The Double Haul: Distance and Control

Unlock greater distance and line control with this essential technique.

The double haul is the single most important casting technique for achieving distance, fighting wind, and controlling your line in the air.

What is a Haul?

A haul is a quick pull on the line with your line hand during the casting stroke. This:

• Increases line speed
• Tightens the casting loop
• Loads the rod more deeply
• Helps shoot line on the forward and back casts

The Basic Haul

Timing

The haul happens during the power stroke of the cast:

• Start the haul as you begin the casting stroke
• Peak the haul when the rod stops abruptly
• Release smoothly as the loop unrolls

Hand Position

• Line hand starts near the rod hand
• Moves down and back during the haul
• Returns smoothly to feed line

The Double Haul Sequence

Backcast

1. Start with rod tip low, line straight
2. Begin backcast while simultaneously hauling down with line hand
3. Stop rod abruptly at 2 o’clock while completing the haul
4. Immediately return line hand to strip position
5. Shoot line if desired

Pause

Wait for the line to fully extend behind you. This is when you feed line back through the guides.

Forward Cast

1. Begin forward cast
2. Haul down with line hand in synchronization with the rod movement
3. Stop rod abruptly at 11 o’clock while completing the haul
4. Shoot line on the forward stop

Common Mistakes

Hauling too early: The haul should peak when the rod stops, not at the start.

Not returning the hand: Your line hand must return between hauls to maintain tension.

Too much haul: A haul should be 6-12 inches, not a giant pull.

Poor synchronization: The haul and rod stop must happen simultaneously.

Learning Sequence

1. Practice the motion without a rod: Feel the timing
2. Single haul on backcast only: Get comfortable with one haul
3. Add forward haul: Combine them
4. Practice with shooting line: The real payoff

Wind Applications

The double haul is your best friend in the wind:

• Into the wind: Haul harder and stop higher
• With the wind: Keep loops low and tight
• Crosswind: Angle your backcast away

Mastering the double haul will transform your casting and open up new fishing possibilities.