2torial #0959:
Learn2 Cast a Fly Rod (continued)

Stand correctly

From either water or land, there are two ways to stand:

Closed body stance. Your feet and body face the target (the place in the water where you want to cast). Keep your knees shoulder-distance apart, and slightly bent. This stance is used for short casts (about 15 to 25 feet, or 4.5 to 7.5 meters).

Open body stance. The leg on the same side of your body as your casting hand is turned 90 degrees behind you, so you're facing sideways to the target. Keep your knees shoulder-distance apart, and slightly bent. This is used for longer casts (about 25 to 40 feet, or 7.5 to 12 meters).

Whether you cast from shore or while standing in the water depends on how wide the body of water is and where the fish are situated. Either way, move around as quietly as possible; fish can "hear" vibrations from heavy footsteps and talking--and even a change in water current (caused by a few careless steps) can alert them to potential danger.