Fly Casting 101

by
posted on February 6, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Frank Angelo, owner of Red Tail Ridge Outdoor Center in McClure, Pa., has been demonstrating techniques for more accurate and productive fly casting at the Harrisburg show for 40 years, and he's back again this year, sharing his knowledge of a sport that has confounded more than a few anglers in its day.

"People get into fly fishing and they work too hard," said Angelo. "The harder you cast the worse it goes. Fly fishing is all about energy."

With a simple flick of the wrist, he demonstrated just how easy fly fishing can look.

"Keep the elbow down, use it as a lever, " Angelo instructed. "Keep your thumb on top of the rod, and when you are at the top of your back cast, hesitate for a few seconds, counting to three, before bringing the rod and line forward."

Hesitate too long and the momentum of the line is lost. Release too soon and your cast will come up short—and likely too hard—scaring away fish in the area.

"A good cast is comfortable and controlled and doesn't not scare fish," Angelo said.

You can catch (no pun intended) Angelo's fly fishing demonstration daily at the fly casting pond in the fishing hall. For a times and a full schedule of events, visit www.GreatAmericanOutdoorShow.org.

Latest

Ledemontana Flag
Ledemontana Flag

Kovix Suppressors Moves Headquarters to Montana

Kovix, a titanium suppressor manufacturer, has announced the company had relocated headquarters to Kalispell, Mont.

Proposed Oregon Petition Would Ban All Hunting

A petition to ban all hunting in Oregon is getting close to making this year’s ballot. Proponents of the PEACE Act (an acronym for “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act”) are reporting they have amassed about 100,000 of the 117,173 signatures needed for the petition to make the November ballot.

Gear Roundup: Tools for Game Chefs

Looking for some ways to spice up your game cooking this offseason? Look no further than the list below, curated by the hunters and (amateur) game chefs of American Hunter.

First Look: Remington Final Strut HD Tungsten

The new Remington Final Strut loads are two 3-inch, 12-gauge, 2-ounce loads in No. 6 or 7 shot, and two 3-inch, 20-gauge, 1-1/4-ounce loads in No. 6 or 7 shot. These four turkey loads promise to deliver great retained energy at long distance due to their heavy payloads of 12 g/cc tungsten pellets.

6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Hunting Dog

Having a four-legged hunting companion makes for more memorable days in the field, but before buying a pup ask yourself these six questions.

New for 2026: Berger 7mm PRC Elite Hunter

New for 2026, Berger is expanding its Elite Hunter ammunition line to include two new 7mm PRC cartridge offerings.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.