Advanced Casting:
Fixed Line Fly Fishing in Four Dimensions Part Two of a Three Part Series Rob Worthing
Introduction In Part One of our three-part series on advanced casting for fixed line fly fishing, we learned about four-dimensional casting. Four-dimensional casting taught us to dissect complex casting strokes into four basic elements, or dimensions. - the vertical, the horizontal, the rotational, and time.
In Part Two, we learn the concept of The Advanced Casting Progression Table. This is the part where we begin combining dimensions to construct casting strokes, building the casting skills that will make us advanced fixed line fly casters. The Advanced Casting Progression Table is the tool we use to get it done.
But before you dive deeper, remember that each part in this series builds on the part that came before it. If you caught Part One, we hope you’ve been practicing. Now that you feel adept at thinking about casting in four dimensions, you are ready to move on. If you missed Part One, or didn’t get a chance to practice, we highly recommend reviewing it prior to moving on with this article. Part One laid the foundation on which we’ll build advanced casting skills. We’re looking to build a lifetime of casting skills, so laying a strong foundation is critical.
The Advanced Casting Progression Table
Progression tables are used in a multitude of sports, martial arts, music, and more. A progression table organizes skills into levels of difficulty. Each skill relies on the lessons learned during mastery of the skill before it, and lays the foundation for learning the skills that follow. From the weekend warrior to the elite competitor, progression tables have a proven track record of building skill in all these disciplines. Fly fishing is no different.
Our Advanced Casting Progression Table organizes casting strokes according to both dimension and difficulty, leading the fixed line fly angler through the process of building an advanced casting skill set. The table is not an all-inclusive list of advanced casts. Rather, it includes certain casts that emphasize particular skill sets. By practicing each cast, you build the strength, fine motor skills, and muscle memory needed to tackle more difficult strokes. Once mastered, these skill sets can then be combined in any number of ways to meet ever-changing demands on the water.
Included with the Advanced Casting Progression Table is a detailed explanation of each casting skill. Each explanation provides a description of the cast, examples of when the skill might prove useful
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