There are several keys to successfully casting a fly fishing rod:

1. Keep your motion smooth, not jerky.

2. Keep in mind that you are casting the weight of the line, it is not the weight of the fly that propels the cast forward.

3. Don’t move the rod too far back or too far forward when casting. Generally, you should keep the rod between 10 and 2 o’clock. A common mistake is to use too much motion.

4. Let the flex of the rod propel the line forward. You don’t need forcefully thrust the line.

5. Let the line straighten out behind you on your backcast before you cast forward! Many beginners start their forward cast too early. Your casts will be loopy and not have much punch if you do this.

6. Don’t use too much wrist; it should remain relatively stiff.

7. Don’t be obsessed with casting too far. This is another common mistake. The vast majority of the time you do not have to cast very far to catch fish.

8. On the forward cast when you are about to lay the fly down on the water, don’t lower your rod all the way. You will splash the fly this way. Keep the rod tip up a bit and gently lay the fly down on the water.

9. Let the rod do the work.

10. Don’t hook a fly in your ear… especially one with barbs.

To check out fly fishing pictures and find other info on fly fishing visit FishingRecreation.com. Another good way to improve your casting is to work with some good fly fishing guides.