fly accurately and softly.

This is where Wrist Casting, or better yet, Arm-Assisted Wrist Casting comes in. They work perfectly under these circumstances. These casting styles allow me to flick the fly to target with the barest of rod movements, while still generating the line speed and accuracy that are necessary.

These two casting styles are so easy to learn that anyone can grasp them and employ them after only a few minutes of practice. When I give casting demonstration at shows, clubs, schools, and other venues, I always show these casting styles. On reason is so that casters can develop and use them under the circumstances where these casts excel: basically when one is casting a very short line.

At the International Fly Tying Symposium, held November 17, 18 this year in Somerset, NJ, I asked Cathy Mainardi, a friend of my old pal Rod Rohrbach, to shoot a few photos of me during my casting demo, so that I could use them on this blog. These nicely illustrate both “Wrist Casting” and “Arm Assisted Wrist Casting.”

When Wrist Casting or Arm Assisted Wrist Casting, I find the Trigger Finger Grip to be the best. It’s a thumb on top grip with the forefinger reaching forward as if gripping a trigger.

Wrist Casting uses a Thumb on Top Grip (Trigger Finger or otherwise), and begins with the forearm horizontal. With the arm held firmly in this position (remember the old “bible under the arm trick?”), the rod is merely “flicked” back and forth with the wrist. Now NOTE: The rod is not merely waved back and forth. This is a “Flick,” “Flick” cast. Since only the wrist is used, the rod stops vertically on the backcast—simply because that’s as far as the wrist can bend, as I’m demonstrating above. On the forward stroke the rod stops about 45 degrees above the horizontal. Make certain when you practice this that you make it a “Flick,” “Flick” cast, not a rod waving exercise.