Forward Cast
(Step 4 in Cast Execution)

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The Forward Cast is the 4th step in the Cast Execution phase of a flycast.  It immediately follows the Backcast.  Its purpose is to deliver the fly to the target by transmitting the energy built up in the rod into the fly line.  The fly, at the end of the leader attached to the fly line, follows obediently along behind. 

The Forward Cast, like the Backcast, is accomplished by essentially operating a lever.  Using the elbow as the foundation or fulcrum point, the forearm and wrist, acting together, become the rigid lever, which pivots or rotates on the elbow in a forward and down motion.

The Forward Cast is a reversal of the Backcast.  It begins with the rod hand at roughly 90° from horizontal (with the rod above the caster’s head) and with the forearm rotating on the stationary elbow, “speeds up to a stop” at roughly 45° in front of the caster.  This stop of the rod tip sends the fly line on an outward and somewhat upward trajectory from the caster.  The Forward Cast is completed with a follow through, known as the Let Down, that ends with the rod tip just off the water, pointing at the fly.

The Forward Cast contains 3 phases: Forward Drift, Forward Power Stroke, Let Down.  Each phase has distinct responsibilities, but all are tied together in one fluid motion.

Phase #1: The Forward Drift “reconnects” the rod tip with the fly line.  It is a forward movement of the forearm and wrist in a “locked” position, pivoting on the elbow.  There is no use of the wrist during this phase.

Phase #2: The “Forward Power Stroke” phase is a sharp downward motion of the forearm as it rotates on the elbow.  The caster applies maximum energy to the rod as it is speeds up with the wrist punching the tip to an abrupt stop.  This unleashes the energy from the rod into the fly line, sending it on a slightly upward and forward trajectory.  
 

Phase #3: The “Let Down” is the follow through phase.  It is characterized by the tip following the fly line as it falls to the water.  Concurrently, the caster uses the line hand to return the fly line to the finger of the rod hand prior to the fly alighting on the water.

Generally speaking, the Forward Cast (containing the Forward Power Stroke) cannot overcome a weak Backcast.  In other words, you can't power your way through the cast without having loaded the rod on the backcast. 

A sound casting stroke is a happy marriage of both back & forward casts that are a mirror image of one another.  The tempo, speed and "plane" should be the same.

Previous / Next, let's review the Forward Power Stroke