Time Your Casts

1. Don't Rush—Watch First

• Observe the water before casting.
• Look for rises, insect activity, and holding spots.
• Make each cast count—quality over quantity.

2. Let the Rod Load

• A proper cast has rhythm: pause on the backcast to let the line fully straighten.
• If you cast forward too soon, the line collapses. Too late, and you lose power.
• Think "10 and 2 o'clock" with a smooth pause at the top.

3. Time with Fish Behavior

• Rising fish: Cast just ahead of the rise, not on top of it.
• Feeding lanes: Deliver your fly a second or two before the fish passes through.

4. Consider the Drift

• In moving water, you need a natural, drag-free drift.
• Time your cast so the fly lands upstream and drifts toward the fish.
• Avoid casting when currents will instantly pull your line—wait for a better moment.

5. Light and Wind

• Morning/evening: Lower light means active fish and more forgiving casts.
• Midday sun: Fish are wary—minimize false casting and shadowing.
• Windy? Time your cast during lulls or cast lower to the water.

6. Fewer False Casts

• Too many false casts spook fish and waste time.
• Limit to one or two false casts, then deliver the fly.
• Only false cast when changing direction, drying a dry fly, or lengthening line.

7. Anticipate, Don't React

• When sight fishing, lead the fish—cast where it's going, not where it is.
• Think one step ahead, especially in clear or pressured water.