The task

Casting 40 ft (12.2 m), demonstrate a minimum of six false casts with narrow loops on both the forward and back casts.

Required performance standards

General performance standards apply to every task — narrow loops (≤ 4 ft, measured 3–4 ft back from the nose), a straight fly leg, loops similar front and back and approximately in-plane, a line and leader that unroll completely, no ticking, and slow to medium line speed. See the exam overview for the full list.

• General performance standards only.

How to pass it

• Six false casts is a minimum, not a target — cast eight or ten so the examiner can see a settled, repeating loop.
• The initial back cast loop is assessed: pick the line up cleanly instead of easing into the rhythm.
• Loops must be no more than 4 ft (1.22 m) wide, measured 3–4 ft back from the nose, with a straight fly leg and similar size front and back.
• Keep rod speed slow to medium. Rushing this task is the most common way to lose it.
• Work on grass or still water so a tick cannot creep in during the pick-up.

Drills

• Count the false casts out loud — six minimum, keep counting while you check loop shape.
• Film from directly behind: check the loops sit one above the other and stay in-plane.
• Lay a 40 ft tape and false cast over it, then check where the loop nose drifts as you add casts.
• Practise the pick-up on its own: lift, pause, then start the false-cast rhythm.