Line Control

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There is a well-known saying in fly fishing: "tight lines."  Among other things, it refers to the necessity to keep the fly line tight at all times.  This task we refer to as “line control.”

Line control, in part, means keeping the line tight against the rod tip as the back and forward casts are made.  This "tight line" creates pressure against the tip that causes the rod to bend and load, thus establishing the energy required to propel the fly line after the rod is stopped abruptly at the completion of the back and forward casts.

The responsibility for tight line control during the two casting strokes rests primarily with the line hand.  (Rod discipline also plays a role.)  Any slack allowed to creep into the fly line will diminish line pressure against the tip, thus disabling efficient loading of the rod.  This robs energy from the rod and results in a poor cast.

Note in the video clip:

• the fly line, between the line hand & first guide on the rod, remains taut throughout the cast

• the line hand keeps the line tight while the rod is "operated"

• the line hand acts as an "anchor" on the line

When first learning how to cast, we recommend the student forget about using their line hand.  Just use a fixed length of fly line (30') and practice casting by holding it with just your rod hand.  Work strictly on first developing your cast with your rod hand.

After you have established a consistent casting stroke and can perform it without really thinking about it, then bring in the line hand and begin to focus on line control.

Previous / Next, let's review a technique known as "10 to 2"