# Techniques

* [Casting](#casting)
* [Styles](#styles)
* [Tips](#tips)
  * [Targeting](#targeting)
  * [Drifts](#drifts)
* [Rigging](#rigging)
  * [General Rigging](#general-rigging)
  * [Knots](#knots)
  * [Tippet Sizing](#tippet-sizing)
  * [Dry Hopper Rigging](#dry-dropper-rigging)
  * [Fly Selection](#fly-selection)
* [Resources](#resources)

## Casting

Follow these general tips when casting:

* Don't break wrist
* Keep the rod tip should go in a straight motion, it shouldn't angle down towards the water
* Always keep line under right hand when stripping

### Overhead Cast

* **Description**: Most common technique; useful in open areas
* **Technique**:
  * Lift the rod smoothly, pause, and cast forward with controlled force
  * Can pick up and lay down the line, false cast, and shoot line out
* **Keys**:
  * Use the right amount of line in the water; don't hold any stripped line in your left hand
  * Keep the line straight in the water
  * Start with a low rod tip
  * Pause on the backcast, don't break the wrist, and avoid casting too far forward
    * The tighter the arc of your hand, the tighter the loop will be
  * Keep the rod tall and straight for false casting, but don't false cast too much
  * To shoot line out: strip line first and release your finger when casting
  * Start with right foot forward
* **Resources**:
  * [Intro to Overhead Cast Article](https://riverbum.com/blog/intro-to-fly-fishing-casting-with-the-overhead-cast/)
  * [Basic Fly Cast or Overhead Cast Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey2DSp3_s6E)
  * [How to Perfect Your Forward Cast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLMkJOsLHqY)
  * [ORVIS - Fly Casting Lessons - The Basic Fly Cast Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDJJ6W23gHw)
  * [ORVIS - Fly Casting Lessons - How To Hold Your Line Hand](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f85kwEeuGOg)

### Roll Cast

* **Description**: Effective in tight spaces with obstacles behind
* **Technique**: Flick the rod tip forward from a looped line position on the water
* **Keys**:
  * Start with some line in water and a bit behind shoulder
  * Hand position should be next to ear/shoulder with the rod tip turned outward
  * Bring hand forward and push with thumb to cast
  * Stop rod tip at eye level
  * Avoid dropping tip
* **Resources**:
  * [Roll Cast Video Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHMfCJINGJM)
  * [Overhead and Roll Casting Instructions](https://www.flyfish-scotland.com/fly_fishing_instruction.htm)

### Single Haul Cast

* **Description**: Adds extra line speed and distance to a cast
* **Technique**: Pull on the line with the non-rod hand during either the backcast or forward cast, but not both
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:
  * [Single Haul Video Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kGarvsfn5c)

### Sidearm Cast

* **Description**: Provides accuracy in windy conditions or under cover
* **Technique**: Cast parallel to the water to avoid low-hanging branches
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Double Haul Cast

* **Description**: Increases line speed for longer casts
* **Technique**: Pull on the line with the non-rod hand during both the backcast and forward cast.
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Reach Cast

* **Description**: Allows for better line positioning on the water
* **Technique**: Extend the rod arm in the desired direction mid-cast
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Spey Cast

* **Description**: Ideal for large rivers and strong currents
* **Technique**: Uses a longer rod and sweeping motion for line control without a backcast
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Tuck Cast

* **Description**: Drops the fly quickly for deeper nymphing
* **Technique**: Perform a sharp downward flick at the end of the cast
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Bow and Arrow Cast

* **Description**: Used in extremely tight spots where a backcast isn’t possible
* **Technique**: Pull the fly back like an arrow and release forward
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Water Haul

* **Description**:
* **Technique**:
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

### Mend Cast

* **Description**:
* **Technique**:
* **Keys**:
* **Resources**:

## Styles

### Nymph Fishing

* [Basic Guide to Nymphing](https://askaboutflyfishing.fliesforsale.com/basic-guide-to-nymphing)

### Euro Nymphing

### Wet Fly Fishing

* [How to Use Wet Flies Article](https://www.thetriplehaul.com/post/how-to-use-wet-flies-rigging)

### Streamer Fishing

### Tenkara

### High Sticking

### Bass Fishing

### Bass Fishing Rigs

* [5 Bass Rigs You Need to Know YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvVBMY1wfco)
* [Owens Valley Bass Kit](https://wonews.com/5-on-5-the-owens-valley-bass-kit/)

### Spin Fishing

## Tips

### Targeting

* Target different areas of rivers by working the entire body of water

### Drifts

## Rigging

### General Rigging

* Dry fly: leader -> 5X -> dry fly (5X can be tied onto existing 3X)
* Hopper: leader -> 5X -> dry fly -> 3X -> wet fly (5X can be tied onto existing 3X)
* Single nymph: leader -> 3X -> nymph (with indicator)
* Double nymph: leader -> 3X -> nymph -> 3X -> nymph (with indicator)
* Streamer: leader -> 3X -> streamer

### Knots

* Full clinch for flies/lures
* Surgeons for leader to leader or droppers
* Perfection loop for Tenkara
* Use spit on knots to ensure they seat properly

### Tippet Sizing

![Tippet Sizing Chart](https://1900033362-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeHaVcroeFgImWXlIiq3C%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-62596cc0bafd3a088a3fd37c601a3e9886b2da6b%2Ftippet-sizing.jpg?alt=media)

### Dry Dropper Rigging

* [General Dry Hopper Setup](https://github.com/EvolvingSysadmin/Fishing-Toolkit/blob/main/img/README.md)
* <https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/dry-dropper-nymphing-approach-low-water/7715593>

### Fly Selection

Use nylon pants to keep off the bugs & sun, worn with a pair of thin socks, wading socks, and rubber-soled wading boots.

* Pick up rocks to see what's underneath for fly selection
* Ducks typically mean hoppers
* Any trout in the world will eat a size 18 Pheasant Tail out of a river

Wet Flies:

Use small black baetis, or other wet fly, with split shot relative to depth, and no indicator. Use 2 1/2 feet of 5X tippet tied on the end of the tenkara line - using a tippet ring - to the fly. The split shot is about a foot above the fly.

## Resources

* [5 Casting Techniques You Should Know YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvVBMY1wfco)
* [Ask About Fly Fishing Guides](https://askaboutflyfishing.fliesforsale.com/free-guides/)
