CI written exam practice questions · a card
Describe the 180-degree principle for anchored casts as it applies to the roll cast.
Line the anchor, the D Loop and the forward delivery up on the target line: with all three aligned laterally, a roll cast delivers safely, accurately and efficiently.
For an anchored cast the 180 Degree Principle is this: the Delivery Cast, the D Loop and the Anchor are closely aligned laterally with the target. In a roll cast, the D Loop forms out to your rod side, the anchor sits on the target line, and the forward cast travels down that same line.
- The D Loop is your back cast — the only line you can energize — so it must point where you intend to deliver.
- The anchor stops the line slipping backwards and may help load the rod. Keep it downwind of you and aligned with the target before the forward cast.
- Aim just inside and parallel to the anchored line: the anchor is the outer rail of a railway track — cast over it and the delivery collides.
- Aligned, you maximize the likelihood of a safe, accurate and efficient delivery; misaligned, energy goes into pulling the line straight rather than turning it over.
Source
From the CI Study Guide (2025) (PDF), Task 18 and the roll cast faults; terms from the FFI Fly Casting Definitions (180 Degree Principle (Anchored Casts)).