The average fly-fisher probably gives even less thought to his stance than he does to his grip. However, proper stance is integral to good fly-casting mechanics and is responsible for balance, power, and ac- curacy. shoulder There are two basic stances in fly casting: the closed stance and width
the open stance (we cover the latter in lesson 7). Throughout the first six lessons you’ll cast from a closed stance. The primary require- ment of a closed stance is that your shoulders remain square to the target throughout the casting sequence (rather than rotating side- ways to the target, as they will when you cast from an open stance). A good fly caster can cast well with both feet together, but I strongly suggest you begin with your feet shoulder width apart (meas- uring from the outside of your feet). Next, move the foot correspon- ding to your rod hand about half a step back, so that your toe is just behind the heel of your forward foot. Turn your rear foot outward slightly. Placing one foot behind the other will give you better bal-To place your feet properly, begin ance and will also allow you to shift your weight to affect a slightlywith your feet shoulder width apart (measuring from the outside of your longer casting stroke (a wider casting arc) to make longer casts. feet). Next, move the foot corre- sponding to your rod hand about half a step back, so that your toe is just behind the heel of your forward foot. Turn your rear foot outward slightly. The primary requirement of a closed stance is that your shoulders remain square to the target throughout the casting sequence.