The task

Starting with the fly at 40 ft (12.2 m), demonstrate a reach mend without slipping line, then a second reach mend with slipping line. You will be asked to explain the uses of the two mends. The lead examiner specifies the direction of the first reach mend (left or right); the second must be performed in the opposite direction.

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.

• The final rod position must be nearly 90 degrees to the tape.
• The fly line and leader must land in a nearly straight line from the fly to the rod tip.
• The fly must reach nearly 40 ft (12.2 m) when slipping line.
• The fly must land within approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) of either side of the tape.
• You may use the line hand for slipping line.

How to pass it

• Two things are being examined: the reach (rod position ~90° to the tape, straight line to the fly) and the slip (holding the fly at distance while you mend).
• Without slip, the fly comes back towards you — that is the point; with slip, the fly stays at about 40 ft.
• Watch the direction call: first mend one way, second the other.
• Be ready to explain when each version is useful — for example mending to a fish at distance without pulling the fly away, versus a quick mend with a short line.
• Keep the line and leader straight on the water after landing; a curved landing costs the standard.

Drills

• Lay a tape at 40 ft and practise both mends to left and right, checking rod angle and fly position.
• Practise the slip with the line hand: feed line as the rod reaches, then stop.
• Say the use of each mend in one sentence while the line is still on the water.