I'm confused about how to estimate the length of a cast since I've heard several different methods . Is the cast distance measured:
1.) From where the caster is standing to where the fly lands?
2.) From where the caster is standing to the end of the fly line (i.e., ignore the leader/tippet)?
3.) From the tip of the fly rod to the end of the fly line (again, ignore the leader/tippet)?

Assume a 9 foot leader/tippet and a 9 foot fly rod and 40 feet of fly line pulled from the reel. Depending on the method used, the cast may be said to be anywhere from 31 to 49 feet. Your opinions on which method is the standard one to use? (I suspect sometimes comparisons are made between casts that are not accurate--uh, the comparisons, not the casts.)

Thanks for your input.

GGH