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

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.