The task

Casting 40 ft (12.2 m), demonstrate a narrow loop roll cast pickup and delivery and explain when this cast might be used. The D-loop must be formed slowly enough that the line does not leave the surface and stops moving backwards prior to the forward cast. The D-loop must not extend more than one arm plus one rod length behind you. Stepping forward or backward during formation of the D-loop is not permitted. The roll cast delivery loop must unroll above, and raise the fly from, the surface. The task must be completed by a subsequent back cast followed by delivering the fly on the next forward cast.

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, including no ticking.

How to pass it

• The delivery loop must unroll above the water and lift the fly clear — that lift is the whole point of the cast.
• Then finish the task exactly as specified: one back cast, then deliver on the next forward cast.
• No ticking: the line must not drag through the surface as it comes up.
• Have a clear, short explanation ready for when the cast is used — for example when there is no room for a back cast behind you, or to lift a sunk line before re-casting.
• Same D-loop discipline as the other roll-cast tasks.

Drills

• Practise the lift on grass with an anchor, watching for the moment the fly leaves.
• Rehearse the full sequence slowly: D-loop, delivery, back cast, forward delivery.
• Say your use-case explanation out loud in one or two sentences.