Video Tuesday Tip: How to Make a Better Roll Cast

Here’s the third in our new series of quick-and-dirty casting-instruction videos featuring Pete Kutzer of the Orvis Fly Fishing Schools. Most of us were taught to make a roll cast by hammering the rod tip down toward the water at the end, but Pete has a much better technique. The problem with the old way is that the line ends up unrolling on the water, which is less efficient and could even spook wary fish.

Here, Pete shows you a simple method for aerializing the forward cast, which involves moving the casting hand forward and pushing with your thumb. As you’ll see, the results are elegant and effective. So give this method a try to improve your distance, accuracy, and stealth when roll-casting.