The double haul is a cast that every angler wants to master, but some people struggle with the concept, the timing, or the motion. (Or, of course, any combination of the three.) It’s no coincidence that Pete Kutzer’s most-viewed video is on the double haul.
But I believe that everyone learns in a slightly different way, so it’s important to offer as many teaching tools as possible. To that end, here’s nine-year-old Dawson Herzer—son of John Herzer of Blackfoot River Outfitters—explaining his method for making the double haul.
What I like about this video is that it focuses on the down-up-down motion that’s very hard to describe in words.

Dawson may be just nine years old, but he can throw a fly line.
Great video and wonderful technique for any fisherman, let alone a 9 year old. He’s way ahead of most of us, I think! I can’t see a video like this without giving a nod to the great Mel Krieger who taught me the double haul via this classic video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcE-9WPuZ04 . He was a great ambassador for this sport and one of a kind. I still watch this when I feel like I need a refresher, or if I just need to smile.
Great video! The double haul made simple and presented by a 9 year old, an obviously accomplished young man. I will be using this video with my wife. This visual aid should help her in a way I’ve been unable to do on the stream. Thanks, Ken
Yep. As the video says – if he can do it, I could do it. Kudos to him for putting the time in to learn it.
Very helpful indeed.
Ps. It would have been nice to see the lad wearing some sort of eye protection!
Agree with Sue. We really ought to encourage the wearing of eye protection of some sort. Good stuff otherwise.
Good discussion point on the eye protection. My daughter and I always wear it. But I wonder if Orvis has the time and energy to sort through all of the videos that Phil posts. It’d be tough to find content that meets everyone’s expectations.
eye protection?? that kid cast’s better then 90% of us I don’t think he needs eye protection
At least he casts 100% better than the fly fishers in my house!
thank you for a wonderful lesson on how to “double haul”
From “out of the mouth of babes” to “out of the arms and hands” of one good caster.
It,s simple, is a bit misleading. It,s simple only after you have learned it. Though the video should
help if one is willing to (as mentioned) practice, practice, practice.
P.S. I’ve bookmarked the page>
Great idea. Now I have too. Thanks!
Amazing! He makes it look so simple and the instructions and slow motion really help. Never thought I would have a 9 year old teach me how to cast. Glad you posted this.