Line Control In Final Stroke

The casting in contact nymphing is very similar to classic fly-fishing casting with dry-dropper rigs. To best avoid the tangling of flies, a normal oval Belgian cast performed by using the wrist is recommended. First, pull all the leader you need for the selected fishing distance out of the reel. Then, put the leader in the air through false casts with an oval transition to minimize tangles in the back cast. The stop and pause between the back and forward casts is minimal, and instead, a constant tension is created by the loop. The loading and unloading of the rod will be more abrupt than with the typical fly line, and you need to wait until you feel the weight of the flies at the back cast before starting the forward cast. Logically, the back cast is oriented in the opposite direction you want the forward cast to go, meaning the back cast and forward cast must together form a 180o angle.

Form a loop with your thumb and index finger to keep the line-leader always in control

Once there is enough leader in the air thanks to the false casts, you must try to shoot the maximum amount of leader as possible in the final forward stroke. One of the advantages of not using fly line is being able to shoot a lot of leader in the final cast (thanks to the thin monofilament). So, you don’t need to carry much leader in the air. Just shoot leader to add distance.

Once the final cast is made, pay attention so you are ready to control the leader after the flies have touched the water. To always keep the leader in control with your line hand, place the leader inside a loop formed by your index finger and thumb when shooting it. Once the flies touch water, you can grasp the leader very quickly with your fingers. To ease the cast by decreasing friction while shooting, keep this circle close to the rod.