How to cast in the wind
You know the phrase whispers in the wind? Well it doesn't mean what you think. What it actually means is the wind gets clued in when you have your big fly fishing trip planned, one you’ve been looking forward to for weeks, and just hands the message along. Gradually getting the message around to all it’s other wind buddies, so the strongest and most howling winds are ready to greet you when finally arrive at your destination and step out of the car. This can, but shouldn't, dampen the anglers spirits beyond reproach. I knew with such heavy wind, any cast intended against it would simply fall at my feet in heap. Not even the most foolish of ½ pound rainbows could be tempted by such a cast. But with a few minor adjustments to my equipment and casting technique, I was able to deliver casts that cut through the heaviest of winds.
Weighted Fly Rod: A heavier fly rod, such as a 5-6 weight, offers more power and control when casting into the wind. The heavier rod, and fly line, allows you to punch through the wind more effectively.
Weight-Forward Fly Line: A weight-forward fly line is engineered to carry more weight in the front end. This weight builds momentum through the cast cutting through the wind. It helps load the rod and maintain control over your line.
Adjust Your Casting Angle: The casting angle plays a critical role in managing wind resistance:
Low Sidearm Cast: Instead of the traditional overhead cast, adopt a low sidearm casting technique. This minimizes the exposed surface area of your line, making it less susceptible to wind interference.
High cast:Instead of having your casting arc in the conventional 10-2, pivot the arc forward. A 8-12, in which your cast is coming down allows the flys momentum to be traveling down to the water, not necessarily parallel and into the wind. Whilst you will forgo some distance in your cast, the lesser resistance will allow your line and leader to lay out much more effectively.
Shorten Your Casting Stroke: In windy conditions, a shorter casting stroke is more effective:
Compact Motion: Focus on a compact and controlled casting motion. Shorten your backcast and forward cast, keeping the movements tight and efficient.
Accelerate and Stop: Increase the acceleration of your rod during the casting stroke, and make a sharp, deliberate stop at the end of each stroke. This generates line speed and minimizes the risk of the line collapsing.Emphasize a snappy stop at the end of each cast. The abrupt stop transfers the energy efficiently to the line.
Increase Line Speed: Naturally more speed results in more momentum, helping to cut through the wind. It can be a risky game however. The greater the speed the more critical your timing.
Double Hauling Technique: The double haul is a valuable skill in windy conditions. During both the backcast and forward cast, use your non-casting hand to pull on the line. This adds tension, increases line speed, and allows for longer and more accurate casts.
