For the second issue in a row we have a request. This one comes from Simon a regular reader of ESF. 'How do I perform the reach cast?'
If I was to recommend having but one presentation cast in your armoury then the Reach cast it would be.
Amongst other uses the cast can be helpful to avoid directly lining fish if your position is downstream of an intended target...
... you can also present the line in such a way so as to avoid obstacles close to you...
... and it's ideal to present your line, leader & fly from a set back bankside position.
Finally, if casting across stream it can help prolong a drag free drift as well as track your fly consistently within a given current(s) lane.
The above are but a few examples of the uses a reach cast can have when faced with such common situations encountered during a days fishing.
How do we execute the cast?
The following sequence from a basic overhead cast... having stopped the rod on the forward stroke, I reach and manoeuvre the rod tip upstream to my right placing the fly line well above the flies final position at my target across stream.
How far I reach upstream is by preference depending upon the anticipated drift and any impacting current that sits between you and your intended target.
Shooting line into the cast
Having determined how much extra shooting line you require to achieve your target distance based on the angle of presentation (As above).
Release the line upon stopping the rod at the end of the forward stroke (No.4) as would be the norm, then immediately but smoothly manoeuvre your rod upstream as the line continues to shoot.
Shooting the line and waiting for it to conclude before moving the rod tip upstream can give you little or no time at all to obtain the desired angle. The cast will have likely fallen to the water already.
With a short line however you could easily shoot the line prior to positioning and angling the rod, but don't rush it and compromise smoothness with speed to perform this cast, the line is likely to bounce back on you well short of your target if you're not careful.
This is not too difficult a cast and one that can be mastered quite quickly, practice making the cast off both shoulders to help with left and right bank positions. You can reach the cast downstream as well as up thus applying both drag and speed... have a play with that one should you think it an advantage given your fishing method.
As per usual these casts have many subtle nuances to improve their overall presentation, I hope however you get the general idea from the above... finally thanks to Simon for the request.
Jim is our ESF in house fly casting contributor and AAPGAI Master level instructor teaching full time in the Cotswold, Wiltshire & Hampshire area... visit his website.