Fly Casting Session – Essential casts for Sterkies | Cast from a boat

Sterkies Casting Clinic – Join us for the Chuck and Duck session with skipper Benji, one of our own Sterkies aficionados!

Casting for the first time from a drifting boat with multiple casters can be a daunting experience, especially when “not-to-be-named” is on board 😉

Join us in practising essential casts for Sterkies!

1. Casting without false casting! PULD (DDK rules: No false casts and thou shall not strike!)
2. Changing direction without false casting
3. Steeple cast, Quick cast, Line management
4. Boat rules, etiquette, left and right-handed casters
5. Putting it all together in Casting from a Boat, Benji will bring his boat!
6. The famous Boerewors Roll cast …

Please be at our usual venue (Valhalla Baseball Field) at 08h30 to do setup etc.  Instruction will start at 09h00.

What to bring

1. Usual 4-6wt with brightly coloured floating line
2. Indicator yarn, no hooks!
3. The usual, eyewear, sunscreen, hat, refreshments, snacks…

The proposed program for the day

1. Rig up and warmup 30 minutes before the scheduled starting time of 09h00
2. Safety brief –
   1. 3 x 1 hr sessions of instruction and practice
   2. Basic casts, PULD(Pick Up and Laydown), Steeple cast, Change in direction casts
   3. Boat layout, rules, etiquette, casting rhythm, casting/fishing zones
   4. Putting it all together in casting from a boat mockup and a real boat
3. Braai: 12h00 + see the most famous Boerewors Roll Cast demonstration. Serious fun!

Please Note… this session is not recommended for beginners.

Casting Level

1. Newbie = never cast before
2. Beginner = fished a couple of times, but  un-sure, fishes once or twice a year (casts less than 15m)
3. Intermediate = fishes regularly, comfortable with casting, can double haul (can cast 20m+)
4. Advanced = Fish a lot, can do most casts with light and heavy tackle can cast 25m +, can identify and correct own errors, ability to teach and help others
5. a Jedi master or Yoda himself = “learn we must from you”

For practice, the following setup is recommended

1. Your normal/favourite fly-fishing rod, the one you are most comfortable with. Try and stay in the 4 to 7 weights range. (10ft for Sterkies..?) I feel that in general 4 to 7 weights are the most suitable for practising and perfecting your casting.
2. Floating line … a bright colour preferred, Matching reel and a matching floating fly line. c.       Leader and some yarn for a fly. Tapered leaders (0x or 1x) of around 9 feet long. It will give you the most consistent turnover results for practice

Notes

• Please note that this is a group casting clinic and individual one-on-one time may be limited.  Your patience and understanding in this regard are appreciated.
• As a club, members we have the opportunity to learn from each other.  If you have some particular skill…please share.
• One-on-one lessons can be booked with the instructors by separate arrangements.
• No flies, please.  Remember your buff, sanitiser, windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and something to drink and snack on.
• The casting instructors are not necessarily better casters than you but are trained in observing, identifying and correcting common casting mistakes to improve your casting experience.
• Observers are welcome.
• There is plenty of time after the formal sessions to cast on your own, try out new tackles, ask questions etc.
• The casting clinic is run by volunteers and the instructors run on liquid refreshments!

The clinic is free for club members. Non-members pay R200.00 but will only be allowed if there is space available.