That is the Belgian cast, also called the oval or elliptical cast. The current definitions describe it exactly: a continuous-tension cast formed by a relatively horizontal back-cast rod plane that then transitions without stopping into a more vertical plane on the forward cast.

• A. Belgian or oval cast
• B. Static roll cast
• C. Water mend
• D. Perfection loop

Answer: A.

The cast is identified by the geometry of the two planes and by the absence of a stop at the transition. A static roll cast is an anchored cast built from a lift, a D-loop sweep, a circle-up and a delivery, not from a horizontal back-cast plane. A water mend is rod movement after the stop on a delivery cast. A perfection loop is a knot.

The continuous movement is what keeps tension in the line while the plane changes, which is why the cast belongs with the continuous-tension casts. Add a pause at the transition and the movement is no longer continuous, so the definition no longer covers it. When a question gives you a horizontal back cast changing into a vertical forward cast with no stop in between, that geometry is the signature to name.

Source

Defined in the FFI Fly Casting Definitions (August 2025); terms on this site follow the same FFI Fly Casting Definitions.