Here is how I look at the practice issue, I practice on the grass to work on my form and improve areas were i am having issues, I fish on the water and gain experience and knowlage about dealing with the circumstances presented there. givin the choice I would fish all the time (but life dont allow for that yet) and my casting would suffer. I find the time I spend on the grass allows me to build and reenforce the muscle memory required for good casting, this translates into more productive time on the water. How many of you will spend the day casing back handed ( over the off shoulder) when fishing with out the weather or conditions forcing you? how good is your back hand cast? I dont want to spend my fishing time cussing at the conditions and wishing I could reach that lie on the far bank without geting hit in the head with my fly. there is no substitute for time on the water, but I would rather work on my form without the sweet distraction of rising fish.

Darryl