Lesson 1

The Key Position is the ‘stop-point’ in the forward cast where a fixed-line angler discovers “that perfect” turnover of line energy. When found, the Key Position will result in that perfect cast “feeling.”

 

Finding “The Key Position” may seem easy — and it can be. It’s continuing to find this rod-tip stop point [in succession] over multiple casts that’s the challenge.

 

I like to say, “while practicing might NOT be fishing, it’s oddly addicting in its’ own way.” If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy taking this practice exercise to the backyard or local park for some skill-honing.

 

For this exercise we’ll be using our non-dominant arm to cast. If you normally cast with your right hand — you’ll be casting with your left hand. Same goes for you “lefties.” Switch hands to cast with your right hand. I’ll explain this more later.

 

You’ll need 3 (paper) plates. The farthest plate should be placed at an “uncomfortable” casting distance. The next plate should be placed at a “comfortable” casting distance, while the nearest plate should be a closer-range target. Your' casting position will NOT change during this exercise. All 3 plates will lead back to you at one decided casting spot.

 

The point of this exercise is to discover or find the place in the air where the rod-tip will need to stop for the fly to land on or near your intended target with optimal turnover. You’ll notice the stop-point will be different for each plate. When casting to the furthest plate the rod-tip will stop at its’ lowest point (nearest the ground), and when casting to the closest plate the rod-tip will stop at its’ highest point.

 

Tip: Consider less, “hitting your target,” but rather, “to discover” or "find" the moment at which the rod needs to stop accelerating to allow for a "perfect" fly first cast.

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Tip #2: Start by casting to the middle plate. This is the plate located at a “comfortable” casting distance. The line will give you all the feedback you need. You’ll either “hit” The Key Position (and know it) or you won’t. Always watch the line and be looking for that perfect turnover in your cast.

 

Note: It should feel like the rod-tip makes a “stop.” This could be a “downward stop,” or more of an “outward stop” to reach further distances, or "higher" or "nearer" stop-points to reach closer-range targets. If you're lowering or raising the rod-tip after “the stop” this may be a “tell” that you have not found the Key Position. Try again, and keep working on finding that “sweet spot” in the forward cast.

 

Remember: You’re using your non-dominant hand for this exercise. Using this less conditioned non-dominant arm/hand places emphasis on finding the perfect stop-point [a.k.a. The Key Position] and distracts from focusing entirely on the target. Consider less the plate, but [the aerial target] you're trying to achieve. This would be the point out front of you where this "Key Position" may be found.