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

Herman Shooting Lupo LPR
Herman Shooting Lupo LPR

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. We like this gun, not least because it shoots well. The fact is its lines, its ergonomics … everything about this rifle begs a hunter looking for something special to pick it up and carry it afield. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Member's Hunt: 54 Years and 52 Hours

Follow along with Richard Manly's Saskatchewan deer hunt, on this installment of our Member's Hunt series.

Ducks Over Deer: A Welcome Reprieve to Cold Mornings

Winchester’s latest waterfowl loads give hunters reason to believe in their shooting.

First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors

Daniel Defense changed the suppressor landscape with the 3D-printed DD Wave, and now the company applies that innovation to the next generation of sound suppression.

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.