When practice casting, do you use a fly or something else?

Hi all,

just put my first set of tackle together yesterday (after advice gleaned here) and tomorrow my wife and I will start practicing with it (reddington wayfarer 6wt, cortland 333 WFF rocket taper, 9' tapered leader 6x, 2' tippet 5x, all tied with knots found on this board, including the castwell).

I have a variety of flies I've bought for us, but as I'm just practicing in our garden (no pond) I wondered if it's wise to use a fly that might be lost or damaged. Is there anything else you'd recommend instead of a fly just for practicing.

Thanks,

Justin.

[Hans Weilenmann]

First of all I will use an object which is very visible against the background and ground surface, often bright yellow or bright orange.

For basic casting practice, a short section of yarn will work fine.

To progress to something a bit more resembling fishing conditions, I use the type of 'fly'used for casting tournaments: a hackled dry, trimmed to the size (wind resistance) I want, in the above colors. After tying the fly, snip off the bend of the hooks so only the eye and shank remain.

Cheers,
Hans W


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[quillg]

Justin,

A small piece of yarn tied to the end of the leader works great. Don't waste the flies.

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Rich

Do what Hans does. I would also use a tippet size that is smaller than the leader.

I also do what Hans does. Had to tie up some more yesterday for 2 friends that have decided to follow the true path!
Buzz is right, you should have a 7X tippit. I use a 4X or 5X leader and vary the tippet according to fly size and conditions.

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Cactus

[Jeremy]

Justin,
A couple ways. I'll sometimes make a slip loop in my leader tippet (a crappy leader, saved for such purpose) and clip a this piece of bright wool ans secure it. Keep it sparse, as in a #16 fly!

Or, I also have a #16 EHC ..Elk Hair Caddis lookalike tied to a hook that has been broken at the bend. Or anything similar to match the fly.

It does make a difference, especially if you practice with flies the size of bass bugs etc.

And I practice in my back yard every week in the spring/summer and very frequently in the winter too, as it warms a bit.

Jeremy.

[Jim Hatch]

Hey Justin,

A hearty welcome to you and your lady.
I hope you enjoy flyfishing and FAOL as much
as I do.*G*

My initial thought is that a 9' tapered
leader with two foot of tippet (11 feet) is
going to be a chore to get to lay out in a
decent presentation. Instead of using up
a new leader for practice, perhaps you might
like to tie a 6 foot piece of 6 or 8 pound
mono to your line for practice purposes.
Unless I'm fishing some very spooky fish in
crystal clear water, I never fish more than
6 or 7 foot of leader/tippet. Keep your yarn
small. A half inch piece of yarn will
probably be adequate. Warm regards, Jim

[BigCliff]

I generally use a yarn puff if wanting to practice casting dries. (glo-bug if on land, polypro if on water)

If I'm practicing to be accurate with my 9wt, I'll generally tie an obnoxiously bright clouser and cut the hook at the bend. The weight of the fly will affect how it turns over and I wan't to have practice with that factor.

[Coach Robb]

Stupid question of the day. With high tech coatings and expensive fly line does practice casting on grass damage the line? Does it help to wet down the area first? I find it easier to practice when I'm not really fishing ,but am concerned as to the damage I'm doing. PS I always clean the line after practice and after fishing the salmon runs in the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers to remove residue.