The Address
(Step 1 in Cast Execution)

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Having fished the previous cast to its completion, the caster must prepare to cast again: to execute the cast.  This getting-ready-to-cast phase we refer to as the Address.  It is followed by the Pick Up stage of the Backcast. 

This phase is characterized by:

1. 3 rod lengths of fly line remain out in front of the rod tip (approx. 25’)
    

2. The rod tip is 2” above the water
    

3. There is a straight line from the rear of the caster’s elbow to the rod tip
    

4. All slack in the fly line has been removed by the line hand

It is the “I’m  getting ready to cast” stage

The purpose of the Address:
 

1. Get the caster ready to make the next cast.
    

2. Return the fly line to its optimal casting length of 3 rod lengths, or about 25’, for a basic cast.
    

3. Remove all slack in the fly line by pulling it through the index finger of the line hand.
    

4. Create a straight line from the caster’s elbow through the rod down the fly line.
    

5. This results in a tight line from the caster’s rod hand to the fly.
    

6. This allows pressure to be borne upon the rod tip as the Pick Up is begun, thus loading the rod at the earliest possible point.

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