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

Work out some line

To prevent accidental snagging, practice with a piece of yarn tied to the end of your line; you don't need much, just a small wad that approximates the size and weight of a man-made fly. Put it into the water by turning the reel in a clockwise direction until about 15 feet (4.5 meters) of line is floating right in front of you. Keep the elbow of your rod side straight, and the rod's tip pointed down diagonally toward the water at a 45-degree angle.

Vibrate the rod back and forth in small, quick movements to work the line out into the water current. You can also jostle it up and down. The idea is to get the line spread out in front of you. To foster this, you can also take a step or two backward. With the middle finger of your casting hand, catch the line closest to the reel against the rod handle. This will provide more control when you cast.

Note: The amount of line you let out depends on how far you want to cast and what's situated behind you. For example, if there's a tree 15 feet (4.5 meters) directly behind you, don't let out 20 feet (6 meters) or so of line.